White Husky: Rarity, Typical Cost, Pictures, and More!

White huskies are pretty rare. However, this is still a standard AKC color. Therefore, seeing white huskies in shows is completely possible and allowed. Quality breeders that adhere to the breed standard will still produce white huskies.

However, the white coat is recessive, which means that both parents have to carry the white gene for their puppies to have a chance of being white. These dogs are not albino and still have pigment around their nose, mouth, and eyes. Their eyes may be blue, but they can just as easily be a different color.

Because so many genetics have to line up perfectly for a husky to end up white, these dogs are rarer than other colors. If you’re set on a white husky, you may wait around for a while before one becomes available.

Due to their lack of pigment, white huskies can be sensitive to sunlight. They may be more prone to sunburns and similar issues. However, this isn’t always the case, as huskies have pretty thick fur. Even lighter dogs have some protection from the sun.

How Rare are White Huskies?

White huskies are decently rare, but they aren’t impossible to find. They are absolutely less common than their gray and black counterparts, though. Their gene is recessive, as we’ve stated. Therefore, a puppy must inherit one copy from each parent to grow white.

If both parents carry a white gene, around 25% of the puppies will be white. If two white huskies are bred together, 100% of their puppies will be white. When one parent is completely white, and the other is a recessive carrier, 50% of the litter will be white.

However, if a white parent is bred to a dog that doesn’t have the white recessive gene, none of the puppies will be white (though they may have white puppies themselves). Figuring out what dogs are recessive can be a bit challenging! Therefore, breeding white huskies requires some detective work, usually by looking at a dog’s lineage for white dogs.

Immaculate white fur is incredibly rare, as well. Most white huskies have some sort of markings, or they may look “dusty” looking. White fur is rare, and you won’t know what a dog will look like until they are older. Some very white puppies may darken or develop faint markings with age.

While these dogs are rare, their white color is often sought-after. Therefore, they tend to get snatched up quickly, and there may be hopeful dog owners on a breeder’s waiting list specifically looking for a white husky. If you want one, too, you’ll have to wait in the back of the line.

Despite the rarity of this breed, it’s important to prioritize the quality of the breeder. You want a reputable breeder who can prioritize the dog’s health and not just their color, especially when many people would willingly pay extra for a white dog. Ask about health testing and get copies of vet records.

Whenever possible, ask the breeder to visit the mother dog and puppies. Their living conditions can show you the quality of the breeder pretty easily.

How Much Does a White Husky Cost?

Overall, you can expect a white husky to cost between $800 to $2,500. This spread is pretty large, as there are many factors that go into the cost of a husky puppy. You may even end up paying more for a show-quality dog.

Show-quality dogs from champion bloodlines tend to cost more than the average white husky. These dogs can potentially make money themselves through showing and breeding. Therefore, the breeders often charge more for them.

The breeder’s reputation also matters. Reputable breeders who prioritize health testing and proper socialization may cost more but also produce high-quality puppies. Don’t budget yourself so low that you’re forced to turn to puppy mills, which ultimately do not have the breed’s best interest at heart.

Your location also matters as some dogs are rarer in certain locations. If you live somewhere that doesn’t have very many huskies, you can expect to pay more for your puppy.

Alternatively, you can travel for a puppy. However, you have to consider the travel costs, too. Often, it isn’t much cheaper to travel and often much more of a headache.

No matter the price of a husky, you’ll often have to wait longer for a white one. As stated above, some potential dog owners may be waiting for a white husky. If one shows up in a litter, several people may be in front of you in line. Therefore, you may have to wait for several litters, even if there are other non-white puppies.

Because of the popularity of white huskies, some breeders do not allow potential buyers to request a specific color. They may turn you away if you’re set on a white husky specifically.

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/Valeriy_G