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Huskies
Here’s the fruit of our labor. I’ll go into detail about four husky breeds. There are plenty more, and there’s a list at the end. Huskies, by the way, are some of the closest breeds to dogs collectively.
Breeds
Alaskan Husky
This breed (or whatever you want to call it) is (or was) a mongrel. I say this because the Alaskan Husky is a mix of huskies of various sorts and sight hounds and/or setters. That is what makes it so lean and lithe. It is undoubtedly the best breed to have in any race, be it the Iditarod or the Klondike 300. It is very fast. That is why many people think has Greyhound-or any other sight hound blood-in it. It is much lighter, than say, the Alaskan Malamute. I haven’t found specifics for height or weight, but it is lighter and shorter than other huskies. Again, because the definition of an Alaskan Husky is so variable, I can’t say what its personality is like. If an individual has any Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky, Chinook, Samoyed, or older breed’s blood in it, it is likely it will be very good with the family. If the breed has Canadian Eskimo Dog, Greenland Dog, Saarloos Wolfdog, Czech Wolfdog, or any breed that fits a definition between domesticated and feral lineage, it is likely it might be more shy or aloof. Someone might come along soon who will try to make the Alaskan Husky a fixed breed with a conformation standard. If so, we may see Alaskan Huskies in dog shows someday.
Alaskan Malamute
This is the undoubted king of huskies, even though it has a softer personality. I say this because it is an astounding 60-105 pounds and 23-28 inches at the withers! However, it is soft and affectionate with the family and typically with other dogs if raised socially at an early age. Through all of my research, only one dog is taller and just several heavier. Malamutes are good to have on a sled team, but you would want it in the wheel position where it can pull the sled over harsh terrain. In 1999, it had the 47th most registries among AKC registered breeds. The color of individuals is always black and white or gray and white with a black or gray mask.
Chinook
This breed isn’t as well known as, say, the Chow Chow, but I think it is more interesting, and is definitely a better companion. The Chinook has a rich history, dating back to Arthur Walden’s Chinook. The coat is short. The color ranges in reds and oranges. Chinooks are very rare today. That is surprising, because it makes a good dog for the family if raised properly. It was first developed in the early 1900s. It weighs 65-90 lbs. It is 21-26 inches high at the withers. The life span is 13-14 years, which is slightly longer than other breeds, probably because it has Dutch and German Shepherd lineage in addition to huskies.
Siberian Husky
This is a fast and extremely good dog for the family. It first originated in antiquity in Russia. It weighs only 35-60 lbs. It is 20-23.5 inches high at the withers. The eye color is unique, with hazel, spotted, and two differently colored eyes as well as brown and blue. The coat color occurs in almost the whole dog coat color spectrum. It can bark, but howls more. This breed could be used at the front of a sled team. The Siberian had the 18th most registers among AKC breeds in 1999.
Samoyed
The coat is white and very long. It originated in Russia, names after the Samoyed tribe. I don’t have to say much else except that it is very good with the family.
Other Husky Breeds with Complete Information
Alaskan Klee Kai
Chow Chow
Greenland Dog
American Eskimo Dog
Canadian Eskimo Dog
Eurasier
Mackenzie River Husky
Kugsha Dog
Saarloos Wolfhound
Czech Wolfdog
Ovcharkas (Caucasian, South Russian, and Central Asian)
Seppala Siberian Sleddog (a recreation of the original Siberian Husky)
Extinct Breeds
Canadian Tahl Tan Bear Dog (being recreated)
I can answer general questions about these breeds.