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The image of a Siberian Husky probably pops into your mind, when you hear the word ‘Husky,’. But did you know there are different Husky dogs?
Most Husky breeds trace their roots back to the harsh landscapes of the far North. These dogs were originally bred to be sled-pullers and working dogs.
Join us as we showcase 20 types of husky dogs, complete with cute pictures of husky breeds you probably didn’t know existed.
20 Types of Husky Dogs with Pictures
1. Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is a well-known breed, recognized by the AKC. They sport a thick, double coat in stunning colors like black, white, gray, and red.
Siberian Husky dogs usually weigh between 35 and 60 pounds, standing 20 to 23 inches tall at the shoulder.
Their wolf-like faces are crowned with erect ears and blue eyes, though they can also have different colored eyes.
Siberian Huskies are known for their playful, sometimes mischievous, and often vocal personalities. You might hear them howling along to music or joining in with a passing siren.
While incredibly lovable, these dogs have an independent streak which comes out as occasional stubbornness thus making training a challenge.
2. Alaskan Malamute
The Alaskan Malamute, with ancient roots tracing back to the ancient Arctic wolf, is one of the oldest dog breeds having earned full recognition from the AKC in 1935.
Malamutes are a sizable Husky breed, weighing 75 to 100 pounds. They can reach 23 to 26 inches tall, standing a bit taller than the Siberian Husky.
While they can be more assertive towards other animals, they’re generally gentle with their human caregivers.
Alaskan Malamute can make capable guard dogs with the right training approach, but their natural distrust of strangers needs to be channeled safely.
3. Alaskan Klee Kai
The Alaskan Klee Kai, standing at an average height of 12-17 inches and weighing between 6-25 pounds, is a compact and lightweight breed.
Due to their close resemblance to both Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian Huskies, they are often referred to as the ‘Miniature Alaskan Husky.’
Like many Huskies, this breed originated in Alaska. Klee Kais were once larger and helped their owners with various tasks, including pulling sleds, guarding property, and tracking games.
In the 1970s, a US breeding program began to selectively breed smaller, lighter Husky-type dogs to create a companion dog with the Husky look but in a more compact size.
Klee Kais is a perfect match for people who want the Husky look but might not have the time or energy for a Siberian Husky’s exercise demands.
Despite their small size, these dogs are athletic and intelligent. They can thrive in dog sports like agility and nose work.
4. Alaskan Husky
The AKC does not officially recognize the Alaskan Husky, a close relative of the Siberian Husky. They however have diverse genes from several other working dogs.
Alaskan Huskies aren’t the ideal choice for a typical pet lifestyle. They shine as companions for active individuals with daily activities like running or backpacking.
However, in less active households, their high energy can lead to destructive behavior and other problems.
5. Samoyed
With a close look at the Samoyed, you’ll notice that they resemble a white Husky but are a distinct breed with a unique history.
These medium-sized dogs, standing around 21 inches tall and weighing 34-55 pounds, originated in Asia and Siberia.
Their ancestors hunted reindeer, and later, they transitioned into herding domesticated reindeer and pulling sleds.
Like their Husky cousins, Samoyeds are known for their friendly personalities. However, their thick coats make them ill-suited for hot climates.
6. American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo is clearly among the most popular Husky dog types. Distinct from the Klee Kai, American Eskimos sport a pure white coat without any black markings.
They’re also slightly larger, with the Standard size weighing 18-35 pounds and standing 15-20 inches tall.
Originating in Germany, American Eskimos gained popularity worldwide for their intelligence and friendly nature.
They form strong bonds with their owners and are known for their quick learning abilities. There are Miniature and Toy versions of the American Eskimo for those seeking an even smaller Husky dog.
7. Chinook
The Chinook might not resemble the typical Husky at first glance, but he’s a sled dog through and through.
While most Huskies on our list share distinctive traits like pricked ears, a curled tail, a thick coat, and unique facial markings, the Chinook might remind you more of a Labrador Retriever.
Chinooks are versatile Huskies, excelling both as working dogs and family companions. They’re skilled at search-and-rescue missions and even herding.
These cute dogs are also suitable for households. They get along well with children and other household pets.
8. Labrador Husky
The name ‘Labrador Husky’ can be deceptive. It’s easy to assume they’re a mix of a Siberian Husky and a Labrador Retriever, but they’re a distinct Husky breed from the Labrador region in Canada.
This breed’s development began in the 1300s, with various other breeds, like the Siberian Husky and German Shepherd, contributing to its gene pool.
Labrador Huskies are medium-sized dogs, reaching a height of 20-28 inches at the shoulder and a weight of 60 – 100 pounds.
They are friendly, and they do require a lot of exercise. Their strong prey drive makes them unsuitable for homes with cats or very small dogs.
9. Utonagan
The Utonagan dogs have a long, thick coat, and share the facial wolf-like appearance which is common to many Huskies.
Even though they were not bred for traditional Husky tasks like sledding or hunting, the Utonagan thrives on both physical and mental challenges.
The Utonagan’s well-balanced temperament makes them a great fit for family life, getting along well with both adults and children.
Like many Huskies, Utonagans shed twice a year. So, regular brushing will certainly help keep their shedding manageable.
10. Norwegian Elkhound
With historical roots in Norway, these large husky dogs were originally bred to assist with hunting moose.
Additionally, they also served as protectors, safeguarding both property and their owners, and herding livestock.
Modern-day Norwegian Elkhounds are dearly kept as family and companion dogs. Their hunting heritage doesn’t translate to an unfriendly demeanor.
They thrive in the company of other pets and their humans, and they need less exercise compared to other Northern breeds like the Husky.
11. Canadian Eskimo Dog
The Canadian Eskimo Dog is a medium-sized working breed with ancient roots that go back to the dogs used by the Thule people between 1,000 and 4,000 years ago.
Historically, the Canadian Eskimo Dog played a crucial role in hunting polar bears and hauling heavy sleds, sometimes weighing as much as 176 pounds.
However, the advent of snowmobiles significantly diminished their traditional role. The breed faced near-extinction by the early 1970s.
A recovery project stepped in to rescue the breed from becoming wiped out. Today, the Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) has records of about 300 Canadian Eskimo Dogs.
While the CKC officially recognizes the breed, it also emphasizes that the Canadian Eskimo Dog is a ” working breed that shouldn’t be considered a typical domestic pet.”
However, despite their working heritage, these pups are known to be friendly and affectionate, making them wonderful companions for experienced dog owners.
12. Keeshond
Sharing its Spitz heritage with the Samoyed, the Keeshond is much-loved in their native homeland of Holland.
Unlike many other Northern breeds, the Keeshonds are highly trainable. These dogs are eager to please their owners and excel in various dog sports.
Keeshonden (the Dutch plural of Keeshond) are medium-sized dogs. Standing at 17 – 18 inches tall and weighing around 35 pounds, they’re considered one of the smaller Husky breeds.
Keeshonden form strong bonds with their owners and don’t thrive when left alone for extended periods.
They can adjust to apartment living if they get enough exercise, but a fenced yard is an ideal setting for them to run and play.
13. Pomeranian Husky
This fluffy 18-inch pup is a mix of the Siberian Husky and the Pomeranian, or sometimes the tinier Teacup Pomeranian.
Also known as Pomsky, this miniature Husky embodies many of the personality traits of its larger parents.
They are playful and intelligent but possess an independent spirit that can sometimes manifest as stubbornness.
Early socialization is crucial for managing this tendency, along with their strong prey drive and natural aggression.
Since they’re not purebred dogs, the AKC does not recognize Pomskies. Their coats come in a mix of colors like blue, brown, red, brindle, white, or gray.
14. Shepsky
The mix of Siberian Husky and German Shepherd, are not officially recognized by the AKC, but they are endorsed by the American Canine Hybrid Club.
Standing about 20 to 24 inches tall, the Shepsky is roughly the same size as a Siberian Husky. However, they can appear larger if they inherit the German Shepherd’s more muscular build.
Their signature look includes pointy, erect ears and a beautifully fluffy tail. These dogs tend to have more variation in personality than most mixed breeds.
While some might inherit the intelligence and loyalty of the German Shepherd, others lean more towards their Husky parent’s loving yet independent nature.
Are you thinking about getting a Husky mix? You’ll want to see these 15 amazing Siberian Husky mixes we’ve rounded up.
15. White Husky
The white Siberian Husky is the rarest color variation of the breed. Most light-colored Huskies have some markings, but a white Husky has a coat of pure white, without any other colors.
White Huskies have a thick coat that can range from pure white to cream or off-white. In some cases, their coat is even denser than other Husky varieties.
Compared to their dark-coated cousins, white Huskies tend to shed more, so be prepared for some extra vacuuming. A weekly bath is enough if you brush their fur regularly.
16. Agouti Husky
Unlike the White Husky which has a snowy coat, the Agouti Husky stands out with a dark coloring, giving them an even more wolf-like appearance.
The Agouti gene creates this unique banding pattern on the dog’s coat, giving them a distinctly wild and striking appearance.
While blue eyes aren’t in all Huskies, Agouti Huskies are known for their piercing blue eyes that make them stand out.
These medium-sized Huskies, typically standing 20 – 23.5 inches tall and weighing 35 – 60 pounds, aren’t the best choice for first-time dog owners.
Their independent nature can make training quite challenging, which can be overwhelming for those new to pet parenting.
17. Japanese Akita Inu
With roots stretching back to the 1600s, the Japanese Akita Inu descends from versatile dogs that fulfilled numerous roles.
From hunting roles to protecting homes and even taking part in dog fights, this Husky breed has been valued for centuries.
Training is key for Japanese Akita Inus, given their independent nature. However, this stubbornness also reflects their strong will and determination.
Luckily, their intelligence makes training a rewarding experience once you understand their unique personality.
18. American Akita
These days, the American Akita is commonly found in North America. They’re slightly smaller than their Japanese cousins, standing 23-27 inches tall and weighing 50 to 90 pounds.
The AKC recognizes the American and Japanese Akita as two variations within the same breed. However, some breeders advocate separating them into two different breeds.
19. Mackenzie River Husky
The Mackenzie River Husky, a mix of Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky, and other northern breeds, is a massive dog, known for its size and strength.
While they are trustworthy and always eager to put in a hard day’s work, the MacKenzie River Huskies’ independent nature can make them a challenging first dog.
The Mackenzie River Husky usually has a thick, double coat, which provides insulation against harsh weather.
Their coats come in a range of colors, including gray, black, red, and white. Weekly baths, along with regular brushing will keep them looking their best.
20. Yakutian Laika
The Yakutian Laika dog breed, despite being classified as a spitz-type dog, is also recognized as a Husky breed.
With roots from the Yakutia region in Siberia, Russia, these dogs were initially developed for hunting large animals like moose, reindeer, and bears.
Yakutian Laikas are highly receptive to training, especially when positive reinforcement and consistent routines are used.
These dogs are also known for being family-oriented and particularly protective of children, making them wonderful companion dogs.
Conclusion
Huskies are wonderfully diverse and much-loved canines. Each of the various types of Husky dogs has unique characteristics.
Whether you’re looking for a hardworking companion, a loyal family pet, or a stunning show dog, there’s likely a Husky out there that’s perfect for you.
Just remember to do your homework. With their striking looks and captivating personalities, Huskies are good companions, as long as they receive the proper training and care.
Laura is the founder of Furs'n'Paws. She is a also a pet writer and expert with more than 20 years of experience of working with dogs and cats. She developed a very strong love for animals at a young age. Her passion led her to establish a thriving pet sitting and dog walking business in Dubai. As an expert in pet training, behavior, and nutrition, Laura is committed to helping pet owners and pet lovers by offering high-quality information on a wide range of topics.
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