Husky 101: Understanding Siberian Huskies vs. Alaskan Huskies
- Arctic Dog Adventure Co.
- 4 days ago
- 4 min read
When most people picture a husky, they imagine a blue-eyed dog with thick fur and boundless energy. But did you know that not all huskies are the same? In fact, there are several different types of huskies—each bred with different goals in mind. If you're coming to Alaska to meet or mush with sled dogs, here’s a primer to help you understand the differences and what makes our team at Arctic Dog Adventure Co. so unique.
Siberian Huskies vs. Alaskan Huskies vs. Malamutes
Siberian Huskies are a recognized purebred dog, originally developed by the Chukchi people of Siberia and brought to Alaska in the early 1900s. Siberians were recognized by the AKC as a breed in the 1930s. They’re known for their endurance, friendly temperament, and classic good looks—thick double coats, upright ears, and striking blue or brown eyes. They were bred to pull sleds with light loads over long distances in harsh conditions.
Alaskan Huskies, by contrast, are not a purebred dog at all—they're a mix, or a “landrace breed.” These dogs were developed in Alaska specifically for competitive mushing, often with genetics from Siberians, greyhounds, pointers, and other breeds mixed in to enhance speed and endurance, depending on if the dogs are being bred for short fast sprint races or longer endurance races.. While Alaskans often excel in the specific type of racing they were bred for, they vary greatly in appearance and don't meet any breed standard.
Alaskan Malamutes are another purebred Arctic working dog, larger and more powerful than Siberians. They were bred for strength and hauling heavy loads—not speed. Malamutes are incredible athletes and endurance animals but are rarely used in modern sled dog sports due to their slower pace.
Summary of Differences Between Husky Breeds
Feature | Siberian Husky | Alaskan Husky | Alaskan Malamute |
Breed Status | Purebred (AKC-recognized) | Mixed breed (not AKC-recognized) | Purebred (AKC-recognized) |
Purpose | All purpose sled dog, built for speed and endurance. | Optimized for speed and sprint OR endurance racing | Heavy load hauler, slow pace |
Appearance | Medium size (40lbs), thick double coat, almond eyes | Varies widely—some like Siberians, some pointer-like. | Large, muscular, dense coat. |
Best At | Everything, both sprint racing, distance mushing and expeditions. | Sprint racing or distance mushing, depending on the lines. | Freight hauling, expeditions. |
Used At Arctic Dog? | ✅ Yes – Anadyr Line | ❌ No | ❌ No |
What Makes Arctic Dog’s Huskies Special
At Arctic Dog Adventure Co., we proudly run AKC-registered purebred Siberian Huskies from a historic line known as Anadyr Siberians (pronounced Anna-deer). Our dogs are part of a lineage that stretches back almost 80 years—the legacy of Alaskan Kennels, the oldest Siberian Husky kennel in the world, founded by the legendary Earl and Natalie Norris (Lisbet’s grandparents).
What sets Anadyr Siberians apart?
Purpose-bred for working: These dogs were not bred for looks or show, but for real-world performance in both sprint and distance racing—a rare accomplishment.
Functional beauty: While many Siberians are bred today for show-ring appearance, the Anadyr line preserves the true sled dog form: balanced, and built to run.
Temperament & intelligence: Our dogs are known for their good character, strong work ethic, and drive—traits that make them excellent lead dogs, athletes and partners.
Reliability & soundness: With thoughtful breeding across generations, this line has maintained exceptional physical structure and health for the rigors of mushing.
We don’t just love our dogs—we respect them. Each member of our pack is part of something greater: the living continuation of a line that has shaped the history of mushing in Alaska.
Why It Matters
Understanding the differences between husky types helps you appreciate the heritage behind our team and the care that goes into maintaining a working sled dog kennel. At Arctic Dog, we’re not just offering a ride—we’re inviting you into a story that spans generations.
FAQ: What People Always Ask About Our Huskies
Q: Are your dogs treated well?
Yes. Our dogs are family. They live with us year-round, retire at our kennel, and receive world-class care. We are committed to ethical mushing. Read more about how we care for our dogs here.
Q: Can I pet the huskies?
Absolutely! On ALL of our tours, you’ll get plenty of time to interact with the dogs. You can pat, hug, harness and take lots of selfies with our pack!
Q: Why do you use Siberians instead of Alaskans?
We’re passionate about preserving the legacy of the true working Siberian Husky. Our dogs are bred for performance and are unique in their abilities to excel at all disciplines of dog sledding, from world class sprint races like the Fur Rendezvous to the premier long distance race in the world, the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race. There are very few breeds of dogs in the world who can compete in both disciplines, in addition to being perfectly suited for expeditions and cold weather travel.
Q: What’s the difference between a tour with you vs. other companies?
We focus on authentic, ethical, small-group experiences with purebred Siberian Huskies. No gimmicks—just great dogs, experienced mushers with a deep legacy in the sport and the breed, and endless trails across wild Alaska.
Come Meet a True Sled Dog Team
We’re not just another tourist stop.
We’re a working kennel with a story, a legacy, and a pack of incredible dogs ready to show you what real mushing is all about.
👉 Book a Tour Now – Tours fill quickly!
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