The Agouti Husky is the closest alternative to a wolf for enthusiasts of the wild predator.
It has the looks and coloring that would make you confuse it for an actual wolf.
This alone would make people either fear it or empty their wallets to get an Agouti Husky puppy.
Having said that, every potential owner of this breed needs to know how to handle it.
Does the Agouti Husky act like other Siberian Huskies or is the thought of domesticating it a wild goose chase?
Update your knowledge of this dog breed with this guide.
What is an Agouti Husky?
Though many may think otherwise, the Agouti Husky is not a separate breed of its own.
The Agouti Husky is a Siberian Husky with a unique color known as the agouti.
Agouti is a rare color that gives cream and dark markings, hair strands in multiple bands, and a wild appearance to domestic animals.
An animal with agouti coloration looks gray, a dark brown, or sometimes a dimmer shade of yellow.
The Agouti Husky did not come about as a result of any crossbreeding or mutation.
It is as much a pure breed as other Siberian Huskies with more common colors.
That said, some Husky crossbreeds have a similar color to the Agouti Husky.
If you ever encounter such confusion, ask for AKC registration of the pup (most mixed breeds aren’t recognized by the American Kennel Club) or the pedigree.
Dog Breed Information
| Height | 20 to 24 inches |
| Weight | 35 to 60 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12 to 14 years |
| Coat | Dark undercoat, colored overcoat |
| Colors | Dark brown, gray, dark yellow |
| Temperament | Friendly, extroverted, independent |
| Ideal For | Active people, veteran pet owners |
| Recognized by | American Kennel Club (AKC), Canadian Kennel Club (CKC) |
| Puppy Price | $1,000–$3,000 |
Agouti Husky Puppy Characteristics
| Health | A healthy breed, but prone to some illnesses. |
| Grooming | Has a medium grooming need. Shedding is seasonal. |
| Friendliness | Friendly with both family and strangers. |
| Energy | A highly energetic breed |
| Trainability | Trainable, but not easy |
History & Origin of Agouti Siberian Husky
The Agouti Husky shares a similar origin with other Siberian Huskies. They are all natives of Siberia and are ancient dogs.
Their ancestor was the Taymyr wolf and their existence can be traced to the Chukchi, a Siberian nomadic tribe.
To the Chukchi, Huskies were a more convenient mode of transport and a warm companion for the kids.
In 1908, Huskies were imported into Alaska during the heat of the gold rush.
The Agouti Husky found its way into the United States through this means.
All Siberian Huskies also participated in a dogsled race.
When Russia closed its borders in 1903, the last Siberian Huskies were imported out. They thrived in North America.
There were some slight changes in their looks as the years went by, but their personalities remained the same.
In 1938, the Siberian Club of America was founded. This was after the breed got recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1930.
In 1939, the Canadian Kennel Club recognized the breed.
The agouti color is one of the standard Siberian Husky colors according to Kennel Clubs.
Are Agouti Huskies Different from Other Huskies?
Due to their resemblance being closer to wolves than other Huskies, you may wonder whether there may be a difference in behavior or needs.
However, the only major distinction between Agouti Huskies and other Huskies is in coat color.
The latter doesn’t influence the attitude of this dog breed.
What you get from other Siberian Huskies in terms of temperament, traits, challenges, and requirements is what you’ll get from the Agouti variant.
Expect some negative reactions from the public due to the wolfish resemblance.
Not everyone is comfortable with the Agouti Husky.
Fascinating Facts You Should Know About Agouti Siberian Husky
1. It is not often used as show dogs
The Agouti Husky can be registered in dog shows because the color is a standard one of all the major kennel clubs.
However, the breed is used more for work and companionship than show.
The reason for this is simple—Agouti Husky is considered ‘dirty’ because of its gray-like color so people prefer the white, ‘cleaner’ color.
2. Though it resembles a wolf, it is not a wolfdog
As we’ve shown, the Agouti Husky is more wolfish looking than other Husky versions.
However, it isn’t a wolfdog cross, regardless of the myth.
The major reason this myth has gained force is that Hollywood uses Huskies to act like wolves.
For sure, they make good replacements. It doesn’t make them wild canines.
3. Its color can be affected by the weather
Like other Huskies, this breed has a coat that protects it from the cold weather.
However, others don’t change coat color as the weather changes like the Agouti Husky.
When the sunlight gets too much, the breed’s color changes. The same occurs during shedding season.
4. It tends to be more energetic than other Huskies
Because this Husky variant comes more from working lines than show lines, it usually is more energetic than other Huskies.
As a pet parent for this breed, give it an outlet to release its energy by giving it a lot of exercise.
5. It is not suitable for first-time dog owners
Due to its energy and other aspects of its personality, the Agouti Husky is not recommended for first-time dog owners.
Like other Huskies, people get attracted to the appearance of this Husky version without taking into account the challenges.
The result is often frustrations and abandonment.
Agouti Husky Appearance & Gene
General Appearance
The Agouti Husky is similar to other Siberian Huskies in appearance—pointed ears, bushy tail, striking eyes, and a slim body frame.
What sets them apart from others is the color pattern.
The markings on its coat are creamy as opposed to white while its face and tail are darker.
The hair strands on the coat are banded, another unique feature in its appearance. This banding makes the Agouti Husky look stripped.
Its eyes also tend to have a different color. While the average Husky has blue eyes, the Agouti subtype is brown.
Color Genetics
The coat color of any dog breed is influenced by genes. For the Agouti Husky, the gene responsible for its coloring is also called agouti.
This gene controls the pigments which are responsible for a dog’s color: the eumelanin and pheomelanin.
The pigments are produced by the melanocyte cells and adjusted by genes to create the coat colors we see.
Due to the agouti gene, this Husky gets fur with every single strand getting banded, making it seem multicolored.
The coat looks wild because of an allele in the agouti gene.
Basically, there is four alleles in the agouti gene. They are:
- Fawn/sable (Ay)
- Wild sable (Aw)
- Black and tan (At)
- Recessive black (A)
How Big do Agouti Huskies Get?
In size, this version is similar to other Siberian Huskies. It is medium-sized, lean but strong enough to pull a sled without growing faint.
The male Agouti Husky often weighs around 45 to 60 pounds with a height that falls between 21 to 24 inches.
The female is slightly smaller weighing between 30 to 50 pounds and often stops at 22 inches in height.
Traits, Behavior & Intelligence
Despite the severe looks and intimidating strides, the Agouti Husky has a soft personality that surprises people.
One who expects a dangerous dog would be disappointed to find a friendly pooch unless the said dog was poorly trained or ill-bred.
The first thing to understand about all Siberian Huskies is their pack mentality.
Sled dogs worked in packs, including Huskies.
The core part of a pack is the alpha, which you should be in your pet parenting journey with this breed.
If you don’t assert your leadership, your pooch may want to takeover.
All variants of this breed are also highly energetic and should not have a laid-back owner.
They need intense physical activities and challenging mental ones to keep them thriving.
They are charming, however, and will make owning them a fun journey. That is, as long as you can handle the occasional frustrations.
Are Agouti Siberian Huskies Good Family Dogs?
Siberian Huskies have had early practice being companions to humans. The Agouti is not an exception.
After pulling sleds across the snow, these dogs came back to keep the family company and warm the kids.
The modern Husky is no different. A friend of kids and adults alike, this dog breed is a charmer.
It is also playful and tends to have some tricks up its sleeves (or fur, if we want to be more accurate).
It is social as well and doesn’t need too many socialization lessons before it endears to strangers.
While this makes it a crappy guard dog, it adds to its family dog resume.
This doesn’t mean every family can cope with owning a Husky. We’ve already ruled out first-timers and couch potatoes.
Apartment owners and those who live in hot cities need not apply.
Are They Good With Other Dogs & Pets?
As a pack dog, it flows with other dogs and will prefer a house with multiple canines to being alone.
You shouldn’t have any problem keeping a Husky with another dog, so long as the latter is also comfortable with the living arrangements.
It may not have problems with cats and pets if it was raised alongside them.
Otherwise, this breed has a strong prey drive and may endanger your rodents and feline friend.
Are They Easy to Train?
Training an Agouti Husky is challenging, but not impossible. It is a task that requires experience, patience, firmness, and gentleness.
You should also commit to making training consistent and interesting.
This breed has learned to be independent during its herding days.
So, training it to be obedient won’t be easy, even if it respects you as a leader.
Also, it tends to get distracted with ease and isn’t eager to please. You’ll need to put effort into training it, but the effort is worthwhile.
Dispel any idea that the Agouti Husky will turn out wild because of its looks.
As we’ve explained, you can’t judge this pooch by its exterior. It can be domesticated and taught, as long as you have the skills to.
Agouti Siberian Husky Life Expectancy, Health & Conditions
When you get a healthy Agouti pup, be prepared to have it for years.
With a long life span of 12 to 14 years, this breed is a healthy one.
Good care and regular veterinary checkup will increase the chances of your breed surviving for long, even longer than the expected years.
Nonetheless, the breed can be susceptible to some illnesses. They may not affect your pet, but you must have them in mind.
These conditions include:
- Cataract: A common eye problem to many dog breeds, cataract manifests with a white substance that covers your dog’s lens, preventing sight. It can lead to blindness
- Hypothyroidism: This is an abnormality in the thyroid gland leading to a lack of the thyroid hormone in the dog’s system. It can lead to unexplained obesity, baldness, and a loss of appetite.
- Hip dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is an inherited joint problem that’s very common amongst dogs, especially medium and large ones. It affects the hip and can tender a dog lame.
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): PRA is another eye condition that can make the affected dog blind for life. It breaks down the dog’s retina, disrupting its vision.
Is an Agouti Siberian Husky right for me?
Regardless of its charming personality and striking physique, don’t be in a hurry to get this breed.
It is unfortunate to find abandoned dogs in rescue shelters because someone gave up on taking care of them.
Let’s recap what we know about the Agouti Husky to know if it is the right dog for you.
For starters, this breed is difficult to train.
The recommended owner should be used to training stubborn, medium-sized dogs.
New pet parents would fare better with breeds like the Golden Retriever or the Labrador.
Even if you use dog board and training programs or hire a professional trainer, the latter can’t do the whole job for you.
Get a pet according to your experience.
Huskies are also full of energy, the Agouti more than others.
Your idea of exercise should be intense and regular before you can own this breed.
Without exercise, your Husky will take out its restlessness on your environment.
It also needs a wide space to run around without being isolated from people and other animals. Huskies can’t live in an apartment.
The final point to consider is the weather. Due to its double coat and origin, this breed may find it hard to cope in an extremely hot climate.
If none of this is a deal-breaker, then the Agouti Husky is right for you.
Agouti Husky Price
How Much is an Agouti Husky Puppy?
The Agouti Husky is rarer than other Husky types, so it may take some time before you find one.
Also, breeders will want to set a high price because of its attractive looks and rarity.
You may not get an Agouti Husky pup with an amount less than $1,000. However, the price range falls between $1,000 to $3,000.
While you make budgets for the initial purchase, don’t forget other important expenses you should make to keep your pet comfortable. They include:
- Food
- Grooming kit
- Toys
- Cleaning equipment
Related:
10 Best Dog Food For Huskies (Review & Feeding Chart)
In general, Huskies are sometimes bred just for profit. The chances of getting a badly raised pup are high, even with the rare Agouti.
Be diligent and inquisitive when getting a puppy, making sure you get the right information on health and diet.
If you’re not getting a pup for a show, adoption is a viable option. It is also cheaper, costing about $350.
Get every information you can on the pup, including past experiences with former owners.
Where to buy Agouti Husky for Sale?
To make your search easier, we have collated some places you can find an Agouti Husky pup for sale.
Visit their websites and do your homework before making any financial commitments.
Here they are:
Where to find Agouti Husky for Adoption?
Many rescue shelters house abandoned animals who need loving families and owners who can take care of them.
Some of these rescue shelters have Siberian Huskies, and you might be lucky to find an agouti-colored pup in the mix.
Here are some reputable shelters you can get one from:
- Siberian Husky Club of America (SHCA) Trust Rescue
- Delaware Valley Siberian Husky Rescue
- Forever Husky
Are Agouti Huskies rare?
While the Siberian Husky is a popular dog breed, those with agouti coloring are few and hard to find.
The Agouti color is more common amongst wolves than dogs. Hence, Agouti Huskies are considered rare.
Are Agouti Huskies dangerous?
The close resemblance to wolves makes some conclude that the Agouti Husky is dangerous, wild, and untrainable.
None of these are true. Like other Huskies, this variant is friendly and charming. It makes a good companion as much as a worker.
What is the rarest Agouti Husky color?
Agouti Huskies have a blend of colors that make them like a darker rainbow. The overriding color often looks gray or dull brown. The rarest one is yellow.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to join the enthusiasts of the Agouti Husky, it is valid. Even those who aren’t keen on this breed will notice its unusual appearance.
The element of wildness makes you feel closer to nature, one reason many people look for this Husky variant.
However, you can’t afford to be impulsive.
Far from being an ornament, this is a living being with needs, some troubles, and history.
Figure out if it is a compatible dog breed for you. If it is, take advantage of the internet and get yourself an Agouti pup.
It’ll be an interesting adventure.
Watch this video to learn more about the Agouti Siberian Husky
If you’re considering buying this pup, we have an interesting compilation of Husky dog names and Game of Thrones dog names you might find useful.
Also, if you chose to adopt, these pro tips on how to change a dog’s name might come in handy.
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