From the sections above, it does feel like we’re talking about two versions of the same breed. However, that is not the case.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Let us figure out the differences between both amidst the haystack of similarities. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alaskan Husky vs Siberian Husky Size<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The Siberian Husky and the Alaskan Husky have the same body shape and physical structure, but that’s where the physical similarities end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Alaskan Husky tends to be smaller in weight and height when compared to the Siberian Husky. It is also leaner and longer than its Siberian relative. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Energy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Both dogs are known to be highly energetic and require the same amount of exercise daily. You shouldn’t own one without giving it the appropriate amount of exercise.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

As much as they can cope indoors, they love staying outdoors as well. It is best to have either one in a house with a fenced yard. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Caution should be taken during summer, however, as both dogs will get exhausted easily under the heat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some playtime in a fenced yard can help them release pent-up energy. When the weather is cooler, they make good jogging buddies and might even be down for a hike.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Alaskan Husky vs Siberian Husky Temperament<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

You’d be hard-pressed to find any difference in the personalities of both breeds as they act the same. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Siberian Huskies are just as friendly and affectionate as Alaskan Huskies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Without sufficient information on the Alaskan Husky, it is hard to draw any line in their personalities. We can safely assume that there are none.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Trainability<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Both breeds are trainable and can be domesticated, but training doesn’t come easily for either. The ideal owner should be firm, patient, and consistent with training.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There’s a lot to suggest that the Siberian Husky might be easier to train compared to the Alaskan Husky because the former has been a companion since history. However, that would be speculation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you own a Siberian or Alaskan Husky, the same principles apply. Start by establishing a hierarchy so they can see you as leader of the pack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Be sure to train these dogs when you’re in the right state of mind so you can remain calm.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Avoid getting angry and using punitive methods on these dogs. Instead, encourage them with positive reinforcements.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Health Problems and Life Expectancy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Both the Alaskan and Siberian Husky has the same life expectancy of 10 to 15 years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

That’s longer than many breeds out there, but it doesn’t mean they won’t fall ill. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Because of its purebred status, the Siberian Husky is usually more at risk of illness than the Alaskan Husky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Some illnesses that can affect the Alaskan Husky include progressive retinal atrophy, hypothyroidism, and lysosomal storage disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is an eye condition that is caused by a gradual deterioration of the retina and eventually leads to blindness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hypothyroidism is caused by a lack of thyroid hormone. Lysosomal storage disease occurs when the dog’s body lacks the enzyme that breaks down glycogen in the liver and muscles. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Siberian Husky’s major problems are hip dysplasia and some eye issues like Corneal Dystrophy, Cataracts, and also Progressive Retinal Atrophy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Origin<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Here the difference is clear, but there’s still an overlap that you already know. The Siberian Husky originated in Siberia while the Alaskan Husky was formed in Alaska. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The overlap is on the subject of ancestry. The Siberian Husky was amongst the dogs used to create the Alaskan Husky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eye Color <\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One major difference between the Siberian Husky and the Alaskan Husky is the eye color.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Alaskan Husky has just one eye color, which is a clear brown. The Siberian Husky, however, has both brown and blue eye colors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Coat Type and Grooming<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Both breeds have the same coat type (double and thick) but they don’t come in the same colors. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is nothing too spectacular about the Alaskan Husky’s coat and it comes mainly in black and white (with some occasional orange mark).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Siberian Husky’s coat is more striking as it comes in a variety of colors like tan, red, black, and white. The latter also has long hair.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Grooming both breeds is easy, but the Siberian Husky’s coat takes more effort than the Alaskan Husky.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

They are both shedders and need to be brushed regularly, bathed now and then, alongside other hygiene habits. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Breeding Purpose<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One reason why the Alaskan Husky looks too simple is that it was bred solely for work without much attention being paid to its looks.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Even now, it is more of a worker than a companion. This isn’t the case for the Siberian Husky that started as both a worker and a companion. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

These days, it is more of a companion than a worker. <\/p>\n\n\n\n