Pet Profiles: Alaskan Huskies
Posted on Jan 15, 2013 2:41pm PST
Known as being among some of the most beautiful bread of a dog, Alaskan Huskies quickly capture the eye of any passerby. What many people do not realize about these dogs; however, is the fact that they are not technically a breed of animal, but rather they are more considered a category of animal. Why is this, you may ask. The reason for their not being considered a breed is because they do not have a specific ancestry, and are essentially known to be used for one purpose: sled dogs. While only those living in the snowy terrains are likely to use these dogs for sledding, people all over the world are in love with them and have them as personal pets.
They are used for the purpose of sledding because they are recognized not only for their strength, but also for their speed traveling at an average of 19 mph when they travel for a length of three days at an estimated distance of 20 or 30miles each day. Alaskan Huskies are unique creatures that are at high demand because of their performance abilities in speed and stretch. Because of that very reason, this dog goes far beyond the average price of a house pet. If someone planned to purchase an Alaskan Husky with professional experience in sled racing they could be worthy anywhere from $10,000 to $15,000 per dog.
Alaskan huskies are an average sized dog between 40 and 60 pounds for males and 35-48 for females. While the general population appreciates the gorgeous value eyes of many huskies, it is believed that the racing owners don't generally care for those details. Rather, they are more focused on getting the speed and accuracy they need for competitions. The coats on these animals are usually shorter, they are still known for having very thick coats of hair in order to keep their bodies warm in the snow. This breed can handle a lot of strain on their paws for racing; however especially for those longer races the drivers of the sled will often place dog booties or shoes on to their paws to keep them warmer as well as protected from cuts and cracking during their long trips. It is said that when these animals are used for lengthy travels they require much care and attention during their off hours to keep them healthy and in shape.
The health of your Alaskan husky is a vital part of ownership, whether it is for the purposes of racing or as a domestic animal. This breed of animal is usually known for their healthy line of history, and has very few occasions where they are susceptible to generic problems. While they are rare, Alaskan huskies may develop overtime health concerns such as hypothyroidism, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), among others. Due to the fact that Alaskan huskies are not at all picky eaters, when they live in an urban setting they are commonly known for trash picking and it is essential for an owner to keep an eye out for their animals as this can cause serious stomach concerns.
When you are an owner of an Alaskan husky, it is essential to realize the necessity of adequate exercise for them. Because these dogs are bred to be race dogs in large areas of land, they are in great need of decent amounts of exercise time if they are domestic animals. Many experts would say that they require an estimated 3 to 5 miles of running per day and least 4 times throughout the week. Another important factor that is important to consider is that these are snow dogs, and if you live in hotter areas of your state, it is important to be aware of the animals overheating during their running times.