Different Types of Husky
Eurohounds, Alaskans, Siberians, Malamutes, Taimyrs and Laika crosses - the many types of sled dog at Hetta Huskies and what each is good at.
Eurohounds, Alaskan Huskies, Siberian Huskies and Malamutes are often confused, but all are fairly called sleddogs, simply good at slightly different things. Most people picture the Hollywood ideal, a large fluffy Malamute or a big blue-eyed Siberian. In reality most safari companies run so-called 'Alaskan' huskies, and most racing huskies are Alaskans or Eurohounds.
- Most safari and racing dogs are Alaskan Huskies or Eurohounds, not the Hollywood ideal
- Only ~20% of huskies have blue eyes; another ~20% have mixed-colour eyes
- Siberians have thicker coats - best for long safaris and sleeping outdoors
- Alaskans are faster and happy to repeat loops, but need coats and more food in the cold
- Taimyrs are long-furred Russian pure-breds, strong yet docile (up to ~45kg)
- Nenet-Laika-Taimyr crosses are former reindeer-herding dogs (~25-35kg)
A wide range of breeds and types
Because we offer a wide range of tours, we keep a wide range of breeds and types, even if most are 'so-called' Alaskan Huskies. Visitors love photos with the picture-perfect Siberians, Taimyrs and Malamutes while enjoying the speed of the faster Alaskans. Some of our Alaskans could pass for typical Siberians, and we have a few true Siberians and a few Malamutes (one, Tala, a rescue). A few more 'Eurohound-like' dogs from sprint farms are great for faster, shorter tours but need special care in colder temperatures.
The Alaskan Husky
The Alaskan Husky is a mixed-breed sled dog defined by its job and performance, not its appearance, and is not recognised by any kennel club. Usually leaner than Siberians with a more pronounced tuck-up, Alaskans can still carry the Hollywood blue or blue/brown eyes, though only about 20% of huskies have blue eyes and a further 20% mixed-colour eyes. Alaskans run faster than Siberians, at least over shorter distances, and their very strong desire to run means they happily repeat the same loops with tourists.
Siberians, Malamutes and coats
Siberians have thicker fur than most Alaskans, many of which carry more 'hound-like' racing coats. They withstand colder temperatures and suit longer safaris where they may sleep outdoors without shelter, durable and steady, though they can get bored repeating a short loop. Skinnier, thinner-coated Alaskans must eat more to stay warm, often sharing a kennel and wearing coats between loops. Malamutes are rarer in the safari world, less suited to short safaris and a little more aggressive, 'but they are very pretty!'
Taimyrs and Laika crosses (the 'fluffies')
Two distinct groups of 'fluffies' need far more brushing than our other dogs.
- Taimyrs (eg KGB & Patapov): a pure breed from Russia, traditionally bred by the Nganasans of Siberia, whose thick fleece was prized for making clothes. Long-furred and more athletic than its size suggests (45kg is not uncommon), arguably the strongest yet most docile of the sled dogs, a loving, sociable and obedient expedition dog
- Nenet-Laika-Taimyr crosses (eg Nakat/Tog): former reindeer-herding dogs of the Nenets, intelligent and fiery with great stamina, 25-35kg with thick, often matted coats
Ready when you are
Real wilderness, 200+ huskies, eighteen winters in.