Alaskan husky: Difference between revisions

| image_caption = An Alaskan husky resting during a run at Riley Creek Campground in [[Denali National Park and Preserve]], Denali Park, AK

| life_span = 10–15 years

| notrecognized
= y

The '''Alaskan husky''' is a varietybreed of medium-sized working [[sled dog]], breddeveloped specifically for its performance as such.<ref>{{Cite book|last=Desmond.|first=Morris|url=http://worldcat.org/oclc/213449602|title=Dogs : the ultimate dictionary of over 1,000 dog breeds|date=2008|publisher=Trafalgar Square|isbn=978-1-57076-410-3|oclc=213449602}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last1=Collins|first1=Miki |title=Dog driver: a guide for the serious musher|date=2009|publisher=Alpine Publications|first2=Julie |last2=Collins|isbn=978-1-57779-094-5|edition=Rev. 2nd |location=Crawford, CO|oclc=232327350}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Levorsen|first=Bella|title=Mush!: a beginner's manual of sled dog training|date=2007|publisher=Barkleigh Productions|isbn=978-0-9790676-0-0|edition=Revised, 4th |location=Mechanicsburg, PA|oclc=187305124}}</ref>

Alaskan huskies are the most commonly used type of dog for competitive [[sled dog racing]], both in short-distance sprint racing as well as long-distance expedition races such as the [[Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race]],<ref>{{Cite web|title=Do many Siberian Huskies run the Iditarod? If not, why? – Iditarod|url=https://iditarod.com/do-many-siberian-huskies-run-the-iditarod-if-not-why/|access-date=2021-09-11|website=iditarod.com|date=12 October 2020 }}</ref> the [[Yukon Quest]],<ref name=":2">{{Cite web|title=Sled Dogs in the North |website=Yukon Quest|url=https://www.yukonquest.com/news/sled-dogs-north|access-date=2021-09-10}}</ref> and the [[Finnmarksløpet|Finnmarkslopet]].

Generally Alaskan huskies are taller than [[Siberian Husky|Siberian Huskies]] and are lighter in build than [[Alaskan Malamute|Alaskan Malamutes]]s, both of whom they share lineage with and are descended from. On average they stand between {{convert|20|and|26|in|cm}} and weigh between {{convert|35|and|75|lb|kg}}.{{r|Bonham|Coppinger}} Tough feet are an important feature and desirable trait for breeding consideration. As with their build, the Alaskan husky's coat can vary greatly; they usually have double coats with all colors and patterns of colors seen within various lines.{{r|Bonham|Coppinger}} Distance-type Alaskan huskies often have denser double- coats to better contend with cold temperatures and harsh wind, whereas sprint lines have shorter coats to allow for greater heat dissipation during races at high speeds.

It is common for distance-type Alaskan huskies to be outfitted with dog coats and dog booties during long expeditions and races, in order to regulate temperature and protect the dog's feet from ice and rough terrain.<ref name=":2" /> The use of dog coats has become more common into the late 20th and early 21st centuries as even the distance lines have been bred for greater speed, sacrificing some of the heavier and more dense protective double-coat of their [[Arctic]] breed ancestors.

As European traders and settlers arrived in Alaska they sought local entertainment, and turned to racing the local means of transportation, sled dogs.{{r|Morris}} AboriginalIndigenous dogs found throughout [[Alaska]] were renowned for their great strength and stamina, but lacked speed, so various outcrosses to fleeter Old World breeds were utilized to produce faster-running dogs, including Siberian[[Siberia]]n imports who dominated local organized races in Alaska.<ref>{{Cite book|author=Thomas, Bob|title=Leonhard Seppala: the Siberian dog and the golden age of sleddog racing 1908-1941|date=2015|publisher=Pictorial Histories Publishing Company|isbn=978-1-57510-170-5|oclc=931927411}}</ref> Since the beginning of the 20th century, various breeders have turned to various outcrosses to produce different lines of racing dogs. Most lines today contain some form of traditional husky heritage in their bloodlines, Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian Huskies being the most common, although [[Mackenzie River husky|Mackenzie River huskies]], [[Greenland Dog]]s, and [[Samoyed dog|Samoyed]]s have also been utilized.{{r|Morris|Coppinger}}[[File:Denali Sled Dog.jpg|thumb|168x168px|An Alaskan husky at [[Denali National Park and Preserve]], Alaska]]

Genetic studies indicate that the Alaskan Husky originates from pre-Colonial North American Arctic village dogs (including precursors to the Alaskan Malamute) and Siberian imports (precursors to the Siberian Husky), crossbred with European breeds such as [[Pointer (dog breed)|Pointers]], [[German Shepherd Dogs]], and [[Saluki|Salukis]]s to improve its performance.<ref name=":1" /><ref name=":6" />

In 2015, a [[DNA]] study indicated that the Alaskan husky, the [[Siberian Husky]], and the [[Alaskan Malamute]] share a close genetic relationship between each other and were related to [[ChukchiChukotka sled Peninsuladog|Chukotka]] sled -dogs]] from [[Siberia]]. They were separate to the two [[Canadian Eskimo Dog|Inuit dogs]]: the [[Canadian Eskimo Dog]] and the [[Greenland Dog]]. The Siberian Husky and the Malamute both had maintained their Siberian lineage and had contributed significantly to the Alaskan husky, which was developed through crossing with [[Europe]]an breeds.<ref name=":6">{{cite journal|doi=10.1038/hdy.2015.49|pmid=26103948|title=Using multiple markers to elucidate the ancient, historical and modern relationships among North American Arctic dog breeds|journal=Heredity|volume=115|issue=6|pages=488–495|year=2015|last1=Brown|first1=S K|last2=Darwent|first2=C M|last3=Wictum|first3=E J|last4=Sacks|first4=B N|pmc=4806895}}</ref>

Other breeds identified as having contributed to the Alaskan husky sled dog gene pool include Pointers, and a number of other non-arctic breeds by breed and type group. Genetic variation in the Alaskan husky has been analyzed based on the groupings of two purpose-driven distinct populations within the Alaskan sled dog gene pool: Aa distance group, and a sprint group:<ref name=":1" />

* The distance group showed a higher contribution from the Arctic/Asian group, mainly the Siberian Husky and Alaskan Malamute, and the Mastiff/Terrier group consisting primarily of [[Pyrenean Mountain Dog|Great Pyrenees]] and [[Kangal Shepherd Dog|Anatolian Shepard]].<ref name=":1">{{Cite journal|last1=Huson|first1=Heather J.|last2=Parker|first2=Heidi G.|last3=Runstadler|first3=Jonathan|last4=Ostrander|first4=Elaine A.|date=2010-07-22|title=A genetic dissection of breed composition and performance enhancement in the Alaskan sled dog|url=https://doi.org/10.1186/1471-2156-11-71|journal=BMC Genetics|volume=11|issue=1|pages=71|doi=10.1186/1471-2156-11-71|issn=1471-2156|pmc=2920855|pmid=20649949 |doi-access=free }}</ref> The distance group also showed to be more genetically distinct from one another across kennel-based populations and at the individual level, than the sprint group.<ref name=":1" />

== Health and Physicalphysical Capabilitiescapabilities ==

The Alaskan husky has selectively been bred specifically for its athletic performance.<ref name=":4">{{Cite journal|last1=Miller|first1=Benjamin F.|last2=Drake|first2=Joshua C.|last3=Peelor|first3=Frederick F.|last4=Biela|first4=Laurie M.|last5=Geor|first5=Raymond|last6=Hinchcliff|first6=Kenneth|last7=Davis|first7=Michael|last8=Hamilton|first8=Karyn L.|date=2014-08-22|title=Participation in a 1,000-mile race increases the oxidation of carbohydrate in Alaskan sled dogs|url=https://journals.physiology.org/doi/full/10.1152/japplphysiol.00588.2014|journal=Journal of Applied Physiology|volume=118|issue=12|pages=1502–1509|doi=10.1152/japplphysiol.00588.2014|pmid=25150223|issn=8750-7587}}</ref><ref name=":2" /> As such, its level of athletic ability, as well as [[Anabolism|anabolic]] efficiency are far greater than the average domesticated dog, especially in endurance feats. Distance-specialist Alaskan huskies out-speed most animals and all other types of sled dogs when running distances of 50 miles or greater, even while pulling moderately sized loads.<ref name=":2" /> Studies on the metabolic capabilities in working Alaskan husky sled dogs reveal that their system transitions to utilization of low-glucose energy sources (from high-glycogen carbohydrates) early on during long periods of travel, and their reliance on these low-glucose fuels (such as those higher in fats and proteins) continue and even extend to become more pronounced after working for longer periods.<ref name=":4" /> A good appetite is a highly desirable trait, and is emphasized in breeding choices.<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|date=2013-12-26|title=Modern Sled Dogs; Sled Dog Facts; Alaskan Huskies; Siberian Huskies|url=http://www.yukonquest.com/site/modern-sled-dog/|access-date=2021-09-14|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131226050558/http://www.yukonquest.com/site/modern-sled-dog/|archive-date=2013-12-26}}</ref>[[File:Idol swingley.jpg|thumb|168x168px|Five-year-old male Alaskan husky from championship distance racing lines]]Like most working sled dogs, Alaskan huskies are capable of pulling far greater than their own body weight in load while in harness. Sprint teams of Alaskan huskies are capable of speeds of up to 28&nbsp;mph (45&nbsp;km/h),<ref>{{Cite book|last=Stephen|first=Person|title=Sled dog: powerful miracle|date=2011|publisher=Bearport Pub|isbn=978-1-61772-134-2|pages=4–10|oclc=776988782}}</ref> whereas distance-specialist teams have completed 938 mile (1510&nbsp;km) races in just 8 days, 3 hours, 40 minutes, and 13 seconds with time including 40 hours of mandatory rests and other routine rests on the trail.<ref>{{Cite web|title=Fastest time to complete the Iditarod Trail|url=https://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/fastest-time-to-complete-the-iditarod-trail|access-date=2021-09-14|website=Guinness World Records|language=en-GB}}</ref>

As specifically purposed working sled dogs, Alaskan huskies can be subject to climate or work-specific health conditions that any sled dogs may experience, such as temperature-related [[bronchitis]] or bronchopulmonary ailments, also known as "ski asthma".<ref>{{Cite journal|last1=Davis|first1=Michael S.|last2=McKiernan|first2=Brendan|last3=McCullough|first3=Sheila|last4=Nelson|first4=Stuart|last5=Mandsager|first5=Ronald E.|last6=Willard|first6=Michael|last7=Dorsey|first7=Karen|date=2002-09-15|title=Racing Alaskan Sled Dogs as a Model of "Ski Asthma"|url=https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/10.1164/rccm.200112-142BC|journal=American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine|volume=166|issue=6|pages=878–882|doi=10.1164/rccm.200112-142BC|pmid=12231501|s2cid=34948487 |issn=1073-449X}}</ref>

In 2020, the largest study of "canine hematologic and serum biochemical analytes" to date was published, including within it the largest data set of healthy athlete dogs; the dogs of reference were 4,804 sled dogs training for the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race, the overwhelming majority of which were Alaskan huskies.<ref name=":3">{{Cite journal|last1=Connolly|first1=Sara L.|last2=Nelson|first2=Stuart|last3=Jones|first3=Tabitha|last4=Kahn|first4=Julia|last5=Constable|first5=Peter D.|date=2020-08-20|title=The effect of age and sex on selected hematologic and serum biochemical analytes in 4,804 elite endurance-trained sled dogs participating in the Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race pre-race examination program|journal=PLOS ONE|volume=15|issue=8|pages=e0237706|doi=10.1371/journal.pone.0237706|pmid=32817656|pmc=7444536|bibcode=2020PLoSO..1537706C|issn=1932-6203|doi-access=free}}</ref> The study found that anti-aging and anti-inflammatory biochemical levels in the dogs increased over time and with training, enhancing the dogs' physical and mental abilities until an average of 6.6 years of age.<ref name=":3" /> Despite noted differences in sex, genetic, and age groups in other areas, they were not statistically significant and were outside the scope of the study, making them scientifically inconclusive despite their observance.<ref name=":3" />

As dogs selectively-bred for their ability as working sled dogs without direct physical feedback from the driver, intelligence and problem solving are highly desired in a specimen and are often marks of talented lead dogs, which are often those with the highest consideration as breeding prospects. Dogs are expected to read the trail and situation through instincts and experience, and thus superior cognitive abilities are often bred into Alaskan husky lines in tandem with physical athletic attributes.<ref>{{Cite web|date=2015-01-31|title=What Makes a Great Sled Dog? Breed, Ambition, Tough Feet|url=https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/150131-sled-dog-alaskan-husky-racing-iditarod-winter-video-culture|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210322133154/https://www.nationalgeographic.com/animals/article/150131-sled-dog-alaskan-husky-racing-iditarod-winter-video-culture|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 22, 2021|access-date=2021-09-18|website=Animals|language=en}}</ref>