Agouti Huskys are striking. They have the appearance of a wolf, with the friendly temperament of a well loved canine companion. Many dog lovers find that they offer the best of both worlds.
They are a handful, and require lots of attention and exercise. However, for active individuals or families, they can be the perfect pet. If you have your eye on an Agouti Husky, read on to learn everything you need to know about this unique pooch.
Agouti Husky Facts
The Agouti Husky is a particular color of the Siberian Husky. They are one of the most popular colors, and are often known as wolf-like or wild-type coloring.
Siberian Husky History
The Siberian Husky is an ancient breed. It’s lineage can be traced back as far as 4,000 years. They are often believed to be related to wolves, or wofl hybrids.
There is some truth in this. Like all modern dogs, Huskies are descended from wolves. While their personality is far from that of a wolf, they retain the coloring of the Siberian Wolves that they are descended from.
The Siberian Husky began its life with the Churchi tribe in northern Siberia. The Churchi tribe had a relationship similar to what many dog owners have today.
The Husky was a working dog, performing tasks alongside members of the tribe. They also played with the tribesman, and even slept with their families each night.
In 1908 and 1909, Huskies were brought to Nome, Alaska. In 1909, they participated in the All-Alaska Sweepstakes races. The team of Huskies got third place. This solidified their place as sled dogs, and they were popular sled dogs from that moment on.
They became heroes in 1925. A diphtheria epidemic occurred in Nome. Dogs were sent out in a relay to bring medicine from Neana. This earned all the teams national recognition.
At least one of the teams was made of Huskies. Their driver Leonhard Seppala brought them on a National Tour. He also participated in sled dog races in New England.
The Huskies performed very well, making them popular in America as well. This led New England teams to acquire Huskies. The breed got AKC recognition in 1930.
Agouti Genes and Bloodline
Technically, the Agouti coloring is recognized by the AKC. However, the color is usually found in working dogs. Those who are bred for companionship or shows rarely have the coloring.
The reason for this is unclear. After all, Agouti Huskies are stunning, and are included in the breed standard.
The Agouti color is caused by a particular gene. This gene is present in many animals, including horses and mice, as well as some dog breeds. The gene controls how melanin, which is responsible for coat color, is distributed.
Different breeds can express the gene differently. It causes some breeds to have a fawn or sable coat, and others can have tan points due to the gene.
In some breeds, including the Husky, the gene causes each hair to have different bands of color. The color will alternate between black and tan, which gives it a unique appearance.
Agouti Husky Appearance
The Agouti Husky has a banded coat, which makes their appearance different than other Huskies. In fact, this coloring is common in the Siberian wolves that they are descended from. However, all Husky colors actually originated from these wolves.
Each hair has at least two different colors, or bands. These are typically black and tan. They often have patches of white as well.
Agouti Husky Price
Agouti Huskies are slightly more expensive than other colors. The average price for a Husky is $1,000. Agouti Huskies range from $1,000-$3,000.
Agouti Husky Rarity
Agouti Huskies are rare, particularly in companionship and conformation lines. They are fairly common in lines who are still bred for sledding or other jobs.
Agouti Husky Life expectancy
An Agouti Husky has the same life expectancy as other colors of the breed. They typically live for 12 to 14 years. Their genetics play a role in how long they live, but their lifespan also has an effect.
Plenty of exercise, a healthy diet, and routine veterinary care can help extend the life of your Agouti Husky.
Agouti Husky Size and weight
Agouti Huskies are medium sized dogs. Their exact weight will depend on whether they are standard or miniature size.
A standard Husky is a bit longer than it is tall. Standard females weigh between 35 and 50 pounds, and grow to 20-22 inches tall. Male Huskies are a little larger. They can weigh 45 to 60 pounds, and reach 21 to 24 inches tall.
Miniature Huskies are smaller. They usually weigh between 20 and 35 pounds. They can reach 13-17 inches in height.
Agouti Husky Health
Agouti Huskies are a healthy breed, but they are prone to some health problems. Proper breeding and genetic testing can greatly reduce the risk of some of these health issues, because they are passed on through genetics.
If a Husky is found to have a high risk of passing a health condition on to its offspring, a responsible breeder will not breed them.
Eye Problems
Agouti Huskies are prone to eye problems. One of these is Progressive Retinal Atrophy, or PRA. This condition is genetic, and causes the pooch to go blind, typically at 2 to 3 years old.
Cataracts are another problem for Huskies. Cataracts typically develop in old age, in both dogs and humans. However, Agouti Huskies are at a risk of Juvenille Cataracts, which means it occurs when the dog is young.
Cataracts cause a film to form over the eye, which leads to loss of vision.
Glaucoma is also common in Huskies. This condition causes increased eye pressure. The increased pressure leads to pain and vision loss. In severe cases, the eye must be removed surgically.
Joint Conditons
Huskies are also at a higher risk of joint conditions.
The most common joint problem is hip dysplasia. This occurs when the hip joint doesn’t form correctly. It leads to pain and loss of mobility. It’s a genetic condition, but exercise and a healthy weight can reduce the risk or severity.
Arthritis is also a problem for the Agouti Husky. Any dog can develop arthritis, but some dogs, including Huskies, have a higher than average risk.
Just like humans, dogs with arthritis experience joint swelling and pain. This can affect their mobility and quality of life. Medication and exercise can help manage arthritis.
Epilepsy
Huskies also have a higher risk of epilepsy than most breeds. There are three types of epilepsy.
Reactive seizures are the result of a metabolic issue, like low blood sugar or toxin ingestion. Brain injuries, strokes, or tumors can cause secondary seizures.
When there’s no apparent cause, they are known as primary seizures. This is the type that Huskies are at increased risk for. They typically begin between 6 months and 3 years old.
They can be managed with medication. The symptoms of seizures include involuntary muscle movements, drooling, and involuntary peeing or pooping.
Laryngeal Paralysis
Laryngeal Paralysis typically occurs in older Huskies. It’s a progressive disease, which means that it gets worse over time. Eventually, it paralyzes the vocal cords.
The symptoms of Laryngeal Paralysis include noisy breathing, particularly when exercising, and lethargy.
Agouti Husky Behavior/Characteristics
Agouti Huskies may look intimidating, with their wolf like appearance. However, they are actually very gentle and friendly. They bond closely with their family, which they view as their pack.
They need plenty of interaction to prevent behavioral issues. Huskies are well behaved when their needs are met. However, if they become bored or lonely, they will become destructive.
They are excellent with children. Their high energy level means they are always ready to play. Their gentleness and friendly nature means that children are safe with them. The only downside is that Huskies are not guard dogs, because they are excited to meet strangers.
How to care for an Agouti Husky
Caring for an Agouti Husky takes a significant amount of work. They are highly energetic, and require regular grooming.
Agouti Husky Exercise Needs
The Agouti Husky was bred as a working dog. In fact, they are capable of traversing many miles of snowy terrain pulling a sled. You won’t need to take your Agouti Husky on sled runs, but you will need to make sure they get lots of daily activity.
The Husky needs to run or walk 3 to 5 miles miles at least 4 days a week. In terms of time, Huskies need at least 1, and preferably 2, hours of exercise each day.
They do best if they have a large fenced in yard. This gives them room to run and play. However, they still need to go for daily exercise. Many owners find that caring for two Huskies is easier than caring for just one.
One of the reasons for this is that they can play together, which encourages them to exercise.
Training
Agouti Huskies also require training. Their size and high energy levels make training essential. It also helps give them mental stimulation, which is required for their well being. They are intelligent dogs. However, training them isn’t always easy. They are very independent.
Sled dogs must do what is needed, with little input from their owner. This had led them to become very independent.
When training them, it’s best to see them as a partner, rather than subservient.
Agouti Husky Housing and Security
The Husky’s intelligence and energy, along with its size, make it an excellent escape artist. You’ll need to be sure that your Husky has a secure area to stay in.
Huskies are happy to live indoors, where they are close to their humans. However, they need plenty of outside time each day. If you put them inside a fence, be sure it’s high enough to keep them in.
Socialization
Huskies are a pack breed, which means socialization is essential for them. They need lots of time and attention with their family, as well as other dogs.
They are very friendly, so they should naturally get along well with other animals and strangers. However, their social nature means that they will get lonely without enough interaction.
This is another reason why some owners recommend owning two Huskies. It helps meet their need for socialization.
Grooming
Agouti Huskies are known for their beautiful coat. They have a stunning double coat, which requires regular grooming. They must be brushed at least twice a week.
When grooming, start with a comb to remove any mats. Then, use a paddle brush to remove dirt, oil, and shedding hair. Start with their undercoat, and then brush their top coat.
When the weather begins to change, Huskies will shed. They will lose a lot of hair, which can end up all over you, your furniture, and anything else your dog comes into contact with.
You can speed up the process, and reduce the hair everywhere, by brushing them daily during these times.
Huskies don’t release a lot of oil, so they don’t require frequent baths. About once a month is usually adequate.
You won’t need to worry about trimming your Husky’s coat. Their coat will regulate itself in terms of length, becoming shorter in the summer and longer in the winter.
How do you buy an Agouti Husky?
Buying an Agouti Husky can be a bit complicated, because the color isn’t common in most lines. To find one, you should focus on breeders who breed Huskies for working or sledding.
Regardless of the color of Husky, you should take steps to be sure that your breeder is ethical.
Finding Registered Breeders
The best way to find a reputable Husky breeder is to start your search with registered breeders.
The AKC has a Siberian Husky Breeder Registry. They require breeders to meet stringent standards, which ensures ethical breeding practices.
You can also find breeders by checking out the Siberian Husky Club of America, which is closely affiliated with the AKC.
In fact, this is the best place to begin your search, because their website classifies breeders based on several factors. You can find breeders who focus on racing, or working pack dogs. These are more likely to have the Agouti coloring.