The Azurian Husky is controversial. In fact, it’s not clear if it actually exists. It’s claimed that these blue beauties can be found in Russia and Alaska. Myth or fact, here’s all you need to know about the Azurian Husky.
Azurian Husky Facts
The Azurian Husky is a specific color of the Siberian Husky. There’s a lot of debate about whether or not they exist. An internet search reveals pictures of them, but that’s the only proof of their existence that’s readily available.
Siberian Huskies are at least 4,000 years old. They are descendants of the Taimyr Wolf of Siberia. They were first domesticated by the Churchuri tribe of Siberia.
The tribe used them to pull sleds. They were also close companions.
They came to Alaska in 1908, and participated in the All Alaska Sweeptakes. Over the next few years, they made their way to New England.
They became popular sled dogs, and soon became loved companion animals as well.
Azurian Husky Appearance
The Azurian Husky closely resembles the white Husky and the Isabella Husky, with a few significant differences.
White Husky
White Huskies are considered the rarest Husky color. Both their undercoat and topcoat are a solid, bright white. They typically have blue eyes. Their eyes, nose, and mouth will be black. They can develop winter nose, which causes their nose to become light or discolored in the winter.
White Huskies have a recessive gene. They must inherit the gene from both parents to be white.
Isabella Husky
The Isabella Husky is similar to the white Husky. However, they have a yellowish tinge to their coat. Their mouths, noses, and eyelids are typically brown or liver colored.
Azurian Husky
Now that we know about the white and Isabella Husky, let’s take a closer look at the Azurian Husky. They have a white coat as well. However, they have a blue tint to their coat.
Many breeds have a blue color, which is actually gray. However, the Azurian Husky is not gray. It has a noticeable blue color, rather than standard gray.
They are easily differentiated between gray Huskies. Gray Huskies have a gray and white coat. They often have black areas or tips in their coat as well.
The Azurian Husky is only white and blue, with no black tips or markings on their coat.
Albino Husky
You can’t talk about white Huskies without mentioning the albino Husky. White Huskies inherit the white gene from their parents, just as other colored dogs do.
Albino Huskies inherit the albino gene. Instead of being a color, this gene prevents the expression of color. Albino dogs will also have pink noses and mouths. Their eyes are typically a very light blue.
They can be differentiated from white Huskies by their nose, mouth, and eyes. They are distinguished from Isabella and Azurian Huskies, because they have no other color in their coat.
Azurian Husky Price
It’s unclear how much an Azurian Husky costs, if it exists. However, we do know the price for other colors. Most Huskies cost around $1,000 for a registered Husky puppy.
The average price for a registered Husky ranges from $1,000 to $3,000. Surprisingly, despite their rarity, white Huskies also cost around $1,000.
Show quality Huskies are a bit more expensive, with an average price of $2,000 to $3,000. Puppies from prestigious bloodlines may also cost $2,000 to $3,000, and rarely even more.
Isabella Huskies are considered even rarer than white Huskies, so they can cost closer to $3,000.
Azurian Husky Rarity
The Azurian Husky, if it exists, is extremely rare. White and Isabella Huskies are also rare. Albino Huskies are extremely rare as well.
Azurian Husky Life expectancy
Huskies are a robust breed, with a reasonable lifespan. You can expect an Azurian Husky to live for 12 to 14 years. Genetics ultimately determine a dogs life expectancy. However, you can maximize your time together with regular exercise, a healthy diet, and routine veterinary care.
Azurian Husky Size and weight
Azurian Huskies are medium sized dogs. Their fluffy double coat actually makes them look heavier than they are. They are tall and lean, with a graceful silhouette.
Huskies have two sizes, which are standard and miniature. It’s unlikely that the Azurian Husky will be found in a miniature size, due to it’s rarity.
Huskies are a bit longer than they are tall. Females grow to 20-22 inches tall, and males reach 22-24 inches. Females weigh 35-50 pounds, and males weigh 45-60 pounds.
Miniature Huskies are genetically the same as their full size counterparts. They were created by breeding the smallest standard Huskies, until the desired smaller size was reached.
They grow to 13-17 inches tall, and weigh 20-35 pounds.
They can’t be registered, because they go against the breed standard thanks to their small size. The AKC has not declared them a separate breed.
Azurian Husky Health
Huskies are considered a healthy breed, but they are prone to some health conditions. It’s unclear if there are other health concerns specific to the Azurian Husky, because there’s no reliable information about them. It is certain that they would be prone to the same issues as other colors of Husky, however.
Eye Conditions
Huskies are at risk of a few eye conditions. One of these is Progressive Retinal Atrophy, or PRA. This condition essentially programs the eyes to go blind, usually at 2 or 3 years old.
Glaucoma is another issue that can affect Huskies. It causes increased eye pressure. This leads to pain and vision problems. Severe cases may require surgery.
The last eye condition to be aware of is cataracts. Cataracts are a common problem for older dogs and humans. It causes a film to form over the eyes, which affects vision.
Huskies are at risk of developing juvenile cataracts as well, which affects younger dogs.
Joint Conditions
Just like humans, Azurian Huskies can develop joint problems. The most common one to affect Huskies is hip dysplasia. This occurs when the hip joint doesn’t form correctly.
This allows it to slip out of place easily, which causes pain. It can also cause difficulty walking, depending on the severity.
The condition is genetic, so it’s passed down from parents to puppies. However, you can reduce your dog’s risk of the condition with exercise and maintaining a healthy weight.
Arthritis can also affect Huskies. Like humans, dogs with arthritis experience joint pain and swelling. You may notice your Husky having difficulty moving, especially in the mornings. This is because the swelling also causes the joints to become stiff.
Arthritis can be treated with anti-inflammatory medications, which can reduce the symptoms.
Epilepsy
There are three types of epilepsy that can affect Huskies.
Secondary seizures happen when there is trauma to the brain. Strokes and head injuries are common causes of this type.
Reactive seizures are caused by things like low blood sugar, metabolic issues, or toxin ingestion.
The type that Huskies are more at risk of than most dogs is primary epilepsy. These seizures have no apparent cause. They typically start at 6 months to 3 years old.
When a Husky has a seizure, they lose muscle control. This can cause them to fall over, drool, or kick their legs. They may also lose control of their bladder or bowels.
These seizures can last 30 seconds to 5 minutes. Epilepsy can’t be cured, but medication can help manage the condition.
Azurian Husky Behavior/Characteristics
Azurian Huskies are very energetic and friendly. Huskies make great dogs for families. They love children, and are always ready to play.
They get along well with strangers and other animals. This makes them a good choice for households with other pets. They are loyal, and have a great love for their families.
They do need lots of attention. If they don’t get enough interaction, they can become lonely and even depressed. Without enough exercise, they will get bored. This can lead them to become destructive.
How to care for an Azurian Husky
Huskies do require some special care. They can be a lot of work, but Husky owners say that they are more than worth the effort.
Exercise
Huskies are a very energetic breed. They were originally bred to pull sleds over the frozen ground, and this is still evident in their exercise needs. They can travel up to 150 miles in a single day, and reach speeds of 30 mph.
This may make exercising them seem intimidating, but you don’t have to be extreme to care for them. They do need a minimum of one hour, and preferably 2, of exercise each day.
Another way to view it is that they need to walk or run 3 to 5 miles at least 4 days a week.
Some Husky owners say that it’s easier to own two Huskies, because then they can play with each other. A large fenced-in yard can also help them expend energy.
However, they are notorious escape artists. Be sure that the fence is too high for them to climb or jump.
Socialization
Despite their high energy levels, Huskies need a lot of companionship. They are highly pack oriented, which means they need socialization with other dogs, as well as their owners.
Before getting an Azurian Husky, you should be sure you have the time to devote to them. They love a yard where they can run and play, but don’t do well if they are left outside most of the time. They need time to exercise, as well as plenty of time with their favorite humans.
If you don’t have any other dogs, you’ll need to set up doggie playdates or bring them to the dog park on a regular basis. They need to interact with other dogs regularly.
Grooming
Huskies are double coated, which means regular grooming is very important. You will need to brush their coat at least twice a week. Begin by combing to remove any tangles. Then, use a paddle brush to remove any dirt and distribute oils.
Start with their undercoat, and then brush their topcoat.
They do shed during the spring and fall. When they are shedding, they need to be brushed daily. This will help speed the process, and prevent their hair from covering everything.
Training
Huskies are highly intelligent, but training them isn’t always easy. They are very independent. Sled dogs must be able to make quick decisions, often with little input from their owner. This means they don’t always take orders well.
If you don’t have experience training an independent or strong willed dog, an obedience class will help you start on the right foot. Remember to use positive enforcement. It also helps to treat them as a partner when training.
How do you buy an Azurian Husky?
Buying an Azurian Husky is difficult, because it’s unclear if they exist. If they do, they are extremely rare. An internet search doesn’t reveal any Azuirian Huskies for sale. However, there are a few ways to purchase a Siberian Husky.
Breeder Registries
One way to find Huskies for sale is to check breeder registries. Registries have strict requirements for breeders, which weeds out unethical breeders. The AKC has a breeder registry. You can also check the Siberian Husky Club of America. They also feature a breeder registery, and are closely affiliated with the AKC.
Finding a Reputable Breeder
You can find Husky breeders through an internet search. However, it’s important to be sure you are working with a reputable breeder. Unethical breeders are focused on profits, while responsible breeders will focus on the health and behavior of the dogs.
One way to find a reputable breeder is to purchase a registered Husky. The requirements to register Huskies typically weed out unethical breeders.
If you simply want a Husky for a companion, you may choose to buy one that isn’t registered. However, you should use caution to be sure they are ethical.
One way to do this is to ask questions. How do they determine which dogs to breed? How do they ensure the health of their puppies.