Brown and white huskies are very popular, because they are beautiful. Some dog lovers wonder if brown and white huskies are pure bred, because they look different than most huskies.
Brown and white huskies are purebred, and accepted by the AKC. Their unique appearance and rarity make them highly desired.
Brown and White Husky Facts
Brown and white huskies are Siberian huskies with a brown and white coat. They are well known for being great family dogs, because they are playful and friendly. They were originally bred to pull sleds.
Brown and White Husky Appearance
Brown and white huskies have a brown and white coat. The brown can range in shade from a dark chocolate to a reddish brown color known as copper.
Husky General Appearance
Huskies are medium sized dogs. They have a graceful build, and long powerful legs. They have medium sized erect ears, and a medium length muzzle.
Huskies have a double coat that keeps them warm in arctic winters. Their fluffy long tail also helps keep them warm. They can curl it around them when laying down.
Their eyes are typically blue or brown, but they can be green as well. Heterochroma is common in huskies. This means that each eye is a different color.
Huskies eyes can also be parti-colored. This means they have different colors within the same eye.
Brown and White Husky Genetics
There are two pigments that account for the many colors huskies can sport. These are eumelanin and phenomelanin.
Eumelanin’s base color is black. However, other genes determine how much pigment is created. The brown gene creates brown huskies, rather than black.
Phenomelanin can also create a brown husky. It’s base color is red. It can create red, yellow, and copper. So if the Husky has a copper colored coat that appears reddish brown, they have phenomelanin as their base.
Of course, brown and white huskies also have white in their coat. They have the piebald gene, which causes portions of their coat to be white.
The piebald gene is co-dominant. This means that if the husky inherits one copy of the gene, it will express itself. If they inherit the gene from both parents, it will express itself more strongly.
If they have one copy of the piebald gene, they will have some white areas. A white chest and stomach are the most common. Their legs may also be white, which is known as socks.
If they inherit the piebald gene from both parents, they will have lots of white. They will be mostly white, with small patches of brown.
Brown and White Husky Price
Brown and white huskies range in price from $800 to $3,000 for registered puppies. Unregistered puppies can be found for $400 to $800.
Brown and White Husky Rarity
Brown and white huskies are relatively rare. They aren’t as rare as solid white or Agouti huskies. However, brown is a recessive color. This means a husky must inherit the brown gene from both parents to display the brown color.
Brown and White Husky Life expectancy
The lifespan for a brown and white husky is 12 to 15 years. This is ultimately determined by genetics. However, you can maximize your pooch’s lifespan by feeding them a healthy diet, being sure they get plenty of exercise, and providing routine veterinary care.
Brown and White Husky Size and weight
Brown and white huskies are medium sized, and slightly longer than they are tall. Females are a little smaller than males.
Females weigh 35 to 50 pounds, and grow to 20-22 inches tall. Males weigh 45 to 60 pounds, and grow to 22 to 24 inches tall.
In addition to standard huskies, miniature huskies are rising in popularity, particularly for those who live in small homes or urban areas.
They weigh 15 to 25 pounds, and reach 13 to 17 inches tall. They are genetically the same as standard huskies. The smallest standard huskies were bred until the desired smaller size was reached.
Despite being purebred, miniature huskies can’t be registered with the AKC, because they don’t meet the breed standard for height.
Brown and White Husky Health
Brown and white huskies are considered healthy. However, there are a few health issues that you should be aware of.
Genetic health testing has reduced the number of huskies with genetic diseases. Responsible breeders test huskies for genetic conditions before breeding.
If they have a genetic condition, they will not be bred. Over time, this reduces the number of huskies born with these conditions.
Eye Conditions
There are a few eye conditions that can affect brown and white huskies. PRA causes the eyes to go blind, usually at 2 or 3 years old.
Cataracts are another potential issue for huskies. Cataracts causes a film to form over the eyes. This isn’t painful, but it does affect their vision.
Cataracts usually affect older dogs. However, huskies can develop juvenile cataracts, which affect dogs at a young age.
The last eye condition that can affect huskies is glaucoma. This causes increased eye pressure, which causes pain and vision loss.
Arthritis
You probably know that arthritis can affect people, but it can also affect dogs. Huskies can develop arthritis, particularly as they age.
Arthritis causes joint swelling and pain. This also leads to stiffness and limited mobility, particularly when they get up in the morning.
Arthritis can’t be cured, but it can be treated with medication. A proper exercise routine can also help relieve symptoms.
Bloat
Bloat is a serious condition that can occur in any dog. It occurs when the stomach can’t release the gas that forms during digestion.
As the food digests, the gas continues to build, which increases the pressure in the stomach.
If the pressure gets too great, it can cause the stomach to twist. If this occurs, its fatal 50% of the time, even with veterinary care.
The symptoms of bloat include severe stomach pain and swelling or bloating. They may retch without productive vomiting. They may also be unable to pee or poop.
Bloat needs immediate veterinary care. It can be fatal within hours of symptoms beginning. However, most dogs recover with prompt treatment.
Epilepsy
Huskies can also develop epilepsy. There are three types of seizures. Reactive seizures are caused by metabolic issues or toxin ingestion. Secondary seizures occur due to brain trauma, including strokes and head injuries.
Primary epilepsy means there’s no clear cause for seizures. This type of seizure usually begins at 6 months to 3 years old.
When a dog has a seizure, they will lose muscle control. They may fall down, kick their legs, and drool. They may also lose bladder and bowel control.
Deafness
Brown and white huskies are at a higher risk of deafness, because they have the piebald gene. If they have two copies of the gene, they are at a higher risk than those with one copy.
This is because melanocytes, which produce coat color pigments, are also key to hearing. The inner ear has specialized hairs that are created by melanocytes. If a dog lacks these, they may have hearing loss or deafness.
It’s important to note that not all brown and white dogs, or even solid white dogs, are deaf. It simply increases the odds that they will be deaf.
Brown and White Husky Behavior/Characteristics
Brown and white huskies are very friendly. They get along well with other dogs, and people, including strangers.
They are highly pack oriented, which means they need lots of interaction with their family. They also need plenty of socialization with other dogs.
If you don’t have another dog, you should schedule regular doggie play dates.
Behavioral Issues
Huskies are intelligent, and will get bored without enough exercise and mental stimulation. If they get bored, they may become destructive.
If they get lonely, they may become depressed or develop obsessive behaviors, like frequent licking or howling.
You can prevent this by ensuring they get plenty of time with other dogs and their family, and playing games with them for mental stimulation.
How to care for a Brown and White Husky
Caring for a brown and white husky can be a lot of work, but husky owners believe they are well worth the challenge.
Diet
Huskies have lots of energy. Dogs make energy primarily from protein, so they need a lot of protein in their diet. If you choose a commercial dog food, you should choose one that’s listed as high protein. They also need a medium amount of fat.
Wet foods have more protein than dry food. However, you can also find plenty of high protein dry foods today.
To find a high quality food, look for one that features meat as the first few ingredients. Avoid foods with corn or meat by products in the first 2 to 3 ingredients.
You may choose to feed yoru husky a raw diet, which they seem to thrive on. However, it’s best to speak to your vet to be sure you are feeding them a balanced diet.
Many husky owners choose a dual approach. They feed their dog a commerical food, along with raw food.
Exercise
Huskies are very active, and need a lot of exercise. They can run 150 miles in a day, and reach speeds of 30 mph. The good news is that you won’t need to take your pooch on a cross country adventure.
However, you will need to exercise them for 1 to 2 hours a day. You can also run or walk them 3 to 5 miles, at least days a week.
Huskies do well with a fenced in backyard. However, this isn’t a substitute for you exercising them. They are also great escape artists. You’ll need to be sure they can’t get over or under the fence.
Some husky owners state that havign two huskies is easier than one, because they can play together. I’ll point out that this is also said often about children. Is two easier to have than one? In some ways, yes. In other ways, no.
Grooming
Huskies have a double coat, which makes grooming very important. They are easier to groom than most double coated breeds, which is a plus.
You’ll need to brush them at least twice a week. Begin by combing any tangles, and then use a paddle brush to remove shed hair and dirt. You’ll need to start with their undercoat, and then brush their topcoat.
Your husky will shed in the spring and fall, which allows them to prepare for the changing temperatures.
When they are shedding, you’ll need to brush them daily. This will help speed the shedding process, and reduce the brown and white hair that you will find everywhere.
You can also use a deshedding tool, or bathe them with a deshedding shampoo.
Training
All dogs require training, including Huskies. They are highly intelligent. You may assume this makes them easy to train, but this isn’t the case.
Huskies are very independent, because they are bred to pull sleds. This requires them being able to make decisions quickly on their own. This means they aren’t always inclined to follow orders.
If you aren’t accustomed to working with strong willed dogs, consider signing up for obedience classes.
How do you buy a Brown and White Husky?
When buying a brown and white husky, you should take the time to find an ethical breeder.
Breeder Registries
Breeder registries are a great way to find a reputable breeder. The AKC has a breeder registry that features only breeders and huskies registered with the AKC.
You can also check out the Siberian Husky Club of America. They are closely affiliated with the AKC.
Finding an Ethical Breeder
You can find an ethical breeder through an internet search as well. However, you should ask them a few questions. How do they ensure the health fo their dogs and puppies? What do they consider when determining breeding pairs?
Responsible breeders will be sure their pooches are healthy, and will focus on temperament and health when choosing breeding pairs.