When you picture a Husky, you probably think of them as gray and white. However, Huskies come in a wide range of colors, including different shades of colors.
One of the most unique is the orange Husky. If you are wondering if this Husky is right for you, keep reading to find out!
Orange Husky Facts
Orange Huskies are orange-colored Siberian Huskies. Huskies are an old breed, dating back at least 4,000 years. They are believed to be descended from the ancient Taimyr wolf of Siberia, and still have a wolf-like appearance.
They were first domesticated by the Churchuri tribe of Siberia. The tribe used them for sledding, as well as companionship. They first appeared in North America in 1908, when they were brought to Nome, Alaska.
They participated in the All Alaska Sweepstakes. Eventually, they became popular sled dogs in New England as well. The AKC recognized the breed in 1930.
They’ve grown in popularity in recent years, jumping from 24th to 12th place in popularity in the U.S.
Orange Husky Appearance
Orange Huskies have a double coat, which gives them a fluffy appearance. They have medium sized erect ears, and a long bushy tail.
Their bodies are graceful and sleek, although this can be partially hidden by their luxurious coat. They are slightly longer than they are tall, and have powerful legs.
Their eyes are one of their most notable features. They are typically blue or brown, but they can be green as well. It’s common for Huskies to have two different colored eyes, which is known as heterochroma.
They may also have two colors within the same eye, which is known as parti-colored, although this is rare.
Their noses and paw pads are usually black, but they can also be pink or liver colored, particularly in orange Huskies.
Red and White Husky
Orange Huskies have the red color gene. Before we look at orange, it’s helpful to understand the red coat color.
Red Huskies are typically red and white. They can have an undercoat that ranges from dark brown to a light red.
Some red Huskies are nearly brown, and often called chocolate. On the other end of the spectrum is light red, which is similar to cream.
Red Huskies will always have liver colored points. This means that their eye rims, ears, nose, and lips are a pink or brown color.
Orange Husky Shades
Orange copper Huskies have strong yellow tones. They have a light orange coat. When this coat is very light, it is nearly cream color.
Red Copper Huskies have a more noticeable red tone, This creates a brighter orange coat color.
Orange Husky Price
Orange Huskies are rare, so they can cost a bit more than average. The average Husky price is $1,000. Prices for a registered Husky puppy can range from $800 to $3,000.
Show quality Huskies typically cost around $3,000. However, dogs from a prestigious bloodline can occasionally cost more.
Huskies that aren’t registered are less expensive, and can be bought for $400 to $800.
Orange Husky Rarity
The red color gene is recessive. This means for a Husky to be any shade of red, including orange, they must inherit the color gene from both parents.
Two Huskies that are red will produce all red or orange puppies. However, if one Husky is red or orange, you can expect 25% to 50% of puppies to have the color.
Orange Huskies are also rare because its a specific shade of red, which further narrows how many orange Huskies exist.
Orange Husky Life expectancy
Orange Huskies live for 12 to 15 years. Their lifespan is ultimately determined by their genetics. However, you can maximize their life expectancy by providing them with a healthy diet, exercise, and regular veterinary care.
Orange Husky Size and weight
Female orange Huskies are a bit smaller than males. They grow to 20-22 inches tall, and weigh 35-50 pounds. Males will reach 22-24 inches in height, and weigh 45-60 pounds.
In addition to standard size Huskies, miniature Huskies also exist. These are genetically the same as their full-sized counterparts. The smallest standard Huskies are bred, until the desired small size is reached.
Miniautre Huskies reach 13-17 inches tall, and weigh 20-35 pounds. They can’t currently be registered, because their size doesn’t meet the Siberian Husky breed standard.
However, they are becoming popular for pet owners with limited space, thanks to their smaller size.
Orange Husky Health
Orange Huskies are considered healthy. Recently, genetic testing has improved the health of many breeds, including Huskies. It allows breeders to test dogs for conditions that can be passed on to offspring.
If a dog has one of these conditions, the breeder avoids breeding them. Over time, this creates healthier dogs by reducing the amount of puppies born with health conditions.
Despite this, there are some conditions that can affect Huskies. It’s important to be aware of these before getting an orange Husky.
Eye Conditions
There are a few eye conditions that can affect Huskies. Progressive Retinal Atrophy, or PRA, is one of these. This disorder programs the dog’s eyes to go blind at a certain age, usually 2 to 3 years old.
Glaucoma is another potential issue. The condition causes increased eye pressure which causes pain. It also affects their vision. In some cases, surgery is required to relieve the pressure.
Huskies are also at risk of cataracts. Cataracts occurs when a film forms over the eye. This condition doesn’t cause pain, but it does impair vision.
Cataracts typically occur in older dogs. However, Huskies can develop juvenile cataracts, which affects younger dogs.
Arthritis
You are probably familiar with arthritis in humans, but you may not be aware that Huskeis can also develop the condition.
Just like us, a Husky with arthritis will experience joint pain and stiffness, and swelling. You may notice that they have difficulty moving or walking, particularly early in the morning.
Arthritis can’t be cured, but it can be managed with a combination of medication and exercise.
Epilepsy
There are three types of epilepsy that can affect Huskies. Secondary epilepsy is caused by trauma to the brain. This can be triggered by strokes or head injuries.
Reactive seizures are typically caused by a metabolic issue, like low blood sugar, or ingesting something toxic.
Huskies are at an increased risk of primary epilepsy. This occurs when there’s no clear cause for the seizures.
The epileptic seizures cause a loss of muscle control. This can lead to falling over, kicking their legs, and drooling. They may also lose control of their bowels or bladder.
Seizures can last for 30 seconds to 5 minutes. They typically begin between 6 months and 3 years old.
Bloat
Any dog can get bloat, but some are at a greater risk than others. Huskies have an increased risk for the condition.
Bloat is not completely understood. However, it is known that eating too quickly, eating large meals, and having a large or barrel shaped chest increase the risk.
When bloat occurs, gas gets trapped in the stomach. The digestion process causes more gas to form. If it’s not treated, this can cause the stomach to twist. Unfortunately, when the stomach twists, bloat is fatal about half the time.
The symptoms of bloat include swelling or bloating of the stomach. They may also be unable to pee, poop, or pass gas. Retching without productive vomiting is also a common symptom.
Bloat is very painful. This is often the first sign that owners notice. If your pooch has the symptoms of bloat, they need immediate veterinary care.
You can reduce the risk of bloat by feeding several small meals each day. If your dog is a fast eater, a slow feeder bowl is also helpful.
Orange Husky Behavior/Characteristics
Orange Huskies are very energetic and friendly. They are affectionate, and love spending time with their families. They are friendly with strangers, and other dogs.
If they aren’t socialized with smaller animals, they may view them as prey. If they will be around animals like cats or rabbits, be sure to socialize with these animals early on to avoid problems.
Huskies are excellent with children. They are gentle with them, and always ready to play.
How to care for an Orange Husky
Caring for an orange Husky does take some work. They need regular grooming, and plenty of exercise. However, Husky owners say that they are well worth the effort.
Exercise
Huskies can travel up to 150 miles in a day, and run at speeds up to 30 mph. You won’t need to take your orange Husky on a cross country run, but you will need to exercise them regularly.
Huskies need to walk or run 3 to 5 miles at least 4 days a week. Another way of looking at it is that they need at least 1, but preferably 2, hours of exercise each day.
Huskies do best with a large fenced in yard to play in. However, they are great escape artists, so you’ll need to be sure they can’t get out of the fence.
Huskies owners often say that having two Huskies is easier than one, because they play together.
However, keep in mind that a fenced in yard and playmate are not a substitute for you exercising them.
Grooming
Your orange Husky has a beautiful orange double coat. Like other double coated breeds, they need brushing regularly. Start by using a comb to remove any tangles.
Then, use a paddle brush to remove shed hair and dirt from their coat. Begin with the undercoat, and then brush the topcoat.
Huskies shed twice a year, in the spring and fall. This allows their undercoat to prepare for the temperature changes. When they are shedding, you’ll need to brush them daily. This will reduce the orange hair that you find everywhere, and speed the shedding process.
Training
Huskies need training, as all breeds do. However, this can be challenging. Huskies are very independent. When pulling a sled, this is important. They need to make decisions quickly, often without owner input.
This is useful when sledding, but it makes them uninclined to listen to commands. If you aren’t used to a strong willed pooch, consider enrolling your Husky in obedience classes. This will give you the best start.
Socialization
Huskies are highly social. They were bred to work with other dogs as part of a team. Even though your pooch may not pull a sled, they do need interaction with other dogs.
They also need plenty of time and attention with their family. They are pack oriented, and view their family as their pack.
How do you buy an Orange Husky?
When buying an orange Husky, it’s important to make sure you’ve found an ethical breeder.
Breeder Registires
The simplest way to find an breeder is through breeder registries. Registries have high standards that breeders must meet. This eliminates unethical breeders.
The AKC has a breeder registry. All breeders and dogs listed on the site are AKC registered. You can also check out the Siberian Husky Club of America. They are closely affiliated with the AKC, and considered highly reliable.
Finding Reputable Breeders
Breeder registries aren’t the only way to find an ethical orange Husky breeder. You simply need to use a bit of caution. Generally, breeders who register their dogs are ethical. The requirements typically weed out unethical breeders. You’ll also know your Husky’s lineage.
However, not everyone wants or needs a registered Husky. If you choose an unregistered pooch, you should ask a few questions. Ask them how they determine breeding pairs. Ethical breeders prioritize the health and temperament of their dogs, while unethical breeders are concerned only with profit.
You should also ask how they ensure their dogs are healthy. Do they do genetic testing? Have the parents and puppies had veterinary checkups?
You should also expect a reputable breeder to ask you questions, because they want to be sure their dogs are going to good homes. They may ask about the living conditions the dog will have, and why you want a Husky pup.