Agouti Husky: Everything you need to know about this Gorgeous Dog

If you like huskies, you have no doubt heard of Siberian and Alaskan huskies and know all there is to know about them. They are highly admired for their gorgeous looks, wolf-like features, intelligence, and talkative nature. But do you know there is a variant of Siberian Husky that looks even more like a wolf? The variant is known as Agouti Siberian Husky.

The word “agouti” refers to their wild-type coat coloring which is darker colored compared to the usual light-colored coats of Siberian huskies. Because of the darker coat color, which is also known as wolf-sable, Agouti huskies look a lot like wolves compared to their lighter-colored counterparts. Agouti huskies with very dark coats also look like a black husky dog.

So if you are a fan of dogs that look like wolves, then read on. In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about this breed from its origins in Siberia to its grooming requirements.

Agouti Husky: The reason behind the name  

Agouti Husky is a variant of the Siberian husky that was named after its distinctive coat pattern which is dark and banded. This type of coat color is usually known as Agouti. When we say banded, we mean that each strand of hair has bands of dark and light pigments running from the shaft to the tip of the hair. Because of this, the dog’s fur looks dark in general. It also makes the Agouti Husky’s fur look “Dirty” which is why some people dont consider this variant to suitable to be show dogs.

In the case of Agouti huskies, the most common color bands are black and tan. They also have sprinklings of white, gray, and brown hairs on different parts of their body. The white hairs are most commonly seen on their nose, chest, and legs.

Even though they have a very distinctive coat pattern that is rarely seen among Siberian huskies, Agouti huskies are purebred dogs. Their coat color did not originate due to crossbreeding or mutation. Hence the color is considered to be standard by AKC (American Kennel Club) along with 8 other coat colors. Black & white is the most common coat color along with gray & white, sable & white, and red & white.

The agouti husky is a rare variant of the Siberian huskies but it is not as rare as an all black husky dog or an all-white husky. But the coat color is also not as common as a black & white husky coat. But it is possible to see huskies with agouti and white coat color combination.

Siberian husky puppies also change coat color during the growth stage. Dark coat colors generally become lighter, so don’t be alarmed if you see your brown agouti husky changing color and turning into red agouti husky.

Husky’s coat color can also change depending on external factors like temperature and sunlight. If the weather becomes colder, the coat will become thicker and look darker. So your brown agouti husky can look like a black agouti husky during the winter.

Agouti Husky: Breed Profile Chart  

Check out the chart to know the main features and characteristics of the Agouti Husky at a glance:

Agouti Husky: Detailed Overview of the Breed  

If you want to know more about the gorgeous-looking Agouti Husky, then read on –

Origin and History  

The Agouti Husky has the same origin story and history as the Siberian Husky, a breed that originated in the northeastern regions of Siberia. It is generally believed that huskies are genetically related to the Taymyr wolf (now extinct) that used to live in these regions around some 40,000 years ago.

These dogs were originally bred by the Chukchi people, who used them for sled pulling and transportation purposes. The Siberian Husky’s endurance, strength, and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions made them ideal working dogs in the Arctic regions. Over time, the breed gained recognition for its beauty and was eventually introduced to other parts of the world.

Appearance

The Agouti husky is a medium to large dog with a striking appearance. They have a wolf-like facial mask, alert ears, and a bushy tail that curls over their back. The Male Agouti huskies, range from 21 to 23.5 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh between 45 and 60 pounds. Females stand 20 to 22 inches tall and weigh 35 to 50 pounds. These pups are stocky and muscular, but not bulky.

Temperament

The Agouti husky has a friendly, gentle temperament and a playful personality. They tend to be quite social dogs and form close bonds with their owners and families.

Affectionate and Loyal

Agouti huskies are very affectionate and loyal. They love spending time with their owners and crave attention, play, and exercise. Once they bond with their owners, they become extremely devoted and attached. Agouti huskies have a strong pack instinct and see their owners as their pack – they want to be included in family activities and outings.

Playful and Energetic

Agouti huskies are playful, energetic dogs. They need daily activity and exercise to prevent boredom and behavioral issues. Agouti huskies love playing with toys, going for walks, hikes, jogs, and playing games like fetch. They have a lot of energy and stamina, so they require an active lifestyle with owners who can keep up with them.

Intelligent and Friendly

The Agouti husky is an intelligent, friendly breed. They tend to be good with children and other pets if properly socialized from an early age. They are naturally curious and enjoy meeting new people and dogs. However, their friendliness also means they don’t make the best watchdogs – they are more likely to greet an intruder than scare them off! Proper training and early socialization are important to ensure an Agouti husky grows into a well-adjusted, obedient, and friendly companion.

Independent and Stubborn

While friendly and playful, the Agouti husky can also be independent and stubborn at times. They require consistent training and handling from an early age. Without proper training, Agouti huskies may become unruly or ignore commands. Positive reinforcement training with treats, play, and praise is the most effective approach for this breed. Harsher discipline will likely backfire. The key is to start training early and establish yourself as the pack leader to gain Agouti Husky’s respect.

Lifespan and Health Issues  

The lifespan of the Agouti Husky is the same as the Siberian Husky which lives for around 12-14 years. With proper care, good food, and regular exercise, they can live for even more years. But as a larger breed, they can be prone to certain joint and bone problems.

Hip Dysplasia

This is a genetic disease where the hip socket and ball joint don’t fit together properly, which can lead to pain, arthritis, and lameness. Make sure any breeder you buy from has tested the parents to reduce the risk. Keeping your Agouti Husky at a healthy weight and avoiding strenuous exercise at a young age can also help prevent issues.

Eye Problems

Agouti Huskies can inherit conditions like cataracts, glaucoma, and progressive retinal atrophy. Have your vet check your dog’s eyes regularly, especially as they get older. Early diagnosis and treatment of any eye issues is critical to managing and slowing the progression.

Allergies

Like many dogs, Agouti Huskies can suffer from environmental or food allergies that cause skin irritation and inflammation. If your dog is excessively scratching, biting at their paws or showing skin problems, they may have an allergy. Finding and eliminating the source, whether it’s certain meats, grains, or outdoor allergens, is key to keeping them comfortable.

Grooming Requirements  

Siberian Huskies are a low-maintenance breed, so your Agouti husky does not need a lot of grooming. Just groom them once a week to keep your dog looking and feeling their best. Their thick double coat needs frequent brushing and bathing to prevent matting and tangles.

Brushing

An Agouti Husky should be brushed at least once a week with a slicker brush and undercoat rake to remove loose hair and distribute oils. Focus on brushing the mane, tail, and behind the ears, as hair tends to mat in these areas. Regular brushing not only reduces shedding around the house but also prevents painful mats and keeps their coat clean and skin healthy.

Bathing

Give your Agouti Husky a bath every 2 to 3 months using a dog shampoo and conditioner. Bathe more frequently if they spend a lot of time outdoors or get dirty. Be sure to brush out any tangles before bathing. After shampooing and conditioning, thoroughly rinse their coat to remove all product residue that can irritate their skin.

Trimming

Agouti Huskies require minimal trimming, only needing occasional tidy-ups. You may need to trim excess hair on the feet for hygiene and visibility of the nails, as well as any long hairs around the ears. Use sharp dog grooming shears and have a helper keep your Husky still to avoid any injury. Trim the nails regularly if they do not wear them down naturally.

Ears and Teeth

Check your Agouti Husky’s ears and teeth regularly and clean them as needed. Excess wax and hair can build up and lead to infection if not removed. Brush their teeth 2-3 times a week to prevent tartar buildup and promote good health. Start dental care from an early age so they get accustomed to having their teeth brushed and ears cleaned.

Keeping up with regular grooming and hygiene is essential for your Agouti Husky’s well-being and will make them comfortable and happy. While it requires time and patience, grooming your dog can be an enjoyable bonding experience for you both. Stay on a consistent schedule and keep grooming sessions positive and rewarding.

Agouti Husky: Cost and where to buy 

The Agouti Husky is a gorgeous-looking dog, but due to their rarity can be quite expensive. Costs vary depending on the breeder, but you can expect to pay between $800 to $1500 for an Agouti husky puppy.

But finding a reputable Agouti husky breeder might take some time. You can either search online with the keyword “Agouti husky breeders near me” or visit breed club sites like the Siberian Husky Club of America or American Kennel Club (AKC) marketplace which have breeder referral contacts. These breeders are vetted by the club to follow responsible breeding practices.

Since agouti huskies are not commonly seen in show rings, they are also scarcely part of litter bred and raised by conformation breeders. If you are looking for agouti husky puppies, then you should check out breeders specializing in working and sled dog lines.

You may look around your local adoption centers or dog shelters but the chances are you will not find agouti huskies there, as huskies with agouti coloring are quite rare. Even if you find one, it may not be a purebred dog.

Finding a responsible breeder is key to getting a healthy, well-socialized Agouti husky. Be prepared to go on a waiting list, as quality breeders may only have a litter available once every year or two.

Is an Agouti Husky the right choice for me?   

But before you start searching for agouti husky puppies for sale near you, you need to make sure that it is the right breed for you. Agouti huskies were bred for pulling sleds in harsh weather conditions. They are active dogs who are used to running long distances without showing any signs of exhaustion.

They are not herding dogs and therefore not used to working closely with their human companions. As far as training goes, while pulling the sled, the sled dog handler would give them directions and instructions on which way to go, but that’s it. The majority of the time, the husky dogs would just run on their own.

Because of this, most huskies are independent by nature and Agouti huskies are no different. They are also stubborn and distracted easily, which can make training them a challenge.

In addition, agouti huskies are highly active dogs and need a lot of exercise each day to burn off their energy. If they are not given healthy outlets for their energy, they will become bored and destructive.

Thus if you are a first-time owner who does not have the patience, energy or time required to train a husky, then this is not the right dog. Additionally, if you are easygoing, prefer a laidback lifestyle over an active one, and are looking for a dog who will cuddle with you on the couch, then the Agouti husky is not for you.

But if you are an experienced owner who can devote the time and energy to train and socialize a husky and meet its daily exercise needs, then this is the right dog for you.

Training an Agouti Husky

Training an Agouti Husky requires patience, consistency and positive reinforcement. These intelligent dogs can be independent and stubborn, so training them early is key to ensuring that you get a well-behaved adult dog.

Focus on basic commands

Start with simple and essential commands like ‘sit,’ ‘stay’ and ‘come.’ Use treats and praise to help your husky associate obeying commands with rewards. Once your husky has mastered these, move on to ‘leave it,’ ‘off’ and ‘quiet’ to help curb unwanted behaviors.

Establish yourself as the pack leader

Agouti Huskies are pack animals and will challenge your authority if you don’t establish yourself as the leader early on. Use a firm, confident tone and avoid aggressive behavior or yelling. Make sure your husky follows basic rules like not jumping on people or furniture or begging for food at the table.

Crate train your husky

Crate training gives your husky a safe space they can call their own and prevents separation anxiety. Start by only closing the crate door for short periods while you’re home, giving treats and praise each time. Slowly increase the time with the door closed and eventually the time you’re away from home. Never use the crate as punishment.

Provide plenty of exercise

Agouti Huskies are energetic dogs and need daily exercise and play. Take your husky for multiple walks per day or play games that stimulate them mentally and physically. Lack of exercise can lead to boredom, excess barking and destructive behaviors.

Be patient through the chewing phase

Agouti Husky puppies, in particular, explore the world through chewing. Provide your husky with lots of chew toys to redirect their chewing to appropriate items. Never yell at or physically discipline your husky for chewing—simply replace the item with an appropriate chew toy instead. With consistency, chewing behaviors will subside as your husky matures.

Training an Agouti Husky takes dedication, but with patience, positive reinforcement and consistency you’ll have a well-behaved companion for life. Keep training sessions short and fun, provide mental and physical stimulation daily, and establish your position as the pack leader. If you need additional help, consider hiring a professional dog trainer.

Conclusion  

So if you want a dog to keep you company when you go for your morning runs, then Agouti Husky is the perfect dog for you. Just make sure to invest in some good headphones because these pups are quite vocal and won’t hesitate to let you know if they don’t like something. But you will not be bored, even for a moment as agouti huskies have a playful nature and will keep you on your toes with their mischievous antics.

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