April 23, 2009
Is my puppy a purebred Siberian Husky (with a possible wooly coat gene) or a Husky/Malamute mix?
We rescued our puppy and were told he was a pure bred husky. However, time goes on and he continues to gain weight rapidly, even after we switched him to a large breed puppy formula that helps to control his growth (to keep him from getting too large too fast). Another cause for doubt is that his fur is extremely fuzzy and the way it grows around his face reminds me of a mal, but his markings and his blue eyes seem to be husky.
I've done a good amount of research on both breeds, but I'm still unsure. I would really just like to know what to expect when he becomes an adult. Male huskies should only reach up to 60 pounds, while our dog is already 35 pounds at 4 months.
We also think he may be a wooly coated pure bred sibe instead, due to the long fur. I've seen pictures of these as puppies and they look a lot alike….
Anyway, here are some pictures of him. Thank you for your help.
http://www.huskytime.com/file/pic/gallery/575_view.jpg
two months old.
http://www.huskytime.com/file/pic/gallery/702_view.jpg
three months old.
http://www.huskytime.com/file/pic/gallery/760_view.jpg
almost four months old.
His head is actually very narrow… unfortunately I don't have a picture of it, but when you push back all that fur, his head is really much smaller than it appears.
Anyway, the real thing that got me started on all of this is seeing several husky puppies his age or younger, with their coat so much smoother than his. We live in a rather warm climate too, so I thought it was strange that his fur remains so thick.
Your puppy is a Siberian husky, and he is a woolly (the tufts at the base of his ears give him away!). I don't see Malamute.
I really (really!) appreciate that you rescued this dog. He is going to be a big boy. Siberians can easily go over-standard in size if carelessly bred. I'm sure your boy didn't come from the best breeder, for several reasons, but it doesn't matter now. Neutered at the right age and trained appropriately, he will make a wonderful pet.
His coat may cause him to overheat faster than a normal Siberian, so you need to watch him in warmer temps. You must also be sure to keep him brushed and groomed, since the woolly-coated dogs tend to mat easily, and their skin can't breathe. Don't think of shaving him, since this will only make his already thick, soft coat even thicker and softer, and lead to more problems.
Every woolly I've ever met has been a sweetheart. I'm sure yours is no exception!
I'm sure you've seen this website, if you've been looking for pics of woollies…but this is what you can expect your boy to look like as an adult:
http://www.huskycolors.com/wooly.html
Filed under Siberian Husky Rescue by Andrew Preston
Comments on Is my puppy a purebred Siberian Husky (with a possible wooly coat gene) or a Husky/Malamute mix? »
Your vet has access to a dog DNA test that distinguishes between 150 breeds. It's around $50 and is accurate. Works with a cheek swab.
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sorry i'm not sure but your dog is beautiful.
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Facts Pertaining to Wooly-Coated Pups
Apparently there are several misconceptions and myths being stated via the internet regarding "wooly-coated" Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes. There are certain individuals on the internet whom are stating that the wooly coat is a danger to the animal. It is obvious to me as an expert on the wooly coat that these individuals have had absolutely no experience with the wooly coat. It may be true that the wooly coat could be a danger BUT in very, very frigid, snowy, and icy conditions, such as those found in the Antarctica and other extremely frigid locations on the planet. But the majority of us do not live in these extreme climates, therefore it is not a danger for the dog to have a "wooly" coat. Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes can survive temperatures down to below -35 degrees or more. If anyone has seen the movie "Eight Below" they will recognize this for themselves. They are extremely hearty animals and seem to adapt well to any climate. There are certain individuals who claim that "ice balls" will collect on the wooly coat of the Siberian or Malamute and cause the body temperature of the dog to drop. I have owned and raised dozens of "wooly" Siberians and Malamutes, matter of fact, I specialize in the wooly coat for it's absolute beauty and rarity, if I had any indication that it would be "dangerous" for the dog, I would in no way put these animals in danger nor conceive of producing these lovely animals. My dogs, and my family have very cold, frigid temperatures here in Virginia during the winter months, and I have never once had a dog succumb to health problems due to "ice balls" or snow sticking to their coats or complications arising from having a "wooly coat". Again, if these animals were in extremely frigid icy elements like say the Antarctica or such, there may be a problem. My pups are sold here within the US, and the majority of my customers whom are purchasing these rare and most gorgeous wooly Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes use good common sense and take excellent care of their babies by keeping their pets sheltered, warm, and free from the extreme elements, therefore there is no danger to the animal. The weather would have to be so extreme, say for instance that of Antarctica for it to affect the animal. And I know of no where in the US that generates such extreme temperatures and weather. So all in all from my expertise, it is absolutely safe to purchase and own a wooly pup within the US. Of course wooly pups do have more hair which means a bit more grooming, but after all, they are worth it, and you can bet that heads will turn!
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Your pup looks very husky to me. Malamutes tend to be a lot smaller in build. Your pup just has that typical big head and big body of a husky.
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His coat looks like a typical fluffy puppy coat - and isn't incredibly long. You'll know whether he's a wooly or not when his adult coat grows in.
There are NO standard markings for a Siberian Husky - so whether the dog has a mask or not makes no difference. He doesn't have a typical Mal puppy head.
Adult weight is usually roughly double the weight at 4 months in northern breeds - so 35 lbs is appropriate. Remember, poorly bred Sibes are more likely to be to big rather than too little.
He's a lovely puppy. Have fun with him and do lots of training now, while he's young. You won't regret it.
Starring for Loki.
Edit: I'm glad Loki chimed in - Coming from Samoyeds - the coat doesn't look particularly "wooly" to me! I went to look at non-wooly Sibe pups and can see the difference!
Really stunning dog you'll have when he grows up!
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Samoyed breeder/exhibitor … 20+ years
Your puppy is a Siberian husky, and he is a woolly (the tufts at the base of his ears give him away!). I don't see Malamute.
I really (really!) appreciate that you rescued this dog. He is going to be a big boy. Siberians can easily go over-standard in size if carelessly bred. I'm sure your boy didn't come from the best breeder, for several reasons, but it doesn't matter now. Neutered at the right age and trained appropriately, he will make a wonderful pet.
His coat may cause him to overheat faster than a normal Siberian, so you need to watch him in warmer temps. You must also be sure to keep him brushed and groomed, since the woolly-coated dogs tend to mat easily, and their skin can't breathe. Don't think of shaving him, since this will only make his already thick, soft coat even thicker and softer, and lead to more problems.
Every woolly I've ever met has been a sweetheart. I'm sure yours is no exception!
I'm sure you've seen this website, if you've been looking for pics of woollies…but this is what you can expect your boy to look like as an adult:
http://www.huskycolors.com/wooly.html
References :
Siberian husky owner/exhibitor, musher, rescue, breeder for 20+ years.