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Pet Insurance for Alaskan Huskies

Find out all about Alaskan Huskies and their common health conditions, and then compare pet insurance options from some of Australia’s leading insurers.   

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, updated on September 14th, 2023       

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Price range

$1,500–$2,500

Height

51–58cm

Weight

18–27kg

Personality

Energetic, friendly, social

Coat type

Short to medium thick double coat

Exercise needs

Very high

Kid-friendly?

Yes, but not near babies or small children

Life expectancy

12 - 15 years

Alaskan Husky

Overview

The Alaskan Husky is a breed of dog specifically developed for sled-pulling and endurance, although it's not officially recognised by kennel clubs as a distinct breed. These dogs are renowned for their incredible strength, strong work ethic and love for physical activity. They were initially bred by the indigenous people of Alaska, particularly the Inuit, for sledding and hauling heavy loads across long distances in harsh Arctic conditions. 

Originating in a freezing cold region, their coat varies from short to medium and is a thick double coat. Alaskan Huskies are highly intelligent and have a friendly disposition, often getting along well with both people and other dogs. Due to their strong work ethic and stamina, they excel in various canine sports like dog sledding, skijoring, and mushing. 

However, they can be very strong-willed and independent, and require consistent training and positive reinforcement. These dogs are highly active and require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. They thrive in environments where they can engage in physical activities and work-related tasks. They do best with an owner who understands their high energy levels and needs for constant mental stimulation. 

Common Alaskan Husky diseases and conditions

  • Eye issues: Alaskan Huskies can be prone to Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), a hereditary eye condition that can lead to vision impairment or blindness.
  • Heat sensitivity: Due to their thick coat, Alaskan Huskies have low heat tolerance. It's crucial to keep them cool in hot weather to prevent heat stroke.

Breed-specific issues:

Alaskan Huskies have a very strong prey drive, so they may not be suitable for homes with small pets like cats, rabbits or guinea pigs. They also require a very significant amount of exercise, which should be considered before bringing one into a family home. They are not suitable as an inside pet or for keeping in a small garden.  

How much does pet insurance cost for an Alaskan Husky?

There are many factors that can influence the cost of pet insurance for your Alaskan Husky, including the following:

  • Age: The older your dog is, the more pet insurance is likely to cost. This is because senior dogs tend to have more physical health conditions and illnesses due to age, and so present a higher insurance risk.    
  • Type of insurance you choose:  There are three basic types of pet insurance available in Australia; accident-only, accident and illness, and comprehensive insurance. An accident-only policy is the cheapest type available, with comprehensive coverage costing the most.  
  • The policy annual limit: Each pet insurance policy has an annual limit, which is the maximum amount that will be paid out on the policy in one financial year. Annual limits range from around $10,000 up to $25,000 or more.   
  • Sub-limits: In addition to an annual limit, there may also be sub-limits that apply to the policy, for example, a $300 sub limit for consultation fees, or a $5,000 limit for cruciate ligament conditions.   
  • Benefit percentage: Pet insurance does not cover 100% of the cost of your vet bill. Instead, it may pay a percentage of the total bill. This can range from 50% for cheaper policies, up to 90% for top-of-the-range cover.  
  • Excess amount: This is the amount you’ll need to pay out-of-pocket each time you make a claim on your policy. Some pet insurance policies do not come with an excess amount, whilst others do.  
  • Any add-ons you choose: It’s possible to add on more cover options to a basic policy, such as emergency boarding fees, routine care and dental care. These add-ons extend the scope of your pet insurance, but do increase the overall cost of the policy.  
  • Discounts: some insurers offer discounts of between 5% and 15% if you have multiple pets insured together, if you pay your premium annually, or if you bundle your pet insurance with other forms of insurance with the same company.   

Types of pet insurance you can choose from

Why compare pet insurance with Savvy?

Common questions about Alaskan Huskies

Are Alaskan Huskies the same as Siberian Huskies?

No, Alaskan Huskies are not the same as Siberian Huskies. While both breeds are sled dogs, Alaskan Huskies are not a recognised breed by kennel clubs and are typically mixed-breed sled dogs. Siberian Huskies, on the other hand, are a recognised pure breed with specific breed standards.  

Do Alaskan Huskies shed a lot?

Alaskan Huskies have a dense double coat that sheds seasonally, typically during spring and autumn. During these periods, they may shed quite a bit. Regular brushing can help manage shedding and keep their coat healthy. 

Are Alaskan Huskies easy to train?

Alaskan Huskies are intelligent dogs but can be independent and strong-willed. Training requires patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement techniques. They often excel in dog sports and show activities that engage their minds and bodies. 

Are Alaskan Huskies good with other dogs and pets?

Alaskan Huskies are generally sociable and can get along well with other dogs when properly socialised from an early age. However, their strong prey drive may make them inclined to chase smaller animals, so they are not suitable for keeping with cats or smaller animals.  

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Alaskan Husky

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