You may have seen a Husky when you were still a child, and since then, you’ve always been fascinated by its majestic beauty and commanding wolf-life appearance. And with your child-like curiosity, you certainly have heard or read about the Agouti Husky.
But since these dogs look like wolves, do they also share the same traits as them? Are Agouti Huskies dangerous?
In this article, we will take you on a walk down memory lane when you were so engrossed about the Siberian Huskies. But this time, our focus will be on the not-so-common color found in this breed, which is none other than the Agouti.
You'll discover information on the Agouti Husky's origins, temperament, grooming requirements, energy levels, exercise demands, trainability, health issues, prices, and more.
At the end of this guide, you’ll have a better understanding of this breed and the Agouti coloring. And you can have a better judgment on whether the Agouti Siberian Husky is the right canine companion for you or not.
Breed at a Glance:
Size: 21-23.5 inches (male); 20-22 inches (female) Weight: 45-60 pounds (male); 35-50 pounds (female) Energy Level: High Lifespan: 12 to 14 years
The Agouti Husky is not a separate breed, instead, it is a Siberian Husky with a distinctive Agouti coat pattern. The agouti pattern, which is also called wolf sable, is what gives this Husky a wild-type coloring that is reminiscent of a wolf.
The uncommon coloration of an Agouti Siberian Husky is distinguished by many bands in the hair, cream-colored markings rather than white, and darker markings on the tail and face.
Nevertheless, Agouti is one of the Siberian Huskies' recognized coat colors according to the American Kennel Club breed standard.
An Agouti Husky's individual hair strands are banded because of their Agouti gene, so the color varies from the root to the tip.
Typically, the bands are black at the base, lighter in color in the stem (such as cream, tan, or red), and then black again at the hair tip. As a result, this color sequencing gives the Agouti Husky’s coat a striped look.
The majority of Agouti Huskies descended from working and racing lines rather than show lines, which is something to keep in mind.
The agouti trait was not handed on since, for years, most Huskies that were bred for conformation show only possess pure white markings.
Moreover, the Agouti Huskies are purebred dogs (purebred Siberian Huskies). The odd and distinctive Agouti pup coat color is not the result of crossbreeding or mutation. Genetics play a role in how the dog looks overall.
However, when purchasing an Agouti Husky, you should be mindful that other crossbreeds also display these coat colors.
The Alaskan Husky, which is the product of the crossbreeding of a Siberian Husky, a German Shorthaired Pointer, and a Greyhound, is an excellent example.
Hence, to confirm that the Agouti Husky you are purchasing is purebred, you should request the dog's pedigree or AKC registration.
Agouti Huskies have a similar background to other Siberian Huskies. The origins of this breed originated in northeastern Asia, where the semi-nomadic Chuckchi people employed them as sled dogs for transporting light goods over great distances.
Huskies were brought into Alaska in 1908, right in the middle of the gold rush. It was also through this method that the Agouti Husky arrived in the United States.
The last Siberian Huskies were exported when Russia shut its borders in 1903. They, then, flourished in America.
As the years passed, their appearances underwent a few tiny modifications, but their personalities stayed the same.
In 1925, a squad of huskies traveled 658 miles in five and a half days to deliver a life-saving serum to Nome, Alaska, which was experiencing a diphtheria outbreak. We probably won't see any more “serum runs” in the future thanks to technological advancements, but Huskies are still pulling sleds for fun, and they adore it!
Moreover, the exciting “serum run,” which was covered with rapt attention in newspapers all over the world, gave Siberian Huskies a notoriety that continues to this day.
The AKC recognized the Husky in 1930. The breed standard permits a range of hues, including agouti, black, brown, grey, sable, and red.
Agouti Huskies are mainly found in working and sled dog lines; they are hardly ever seen in conformation breeders' litters or in the show ring.
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Appearance
Similar to other Siberian Huskies, the Agouti Husky has pointed ears, a bushy tail, expressive eyes, and a thin body structure.
Their color pattern is what distinguishes them from other Siberian Huskies.
The Agouti Husky's face and tail are darker, and its coat markings are cream rather than white.
Another distinctive aspect of the Agouti coat color’s look is the banding of the hair strands. The Agouti Husky features a distinctive stripe-like appearance due to the banding on its hair strands.
Its eyes typically have a different color as well. Usually, the Agouti Husky has brown eyes as opposed to the typical Husky's blue eyes.
Agouti Huskies have a double coat that is composed of medium-length fur on the outside and soft, dense fur on the inside. The outer layer's hairs are smooth and straight. And the enormous tail that is so distinctive to the Siberian Husky breed is also seen on Agouti Huskies.
You may be interested in knowing if Agouti Huskies exhibit similar wild and violent behavior after learning that they resemble wild wolves. It turns out that this is not the case, so do not panic.
The Agouti Husky has a surprisingly gentle disposition despite its commanding, threatening appearance. Agouti Huskies are incredibly spirited and they simply love working hard, especially when the task at hand involves running.
They enjoy people in general and get along well with strangers right away. They enjoy playing and get along well with kids. The breed has a lot of energy and does best when given a task to do. Otherwise, when they're bored, they could go into trouble by themselves.
And though Agouti Huskies appreciate their families and thrive on attention, they don't always like to cuddle. They typically prefer to be petted, played with, or even just to be in the same room as their owners for attention.
Children and Agouti Siberian Huskies make wonderful pairs. Huskies are playful, lovable, and kind. However, they have a lot of energy, and if care is not taken, they could easily knock over small children when they become excited.
In general, no matter the breed, it's always a good idea to keep an eye on kids and dogs when they're together.
As sled dogs, Huskies were bred to work in teams, therefore they needed to get along with other dogs. In homes where there are other dogs, they function perfectly fine. Sadly, Agouti Huskies do not get along well with other species.
As a result of their intense prey drive, they are frequently seen chasing animals in the yard. Cats are one domestic animal that they do not get along with. Hence, we would not suggest the Agouti Husky if you're seeking a dog that gets along with cats or other small animals like rabbits, guinea pigs, or ferrets.
They do possess a pack mentality as a result of their origin of breeding. And because there should always be an alpha in a group, male dogs in particular exhibit a domineering behavior that may require careful training to ensure that the owner always acts as superior.
Grooming
Agouti Huskies require little upkeep. They merely need to be brushed once a week and don't require professional grooming.
The fact that this breed frequently grooms itself is one of its best qualities. As a result, they don't suffer from “doggy odor” and only require a few baths each year. Just like other dogs, Agouti Huskies need their nails trimmed, teeth brushed, and ears cleaned on a regular basis.
Agouti Siberian Huskies can live for 12 to 14 years on average with female Huskies rumored to live longer than their male counterparts.
The likelihood that your dog will live a long time—possibly even longer than the projected years for his kind—will rise with proper care and routine veterinary examinations.
However, the breed is sometimes prone to certain diseases. While they might not have an impact on your pet, you must still keep them in mind.
Below are the typical health issues affecting Agouti Siberian Huskies:
Cataract
Among all dog breeds, this is one of the most prevalent eye issues. This incurable illness that causes blindness affects the majority of adult Agouti Siberian Husky dogs. Cataracts usually begin in a Husky between the ages of six and twelve months of age, though they are more common in older dogs.
You need to periodically have your dog's eyes examined by a veterinarian if you want to protect your Husky from this debilitating condition.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
This is another eye ailment that can render a dog permanently blind. With this condition, the dog's retina is damaged, which then causes damage to its vision. Without preventive measures, this eye problem can lead to permanent blindness just like cataracts.
Hip Dysplasia
Hip Dysplasia is a relatively prevalent genetic joint condition, especially in both medium sized dogs and large dogs. It is characterized by incorrect hip socket formation, which can lead to lameness and joint arthritic conditions.
Zinc Deficiency
Agouti Huskies with zinc deficiencies may lose hair on their chin, lips, feet, elbows, and feet. Zinc pills can assist in replacing zinc levels in the body, which may aid with symptoms. Before administering medication, it is best to consult a veterinarian.
Hypothyroidism
This is a thyroid gland defect that results in a deficiency of thyroid hormone in the dog's body. It can result in loss of appetite, unexplained obesity, and baldness.
Given that they were developed to pull sleds over great distances, Huskies are by nature high-energy canines. Because of this, they require a lot of exercises to help them expend all of their energy.
A general guideline is to give an Agouti Husky at least two hours of exercise each day. Running is a fantastic choice because it will make them more exhausted.
Without enough exercise, your dog can turn out his excessive energy toward his surrounding, and he can be destructive.
In general, Husky ownership is better suited to people who have more time and space. Although it is possible, keeping an Agouti Husky in an apartment is not advisable. High-energy dogs like Huskies thrive in homes with fenced-in yards where they can run every day.
Of course, if you're committed to taking your Agouti Husky to dog parks so he can play and run about, it might work out.
And as mentioned earlier, they do well with children. However, it’s not advisable to leave them alone with small kids since they can knock them down if they get too excited or playful.
And as for other animals in the household, they can get along with other canines. However, since they have an innate prey drive, they are not suitable around small animals like cats, rabbits, and rodents.
It is important to feed Agouti Huskies the best food that you can give. Dogs that are working or are very active should be fed a diet high in protein. The best dog diets have completed feeding experiments, adhere to AAFCO recommendations, and are created by veterinary nutritionists.
A working Agouti Siberian Husky needs to have adjustments in the amount of protein in his diet depending on his level of activity.
When a dog is working in a harness in the winter, 32 percent protein may be required, whereas, in the summer, a lower protein intake of around 20 percent may be adequate.
As necessary, alter the quantity and type of food for each individual Siberian by keeping an eye on them. They should not be overfed. Keep an eye on your dog's weight and choose supplements wisely.
Training
Although Agouti Huskies are excellent at puzzles and mental exercises, they are difficult to train. This is a result of their independence and obstinacy. They are also easily distracted because they have high prey drives.
Furthermore, inspiring them can be challenging. To properly train this breed, we absolutely advise consulting an expert.
The best approach in teaching an Agouti Husky is incentive-based training since you can use special treats or even playtime as a reward to help keep them interested in what they are learning.
We advise keeping dog training sessions brief, no longer than five minutes at a time, to avoid the Husky getting disinterested and bored.
Many Husky owners simply accept the fact that their dog will not always have a flawless recall, and they make sure to keep the dog on a leash whenever they are not at home. A yard that is fenced-in is thought to be essential for this breed.
Huskies may be a tremendous handful because of their need for activity and lack of interest in learning commands. As a result, they are not suitable for first-time dog owners.
Buyer’s Guide
What to Look For
The best way to find a reputable breeder is by attending dog shows, browsing national breed registries and local groups, and word of mouth.
You can look for breeders online as well, but be careful to choose one who cares for the dogs and isn't just breeding for financial gain.
Good breeders choose the healthiest dogs with the finest temperaments as the mom and dad for their upcoming litter, taking care to avoid mating dogs with closely related ancestors and mixed breeds. The puppies' color should be a secondary issue for them.
However, it makes sense that some breeders would also have a specific interest in producing puppies of a particular color that are healthy, happy, and well-adjusted.
The most popular colors tend to change over time and vary by geography, so some colors can appear to be more accessible than others in a given location or decade.
Although the color of Agouti Huskies may be objectively less prevalent than the others, reputable breeders never promote their puppies as having a rare or distinctive Agouti coloration. Additionally, they do not increase their prices for unusual colors.
Breeders who run puppy mills, on the other hand, breed dogs in order to make the most money possible, but they don't treat their dogs well or use parents who have undergone health testing for their litters.
As a result, their puppies have a higher chance of inheriting chronic illnesses and behavioral issues. This is brutal and has repercussions for the temperament and health of the entire breed.
Price of Agouti Husky Puppies
The Agouti Siberian Husky puppies can sell for anywhere between $1,000 and $3,000. Why is this so? Are Agouti Huskies rare? Well, even though their coat colors are not the most unusual (white is), it is still hard to find one. Hence, the price.
Agouti Huskies often do not cost more to maintain than other large breeds. But if you are unable to provide this breed with the activity they require on your own, you will need to spend money on either pet sitting or doggie daycare. Also, if you don't already have one, you should build a fence around your yard.
If you’d like to take your chances in getting an Agouti Husky through adoption, here are some reputable shelters that you may visit:
It is so easy to fall in love with an Agouti Husky at first sight. However, if you decide to get one without understanding its needs, as well as its potentially destructive traits, then, you may end up giving up your dog sooner or later. And this is one of the saddest things that can happen to any dog.
The outgoing and sociable nature of Agouti Huskies tends to make them particularly lovable. But not everyone can handle their exorbitant quantities of energy. They might be a suitable choice for you if you lead an active lifestyle and can provide this breed with the proper outlet for their energy.
Bringing one home would be negligent if all you wanted to do was enjoy the Agouti Husky's beauty but didn't have the time to provide this breed with the mental and physical stimulation they require.
We're certain that at this point, you have a clearer understanding of whether the Agouti Husky might be a good fit for you.
As mentioned earlier, this dog is not suitable for novice dog owners, and they don’t usually thrive living inside a small apartment without a fenced yard. However, if you can provide your dog with enough exercise every day, then, it may still work.
Moreover, if you live in a multi-pet household with cats and other small animals, the Agouti Husky is also not the right fit for you. While they can get along well with other dogs, they are not compatible with felines, rabbits, and rodents due to their high prey drive.
Also, Agouti Huskies tend to make friends with strangers easily, which makes them unsuitable as watchdogs. They are also difficult to train, and they vocalize a lot, which is another reason why they are not the best canine companion if you live in an apartment.
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He is a seasoned writer who has more than 10 years of experience in creating engaging and optimized content for various platforms and audiences. He has worked on diverse projects ranging from articles, social media posts, newsletters and ebooks, covering different topics and niches.
