“Life without dogs is like a body without a Soul” – Ushna

Well, if you have a dog in your life, then you are blessed as you have the best companion around you. Earlier, only a few of the dog breeds were chosen to enjoy living with humans. But with time, things have changed a lot, and interestingly, the dog breeds who were not adopted as pets before are now immensely in demand for the domestic animal need.

Such as:

Golden Retriever
Alaskan Husky
German Shepherd
Great Dane

However, all of the above are loved, and of course, you would aspire to have them all (if you are a true pet-lover like me). But, as far as the topic is concerned, we will only discuss Alaskan Husky Vs. German Shepherd below so that you can decide between them easily.

Do you know? Before, Huskies were used for sledding in snow since 1852 by Inuit people (as per records). The word Huskies (or Husky) is derived from “Eskimos” (pronounced as Huskimos). Purebred huskies like Alaskan, Siberian, Sakhalin, etc. are some of them.

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Alaskan Husky Vs. German Shephard – A Comparison Between Characteristics

Indeed, the best pet animals anyone could ever have, are Huskies, and German Shepherds, but if you have to choose one of them (probably you can’t), then definitely you need to check the details given below:

1. Alaskan Vs. German Shephard History

Alaskan Husky: They are popularly known as a sled dog and originated from Alaska. People used these huskies for sled-racing before. But later, Huskies were appreciated for their looks, and pet lovers demanded to have these angry-faced canines at home, too.

German Shepherd: As the name tells, German Shepherd breed is basically originated from Germany, and the dogs belonging to this class are recognized as German Shepherd Dogs (GSDs). The breed was originated in 1899 due to its original purpose to assist shepherds in herding and to protect sheep. The first GSD was named Horand (previously called “Hektor,” a product of a few generations of selective working dogs breeds).

Interesting Information: After World War 1, the breed was officially given a new name, “Alsatian” in the UK, till 1977, and then again, its name was changed back to German Shepherd.

The reason behind Name change: It was perceived after the first world war, the word “German” could harm the breed popularity.

2. Alaskan Vs. German Shephard Purebred Or Mixed Breed

Alaskan Husky: Different huskies have a different nature, but they belong to almost the same family. However, some of them are purebreds, and others are enjoying mixed breed. For instance, two concepts have been rolling over the internet:

Alaskan Husky is not purebred but a joint of multiple families (the combination of a german shorthaired pointer, Siberian husky, greyhounds, and more others).
Alaskan Interior Village mutts and the Coastal Eskimo Dogs are the two major groups of native pooches that are behind the base of the Alaskan Husky.

That’s why it is not registered as a breed at AKC or CKC.

German Shepherd: As a part of the Herding group, German Shepherds are working dogs (a combination of multiple breeds) and are reliable for search/rescue jobs in fields like police and military. Later, people started making them part of their families, too. Amazingly, Shepherds are ranked on number 2, according to AKC, due to their fame.

3. Alaskan Husky Vs. German Shephard – Appearance & Look

Alaskan Husky: These Huskies are also identified as sled dogs, so you can easily visualize their look as big horny mutts. Additionally, they have brown eyes, pointed ears, lean and larger bodies (like Siberian huskies with which they resemble the most).

Also, Alaskan Husky, male weighs 40-60 pounds, whereas the female is 35-47 pounds, holds a heavy chest, an undercoat, and a topcoat. Plus, you can mostly find them in colors like white, brown, black, cream, or red, and they shed once in a year.

Note: Alaskan Husky is also acknowledged as a mixed breed of Alaskan Malamute & Siberian Husky

German Shepherd: GSDs weigh 65-90 pounds (male), and 50-70 pounds (female), so they are heavier than Alaskans. Also, they have dark eyes, moderately pointed ears, and a bushy tail. Moreover, they are long, muscular animal, and that’s why termed as working dogs. Shepherds have double coats (thick undercoat and slightly wavy outer skin). Colors can, however, be the same as of Alaskan huskies. These dogs have mid-length fur that is shed all the year-round.

4. Comparing Alaskan Husky Vs. German Shephard Temperament & Personality

Alaskan Husky: Alaskan Huskies are very affectionate and friendly towards people, and sometimes called “jumper dogs” because they usually jump on the people out of love. Huskies are loyal yet independent and love to explore the world with you. However, they are not good watchdogs and seldom bark. Indeed, a great pet addition in the family due to their lively and playful nature. Also, they are stubborn and willful.

German Shepherd: GSDs are agile, energetic, loyal, confident, and courageous mutts, and undoubtedly the best watchdogs ever (as compared to Alaskan Huskies). With this, they are very protective of their families and look around with suspicious looks. They always try to make it possible to rescue their owner from stranger attacks. As the German Shepherd breed standard at AKC says, “there’s a certain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships.”

5. Analyzing Alaskan Husky Vs. German Shephard Health

Alaskan Husky: Different kinds of huskies, like Alaskan Husky, may have to go through different health issues. Alaskan Husky lives up to 12-15 years and is generally considered as the healthy, long-lived breed. However, they get caught by similar health problems as of their purebred ancestors due to genetic compatibility. A few of these issues are retinal degeneration, larynx deformation, and many others.

German Shepherd: Again, according to AKC, German Shepherds’ life span is 7-10 years. Hence, they live a shorter life than Alaskans. However, they need to be checked regularly by a veterinarian as they are vulnerable to many diseases like bloat, Arthritis, Canine Hip dysplasia, and a lot of others. Still, it is not an unhealthy breed.

6. Alaskan Vs. German Shephard Training & Exercise

Alaskan Husky: As discussed earlier, they love to go on long walks with their owners. So, you can enjoy your morning exercises with their energetic prance as well as you can hug them every now and then because they encourage enthusiastic cuddling. Also, Huskies are active, for which they need a vast space indoor and a big yard outdoor.

Pro-tip: Keep a watch on them! They can break the ending leash with ease and leave. Due to which they are also known as an escape artist.

German Shepherd: Frequent exercise sessions are required to make their mind and body vigorous. Along with this, you can make them play or walk indoor or outside of your house as German Shepherds love this. Their training is a lot easier than Alaskans because GSDs are devoted to their families, reliably hold their grounds always. So, you don’t have to worry if they leave you or not.

7. Speed and Strength – Alaskan Huskies Vs. German Shephard

Alaskan Husky: A single husky speed is measured at 28mph. However, when they sprint with the huskies group, their run rate is clocked at 10 mph. With this, they can rush to anywhere according to their desire. So, you can’t be sure if they will be back or not.

German Shepherd: They were produced for duty purposes, and their final speed was recorded at around 30mph. Plus, GSDs are amazing, because wherever they dash to, they come back to their owners as soon as the duty is performed.

Hence, both the breeds are indeed the best yet fast-run canines anyone could have.

Who Is A Better Pet? – Alaskan Huskies Vs. German Shephard

By looking into the above characteristics and comparisons, you can easily come to the point that no matter which breed you choose, you are going to have a perfect beloved life with your pooches once they are at your home. Undeniably, they are your ultimate friends, who listen to you without interruption. With this, they wander around you, and honestly, the most careful and the lovable pet you would like to have.

Pro-tip: You can have both Huskies and German Shepherds at your home at the same time because they are good family dogs, and both go well with other pet animals.

Huskies Vs. German Shephard – Facts You Didn’t Know Before

Check amazing facts about both of these breeds below:

Alaskan Husky:

Alaskan Husky has further types; Freighting dogs pull heavy loads, such as Sprinters are famous for covering long distances in a shorter time due to fast speed.
Cautions should be taken while taking the Alaskan Huskies out in warm weather, as they can’t bear the hot sun rays.

Huskies are Heros! They rescued lives in Alaska, in back 1925, during the Diphtheria outbreak by supplying aids and food to the area. Also, the Husky naming Balto was leading the group.

Huskies can change their metabolism. It means that they don’t need much food to run, or to do exercise.
Alaskan Huskies never get fatigued.
Mostly Huskies have blue eyes that make them distinct from others.
Huskies can howl up to 10 miles away.
Alaskan Huskies are mix bred, so their looks can vary accordingly.
Some people say that Huskies are closely related to wolves.

German Shepherd:

GSDs are vulnerable so that they can adjust to any environment, and you don’t have to work a lot on them.
German Shepherds are also known as guard dogs.
Now, you can also find Alaskan Shepherd (mix breed of Alaskan Malamute and German Shepherd).
Americans love German Shepherds.

Must-Read! In the mid-1980s, a play named “Going To The Dogs” was produced, in which 6 German Shepherds (Alsatian Dogs) were trained to act.

GSDs are the most searched animal on Youtube.
Usually, the animal bite is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI), and the German Shepherd bite is 238 PSI.

Bottom Line

In this article, we have compiled each and everything to make it easy for you to understand the comparison: Alaskan Husky Vs. German Shepherd. With this, you would have got complete yet thought-provoking information about both breeds under one roof. Indeed, both are exotic dog breeds, and undeniably, everyone has the utmost desire to adopt them as pet animals, Hence, having any one of them (or both at the same time) is ultimately a bliss.

Share what you have in your mind in the comment section below, and tell us which dog breed you adore the most?

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Alaskan Husky Vs. German Shepherd – Characteristics & Facts