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If you’re looking for a rare and unique dog to add to your family, the Agouti Husky may be the perfect breed for you.
These huskies are gaining in popularity due to their unique appearance and sweet temperament.
In this post, I will cover everything you need to know about the Agouti Husky, including its history, physical characteristics, personality traits, and more.
Let’s jump right in.
Table of Contents
What Is An Agouti Husky?
At first glance, many people think agouti Huskies are a mixed breed of some sort. But the truth is, agouti Huskies are simply Siberian Huskies with an ‘agouti’ coat type.
Just like some dogs can have red, Isabella, blue, silver, etc., coat colors, Huskies can have an agouti coat type.
This gives them a more wolf-like appearance, which is why many people think agouti Huskies may be mixed with a wolf or another wild dog.
What Does Agouti Mean?
The word “agouti” is actually a technical term that refers to the way in which the hairs on a dog’s coat are banded with color.
If you look at an agouti Husky’s coat, you’ll notice that each individual hair is actually two colors. There is usually a dark color at the base of the hair, followed by a lighter color towards the tip.
This gives the dog’s coat a striped appearance, similar to that of a wild animal. The agouti gene is actually a dominant gene, which means it only takes one parent to pass it on to its offspring.
However, the agouti gene is only found in a small percentage of Siberian Huskies.
The most common agouti Husky coat colors are black and white or red and white. However, you may also see agouti Huskies with gray, silver, or cream-colored coats.
Agouti Husky Coat Color DNA
The agouti gene is responsible for altering the eumelanin and pheomelanin in each strand of hair.
Eumelanin is the pigment that gives black and dark brown hair its color. Pheomelanin is the pigment that gives red, light brown, and blond hair it’s color.
The agouti gene instructs each strand of hair to produce more eumelanin at the base and less pheomelanin towards the tip. This is what gives agouti Huskies their unique coat colors and patterns.
Where Do Agouti Huskies Come From? What’s Their History?
As mentioned earlier, agouti Huskies are really no different in terms of lineage than traditional Siberian Huskies. Their only difference lies in their coat color.
This means that their history is the same as that of Siberian Huskies. They come from Northeastern Siberia, where they were bred by the Chukchi people.
The Chukchi people are a native tribe that has inhabited Siberia for centuries. They relied on their dogs for transportation, hunting, and guarding their homes and families.
Siberian Huskies were first brought to Alaska in the early 1900s, where they quickly became popular as sled dogs.
The agouti gene in Huskies is thought to date back to ancient times when Siberian Huskies were first bred. It’s believed that the agouti gene was initially present in all Siberian Huskies, but over time, it was bred out of most dogs.
However, a small percentage of Siberian Huskies still carry the agouti gene. And in recent years, there has been a resurgence in popularity for these rare and beautiful dogs.
Are Agouti Huskies Rare?
Yes, agouti Huskies are considered to be quite rare. In fact, they make up less than five percent of all Siberian Huskies.
Unfortunately, this means if you’ve decided you’d like to have an agouti Husky, you may have a difficult time finding one.
Breeders of this Husky coat type do exist, but they’re not as common as other more popular breeds.
Are Agouti Huskies Purebred?
Agouti Huskies are purebred dogs. They are not a mixed breed and are not related to wolves or any other wild dog.
It’s important to note that crossbreeds that look like agouti Huskies exist, so you’ll want to have the puppy you’re looking at DNA tested. This way, you’ll have evidence of their parent’s lineage to ensure the puppy is a true purebred agouti Husky.
Agouti Husky Appearance & Traits
Size (Weight & Height)
In terms of their size, agouti Huskies are very similar to traditional Siberian Huskies. Males typically weigh between 45 and 60 pounds, while females usually weigh between 35 and 50 pounds.
Height-wise, males typically stand 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulder, while females usually stand 18 to 22 inches tall.
Coat Colors & Texture
As we’ve already discussed, the most distinguishing feature of agouti Huskies is their coat color.
The agouti gene creates a striped coat pattern that can be black and white, red and white, gray and white, silver and white, or cream and white.
The coat itself is thick and dense to protect them from cold weather conditions.
Shedding & Grooming
All Huskies, regardless of coat color or pattern, are heavy shedders. They blow their coats twice a year, typically in the spring and fall.
This means that you’ll need to do a lot of brushing during these times to help reduce the amount of hair around your home.
An increasing number of dog parents are opting to get a robot vacuum to help them stay on top of all their dog’s shedding.
Also, it’s recommended to use a blow dryer on an agouti Husky’s coat during the times of the year when they shed even more. This requires a dog blow dryer and will help get rid of a large amount of their dead or loose fur before it finds its way all over your house.
All in all, they require daily brushing to keep their shedding under control. Or at least 4-5 days a week of brushing.
When it comes to other areas of grooming, they need roughly the same amount of attention as other dogs.
A bath every 3-4 months, ears cleaned and nails trimmed roughly once a month, and they should have their teeth brushed/cleaned a few times per week.
Are Agouti Huskies Hypoallergenic?
No, agouti Huskies are not hypoallergenic.
This is because they have a thick, dense coat that sheds regularly. So, if you’re allergic to dogs, an agouti Husky is probably not the right breed for you.
Ears & Tail
One of the most distinguishing features of an agouti Husky is their erect ears that stand up tall on their head.
Their tails curl over their backs and are thick and fluffy.
Eye Color
Agouti Huskies can have brown, blue, or bi-colored eyes.
Lifespan
The average lifespan of an agouti Husky is 12-15 years.
This is largely impacted by their diet, exercise, and their parent’s genetic health.
Common Health Issues
There are a few health conditions that agouti Huskies are more prone to than other dog breeds.
These include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, eye problems such as cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, and von Willebrand’s disease (a blood clotting disorder).
Hip & elbow dysplasia are both genetic conditions that can be prevented by getting your puppy from a reputable breeder who does health testing on their dogs.
Cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy are degenerative eye diseases that unfortunately have no cure. However, cataracts can be surgically removed to restore their vision again (to some degree).
Von Willebrand’s disease is a blood clotting disorder that can be controlled with medication.
Overall, agouti Huskies are generally healthy dogs. But, as with all breeds, there’s always the potential for health problems to arise.
Trainability & Intelligence
Agouti Huskies are very intelligent dogs.
This means that they can be easy to train with the right techniques. But, it also means they need a lot of mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
If you don’t give them enough to do, they can become bored and destructive.
They’re also known for being escape artists. So, if you have an agouti Husky, it’s important to ensure your yard is secure and that they’re always on a leash when they’re not in a fenced-in area.
Overall, agouti Huskies are great dogs for people who are willing to put in the time and effort to train them properly.
They require a dedicated owner who is active and willing to give them the physical & mental stimulation they need to be happy and healthy.
Activity Level & Exercise Needs
Agouti Huskies are very active dogs.
They need a lot of exercise to stay happy and healthy. Ideally, they should get at least 60 minutes of vigorous exercise per day.
This can be in the form of walks, runs, hikes, playtime in the yard, or anything else that gets their heart pumping and their bodies moving.
Agouti Huskies are a part of the working dog family, and their ancestors were bred to run for miles each day. So, if you don’t give them enough exercise, they can become bored and destructive.
They’re not the right breed for people who are inactive or who don’t have the time and energy to keep up with their exercise needs.
If you’re considering getting an agouti Husky, make sure you’re prepared to give them the exercise they need.
It’s also important to note that they need plenty of mental stimulation as well. So, in addition to physical exercise, they need to have plenty of toys and games to keep their minds active.
They’d also enjoy learning new tricks/behaviors every now and then to challenge their mind.
Temperament & Behavior
Do Agouti Huskies Bark A Lot?
Agouti Huskies are generally not quiet dogs. They don’t bark much but howl and express themselves vocally.
Howling is one of their main forms of communication, and they’ll often do it when they’re left alone or when they want to get your attention.
They can also be vocal in other ways like wines, screams, or groans. They like to communicate with their owners and often are quite vocal.
Do Agouti Huskies Like To Cuddle?
Agouti Huskies are relatively independent dogs. They don’t mind being left alone and don’t need a lot of attention.
They’re not necessarily the type of dog that wants to cuddle with you all the time. But, they do enjoy spending time with their family and can be quite affectionate when they want to be.
They’re not typically lap dogs, but they do like to be close to their people and will often follow them around the house.
Of course, all dogs are a little different, and some may really enjoy cuddling more than others.
Are Agouti Huskies Good With Kids?
Agouti Huskies can make great family dogs. They’re usually good with kids, but it’s important to introduce them early on and socialize them well.
They have a lot of energy and can be quite rambunctious, so they may not be the best fit for very young children or families with small children. But, if you have older kids who are active and can keep up with their energy, they can make great companions.
Are Agouti Huskies Good With Other Dogs?
Agouti Huskies generally get along well with other dogs. They’re social dogs and love being around other animals.
However, it’s important to introduce them early on and socialize them well. If they’re not properly socialized, they can become overprotective.
Are Agouti Huskies Good With Strangers?
Agouti Huskies can be a bit aloof with strangers. They’re not typically aggressive, but they may bark at or ignore people they aren’t familiar with.
It’s important to socialize them early and often so that they learn to accept and even enjoy the company of new people. They can become quite outgoing and friendly with new people with proper socialization.
Are Agouti Huskies Good Apartment Dogs?
Agouti Huskies are not typically good apartment dogs. They’re very active and need a lot of space to run and play.
They also need a lot of exercise, which becomes a more difficult task when you live in an apartment as you have no backyard for them to run around in.
If you live in an apartment and are considering getting an Agouti Husky, make sure you’re prepared to take them on long walks or runs daily.
Food & Diet
Agouti Huskies are relatively easy to feed. They’re not picky eaters and will typically eat whatever you give them.
However, it’s important to ensure they’re getting a high-quality food that’s nutrient-rich and tailored specifically for their needs.
A good rule of thumb is to feed them about two to three cups of food per day, divided into two meals.
Of course, this will vary depending on their age, activity level, and size.
Agouti Husky Price
Agouti Huskies are not a common breed, so they can be a little challenging to find. This challenge can be seen in two ways.
One, since they are less common, they are rare and desirable, which makes them worth more. Or, two, the agouti coat type is undesirable, which makes them worth less.
For these dogs, beauty is certainly in the eye of the beholder.
Generally, prices will vary depending on the breeder. Still, you can expect to pay anywhere from $800 to $2000 for an Agouti Husky puppy.
However, there are a number of factors that can affect their price, such as their pedigree, coat rarity, and whether they’re show quality or not. They could very well cost as much as $3000 in some instances.
Of course, this is just the initial cost. You’ll also need to factor in the cost of food, toys, vet bills, and other expenses.
However, be very careful when you see an agouti Husky going for considerably low prices.
Always make sure you are dealing with a reputable breeder.
There are many unscrupulous breeders out there who are looking to make a quick buck by selling sick or unhealthy puppies.
Where Can You Find An Agouti Husky For Sale?
If you’re interested in purchasing an agouti Husky, the best place to start your search is online.
There are a number of websites that have agouti Huskies and can connect you with breeders all over the world.
Some of the more popular websites include:
These sites allow breeders to list their litter(s) for potential owners to look at and get in contact with them.
When searching for a puppy, always make sure to do your research and ask questions to ensure you’re dealing with a reputable breeder.
One website that has been breeding Huskies for many years is Novel Siberians. You can take a look at their website and see if you think their puppies would be a good fit for your family.
Rescues are also always an option. Here is a list of several Husky rescues across North America where you might be able to find an agouti Husky:
- Hairy Houdini Siberian Husky Rescue – Michigan and Ohio
- Southern Siberian Rescue (SSR) – North Carolina
- ARA Canine Rescue, Inc. – California
- Free Spirit Siberian Rescue – Illinois
- Delaware Valley Siberian Husky Rescue, Inc. (DVSHR) – Delaware
- Northern Exposure Siberian Husky Rescue (NESHR) – New Jersey
- Texas Husky Rescue, Inc. (TXHR) – Texas
Final Thoughts
The Agouti Husky is a less common and beautiful coat type for Huskies that is sure to turn heads when they’re out on walks.
These dogs require a consistent, dedicated owner as they are high-energy dogs that require quite a bit of maintenance.
If you think an agouti Husky is the right dog for you, make sure to do your research and purchase from a reputable breeder. You can also check with rescues as they may have one available.
Other posts you might find interesting:
What Do Huskies Eat? (Including What Huskies Can & Can’t Eat)
15 Big Black And White Dog Breeds (With Pictures)
The Rare Red Rottweiler: Everything You Need To Know (Guide)