Caring for Alaskan dogs

Just like people alaskan dogs each have their own set of needs. Even within thier own species. This page is general information about caring for the dogs' breed. If there are certian traits you are looking for, feel free to contact us at: doginqury@summitfarms.net. Where we will recommend a specific dog to you, if your requirements match a dog, or to be put on a waitlist to breed those needs.

Alaskan Husky

Lifespan. They typically live until they are 10 to 15 years old.
Body type. Strong, lean dogs that have extrodinarily tough padding on their feet.
Diet. They do best on a high quality diet that is formulated for them, or the specific stage of life they are in. If they are working dogs, they will need thier diets adjusted with the seasons. Make sure treats account for no more than 10% of their calorie intake.
Grooming. They need their coat brushed at least 1-2 times a week. This is so the coat is maintained healthy and clean. Durring shedding seasons brushing more frequently with a pin brush will help. They also need thier claws tripped frequently. If the nails become too long there is potential for problems when they walk and or run. It's very important to also keep up with thier dental hygiene.
Exercise. They need an absolute ton of physical exercise. This is because this dog was bred to haul sleds in the cold harsh winter. They are happiest when they are allowed to show off thier sledding, skijoring, and or carting skills. They also should have at the very least basic obedience trainning.
Training. The dogs are very strong willed, and it is best to maintain firm training during puppyhood. Which we provide here. As well as reward based treats work the best for this breed.

Alaskan Malamute

Lifespan. They tend to live 10 to 14 years.
Body type. They are powerful and muscular with deep chests, broad shoulders and large heads.
Diet. They need high guality dog food that is specialized either by age or for them. They need food for large-energy breeds, if these dogs are active in sports they may need more food than normal.
Grooming. It's best to have daily grooming because this breed has a thick, coarse coat. Usually the metal comb and pin brush are the best for these dogs. These dogs also have two times a year they blow thier coat. When they do this it is extrememly important to grrom them to manage thier undercoat. They then just need regular maintenance with thier nails, ears, and teeth.
Exercise. They require a large amount of exercise because if they do not have it they will become destructive because they are bored. They are good for agility, obedience trials, and weight-pulling competitions.
Trainning. They're an intellegent breed that responds best to positive reward based training. They need consistant, tough training to make sure they are obedient. They must understand thier place in the family hierarchy because they may become rough with others, such as pets and kids which can be harmful because of their size and weight. Toys and treats are the best motivators. And they may be unable to break some habbits such as digging.

Alaskan Klee Klai

Lifespan. They tend to live 12 to 16 years.
Body type. They have three sizes that they come in; toy, miniature, and standard. They have a thick fluffy coat and curly tail.
Diet. They need high-quality dog food either aligned with them, or their age group. They may also benefit from dietary suppliments for active small breeds.
Grooming. These dogs have a double coat, which makes them shed a lot. If they are brushed at least one time a week they will have less problems with shedding. They blow thier coat 2 times a year, during those times brushing becomes extremely important. They need regular trimming on thier nails and ear cleanings. They require dental care as well.
Exercise. They have strong hunting instincts, and prey drive. Which can make them very unreliable off their leash. They need physical activity so they do not become high-strung and anxious.
Trainning. They are intelligent and easy to train. It's best to use positive reinforcement and treats. Make sure to change up the training so they don't become bored. They tend to be weird with new people, so they need to be socialized so they are more comfortable with unfamiliar faces.

American Eskimo

Lifespan. They tend to live 13 to 15 years.
Body type. They are compact, and balanced in thier build. They have three sizes toy, miniature, and standard.
Diet. They need high quality food that's specialized either for them or thier age group. Dog food formulated for small breeds is a good option.
Grooming. Thier coats are fairly easy to maintain, however they constantly shed. It is recommended to brush them several times a week to prevent matting, but htey don't need professional grooming. They shouldn't be bathed too often, because it will dry out their skin. They do require regular dental care.
Exercise. They have a ton of energy. So they need regular walks, and can benefit from dog sports. They also need mental exercise such as puzzle toys. They require less exercise as they age.
Trainning. They are one of the most trainable breeds. They tend to pick up habits just by watching other dogs. They crave companionship and so interactions are the best way to reward them.

Siberian Husky

Lifespan. They tend to live 12 to 15 years.
Body type. They have compact bodies and are built for power, endurance, and speed.
Diet. They need high quality food either specialized for their age group or them. If they are a working dog, they should have thier food adjust seasonally.
Grooming. They are naturally clean dogs, that don't require a lot of baths. THey need thier coat brushed 1 to 2 times a week. And twice a year they shed their undercoat where brushing will be the most important. It's best to use a pin brush or metal cob as well as trip fut around their feet and toes. They should have thier nails regularly cut. They also require regular dental care.
Exercise. They need lots of attention and physical exercise. When they have enough exercise they are typically calm, however if they have too little they will become destructive.
Trainning. If they are going to be trained they need training at an early age. It's best to use reward based training.

Samoyed

Lifespan. They live 12 to 15 years.
Body type. They're medium sized dogs that have thick, weather resistant coats.
Diet. They're prone to becoming overweight, as their coats can hide how much they actually weigh. They also need high quality food that is for thier age group or them. They are food motivated and so treat training works well.
Grooming. They shed a ton. They need daily grooming and regular nail trimming. As well as good dental health.
Exercise. Active pets that require tons of exercise and need room to run. Because of thier coat if summers are hot it is important to use indoor play during that time.
Trainning. They need firm training. They're quick to please and love one on one attention. Reward based training with treats, toys and praise are best. They're fast learners so it's recommneded to switch up the training to keep them from getting bored.

Greenland

Lifespan. They tend to live 10 to 14 years.
Body type. They're muscular dogs built for endurance and extensive work in cold artic conditions.
Diet. They thrive on high quality food specialized for them or thier dog age group. They need thier diets changed seasonally.
Grooming. Most of the year they only need weekly brushing. However, they blow thier coats once a year and during that time they need more frequent brushing. They need regular ear checks and cleaning. They should also have regular nail trimming and good dental health.
Exercise. They need constant exercise. They need at the very least tons of daily exercise, such as being hiking or running companions.
Trainning. They are typically obedient but it's important to make sure you're seen as the pack leader and have clear boundaries.

Seppala Siberian Sled dog

Lifespan. They tend to live 12 to 15 years.
Body type.They have very wolf like features and well developed shoulders. They have medium thick straight hair.
Diet. hey thrive on high quality food specialized for them or thier dog age group. It's also a good idea to change thier food based on the season. However, they on average eat 3 cups a day.
Grooming. They need to be brushed daily. And they shed their coat twice a year during which it's extremely important to brush them. They rarely need a bath, but when they do it can be a challenge. They need regular dental care, and nail clippings.
Exercise. They are extremely high energy dogs that need lots of exercise. They have a high prey drive making it important to keep them leashed. They also are ideal running partners.
Trainning. They deeply care for thier owners so reward based training with a focus on praise is important.