Most people are fond of animals. And therefore, you will never miss a pet in most households. A whopping 83% of pet owners are dog parents. This only shows how a lot of people are dog lovers. There are various breeds of dogs you can keep; among them are Northern Inuit and Husky.
These two types of breeds are usually somewhat similar and thus confuse many dog lovers and also breeders alike. There are distinguishing factors that can tell them apart. You only have to look closely in order to tell the difference. So, what are the differences between Northern Inuit and Husky?
Northern Inuit Vs. Husky
The main distinguishing factor between these two closely related dogs is that Northern Inuit have more wolf-like fur and are larger than the husky type. They both have different sizes, breed groups, ancestry, and origin. The Northern Inuit is a hybrid of huskies and other certain breeds. Huskies are popular as far as pet-keeping is concerned.
Northern Inuit measure 23-32 inches high and are not recognized by any main kennel club, whereas the husky measure between 20-23 inches high and are recognized by major kennel clubs (AKC). The huskies are operational dogs.
The Northern Inuit originated from a breeding project. It doesn’t have purebred status, but its resemblance to wolves has made it popular among dog lovers. It sheds a lot of furs and needs regular brushing. Its breed line is still unknown, and there are many debates around it.
The husky, on the other hand, was previously the landrace with artistic people, and this is the reason why they are categorized as operational dogs. It has charismatic appeal and thus was unintentionally domesticated without knowing its conditions. They seem not to love apartment living and low temperatures. They were previously sled dogs.
What is a Northern Inuit?
The Northern Inuit dog was first seen by the Inuit people in North America, Greenland, and Canada. The Inuit believed that the dog was a crossbreed with wolves. They used to work for long hours and kept like family pets which were very different from wolves. These dogs were then developed in the United Kingdom.
They used the Siberian Huskies and Malamutes and a German shepherd to form the Northern Inuit. The dog is not recognized by the Kennel Club (AKC). Its height is something between 23-27.5 inches, while its weight is between 15-25kgs. Northern Inuit can live up to 14years at most.
They look like wolves, and you would think that they are just like the wolf. But this is further from the truth as these dogs are very friendly and have less aggression toward strangers. They are intelligent and therefore require firm training. They are very loyal to you and your family members once you keep them as a pet. The dog can be recommended to new dog owners who do not have any dog experience.
They are very active and thus require daily exercises like walks. Their furs are double coats with a straight tail. They come in black and white color which is very popular. They must undergo regular grooming.
What is a Husky?
The first husky originated from Siberia in the 19th century. And this is the reason why they are mostly referred to as the Siberian huskies. The Chukchi people that lived in Northern Asia are believed to be the first breeders of this type of dog. The breed was identified and registered by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1930.
They were previously used as sled dogs because they were able to take small amounts of food, plus they could tolerate colder temperatures. These factors made them a go-to dog in various arctic expeditions. They also came in handy during the Second World War as they were taught to carry out different activities. Today, they are the sought-after dog for compassions and are still operating as sled canines in Northern Hemisphere.
An adult husky male has a height of around 21-23.5 at withers. The female counterpart has a height of 21 to 22 at wither. This shows the males are larger than their female counterparts. The male weighs an average weight between 16-22.5kg, whereas their female counterparts weigh between 20.5-27kg. Its coat is a medium one with a double coat. The base area of the dog can come in black or white while its chest and legs take up the color white.
The husky dog can live up to 13 years at most. They are medium-sized dog that has dense fur. Its tail is bush, and when erected, they take the shape of a sickle. The eyes are almond and come in blue, brown, as well as the odd eye. They have moderately muscled limbs which are oval in shape and medium in size. The breed is highly intelligent, friendly, and gentle. They need to exercise and be groomed moderately. They are very friendly with children and close human contact.
Difference between Northern Inuit and Husky
Adaptive Surroundings
The two types of breed require an adequate environment. But Northern Inuit can adapt to warmer environments while the husky can adapt to colder environments. You will have to install a fan or AC for their comfort. You will also have to train a husky for apartment living. Northern Inuit don’t require much to adapt.
Maintenance
The husky shed their fur twice a year and are dependent on the climate. This never happens with Northern Inuit but sheds a lot more than huskies. They all need adequate maintenance but, with a better environment, they require little to no maintenance.
Appearance, Bark, and Growl
Husky has a genetic resemblance to a wolf, but in appearance, the Northern Inuit looks a lot more like a wolf. The Siberian husky does’ bark but howls, whereas the Northern Inuit barks and howls too. They, however, will require training to do so.
Breed
Huskies are purebred, while Northern Inuit are hybrid. The huskies are easily trained to be guard dogs, while Northern Inuit are too social to be guard dogs. You will have to supervise a husky while it is around children, but in the case of a Northern Inuit, you wouldn’t need much because they are too friendly to everyone.
Health Conditions
Huskies have known breeds, and therefore, you can easily get one with a severe health condition. Before you go on to purchase one, you must conduct background checks and certifications for eyes and hip dysplasia. But there are fewer chances of a husky having a health condition than Northern Inuit. They are generally two healthy breeds.
Conclusion
Both types are good pet dogs. But they require certain needs and care. If you are in the colder region and need a companion, you can go for a husky, but if you are in warmer areas, you can go for Northern Inuit. At the end of the day, you are spoilt for choice as both breeds are excellent choices when it comes to meeting companionship needs. You will choose whichever you like depending on your needs.