If you are a Husky fancier, you might have already heard about agouti Siberian Huskies. These Huskies are said to resemble wild wolves better than the other types of Huskies!
Having said so, you might have wondered if these Siberian Huskies also behave like one. Are they different from the domesticated Huskies that we know, and are they dangerous?
If you want to know more about agouti Huskies, you should continue reading this guide.
Included in this article are discussions about the agouti Husky characteristics, temperament, genetics, health predispositions, and puppy prices. Buckle up and read on!
What Is an Agouti Siberian Husky? What Does “Agouti” Mean in Huskies?
This might surprise you but agouti is not another type of Husky. It is often referred to as the wild-type coloring as it is commonly observed on wild animals such as wolves, rabbits, and rodents.
An agouti Siberian Husky exhibits a rare coloration that is characterized by multiple banded hair strands, cream light markings instead of white, and darker markings on the tail and face. Nevertheless, agouti is one of the standard coat colors of Siberian Huskies as per kennel club breed standard.
Each respective hair strand of an agouti Husky is banded which means that the color changes from the root to the tip.
Usually, the pattern of banding is black at the base, light color in the stem (cream, tan, and red), and then back to being black for the hair tip. This gives the coat a striped appearance.
Unlike the other Husky colors and patterns, agouti Huskies have cream-colored light markings instead of white. Their mask and tail colors are also darker compared to other coat colors.
It is worth taking note that most agouti Huskies are born from the lineage of working and racing lines rather than the show lines.
It is because, for years, most Huskies that are bred for conformation shows exhibit only pure white markings so the agouti trait was not passed down.
What Is the Difference Between an Agouti Husky and Other Huskies?
As mentioned earlier, the agouti Husky is not another type or breed but a coat color variation. In general, the agouti Husky is pretty much like the other Huskies in terms of build.
The only significant difference between an agouti Siberian and their other colored cousins lies in their distinct coat color.
Since they are commonly born from the racing and working lines, they manifest a “dirty coloration” which is undesirable in the show ring.
They exhibit cream markings instead of white as well as a darker facial color compared to other Husky coat variations.
Are Agouti Siberian Huskies Purebred?
Agouti Siberian Huskies are purebred. The rare and unusual coat color is not a product of crossbreeding or mutation. It has something to do with genetics which dictates the total appearance of the dog.
However, you should be cautious when buying an agouti Husky as other crossbreeds also exhibit such coat colors.
A great example is the Alaskan Husky, which results from crossbreeding a Siberian Husky, a German Shorthaired Pointer, and a Greyhound.
To ensure that the agouti Husky you are buying is purebred, you should ask for the pedigree or AKC registration of the dog. You can trace its lineage through the use of the said documents.
Agouti Siberian Husky Appearance: What Does an Agouti Husky Look Like?
The agouti Husky sports an appearance that closely resembles a wolf due to the wild-type coloring gene.
They have cream-colored light markings rather than stark white pigment while their face and tail are darker compared to other Huskies.
If you look closely at the coat of an agouti Husky, you will notice that the hair strands are banded.
The color of the root, midsection, and tips of the strands change in a dark-light-dark pattern. This gives off the striped appearance of the coat.
While it is typical for Huskies to have charming and piercing blue eyes, agouti Huskies usually have brown eyes.
This only strengthens their resemblance to wolves which commonly have brown, grey, green, yellow, and orange eye colors. Their ears are also triangular in shape and pointy.
An agouti Husky’s growth is pretty much similar to other Huskies. The male’s height ranges from 21 to 23.5 inches tall and weighs between 45 and 60 pounds.
Meanwhile, the female agouti Husky stands from 20 to 22 inches and weighs 35 to 50 pounds.
Agouti Siberian Husky Color Genetics: What Makes Them Exhibit the Agouti Coloration?
Genetics is the prime factor affecting the appearance of any dog. The coat color and markings vary depending on the types of dominant genes a dog has inherited.
In this section, I’m going to share how agouti Huskies get their coat color through color genetics in the most non-technical way possible.
In general, there are two basic pigments in the body (of any dog) that are produced by the cells called melanocytes. These pigments are black (eumelanin) and red (pheomelanin).
Now, you might wonder, how come there are red, white, and gray Husky if only two basic colors are produced by the body? That’s where the genes enter the show ring!
There are specific genes that regulate and affect the production of the pigments — black and red — in the body. They either block, dilute, or intensify the production of pigments which results in varying colors.
When regulated by a specific gene, the eumelanin (black) can turn into gray, silver, brown, or blue. The pheomelanin (red), on the other hand, can change into shades of tan, yellow, and cream.
The genes are also responsible for the coat markings and patterns. There are specific genes that produce patches, streaks of colors (brindling), banded hairs, and facial masks.
In the case of agouti Husky, the acting gene is called “agouti.” It regulates the distribution of eumelanin and pheomelanin for every single strand. Thus, creating a banded or multicolored fur.
The agouti gene has four forms: fawn sable allele (Ay), wild type allele (aw), black and tan allele (at), and the recessive black allele (a).
The wolf-like coating of agouti Husky is a result of the wild-type allele which is also called the wolf-sable allele.
The coat of agouti Husky is different from dogs with brindle coats. The brindle pattern is irregular streaks of colors against the coat background.
The agouti, as mentioned earlier, are layers of pigments on the hair strand itself.
Do Agouti Siberian Husky Puppies Change Color as They Grow?
Just like solid-colored Huskies, agouti Husky puppies also change color as they grow. They might exhibit a darker toned coat color during their puppyhood, which will sooner lighten up as they grow and mature.
This means that you should expect your pooch to transform into another shade as it grows old.
Breeders and fanciers also noticed that an agouti Husky’s coat is affected by the seasons. Agouti Huskies tend to change color when they shed as well as when their fur is exposed to too much sunlight.
The markings on an agouti puppy’s coat will also undergo a transition as it matures.
The mask or patches in the body could become lighter as they grow or even disappear totally. Genetics has a lot to say about the color changes on agouti Huskies.
Are Agouti Siberian Huskies Rare?
Agouti Siberian Huskies, just like solid white Huskies, are considered to be rare. You won’t easily find this kind of Husky on typical show quality Husky breeders as the lineage of their dogs usually sports pure white markings.
Most, if not all agouti Huskies are born from the working and racing bloodlines since conformity is not the priority for such a group but rather performance.
If you are interested in buying an agouti Husky, you should contact breeders specializing in the coat color or ask breeders of working line Huskies.
Are Agouti Siberian Huskies Recognized by AKC and Other Kennel Organizations?
Agouti Siberian Huskies are purebred dogs. Their coloration is one of the standard colors for the Siberian Husky dog breed that is recognized in the standards set by the American Kennel Club (AKC), Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), United Kennel Club (UKC), and Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI).
This means that breeders and owners of agouti Huskies can have their dogs be registered, and they can also have them participate in conformation shows sponsored by any of the major kennel clubs. However, it is very unusual for agouti Huskies to perform in the show rings.
Usually, Huskies that exhibit the clean white coat are more favored and considered more desirable compared to agouti Siberian Huskies because of their seeming dirty looks.
Agouti Siberian Husky Temperament: Are Agouti Huskies Dangerous?
Upon hearing that agouti Huskies greatly resemble wild wolves, you might be wondering if they also have similar wild and aggressive behavior. Well, worry not because that is not the case.
Despite their intimidating appearance, agouti Siberians are just like the other Huskies in terms of behavior and temperament. These Huskies are intelligent, friendly, and always alert.
They are good guards yet they are not too aggressive towards strangers and other dogs.
You will be surprised that a wolf-like pooch can be so affectionate towards its family and strangers. So certainly, agouti Huskies are not dangerous.
Huskies are considered to be (too) energetic and active dogs. This is because they were originally bred to pull sleds on heavy snow.
They are working sled dogs in nature. Thus, they require regular physical activity to burn the energy they have.
Given the fact that most agouti Huskies come from working lines rather than show lines, they can become more energetic and playful than other Huskies.
If you are interested in owning an agouti pup, you should ready yourself to play with it almost all day long. However, agouti Huskies are not recommended for first-time dog owners.
Although they are smart and tame, agouti and the other types of Huskies can become too much for beginners as they require a lot of attention, care, and training.
They could also be stubborn and domineering especially if their owner couldn’t assert authority and dominance.
Agouti Siberian Husky Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Agouti Huskies Healthy Dogs?
The life expectancy of agouti Siberian Huskies ranges from 12 to 14 years. It is said that female Huskies tend to outlive their male counterparts.
However, the life span of each agouti Husky is greatly influenced by their health, lifestyle, and genetic predisposition.
Huskies can become obese or underweight if their nutrition and lifestyle are not given ample attention. These growth conditions, when left unattended, could lead to far more serious health complications.
Here are the other common health issues for agouti Siberian Huskies:
Cataracts: This is one of the most common eye problems in any canine breed. Most agouti Siberian Husky adults suffer this untreatable condition which leads to blindness. Although they are more common on older Huskies, cataracts typically start at the age of six to twelve months of a Husky’s life. To keep your Husky safe from this crippling disease, you should have your dog’s eyes checked by a veterinarian regularly.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: This eye-related illness leads to the deterioration of the retina. Just like cataracts, this condition could lead to permanent blindness if not given the required preventive measures.
Hypothyroidism: This condition occurs when the thyroid gland functions abnormally. When the production of thyroid hormones is at an abnormal rate, the metabolic processes are affected. Agouti Huskies with this condition may experience weight gain, loss of appetite, and fur loss.
Hip Dysplasia: Hip dysplasia is a common disease for Siberian Huskies. It is characterized by the abnormal formation of the hip socket that can cause lameness and arthritis on joints. This disease is genetic and can be inherited.
Zinc Deficiency: An agouti Husky that suffers zinc deficiency may experience hair loss in the elbows, feet, lips, and chin. Zinc supplements can help in replenishing the zinc in the body which could alleviate the symptoms. Consulting a veterinarian should be done first before proceeding to medication.
If your dog manifests any of the symptoms I discussed for each condition, contact the vet immediately.
How Much Does an Agouti Siberian Husky Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
When it comes to the value of an agouti Husky, the canine community has differing views.
Due to its rarity, some breeders consider agouti Huskies as valuable; therefore, they charge a higher fee. Others, on the other hand, consider their dirty looks undesirable for conformation shows. Thus they sell them at a lower price.
Nonetheless, the average cost of an agouti Husky puppy is between $1,000 and $3,000 which could even go higher depending on the lineage, breeder’s reputation, and health condition.
For the initial puppy expenses, expect to cash out at least a few hundred bucks for the essential things.
Food, treats, toys, beddings, grooming kits, and cleaning materials are just a few of the puppy starter packs which you should consider buying.
You can also refer to our blog post on Siberian Husky puppy prices and expenses for a detailed breakdown of the expenses.
Places to Find Agouti Siberian Husky Puppies for Sale or Adoption
Finding an agouti Husky can be quite challenging due to its rarity. However, fret not because there are dedicated and reputable places where you can find an agouti Husky for sale.
Here are some breeders where you can buy an agouti Husky:
AKC Marketplace – The American Kennel Club manages an online marketplace where reputable canine breeders across the country can advertise and sell their litters. You can easily find a reputable agouti Husky breeder on their website. It is guaranteed that all of the puppies sold on the AKC Marketplace platform are registered with the kennel club.
Burnsberg Kennels – Located in Michigan, the Burnsberg Kennels is dedicated to producing top-of-the-line Siberian Husky. They have a spacious kennel facility where they breed and train their Huskies. Occasionally, their litters produce agouti Siberian Husky puppies as well as solid white puppies.
Novel Siberians – Novel Siberians have been breeding quality Siberian Huskies since 2014. In the past years, they have already successfully produced and bred agouti Huskies as well as other varieties of coat colors including the rare ones.
Just like what I always tell aspiring pet owners, it is always better to adopt instead of buying from breeders. Although agouti Huskies are highly-priced, some still end up in rescue and shelters for various reasons.
If you are not after show quality and lineage, consider adopting an agouti Siberian Husky from rescue centers.
Here are some of the reputable rescue centers where you can possibly find an agouti Siberian Husky:
Siberian Husky Club of America (SHCA) Trust Rescue – The parent organization of all Siberian Husky clubs in America has listed and scrutinized the recognized rescue entities across the US. You can find the nearest shelter or rescue in your area through their directory.
Forever Husky – Based in Illinois, this non-profit organization makes an effort to save and rehome abandoned Siberian Huskies. They are also responsible for educating their community about responsible pet ownership.
Delaware Valley Siberian Husky Rescue (DVSHR) – DVSHR has been rescuing abandoned Siberian Huskies since 1995. They rescue Siberian Huskies regardless of coat coloring, gender, and age. Try your luck and you might find an agouti Husky ready for adoption in DVSHR.
These are just some of the rescues where you can find and adopt an agouti Siberian Husky.
You can read our blog about the 10 best Siberian Husky rescues and see which one is nearest to your location.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Agouti Huskies Friendly?
Agouti Huskies are friendly. They are affectionate and loyal to their family members. Despite their intimidating wolf-like appearance, agouti Huskies are neither aggressive with other dogs nor suspicious of strangers.
However, this does not mean that they are not fit as guard dogs because they are always alert.
What Other Breeds Exhibit the Agouti Coloration?
The wild-type pattern or agouti coloring can also be observed on other dog breeds such as the Wolf Spitz, German Shepherd Dogs, Keeshonds, and Norwegian Elkhounds.
This type of coloration is pretty common to wolves; that’s why it is also called wolf-sable.
Aside from the dog breeds I’ve mentioned, the agouti hair color can also be exhibited by other animals such as rabbits, horses, wild canids, and the namesake itself — the agouti.
What Is the Rarest Color of Siberian Huskies?
Although the agouti coat color is considered rare, it is not the rarest color of Siberian Huskies. Solid white Huskies are still considered to be the rarest and most expensive coat color.
Their snow-white coat gives off an elegant yet piercing appearance. Just like with agouti, the white coloration of white Huskies is caused by a gene.
Final Thoughts
Aside from the rarity of the agouti Huskies and their stunning wolf-like appearance, they are also highly valued because of their loyalty and intelligence.
That’s why it is no wonder why the number of dog owners interested in them is rising each day.
However, owning agouti Huskies and taking care of them is not an easy task. You should be mindful of their necessities and nature.
They are not the breed for novice dog owners. If you are interested in owning one, you should make an effort to learn about the breed and train yourself.
Lastly, if you are not after the lineage or show quality, you might as well consider adopting instead of buying. The number of homeless dogs in the US is increasing at an alarming rate.
Nonetheless, the Siberian Huskies, rescued or bought, are amazing dogs that could serve as perfect house companions.
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