The black Husky is a strikingly beautiful variation of these famous sled dogs. If you want to get a dog with a thick, full, stunning coat, why not get the color you want?
Huskies are becoming increasingly popular, as the dog is beloved for its work ethic, playfulness, and desire to run and have a job to do. The American Kennel Club recognized Huskies in 1930, and during that entry period, black was considered a legitimate coat color (and still is) in Huskies.
How Rare are Full Black Huskies?
One thing you should know: completely black Huskies don’t actually exist! However, you can get a dog that is mostly black. One reason people breed Huskies with Belgian Malinois is to get a more complete black coat color. Like other Huskies, the Husky coat molts two times per year. When that happens, you need to comb your furry companion daily. Because of the black coat color, it can be difficult to spot fleas, ticks, and other bugs, so make sure you keep up to date on flea and tick meds, and check your black Husky’s coat daily.
How Much Do All-Black Huskies Cost?
An American Kennel Club-registered breeder will charge from $1,000 – $2,500 for a black Husky. This is relatively low compared to some other breeds. That said, the yearly cost can be high, especially if you happen to have white clothes or furniture.
The black Husky coat means the dog does not have the piebald gene. They aren’t as common as black and white Huskies, and black Huskies usually have a dab of white somewhere on their body: toes, tummy, chest, chin, or tail tip are common spots for that. Expect to get a black puppy with at least one small spot of white – it is a normal marking even it says “all–black”.
Look out for the quality of breeder when you purchase a black Husky puppy: sometimes unethical breeders will breed for coat color rather than health, knowing that puppies of this color are in demand. Your puppy should have health tested parents, which is something that breeder should do and discuss with you.
How long do black Huskies live and what health problems do they have?
Black Huskies typically live between 12 and 15 years, which is standard for a dog of this size. Common health problems for black Huskies include:
- Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA): PRA describes a group of specific eye issues affecting the retina and photoreceptors. Like humans, dogs have “rods” and “cones” in their eyes, but Huskies often have more rods than there are cones. Huskies likely have more rods as they allow the dog to see in low-light conditions: important if you’re a dog-sledding Husky at night! This also likely derives from the importance of low-light vision for wolves to survive and hunt in the wild. Dogs with PRA usually lose vision in two years or less.
- Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism in dogs like black Huskies can affect the thickness of their coats, in addition to hair, nails, and activity level.
- Cataracts: Huskies can get cataracts, often in one eye before the other. It’s unknown whether this recessive gene is related to the coat color of black Huskies, but it’s possible. Scientists are investigating.
- Corneal Dystrophy: Corneal dystrophy occurs in three types, and it’s pretty common in dogs: when it happens and dogs begin to lose sight this way, their eyes become cloudy.
Your veterinarian should examine your dog’s eyes, hips, and blood to determine whether they have any of these common Husky health concerns.
Common Black Husky Mixes
The black Siberian Husky, black Agouti Husky, and black Alaskan Husky are incredibly sought after as breeding stock for mixed-breed dogs. Usually, breeders look for black Huskies with blue eyes — specifically, healthy blue eyes. Common mixes include:
- Labrador Retriever-Husky mix (very playful with high energy)
- German Shepherd-Husky mix (a hearty and alert dog)
- Husky-Wolf mix (should only be used in specific purposes and conditions; beware legal restrictions for this mix)
- Border Collie-Husky mix (outdoorsy, prone to herding, a strong working dog)
- Pitbull-Husky mix (fiercely loyal and protective, notably a beautiful black coat mix)
- Belgain Malinois-Husky mix (tall, grand, regal, and imposing, this is a popular mix right now)
- Golden Retriever-Husky mix (goofy and fun; constantly playing)
- Pomeranian-Husky Mix (read here)
How much are black Labsky mix puppies? Depending on where you get your puppy, you’re looking at $800 to $1,000 for a healthy dog.
Names for Male and Female Black Huskies
For black Huskies, names can be goofy or impressive: both fit the personality of the dog breed. You can consider the dog’s coat when you name them. For example: Cinder, Coal, Onyx. However, most owners of black Huskies tend to pick names based on other criteria. Names like Jax, Piper, Bandit, Ruby, Kobe, Buddy, Atlas, Bailey, and Roxy are notably common.
Loki is a notoriously common name for black Huskies, as Huskies tend to find trouble and mischief wherever they go!
Black Husky Puppies: What to Expect
These adorable black Husky pups are extremely energetic, adorable, and sometimes has white “socks” on their feet. The term “black Husky” usually refers to a black Siberian Husky, but people will also use the term to identify black Alaskan Malamutes, Alaskan Klee Kai, or any mix of these breeds.
They sometimes like to howl, dig, and chew. This is important to consider when you think about your housing situation with this type of dog. They need plenty of exercise, so it’s best if you have an active lifestyle and a large, fenced-in yard. Lots of people like to get a black Husky to keep their other dogs company. This is because they work and play best when they have another canine companion.
Overall, the coat color does not seem to bring with it any major health or temperamental changes compared to dogs of other coats (this sometimes occurs when dogs are bred for coat color rather than purpose or temperament). As with most Huskies, it’s important to socialize your dog, exercise them, and neuter male dogs as soon as the veterinarian approves.
If you feel that a black Husky puppy might be a good addition to your family, ensure that you have the right expectations: a high-energy dog, a thick coat, a dog needing lots of exercise and play, and a dog that needs a job. Most importantly, you should love the dog for their personality above their looks – but, a black Husky is also a beautiful addition to the right family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can Black Husky puppies change color?
Husky coats are some of the most unpredictable in the entire dog world. Like most dogs, Huskies’ coats can change while they’re puppies, until about a year of age. If you want a puppy that will turn into a black Husky adult, though, you’re in luck: the darker the coat, the easier it is to predict their final color. An all-black pup will become an all-black adult.
The coat restrictions for breed standards are a bit looser with Huskies, because they are primarily designed to work in cold environments. Fortunately, they also make delightful pets when they get enough exercise!
Can black Huskies have blue eyes?
Like most Huskies, black Huskies can have blue or brown eyes. However, heterochromia is incredibly common in Huskies, you could end up with a black Husky with bi-colored or parti-colored eyes — quite beautiful! Black Huskies with blue eyes are another aesthetic that people want and breeders chase. Ensure the quality of the animal and health of the dog’s parents if you’re looking for qualities this specific.