Northern Inuit and husky are two related dog breeds developed by cross-breeding husky and other certain breeds.
The two are similar in appearance and many people have not been able to distinguish them from one another.
Both were used as sled dogs and good companions to family hence mostly kept as pets by many people.
So, what is the main difference between Northern Inuit and husky? Northern Inuit are larger and have a more wolf-like appearance while huskies are comparatively smaller.
This article will give you differences between Northern Inuit dogs and huskies in tabular form and you will also get to learn about the similarities between the two.
Comparison Table (Northern Inuit vs. Husky)
| Basic Terms | Northern Inuit | Husky |
| Size | They are larger in body size. | They are comparatively smaller in body size. |
| Origin | The first appeared in Arctic areas and later cross-bred with huskies along with some other breeds. | They were first spotted in Siberia. |
| Weight | They weigh between 27 to 45 kg. | They weigh between 16 to 27 kg. |
| Uses | They are used as sled dogs, hunting, and family companions. | They are used as sled dogs and family companions. |
| Eyes | They have dark, almond-shaped eyes. | They have brown, blue, or particolored almond-shaped eyes. |
| Coat color | A combination of the black and white coat is common. | Their coats are in a range of colors from white to black. |
| Coat texture | They have a heavy undercoat and a long outer coat. | They have a soft and dense undercoat with a straight and medium-length outer coat. |
| Training | They need firm training. | They are comparatively easier to train. |
| Lifespan | They live between 12 to 14 years. | They live between 11 to 13 years. |
What is Northern Inuit?
Northern Inuit dogs originated from the Arctic region. It first appeared among the Inuit people who lived in America, Canada, and Greenland.
The Inuit people believed that the dog came as a result of crossbreed with wolves’ family as the dogs used to work for long hours although they would live as a family pet, unlike the wolves.
Their wolf-like face appearance came as a result of this crossbreed. The Inuit people had that thought which was not the fact.
However, the dogs were developed in the UK by cross-breeding Siberian huskies with malamutes along with the German shepherds. The intention was to create a dog that looks like a wolf.
Despite their wolf-like appearance, they are friendly to human beings and are less aggressive towards strangers.
They are highly intelligent and need firm training. They are loyal to the family members and they always try to create a strong bond with the family members.
They need daily exercise as they are a very active breed hence it needs to use the energy that it posses. They mostly appear in a combination of black and white color.
What is Husky?
Husky originated from Siberia. However, it is believed that Chukchi people of North Eastern Asia were the original breeders of these dogs.
In the beginning, they were used as sled dogs as they needed only a little food and they were able to tolerate cold conditions.
It was also used in search and rescue activities during the Second World War hence it was mainly used in military units.
At present they are the most companion dogs with humans although they are still used as sled dogs in Northern Hemisphere.
They have a medium-length dense double coat. The base coat color varies from black to white. The chest and legs are usually white in color.
It is medium-sized and has dense fur. It also has bushy tails and is sickle-shaped when it is erect. Their eyes are almond in shape and are available in blue, brown, or odd-eyed.
Main Differences between Northern Inuit and Husky
- Northern Inuit dog is larger while husky is comparatively smaller.
- Northern Inuit originated from arctic regions while husky originated from Siberia.
- Northern Inuit was used as sled dogs, hunting, and family companion while husky was used as a sled dog and family companion.
- Northern Inuit weighs between 27 to 45 kg while husky weighs between 16 to 25 kg.
- Northern Inuit have dark, almond-shaped eyes while husky have blue, brown, or odd eyes.
- Northern Inuit mostly appear in a combination of black and white color while husky ranges from white to black.
- Northern Inuit have heavy undercoats and long outer coats while huskies have soft and dense undercoats and straight and medium-length outer coats.
Similarities between Northern Inuit and Husky
- They both have undercoats.
- Both were used as sled dogs.
- Both have almond-shaped eyes.
- Both are friendly to children and human beings.
- Both need exercises.
Conclusion
Northern Inuit and husky are dog breeds that came as a result of crossbreed. They were both used as sled dogs and are friendly to children and humans.
The main difference between Northern Inuit and husky is that Northern Inuit is larger in body size and originated from Arctic regions while husky is comparatively smaller in body size and originated from Siberia.
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