Male Vs Female Husky Coats

The Siberian Husky is a breed of dog that comes in a variety of colours and patterns, and both male and female dogs can display any of these colour variations. The colour of a dog's coat is determined by its genetics, and the same genes that control coat colour can also influence other developmental processes, such as the development of vision or hearing.

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognises all colours of the Siberian Husky, and there is no disqualification for colour, so long as it is not that of another breed. The standard coat combination is white and agouti, black, grey, red or sable, but they also come in other colours too, including jet black, copper, light red, silver grey, and brown.

The genetics of coat colours and patterns

The E locus (MC1R gene) codes for a receptor protein that signals when a pigment cell should make black/brown (eumelanin) or red (pheomelanin) pigment. Mutations in this gene can increase, decrease, or prevent eumelanin production in the coat. The alleles at this gene found in Siberians include Em (Melanistic Mask), which increases eumelanin and results in a black or brown mask on the face; E (wildtype), which results in an average amount of eumelanin; eA (ancient red or domino), which decreases eumelanin and increases pheomelanin on the face and undercoat; and e1 and e3 (recessive red), which result in a cream to white coat.

The A locus (ASIP gene) codes for a signalling protein that interacts with the MC1R receptor to disrupt eumelanin and stimulate pheomelanin production. The alleles at this gene found in Siberians include DY (dominant yellow), which results in a mostly pheomelanin coat with very little eumelanin; SY (shaded yellow), which has more black tipping than DY; AG (agouti), which has a banded yellow and black coat; BS (black saddle), which is born with more eumelanin but recedes to cover only the back area as the pheomelanin increases; BB (black back), which has a black back with tan points; and a (recessive black), which results in a solid black coat.

The K locus (CBD103 gene) is also known as dominant black and codes for a β-defensin protein that plays a role in innate immunity and wound healing. The KB allele causes increased expression of black pigment and usually results in a solid black coat, while the ky allele does not interfere with ASIP binding.

The B locus (TYRP1 gene) codes for an enzyme that converts brown into black pigment. Null mutations in this gene result in brown eumelanin. The B allele allows the normal production of black eumelanin, while the b allele is a null mutation that prevents the conversion of brown into black pigment.

The I locus (MFSD12 gene) is involved in pheomelanin intensity, which ranges from red to cream to white. The dominant I allele is not common in Siberians, as most are homozygous ii at this gene, resulting in white/cream pheomelanin.

The piebald or white spotting phenotype is due to a defective transcription factor made by the S (MITF) gene, which regulates pigment cell survival and migration. The piebald phenotype is the result of a defect in pigment cell migration, preventing pigmentation in the white spotted areas.

The D locus (MLPH gene) is involved in the distribution of pigment, with the D allele resulting in even distribution and the d1 allele causing a clumped distribution of pigment in the hair.

Common colours and patterns

Siberian Huskies have a wide variety of coat colours and patterns. The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognises all colours and none will disqualify a pedigreed purebred Siberian Husky from competing in the show ring. The standard coat combination is white and agouti, black, grey, red or sable, but they come in other colours too.

Black

Black Siberian Huskies can appear jet black, matte black or dilute black. Dilute black can appear closer to blue or grey. The black-and-white pattern is one of the most common patterns. The black can vary in intensity and spread, sometimes lightening to the point it appears silver. The black guard hairs may be banded and some white may appear near the roots. The undercoat is a lighter colour than jet black dogs; some buff-coloured hairs may appear.

Grey

The grey colour can be dark "wolf" grey, matte grey or a dilute grey that appears yellowish. The Siberian Husky colour silver is another form of dilute grey. Grey guard hairs are banded with cream or buff tones with black tips. The undercoat has a beige or yellow tone, giving the dog a yellow/grey cast.

White

The white colour can be solid pure white, or white with a yellowish or cream cast. There may also be black guard hairs. Typically, the undercoat is pure white.

Red

The red colour range can span from a dark rusty brownish red to a light, strawberry blonde red. Copper is one form of red. With a red and white colour pattern, there is generally no black in the coat.

Sable

Sable is a colour pattern formed when the undercoat is reddish/copper and the top coat hairs are banded with red nearest the skin and black at the tips. This pattern alternates with white.

Agouti

The agouti marking is also called the "wild" or "wolf-like" marking. The undercoat is dark and the outer coat has multi-coloured hairs. They are dark at the base and tip with a lighter colour in the middle. The overcoat hairs are darker toward the base and lighter toward the tip.

Woolly

The "woolly coat" is slightly longer, thicker and much fluffier than the average coat for a Siberian Husky.

Non-standard colours

While the standard colours for a Siberian Husky are white and agouti, black, grey, red or sable, the breed comes in a variety of shades and patterns. The American Kennel Club recognises all colours and will not disqualify a dog from any show based on its colour.

• Black: a full-body coat without the white belly. The colour is usually dark black, but it can vary from light grey to dark black.
• Black/Grey and White: several shades of grey along with black throughout the coat with various markings on the head.
• Black/Tan and White: similar to the black/grey and white coat, but with shades of tan instead of grey.
• Black and Tan: similar to the black and white version, but with tan replacing white.
• Brown: a full-body colour with no white.
• Brown/Black and White: a mostly brown back with some smaller black spots.
• Brown and White: similar to the black and white Siberian Husky, but with brown pigment replacing the black.
• Copper and White: a red and white coat but with a diluted red colour that takes on a copper appearance.
• Grey and Black: more grey colouring than black, with grey taking the place of the standard white.
• Tan: the tan colour covers the entire body, and there is no white showing in the belly area. This colour is a type of diluted brown.
• Tan and White: the same diluted brown colour as the tan coat, but it includes the white belly.

Health issues associated with certain colours

The Siberian Husky Club of America (SHCA) has identified the "merle" and "brindle" patterns as concerning, suggesting that they may not be true purebred Siberian Huskies. The merle pattern, in particular, has been linked to several health issues, including:

• Eye problems
• Deafness
• Decreased immune system function
• Double Merle, a genetic condition that can cause puppies to be stillborn, blind, deaf, or both

The SHCA does not support the merle pattern due to its association with these health issues. As a result, most breeders recommend avoiding this pattern.

The American Kennel Club's stance

The American Kennel Club (AKC) recognises all colours of the Siberian Husky, from black to pure white. The breed standard specifies that it is quite normal to see a wide variety of visually striking patterns and markings on the head.

The standard Siberian Husky colours are:

• Agouti and White Husky
• Black and White Husky
• Grey and White Husky
• Red and White Husky
• Sable and White Husky

However, the AKC also recognises non-standard colours, which will not disqualify a dog from competing in shows. These include:

• Black
• Black/Grey and White
• Black/Tan and White
• Black and Tan
• Brown
• Brown/Black and White
• Brown and White
• Copper and White
• Grey and Black
• Tan and White

The AKC does not permit merle coat patterns, as these are associated with health issues and impure breeding.

The Siberian Husky is a direct descendant of an ancient Siberian wolf. The modern Siberian Husky can display a variety of different colours and patterns, but these are often similar to the colours and patterns still seen in wild wolves today.

The Siberian Husky is a medium-sized working dog, known for its outgoing and loyal nature. It has a thick double coat of fur that comes in many colours and patterns.

Frequently asked questions