Alaska is not a purebred dog; in fact, the term "Alaskan" refers to a type of dog bred from various North American breeds known for their excellent sled-pulling abilities. Many dog owners are attracted to the appearance of Alaska dogs but are still unsure if this breed is suitable for raising in Vietnam. To learn more, petncute.com invites you to consider the 5 notes below before deciding to adopt this special breed!
6 things to note when raising Alaska dogs in Vietnam
1. Alaska dogs need owners who can be companions
Alaska dogs are known for their beautiful, attractive, and affectionate appearance; they often show love to their owners rather than being "aloof" like "cats." However, this breed is not a common pet due to their energetic nature, being active all day (as they were bred from dogs in North America that enjoy "working" and pulling sleds daily). For this reason, Alaska dogs need an owner who can be an interesting companion, frequently spending time walking, chatting, and cuddling with them. If you are not too busy or can arrange your time scientifically and reasonably, then Alaska dogs are the ideal pet; otherwise, if you don't have much time, you should consider it carefully. If you are looking for a companion to join you on long walks or jogs every morning, Alaska dogs are the most reasonable choice!
2. Alaska dogs need a specialized diet
Alaska dogs are not like other purebred dogs, so their nutritional regimen should be attended to for optimal development. Typically, the diet of this breed needs to be packed with protein, minerals, and a range of essential vitamins, divided into different stages:
Alaska dogs need a specialized diet
1 - In the first 2 months: Owners should divide the dog's meal into smaller servings throughout the day, mainly feeding them rice mixed with minced meat, prioritizing soft and fine foods, and give them warm milk twice a day.
2 - From 3 - 5 months: During this stage, owners can feed Alaska dogs rice mixed with meat, eggs, and dry food as their stomachs start getting accustomed to and enjoying mixed foods. This allows the owner to gradually increase food hardness so that the Alaska dogs can practice chewing and swallowing better. Additionally, to prevent potential gastrointestinal diseases in Alaska dogs, you may supplement them with digestive enzymes.
3 - From 6 months and older: At this stage, owners should reduce the number of meals and increase portion sizes, ensuring the dog gets enough nutrients like calcium, protein, vitamins, and minerals. Alongside, the dog can begin eating harder foods; you can give them animal bones or meat chunks to train their jaws.
For convenience in preparation while still ensuring nutritional standards, owners may "entrust" their faith to petncute.com's fresh pate products. Specifically, two product lines are designed for dogs: Tasty (for dogs over 12 months, including products like Slim Fit Beef, Tight Quail, Slim Fit Chicken, Slim Fit Pork, Swimming Duck) and Protector (for dogs under 12 months, including products like Tiny Beef, Tiny Chicken, Tiny Pork).
3. Alaska dogs prefer cold to heat
As you may know, Alaska dogs are not purebred and originate from a cold climate. With their thick fur, these dogs can thrive in freezing conditions without fear of frostbite. Therefore, this breed is more suitable for regions with cooler climates rather than hot and humid areas like Vietnam. However, that does not mean you cannot raise this breed; as long as the owner pays more attention to their care. Notably, during the summer, you should limit taking Alaska dogs outside to prevent the risk of heatstroke or heat shock!
4. The cost of raising Alaska dogs is not small
The price for an Alaska dog in Vietnam is not cheap, ranging around 15 million VND and varies depending on the origin and appearance. Besides the cost of buying an Alaska dog, owners must also pay for feeding and caring expenses. Additionally, Alaska dogs are also considered a breed that eats a lot and vigorously, so owners need to provide sufficient meat for comprehensive development, especially muscle development. Furthermore, you also need to cover a multitude of other costs like dog care accessories, medical expenses, etc. Therefore, you should calculate in advance and make sure you are financially comfortable before deciding to adopt this breed to avoid "unmet expectations."
The cost of raising Alaska dogs is not small
5. Alaska dogs tend to shed fur
Alaska dogs are a breed with a very thick double coat, consisting of a thick, coarse outer layer and an inner layer of short, soft, and thin fur. Typically, this breed sheds fur year-round and particularly sheds its entire coat twice a year during the spring and fall. Due to their long and abundant fur, they do not shed individual strands like other dogs but rather shed in large clumps that scatter throughout the corners of your home. Therefore, owners must ensure they are diligent and have enough time to comb the Alaska dog’s fur daily, as well as invest in a vacuum cleaner to keep the house tidy.
Above are the 6 notes when raising Alaska dogs in Vietnam that owners should know before deciding to "acquire" a cute, lovely puppy. petncute.com hopes these shares will provide you with more wonderful experiences, and don't forget to read our future articles!