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Kugsha – The Ultimate Guide To The Amerindian Malamute

Written by: Kristina Lalovic
Kugsha dog, also known as Amerindian Malamute or American Husky, is a very intelligent wolf-like dog breed. In this article, you will find all info on rare Kugsha.

Kugsha dog, also known as the Amerindian Malamute, is a dog breed with an a little known history.

We do know how they got their name and what were they originally bred for, but a lot of facts are still missing.

Is this dog breed for everyone? Can it adapt to apartment living or be affectionate with children?

Let’s find out more about this wolf-like breed before jumping to conclusions.

Quick Facts

Real name: Kugsha
Other names: Amerindian Malamute, American Husky
Origin: Pennsylvania, USA
Breed type: Working dog
Weight: 27-50 kg (60-110 lbs)
Height: 50-68 cm (20-27 in)
Lifespan: 12 – 14 years
Color: Brown, Black, Gray, Fawn, White
Coat: Medium-lenght, Dense, and Brittle

Kugsha History

Originally, Kugsha dogs were bred to be working dogs that helped their human companions in weight-pulling and sled-pulling.

With time, more and more people started using them as watchdogs rather than working dogs due to their high-spirited nature and sense of protectiveness.

This rare wolf-hybrid breed was bred in Pennsylvania at Wolfen Kennels.

The breeder named it the American Husky at first, but the name didn’t go very well.

So, they combined the names of Wolfen Kennels: Kuhlwind, Gordon Smith and Habben, and formed the acronym Kugsha which is now the main name of this breed.

There is not enough evidence to define their origins precisely, but their genes seem to come partly from wolves, as well as malamute-type breeds.

These traits are what make Kugsha dogs very hard-working animals that require high levels of activity each day.

Being a northern dog breed, Amerindian Malamutes love cold weather and can bear harsh climate conditions pretty well.

Kugsha Physical Appearance

Apart from the obvious resemblance to the wolf and wolfdogs, Kugsha dogs also have some physical traits similar to huskies.

They are bigger and larger than a Siberian Husky but are still smaller than most Alaskan Malamutes.

Pro tip: Whenever you are in doubt about which breed is for you, double-check all the facts on breeds, compare them, and then decide which breed fits your lifestyle the best

What sets these large dogs apart is their distinct head, size, shape, and coat.

Their body is well-developed and muscle, especially in the chest and thighs which makes them great working dogs for heavyweight pulling.

Kugsha dogs have also quite big, but still proportionate heads with almond-shaped eyes and a black, slightly pointed muzzle.

Their ears are triangular and erect which makes them resemble their wolf cousins even more.

American Huskies will have long tails that will likely be carried down. They will reach easily a height of 27 inches and can sometimes even exceed the weight of 100 pounds.

A Kugsha dog has a double-layer coat that is dense, medium-long, and brittle.

Most of these dogs will come in shades of brown, black, gray, fawn, and white, all the colors that we’re used to seeing in wolves.

Kugsha Temperament And Personality

So far we saw that a Kugsha dog has a pretty much wolf-like appearance and a wolf-hybrid history.

Would this dog make a good choice for your home? It will most likely depend on the temperament and personality of this dog breed you are about to learn more about.

Most breeds that are considered working dogs usually have a high-spirited, intelligent nature that can make them quite inconvenient for first-time owners.

Why? Well, these dogs will have a strong personality and a great sense of independence and won’t easily let you be the master, but rather their equal pal.

Kugsha dogs can be very affectionate towards their family members if well-trained. However, their personality comes with a surprise.

Despite their high sense of independence, these dogs hate being left alone and can easily cause a mess if left for too long.

It is very advisable to always bring him with you or at least have someone always around so that he doesn’t feel abandoned.

In order to keep their temperament in balance and adapt them better to your family members, early socialization is crucial.

They will likely accept better other dog breeds than unknown people. Kugsha dogs are not highly social, so leaving strangers unattended in their presence is not the best idea.

Kugsha Grooming

Kugsha dogs have double-coated, dense fur that needs to be brushed at least 2-3 times a week.

Maintaining your Kugsha’s fur clean and smooth won’t be very demanding as they will also shed only mildly.

In most cases, using a firm brush should usually be just enough.

Due to their straight, brittle coat, Kugsha dogs are fairly clean dogs that don’t require frequent bathing.

Shampooing may only be necessary if they get into something really dirty, otherwise, you should bathe them only every few months.

Their nails should be regularly trimmed and their teeth should be brushed every week.

Proper oral hygiene maintenance is necessary as with any other large-sized dog breeds, because of their high daily food intake.

Kugsha Training

An Amerindian Malamute is a highly intelligent dog that will quickly pick up on new commands and will surprise you with his eagerness to learn. However, their intelligence comes with a price as they can be very demanding.

To tame their intelligence, you will need to train a Kugsha puppy earlier than you would start training an average pup and provide enough regular exercise.

This means that early socialization with people and kids is necessary. When well-socialized, a Kugsha dog can be a very sensitive, affectionate pup that can become your family’s all-time best friend.

Nonetheless, strangers should be discouraged from petting Kugsha dogs, as they do not enjoy having too much contact with unknown people and can easily be intimidated.

Kugshas can also develop destructive habits because of their prey drive. This can be treated with a good, early approach to your Kugsha puppy.

Encourage games and let your puppy play with your kids, and try to avoid situations in which your dog can run after small animals.

Buy a lot of toys and play hide and seek with your pup, and this way you will keep him busy without risking finding hunted squirrels in your yard.

Kugsha Exercise Needs

Endurance is one of the most prominent traits of this breed. That is why Kugshas will be very demanding when it comes to exercise if they are not involved in hard-working activities they can easily withstand.

They need a high level of daily activities to stay physically fit and mentally challenged.

Kugsha will need at least 70 minutes of daily exercise to feel their best.

A big yard or a close, wide open space is also a big plus when choosing a Kugsha, as leaving them alone can result in separation anxiety and lead to unnecessary mess and damage around and in the house.

This is definitely not the best breed to choose if living in an apartment.

If well trained, they could be great companions for running, jogging, and walking.

Regular and exhausting physical activities will ensure a Kugsha will behave their best and stay stimulated mentally.

Kugsha Health And Longevity

Kugsha dogs are known to be a healthy breed. However, they can sometimes develop health issues commonly found in large-sized dogs such as hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, or arthritis.

Amerindian malamutes tend to have a long lifespan that can reach from 12 to 14 years.

No matter their great genes, regular checkups at the vet will be required as in any other dog breed.

How much do Kugsha puppies cost? Getting Kugsha puppies from responsible breeders can cost around $1,000.

Conclusion – Things To Know Before Buying A Kugsha Dog

Kugsha dogs are hard-working, intelligent dogs that are fast learners and good guardians. They are very independent but do not like to be left alone.

Owning this wolf-looking dog can be quite demanding. Kugsha dogs are best tempered when living in an active environment full of physical and mental challenges.

Homes with wide, open spaces as well as large yards will make handling a Kugsha dog’s spirit much easier.

Are experienced with dogs, love to spend your time outdoors, and are capable of providing your dog with enough exercise and space? Then Kugsha is a great option for you.

If you’re seeking a dog that enjoys cuddles and loves staying indoors with you without requiring too much exercise, then you might want to check other breeds.

Also, if you’re away from home for longer periods, Kugsha is not a good choice for you.

Rather, look at these dogs that enjoy having some alone time.