Kugsha
12-14 yrs
60-110 lbs
20-27"
United States

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Kugsha

60-110 lbs

20-27"

United States

Amerindian Malamute, American Husky

As they are not recognized by any national or international Kennel Club, information on the Kugsha, also known as the Amerindian Malamute, is fairly limited. They are a Spitz-type dog with an exceptionally wolf-life look thanks to their head shape, size, color, and coat. Unsurprisingly, like similar-looking breeds, they were developed to be working dogs, largely used as weight-pullers because of their strength and high-spirited nature, but also sometimes kept as watch and guard dogs because of their strong command of their space and their intimidating-looking features (and sometimes demeanor). Kugshas are an exceptionally intelligent breed and therefore require a highly-experienced owner to train and socialize them, which should ideally start at a very early age to get the best of their potential behavior. Although they are only moderately social, getting along with other dogs fairly well, they form very strong bonds with their families and have the potential to develop separation anxiety which can turn them destructive if left unresolved. They are mildly affectionate and playful but do thoroughly enjoy getting extended exercise, especially if they are able to run and smell freely in an open area such as a dog park or yard. Because of their size, difficulty of training, and sometimes touchy temperaments, they are still mostly employed as working dogs and have yet to make any significant transition into that of companion animals.

                
                Purpose
              
Working, Watchdog, Guard Dog

                Date of Origin
              
Unknown

                Ancestry
              
Wolf, Malamute

Kugsha Health

Average Size

Height: 20-27 inches Weight: 60-110 lbs

Major Concerns

Hip And Elbow Dysplasia

Minor Concerns

Patellar Luxation
Arthritis

Occasional Diagnoses

Bloat

Occasional Tests

X-Rays
Physical Examination

Kugsha Breed History

Because of their lack of recognition and limited documented history, it's difficult to discern the exact timeline of the Kugsha. What information does exist indicates that the breed was developed at Wolfen Kennels in Pennsylvania by Kuhlwind, Gordon Smith, and Habben, parts of each name combining to form the acronym Kugsha, after the name American Husky failed to generate any real interest. Their lineage largely seems to be part wolf and part malamute-type, producing a strong but somewhat sensitive breed that takes a considerable amount of experience to work with in any meaningful capacity. The development of the breed largely seemed to be aimed at creating a good, strong, working breed with a high-spirited attitude that would help it persevere in harsh weather and during difficult work. While they undoubtedly turned out to be just that, their temperaments can still be quite touchy, which is likely why they haven't made any significant advances in becoming widespread as either a working breed or as companion animals. Because of their stunted expansion of use, breeding, and adoption, they are considered a very rare breed and are generally only kept as strictly working dogs or by that of enthusiasts who spend a considerable amount of time and energy in keeping them. However, these types may be the only reason the breed has survived to date in large enough numbers to continue breeding, and as Kugshas develop and gain exposure, may have more potential to reach the status of other wolf-like breeds who have gained popularity in recent years.

Kugsha Breed Appearance

Kugshas are undeniably wolf-like between their distinct head, size, shape, coat and color. They are large dogs, standing between 20 and 27 inches tall at the withers and sometimes weighing over 100 pounds. Their heads are relatively large but proportionate to their body size with a broad, moderately rounded skull and a slightly tapering muzzle that is nearly the length of the skull itself, separated by a moderate stop. Their eyes are almond-shaped and set slightly oblique, adding to their wolf-like look, as is their pair of fuzzy, erect, triangular ears. Their necks are medium length, muscular, and are adorned with additional hair length, eventually descending into an even topline. Their front legs are straight and incredibly sturdy, built with thick bones and separated by a deep, well-developed chest. Their shoulders are also well-developed but are often masked by the excess fur from the neck. The hindquarters are well-angulated and are well-muscled, especially in the thigh. Their tails are long and bushy, most often carried down. Their coats are dual-layered, long, and dense, coming in shades of brown, black, gray, fawn, and white, combining to create their wolf-like look.

Eye Color Possibilities

Hazel

Brown

Amber

Nose Color Possibilities

Black

Coat Color Possibilities

Black

Gray

Brown

Cream

Fawn

White

Coat Length

Short Medium Long

Coat Density

Sparse Normal Dense

Coat Texture

Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Kugsha Breed Maintenance

Kugshas take a moderate amount of maintenance as although they are only mild shedders unless in high season, still take a fair amount of bushing to keep their coat clean and clear of loose hair and dirt and free of matting. A firm bristle brush or slicker should do the trick a few times a week, although a dematter can also be used if problematic areas arise. They do not need frequent bathing unless they get into something exceptionally smelly or dirty and usually need a bath only every few months but otherwise maintain their coats well on their own. Otherwise, they just need to have their nails checked and trimmed regularly to prevent painful cracks or breaks. Because of their high intake of food, their teeth should be brushed at least weekly to help them maintain good oral health.

Brushes for Kugsha

Slicker Brush

Dematter

Nail Clipper

Brushing Frequency

Daily Weekly Monthly

Kugsha Temperament

While Kugshas are known to be an exceptionally hardy and hardworking breed, they are surprisingly sensitive and not only need a significant amount of exercise but also attention, and are prone to developing separation anxiety if left alone for too long. If they are, and the issue goes unresolved, they tend to turn destructive out of boredom or frustration, even if they are well-trained, which is a matter in itself. They are highly-intelligent and can therefore be quite stubborn unless trained early on by an experienced trainer who is capable of being patient, firm, and consistent. Socialization is also extremely important, as although they generally get on well with other dogs, do not always do well with small children because of their prey drive unless raised with them from an early age. They do, however, make excellent watch and guard dogs as they are wary of strangers and will assert themselves if they feel a threat is present and will alert their owners with a convincing bark if need be. But all of this is not to say that they can't be good companion animals as well, even if they've not made a big transition into that role in any major capacity. If properly trained and socialized early on, they are an eager to please, loyal and affectionate breed with their families and are a decent choice for older, more active families. Because of their high energy requirements, they are not suited for apartment life or inactive families. Due to their heavy double coats, they also do not do well in hot and humid climates.

Kugsha Activity Requirements

Kugshas are considered a high energy breed and for good reason. Bred and trained to work for most of their early existence, this breed has excellent endurance and muscle mass, which, along with their spirited nature, requires a considerable amount of exercise daily to keep them happy and healthy. They appreciate having a wide open space to run and generally do much better with families with big homes, big yards, and lots of space to tromp around and explore. Because of their potential aggression issues, socialization is of the utmost importance if they are to frequent dog parks, and even on walks need to be watched if approached by a stranger who is unaware of how to handle dogs instead of just reaching out and petting them. They will, however, be decent leash runners/joggers/walkers if well-trained, which will help to tire them out. Their high intelligence also demands at least some attention, so any games or tricks that can stimulate them mentally will also go a long way in exhausting them into their best behavior.

Activity Level

                  Low
                  Medium
                  High
                
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
16 miles

Minutes of Activity Per Day
70 minutes

Similar Maintenance Breeds to Kugsha

Similarly Sized Breeds to Kugsha

Kugsha Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
4 cups
Daily Cost
$1.50 - $2.00
Monthly Cost
$45.00 - $60.00

Kugsha Height & Weight

6 Months

                  Height: 16.5 inches
                  Weight: 61.5 lbs
                
                  Height: 16.5 inches
                  Weight: 61.5 lbs
                
12 Months

                  Height: 20.0 inches
                  Weight: 73.5 lbs
                
                  Height: 20.0 inches
                  Weight: 73.5 lbs
                
18 Months

                  Height: 23.5 inches
                  Weight: 85.0 lbs
                
                  Height: 23.5 inches
                  Weight: 85.0 lbs

Written by a Puggle lover Jonathan Powell

Published: 03/16/2018, edited: 02/24/2021

Kugsha Owner Experiences

Yukon

9 Years

2 People

House & Yard

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

Riing in the car

So intelligent … lovable.. protective… friendly…. Talks… watches television and talks to it… hysterical..!!

3 years, 3 months ago

Baron

2 Years

1 People

House & Yard

Health

Grooming

Friendliness

Energy

Trainability

Pastimes

running,

swimming

He's just the best pal I have. He is quite smart. For example, he once prevented a fire by ripping down a burning curtain(he's unhurt ). My wife got him for me on my birthday before we moved to our new home.

4 years, 8 months ago

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