The American Husky Mix: A Complete Guide to Ownership

Author

Posted Oct 12, 2024

Reads 181

From above of grass with colorful American flag with red and white stripes representing diligence and valor and many stars on blue rectangle
Credit: pexels.com, From above of grass with colorful American flag with red and white stripes representing diligence and valor and many stars on blue rectangle

The American Husky Mix is a unique and lovable breed that's perfect for active families or individuals. They're a cross between an Alaskan Husky and an American Eskimo Dog, resulting in a dog that's both intelligent and energetic.

These dogs typically weigh between 40-60 pounds and stand between 20-24 inches tall at the shoulder. Their thick double coat requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling.

Their high energy levels mean they need plenty of exercise to stay happy and healthy. Aim for at least an hour of physical activity per day, such as running, hiking, or playing fetch.

Their intelligence and trainability make them a great choice for first-time dog owners, but they can be stubborn at times and require consistent training and socialization.

Huskimo Temperament & Intelligence

Huskimo dogs are social and energetic, inheriting these traits from their parents, the Siberian Husky and American Eskimo.

These dogs are hard-working, intelligent, and loyal, making them a joy to be around.

Credit: youtube.com, 9 Husky Mix Breeds | Siberian Husky Cross Breeds

To keep them happy and engaged, you need to keep them busy, as they can get bored quickly when left alone.

They love to please and make their owners happy, which is why early training is so important - it shows them leadership and helps them understand what's expected.

If well trained, Huskimo dogs are unlikely to become antisocial or uncooperative.

They're also not aggressive, making them excellent human companions.

Family & Lifestyle

Huskimo dogs are social and energetic, making them a great fit for families who are active and willing to provide regular exercise.

These dogs love to please and make their owners happy, so with early training and consistent leadership, they'll thrive in a family environment.

If you socialize your Huskimo early enough and teach the children how to play and interact with them, you can prevent accidents like scratching, aggression, and biting unnecessarily.

Bringing Home a Dog

Choosing a reputable breeder is crucial when bringing home a dog. Researching carefully for a few months can help ensure you're not falling for puppy mills or internet scams.

Credit: youtube.com, Bringing Home a Rescue Dog (6 Rescue Dog Tips for your First Week Home) //THE KIND CANINE

Always consult with your veterinarian before making a final choice. They can help you investigate the health and wellness of both breeds in the mix.

Some breeders overbreed certain lines of dogs in high demand, which can compromise health. This is something to watch out for when selecting a breeder.

You can't predict which genes will be passed along to the offspring, so it's essential to consider both breeds in the mix.

Good Family Dogs?

Huskimo dogs are a great fit for families due to their playful and loyal nature. They're not aggressive, making them an excellent choice as human companions.

Their high energy levels mean everyone in the family will need to pitch in to exercise them regularly. This will help keep them active and fit comfortably in your family.

If you socialize your Huskimo dog from an early age, they'll get along well with children. This will prevent accidents like scratching, aggression, and biting.

Teaching children how to interact with Huskimos is key to a harmonious household. By doing so, you'll ensure a happy and safe environment for everyone.

With proper training and socialization, Huskimo dogs will unlikely become antisocial or uncooperative. They'll thrive on pleasing their owners and making them happy.

Care & Maintenance

Credit: youtube.com, 5 Things You Must Never Do to Your Siberian Husky

Regular veterinary checkups are crucial to detect any health concerns early, so schedule visits with your vet to develop a care routine for your American Husky Mix.

A minimum of two hours a day of exercise is recommended for this breed, making them a great companion for outdoor enthusiasts.

Keep up with standard canine care routines, such as trimming your dog's nails before they get too long, usually once or twice per month.

Daily tooth brushing and intermittent dental chews will help maintain your dog's oral health, and your vet can assist with a dental plan.

Brush your dog's coat at least three times a week, especially during shedding seasons, to prevent matting and tangling.

Regular nail trimming, at least once a month, is essential to prevent clicking loudly against the floor.

Brush your dog's teeth regularly, at least two times a week, to keep their teeth and gums healthy.

Health

American Husky mixes are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues.

Credit: youtube.com, SIBERIAN HUSKY HEALTH AND LIFE EXPECTANCY

Cataracts are a common issue in Husky mixes, causing the lens of the eye to cloud over and potentially leading to blindness if left untreated.

Regular veterinary checkups are essential to detect any health concerns early on. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy.

A minimum of two hours a day of exercise is recommended for Husky mixes, as they have a lot of stamina and need to stay active.

Hip dysplasia is a hereditary condition that can be caused by excessive growth rate, improper weight, and poor nutrition. It's essential to maintain a healthy weight and provide regular exercise to prevent this condition.

Here are some common health issues to look out for in Husky mixes:

  • Cataracts
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Hyperthyroidism
  • Allergies

Maintaining good oral health is crucial for Husky mixes, as they can be prone to dental issues. Brush their teeth daily and give them dental chews intermittently to keep their teeth clean and healthy.

Nutrition & Feeding

Credit: youtube.com, The Best Dog Foods For Huskies

An ideal American Husky Mix diet should be formulated for a medium to large dog with high energy.

You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your dog's diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs to make a specific recommendation.

No two American Husky Mixes are the same, they vary quite a bit in size, and feeding requirements will depend specifically on your dog's size, activity level, and which parental traits prevail.

A Husky's don't require as much food as a Pit Bull, so you'll need to consider that when deciding how much to feed your dog.

Pitskies are high-energy dogs, so they'll need a diet that can keep up with their active lifestyle.

Additional reading: Husky Shepherd Mix Size

Exercise

Huskimo dogs are highly active due to their breeding from Siberian Huskies and American Eskimos. They don't get tired easily, so daily exercise is a must.

You'll want to combine physical activities of 90-120 minutes with mental exercises to keep them busy. This will help prevent boredom and keep them engaged.

Credit: youtube.com, Siberian Husky Exercise [Needs and Ideas}

Their intelligence means they like having something to do rather than sitting idle. Puzzles or agility courses are great options to keep them healthy mentally and physically.

If you're new to dog ownership, you might be surprised at how quickly they can get bored. So, be sure to plan their exercise routine accordingly.

History & Origin

The American Husky Mix, also known as the Pitsky, has a fascinating history. The breed was created in the late 1990s by designer breeders who wanted to mix American Pit Bull Terriers and Siberian Huskies.

Designer breeders aimed to minimize health issues inherent in pure breeds. This intentional breeding led to the development of the Pitsky breed.

The Pitsky breed got its start as a designer breed, but some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups.

Here's an interesting read: Pitsky Pitbull Husky Mix

Size & Weight

The Pitsky's size can vary, but as a mix between Siberian Husky and American Pit Bull Terrier parents, you can expect them to be on the medium to large side.

Most Pitskies weigh in at 30 to 80 pounds.

They typically range in height from 16 to 25 inches at the shoulder.

Many Pitskies can be smaller or larger than this average range.

Health Needs & Conditions

Credit: youtube.com, Husky Akita Mix: Temperament, Lifespan & more

American Husky Mix dogs are generally healthy, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues.

Their Husky parentage can lead to eye problems, including cataracts, which occur when the lens of the eye clouds, causing blindness if left untreated.

Hip dysplasia is another common issue, a hereditary condition that can be caused by factors such as excessive growth rate, exercise, and nutrition.

Regular veterinary checkups and proper care can help prevent or manage these conditions.

Some potential health issues to watch out for in American Husky Mix dogs include:

  • Cataracts
  • Hip dysplasia
  • Corneal atrophy
  • Progressive retinal atrophy

It's essential to maintain a healthy weight, provide proper nutrition, and ensure regular exercise to minimize the risk of these conditions.

Variations & Mixes

The American Husky mix is a versatile breed that can come in a variety of combinations, making each one unique.

The American Husky mix can be a result of breeding an American Eskimo Dog with a Siberian Husky, which is a common combination.

This mix can also be a result of breeding an American Eskimo Dog with an Alaskan Malamute, another Arctic breed.

Huskimo

Credit: youtube.com, Mini Huskimo play time!! Mini Husky and American Eskimo Mix Breed

Huskimo dogs are social and energetic, inheriting these traits from their parents, the Siberian Husky and American Eskimo.

Their intelligence and loyalty make them excellent human companions, but they can get bored quickly if left alone, so it's essential to keep them busy.

Huskimo dogs love to please and make their owners happy, so early training is crucial to show them leadership.

They are not aggressive and thrive on interaction, but they need consistent training to avoid becoming antisocial or uncooperative.

In their natural environment, Huskimo dogs can strut their stuff, and while they don't require cold and snow, they do love to move and be active.

Alaskan Klee Kai (Eskimo, Schipperke)

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a unique breed that's a mix of Alaskan husky, Siberian husky, American Eskimo, and Schipperke. They're considered their own established breed now.

These adorable dogs look a lot like huskies, but they're much smaller, weighing only 5-22 pounds. They're a great option for people who want a husky-like dog without the large size.

Klee Kais are often confused with Siberian huskies, but they're actually a distinct breed with their own characteristics. The term "husky" usually refers to Siberian huskies, but there's a separate breed of Alaskan husky too!

Gerberian Shepsky

Credit: youtube.com, Gerberian Shepsky - The Awesome Mix of German Shepherd Husky Mix - Top 10 Facts

The Gerberian Shepsky is a cross between a Husky and a German Shepherd, making them highly intelligent and quick learners. This means their owners need to be one step ahead of them.

Their high energy levels require regular exercise, so be prepared for daily playtime and outdoor activities. They also need mental stimulation to keep them occupied.

These dogs are known to escape if their yard isn't secure, so make sure to fence it properly. They love to play outside and keep themselves entertained in the yard.

The Gerberian Shepsky can make a wonderful family pet, especially with older children. They're extremely loyal and can do well in families with kids.

They can take after their German Shepherd parent or their Husky parent in terms of appearance, making it a bit of a surprise when they grow up. They can come in a range of colors, including black and tan.

Broaden your view: German Sheppard Corgi

Alusky

The Alusky is a highly active breed that thrives in cooler climates. They make excellent running and hiking partners for their owners.

Credit: youtube.com, Husky Alaskan Malamute Mix AKA Alusky

Their intelligence and trainability are impressive, but they can be stubborn at times. You'll need to be patient and persistent when training an Alusky.

These dogs are extremely playful and get along with just about everyone they meet. This makes them terrible watchdogs and guard dogs.

Aluskies don't like to be left alone for long periods of time and can become destructive if neglected. They prefer to be by your side every day.

Their high prey drive means they should always be kept on a leash in public, or they might take off chasing something.

Goberian

The Goberian, a cross between a Golden Retriever and a Siberian Husky, is a friendly and outgoing dog that loves to be around people.

They have a very athletic build and can weigh anywhere between 45 lbs to 80 lbs and stand between 22 to 24 inches high.

These dogs are highly active and love to be around people, making them great playmates for children.

Credit: youtube.com, Goberian - The Great mix of Golden Retriever and Siberian Husky | Husky and Golden Retriever mixes

Unfortunately, they can be prone to separation anxiety and don't like to be left alone, so they thrive in environments where they can exercise a lot.

The Goberian can inherit the protective nature of their Husky parent, but they are not aggressive and will feel they have dominance over strangers.

Training and socialization are essential for this breed to ensure they grow up happy and well-adjusted.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Akita Husky a good mix?

Is the Akita Husky mix a good choice? Yes, the Huskita makes an excellent family guard dog due to its loyal, protective, and active nature

What is the best mix with husky?

There is no single "best" mix with a Husky, as the ideal combination depends on personal preferences and lifestyles, but popular Husky mixes like the Labradorsky and Gerberian Shepsky are often sought after for their unique characteristics.

What is the life expectancy of a husky mutt?

A Husky mutt's average lifespan is 12-14 years, similar to other Husky breeds. Proper care and attention can help ensure your Husky mutt lives a long and healthy life.

Shawna Welch

Writer

Shawna Welch is a versatile and engaging writer with a passion for exploring complex topics in an approachable way. With a keen interest in animal behavior, Shawna has developed a niche expertise in canine behavioral issues, shedding light on common problems and offering actionable advice for pet owners. Her writing style is characterized by clarity, empathy, and a commitment to accuracy, making her a trusted voice in the field.