The Australian Shepherd Husky Mix, a mixed breed of the Australian Shepherd and Siberian Husky dog breed, is a loyal and protective dog with inherited traits from both parents. However, many people buy or adopt one without a full understanding of what goes into owning one. I did some research, and here is what I found.
So, why is the Australian Shepherd Husky Mix becoming very popular? The Aussie Husky is not only an energetic dog but also a charismatic and curious dog. These dogs enjoy cuddling sessions with their family, as long as all their needs and wants are met during the day. For this reason, this mixed breed is increasingly becoming a popular family dog.
Although the Australian Shepherd Husky mixed dog breed may have existed in the past years, the breeders intentionally started breeding the Australian Shepherds with Siberian Huskies together in the late 1990s. Keep reading to find more interesting facts about this mix.
How Big Do Aussie Huskies Get?
Aussie Huskies will mostly weigh between 40 to 65 lbs and between 18 to 25 inches tall. However, some of them may be smaller or larger than these average measurements.
What Is An Australian Shepherd Husky Mix Called?
The Australian Shepherd Husky Mix is also referred to as Aussie Huskies or sometimes Aussie Siberian. It is a herding dog mix between an Australian Shepherd and a Siberian Husky.
According to American Kennel Club, Australian Shepherds and Siberian Huskies are the 12th and 16th most popular dogs in 2020 respectively, which means their mixed offspring will be a great match that is well-received.
Physical Appearance
When it comes to the physical, the Australian Shepherd Husky Mix will most likely have;
- Medium-sized triangle ears that will either flop down or stand to attention or sometimes one of each.
- The color of their eyes will vary from one dog to another. However, since both parents have amber, bright blue, or brown colored eyes, a dog of this breed may have all or one of each.
- A double coat that is quite thick and fluffy in appearance. This, together with the dense undercoat, keeps the dog warm and may also mean you may not see the muscles under the coat.
- In terms of coat color, the Australian Shepherd Husky mixed breed often mixes their Australian Shepherd and Siberian Husky parents’ colors. Their main colors are black, brown cream, tan and white and are often a beautiful mix and blend of these colors.
How Long Do Aussie Huskies Live?
Aussie Huskies are relatively healthy dogs that have a lifespan of between 12 to 15 years.
However, as a mixed dog breed, this dog can inherit some health problems from both parents, limiting their lifespan. Here are some of the health concerns you should look out for.
Common Health Issues
The Australian Shepherd Husky mix is predisposed to some of the Australian Shepherd and Siberian Huskies conditions. The most common health issues with Aussie Huskies are;
- Eye conditions – This is one of the main concerns of both parents. Such eye concerns may include cataracts, Progressive Retinal Atrophy, collie eye anomaly, crystalline corneal opacities, and corneal dystrophy.
- Hip and elbow dysplasia – Since they are huge dogs, they tend to suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia. These conditions affect the hip and elbow joints that haven’t formed properly.
- Epilepsy
- Von Willebrand disease – A blood clotting disorder where the Aussie Huskies may not stop bleeding.
- Discoid lupus erythematosus – A skin condition that is caused by an autoimmune disease, commonly affecting both Australian Shepherds and Siberian Huskies.
How To Take Care Of Your Aussie Husky?
Exercise
Aussie Huskies tend to have a hyperactive nature and can be quite destructive and aggressive when not exercised frequently. It is important to take them for long walks or follow a specific and extensive exercise routine. Create room for at least one hour of daily exercise.
Diet
An Australian Shepherd Husky Mix will require around 4 cups of food daily, depending on the dog’s size and activity level. The breed will also do well with high-quality meals with a high protein content to keep their muscles strong, energetic, and sustained.
We recommend Pet Plate for vet-developed meals that are well balanced and freshly prepared, delicious, and safe for your dog.
Multivitamins
When it comes to multivitamins, you should never give human vitamins to the dog. Supplementing using the right dog multivitamins and supplements can be beneficial.
To achieve great results, you need to find one from a quality manufacturer whose products are certified and tested. Always follow the directions on how much and how often you should administer the supplements or ask your vet for help.
Dental Water Additives
Dental water additives will help clean and refresh your dog’s mouth; however, they are no replacement for daily brushing. They also reduce tartar buildup, bacterial growth and fight plaque.
Add the dental water additive to the dog’s water every day, and the liquid will work on your dog’s mouth. Adding a few drops to the water bowl will reduce bad bread and encourage oral health.
Do Aussie Huskies Bark A Lot? Temperaments Of Australian Shepherd Husky Mixes
Although an Australian Shepherd Husky Mix can bark, they rarely do, and they do not have a barking problem. The barking problem is most of the time a territorial act, and Aussie Huskies are not very territorial. Their inability to bark at strangers makes them terrible guard dogs.
When it comes to temperament traits, an Australian Husky is a dog full of life and energy. This makes them suitable for families and children. The dog breed might not be as intense as a Husky, thanks to the Australian parents with a more mellow temperament.
Are Aussie Huskies Easy To Train?
Generally, Aussie Huskies are easy to train and fast learners. Obedience training is important because this breed can easily make you a slave for life. Furthermore, since they are hyperactive dogs, they can be quite hard headed and fleet-footed. For this reason, training is important to have a well-behaved and obedient dog.
Are Aussie Huskies Aggressive?
Since the Aussie Huskies are known to be herding and hunting dogs, they can be quite protective and aggressive. However, with the right training and socialization, they can be less aggressive and friendly. When not trained properly, they can also be destructive and bark because of their high energy levels.
Do Aussie Huskies Shed? Grooming Tips For Australian Shepherd Husky Mixes
With Aussie Huskies, you can expect lots of shedding and fur around your house, especially during the shedding seasons. They tend to shed twice a year, usually spring and fall, and their thick coats are easy to groom. Here are some grooming tips for Australian Shepherd Husky Mixes.
Brushing Their Coats
An Australian Husky is a hairy dog and will require brushing their coats at least two times a week. However, you may need to brush their coats every day to avoid the fur dropping on your carpet and furniture during the shedding seasons. Using the Furminator Undercoat Tool helps keep their coat looking healthy and tangle-free.
Bathing
Bathing the Aussie Huskies once in a while, at least once in three months, is important. You can use the Pro Pet Works All Natural 5 In 1 Oatmeal Shampoo, which helps reduce the stains leaving the coat feeling soft and looking fresh. However, it is crucial not to do it too often because it may strip the fur of essential natural oils and only dry out the coat and skin.
Trimming Their Nails
Since they are active dogs, their nails will need clipping less frequently than other dogs. However, it is important to trim their nails before they become too long, at least once per month. Once they start clicking against the floor, it’s time to trim them down.
Ears And Eyes
The dog’s eyes need to be cleaned regularly using a clean cloth. You should also clean their ears without inserting any liquid into the ear canal. You can opt for cotton balls during cleaning and ensure you also check for redness or a strong odor in the ears because it may indicate an infection.
Brushing Their Teeth
When it comes to Australian Shepherd Huskies, one main concern is their oral health. To maintain their oral health, it is important to brush their teeth daily because, for this breed, tartar buildup is quite prone. If you’re unsure about how to brush your dog’s teeth correctly, consult your veterinarian.
Related Questions
How Much Are Australian Huskies? Australian Huskies will come at a price ranging from $800 to $4,000. It will cost more for those dogs with desirable characteristics like multicolored eyes. For an Australian Shepherd Husky Mix puppy, the price is between $800 and $1,000. Factors influencing its price include the breeder’s reputation and the location.
Do Australian Shepherds Get Along With Huskies? Australian Shepherd do get along with the Huskies because they have very close personalities. This is why they are frequently bred together to give the Aussie Husky, one of the common Husky Mixes. Their energy is quite similar, and both breeds are bred to be working dogs, which makes it easy for them to get along.
Do Aussie Huskies Swim? In most cases, Aussie Huskies do not like swimming or water. This is because they are always bred as sled dogs which implies that they will rarely need to swim. However, it always depends on the individual husky because there is a possibility that a husky would enjoy swimming or be in the water if they are socialized and trained properly.
