Interest in designer dogs (a mix between two pure breeds) is growing and it’s not hard to see why. Hybrids are not just cuter and unique. They also tend to be genetically stronger and more resilient to diseases and other health issues. The Labrador Husky mix is not any different.
The Labskys, as the name suggests, is a combination between the Labrador Retriever and the Siberian Husky. It’s an active, smart, and super loyal hybrid dog that is often referred to as the Huskador or the Husky Lab. The Labrador Retriever and the Siberian Husky were crossbred for the first time in the early 1990s and have since become very popular.
In this post, we will have more details about this crossbreed. We will look at the lifespan of these dogs, give you details about the pooch’s diet, and wrap up with details about grooming and temperament. But first, let’s look at how big Labskys can get.
How Big Do Lab Husky Mixes Get?
The Labsky is considered a medium to large dog. When fully grown, these pooches can weigh somewhere between 40 and 60 lbs. As for the height, the dogs range from 20 to 28 inches.
The size of your dog ultimately depends on its diet and exercise. Labskys are highly susceptible to obesity so it would be best to ensure they get plenty of exercises and walk time each day.
What Do You Call a Lab Husky Mix?
There are three main names.
The first one, and perhaps the most common one, is the Labsky.
But these dogs are also known as Huskadors.
They may also be referred to as Husky Labs albeit a lot of people may prefer a single name.
Labsky’s Physical Attributes
In addition to the medium-large size, Labskys also have certain unique physical attributes.
First, these pooches are available in a wide variety of coat colors. They include yellow, brown, white, gray, black, and red. However, in most cases, the coat may include a mix of the two of these colors.
Don’t also forget the dogs have a thick double coat so they will need an elaborate grooming routine, including daily brushing.
Labskys also have heterochromia, a unique condition where each eye is colored differently.
Do not be alarmed though. This is not a bad thing and does not affect the pooch’s vision. It’s also a very common natural phenomenon.
The pooch’s ears may drop similar to the Labrador Retriever but if the hybrid takes after the Siberian Husky more, then it will have upright ears.
How Long Do Labskys Live?
With proper care, Huskadors can live for between 10 and 12 years.
The lifespan is more or less the same as the parents. This is because typically, Labrador retrievers live for exactly the same time while Huskies can go for as long as 15 years.
Common Labsky Health Issues
Labskys also have several health issues, most of which are inherited from their parents. Here are some of them:
Hip Dysplasia
As with many medium-large dogs, Labskys are highly susceptible to hip dysplasia, especially as they age. This condition if not treated can lead to loss of joint function in your pooch.
You can treat the issue by making sure your pooch maintains the proper weight so as to reduce pressure on joints. There are also joint supplements to consider and anti-inflammatory medications as well. Talk to your vet about this for more assistance.
Obesity
Labskys are also very prone to obesity. While obesity in itself is not a health issue, it may trigger other problems in your dog.
For instance, obesity may increase the risk of cancer, joint failure, Mellitus, heart disease, and other conditions. To deal with this, ensure your pooch gets the right diet and the right amount of exercise as well.
Allergies And Skin Irritation
Labskys may also suffer from allergies and skin irritation. Nonetheless, the severity of allergic reactions varies from one dog to another.
Common preventable measures include using natural and safe cleaning and grooming products. Ensure the pooch also avoids foods that may trigger their allergies.
How Much Should A Husky Lab Mix Eat?
Since Labskys are obese-prone dogs, it is important to pay close attention to their diet. Here are some diet tips for you:
Feeding Labsky Pups
In case you are getting the pooch as a puppy, it’s likely the breeder has a predetermined diet for the dog.
Ask for it and maintain it for a period of at least 6 months. After that, you can transition the dog to other foods.
What About Adult Labskys?
Adult Labskys will need to be fed at least twice a day. Typically, 2.5 cups a day of dried foods should be enough. Labskys also thrive on high protein diets.
PetPlate, in particular, a high-quality protein-rich dish, made under strict USDA standards, should be a great option for Labsky owners.
It’s an all-natural dish manufactured under the same safety standards used to make human food. Your Huskador will love it.
How To Take Care of Your Labsky?
Routine care is essential in keeping your Labsky in good health and in high spirits. Follow the following simple steps:
Regular Vet Visits
Visiting the vet regularly simply helps to preempt any health issues before they even happen. It’s also a good way to ensure your dog is treated for minor health issues that you couldn’t treat at home.
Exercise
The good news about Huskadors is that they love to run and jump. They just need an open space and that’s it. In that case, it should be easy to give your pooch plenty of exercises.
Proper Grooming
Finally, ensure your pooch is clean and tidy. Proper grooming, including coat brushing and nail trimming, is essential for that.
Is A Husky Lab Mix A Good Dog? Temperaments Of Labrador Husky Mixes
Yes, the Husky Lab mix is such an incredible dog. These pooches are not just loyal but they are also very affectionate as well. Whether you have kids or other pets in the house, the Huskador will get along with them just fine.
Labsky’s Temperament
Most crossbreeds will inherit temperament attributes from their parents. This is why it can be a bit challenging to pinpoint the exact temperament of the Huskador.
On one hand, you have the calmer and more reserved temperament of the Labrador Retriever and on the other, you get the high-strung sensitivity of the Husky.
Either way, what you get from a mix of the two is an intelligent dog that responds to training very well.
Labskys are also super active pooches. They will jump up and down all over the place. These canines do not also bark aimlessly unless they are provoked.
Are Labskys Aggressive?
No, these are some of the calmest dogs you will find. And it’s not hard to see why. Both the parents in this crossbreed are not aggressive so you’d expect a hybrid between the two to be the same.
Nonetheless, the pooches’ can be a bit territorial especially if new pets are introduced. But with proper training, they will learn to live around other animals easily.
Additionally, Labskys love the company of humans. They are therefore more likely to follow you around for affection and playtime.
Can You Shave A Husky Lab Mix? Grooming Tips For Labrador Husky Mixes
You can shave your Labsky but it’s not recommended.
First, remember that this is a double-coated dog. Although the hair will grow back after shaving, typically the first undercoat will grow out first.
But, before the outer coat comes through, the undercoat will have already been exposed to sunlight and other weather elements. It will not be the same quality as a dog that hasn’t been shaven. This then leads to an uneven coat in your pooch.
Are Labskys Heavy Shedders?
The Labsky is a heavy shedding dog. For this reason, proper grooming is needed to keep the pooch looking neat and tidy.
Additionally, since the pooch will typically leave a lot of hair around as it sheds, you should consider getting this automatic iRobot Roomba i3+ vacuum.
With powerful suction and a scheduling timer, the vacuum will clean up strands of dog hair from every corner of your home even when you are not around.
Grooming Tips For Labsky
Labskys require intense grooming and care. But routine grooming tips like the ones listed below work great.
Brushing
Brushing is the most important routine grooming practice for heavy shedding dogs. The Labsky is not an exception and with its double coat, you may need to brush once or twice each week.
Additionally, it’s always important to use quality grooming supplies like this Furminator Undercoat Tool. The brush is specially designed to remove loose undercoat hair and keep your dog feeling fresh and clean.
Bath Time
It is also important to ensure your Labsky gets a bath regularly. However, these pooches have very sensitive skin. This is why it is advisable to use this natural and safe Paws & Pals 6-In-1 Oatmeal Dog Shampoo. It will keep your Huskador smelling great all day.
Related Questions
How Much Are Husky Lab Mix Puppies? The cost will range from $400 to $800 if you are buying the pup from a breeder. But if you are wary of the price, consider getting your Labsky from a shelter. Adoption fees range from $50 to $100. However, it may be harder finding Labskys in pet rescues and shelters.
Do Husky Lab Ears Stand Up? It really depends on which parent the Husky Lab takes after. If indeed it’s more of a Husky than a Labrador, then the ears will stand up. But if the pup resembles the Labrador more, then the ears will surely drop with time.
Which Is Better Husky Or Labrador? It really depends on what you are looking for in a dog. For those of you who love calmer less feisty dog breeds, then the Labrador Retriever is a great option. But if you love hyperactive dogs, then you will love having the Siberian Husky around.
