Dachshund Husky Mix: The Best of Both Worlds

It honestly looks like a strange mix at first, doesn’t it? When you think about it, you realize that a Doxie shape with the overall appearance of a Husky sounds adorable. Upon even closer inspection, though, you may notice a few potential issues. Have you spotted any yet?

As unbearably cute as the idea of a forever-puppy-sized Husky with an elongated Dachshund body inevitably is, the probable health issues and negative personality traits can easily outweigh the more positive aspects of this cross. Before you decide to adopt, make sure you’ll be able to adapt to the new family member—and that they’ll be able to adapt to you. Here’s everything you need to know about the Dachshund Husky mix—the Dusky.

History of the Husky Dachshund Mix

This mix, like all designer dogs, is relatively new. It emerged sometime in the past 20 years, and there isn’t much we know about it. There are no set rules and expectations—we can just guess what the offspring will be like based on its parents. Both parent breeds, as it happens, have a spot on our list of best dog breeds to adopt, so both make great pets.

Dachshunds were bred to hunt burrowing animals, and most of the time, they had to face badgers. Because badgers are not easy prey like rabbits and tend to fight back, Doxies had to be brave and determined. Their determination borders on stubbornness and annoys and entertains thousands of Doxie guardians today. Their short and sturdy legs helped them navigate the narrow tunnels into which Dachshunds followed their prey, and their loud bark enabled their human hunting partners on the surface to figure out their underground location. These canines have a lot of admirers, and they were a great inspiration even for Picasso. If you wish to read more of these interesting facts, take a look at our article about Dachshund facts.

All of these useful traits stick with the Doxies today. They are fearless, loyal, and pig-headed. Their funny appearance has given birth to a lot of Dachshund memes, and this breed is one of the most beloved ones. If you’d like to know more, check out these ten facts you should know about Dachshunds with pictures included, as well as our Dachshund breed guide.

Huskies, on the other hand, used to pull sleds in the northernmost parts of the Earth. This required massive amounts of energy, and today, they need plenty of exercise. They used to work in teams, so they got along well with other dogs. They were allowed to run and hunt free during the summer, so they have a high prey drive, which doesn’t make them a good roommate for smaller animals.

They are sociable and playful, not at all possessive, don’t have a suspicious nature, and are rubbish guard dogs. This breed is more likely to cheerfully greet a potential burglar than to chase them away. Because the Eskimos let them be on their own in the summertime, these dogs have incredibly strong wanderlust, which gave them the reputation of escape artists.

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Three Reasons Not to Get a Dusky

Even though they’re cute, brave, and loyal, Duskies are not for everybody. Here are three reasons not to adopt one.

1. They have a tendency to get aggressive.
2. They will terrorize your other pets.
3. They can never be left alone.

They Have a Tendency to Get Aggressive

This comes from their Dachshund side. With proper training, they’ll never show the smallest sign of aggression. In inexperienced hands, though, without effective training and early socialization, you might find yourself holding your pooch back from attacking a passer-by because they smell funky.

They Will Terrorize Your Other Pets

This mix has an incredibly strong prey drive. They’ll chase everything that’s smaller than them and is not a dog. Your cats, hamsters, and even tortoises will lose their minds after a while, and your guinea pig will likely get a heart attack after a day or two of such treatment. If you like small animals, don’t bring a Dusky into your home.

They Can Never Be Left Alone

If you leave them alone, they’ll howl. A lot, and loudly. Your neighbors will hate you and your dog and will possibly hold secret meetings in which they’ll try to find legal grounds to evict you. More importantly, your pooch will be miserable, and you’ll be worried all the time. If you know you’ll be away a lot, find a breed that can deal with that.

Three Reasons to Get a Dusky

If you don’t mind the downsides, you’ll probably enjoy spending time with a Dusky. Here are three reasons to adopt one.

1. They’ll get you to exercise more.
2. They’re funny and playful.
3. They’ll get along with your other dogs.

They’ll Get You to Exercise More

The husky in the mix is an active little thing. They need to exercise, or they’ll destroy your property and, quite possibly, your entire life. So, you’ll have no choice but to exercise with them, just to pass the time. Go for a jog or a bike ride, and give your pooch the exercise they need.

They’re Funny and Playful

You’ll never be bored again. This mix will talk with you, do tricks for you, and even argue with you when you’re being unreasonable. Their silly antics will never fail to amuse you, and whenever you or your kids feel like playing, your buddy will be right there for you.

They’ll Get Along with Your Other Dogs

Both breeds used to work in teams, so they get along with other dogs like a house on fire. If you already have a pooch in need of company, don’t hesitate to adopt a Dusky.

Appearance and Personality of the Dachshund Husky Mix

In terms of appearance, this cross-breed can go one of three ways: it can take after the Doxie, take after the Husky, or be a fair mix of the two. It will generally inherit the short legs of the Dachshund, and everything else is a gamble. If the Doxie in the mix is a Mini, the offspring will be smaller. If it was a long-haired one, the pup has a chance of inheriting the long coat, but it’s not a sure thing. If the Husky had those striking blue eyes, the pup may also… But it may also not. The ears can be large and floppy like a Dachshund’s, or they can be medium and straight, like a Husky’s. It is all up to the chance and the individual pup.

When it comes to personality, a Dusky is a bit hard to handle. The Husky in them will make them naturally kind and trusting, whereas the Doxie side is suspicious of strangers and has a slight tendency to react aggressively. Your pooch can go one way or the other, but they can also get a combo of both. In practice, it means that they will be extremely unpredictable. At one moment, they will be a complete angel, and in the next, you’ll have to hold them back from attacking your neighbor whose footsteps sound different because they have new shoes. This kind of behavior will naturally discourage you from socializing your dog, which is a terrible mistake that will only make matters even worse.

Both parent breeds are highly independent. Doxies can get extremely stubborn, and Huskies have the wanderlust that’ll make them escape yards and gardens and wander off as soon as you let them off the leash. Both have a strong prey drive, which means that this breed should never be in a household with small pets like hamsters, guinea pigs, or even cats. Early socialization can remedy this to an extent, but you should never fully trust a Dusky with smaller pets. It can be a real challenge to train this mix, so don’t adopt them unless you have plenty of dog-training experience under your belt.

There are many positive sides to both breeds. They are loyal and playful. You won’t have a moment of boredom if you adopt this mix, and you’ll be showered with love and affection. Both parent breeds are exceptionally clever, so they can learn easily when they want to—it’s just a matter of motivation.

Health Issues Common in the Husky Dachshund Mix

This mix is prone to bone and hip-related problems. The weight of a Husky on the legs of a Dachshund causes too much pressure. If you can, always pick the slimmer dog with longer legs, to reduce the possibility of health issues down the road.

1. Intervertebral Disc Disease. This condition affects Dachshunds and, basically, all Doxie mixes. The cushioning discs between the spinal bones press on the spinal nerve and cause a lot of pain for your little boy or girl. In the worst-case scenario, this can end in paralysis of the dog’s hind legs, so pay a visit to the vet as soon as you notice any signs of strange walking, unwillingness to jump, behavior that points to any pain in the legs, or spine, and so on.
2. Patellar Luxation. In essence, this is kneecap dislocation in dogs. You’ll notice that your dog is avoiding putting their weight on the affected leg, carrying the leg in question, and hopping around. See your vet as soon as possible if you notice that kind of behavior or any sign of pain.
3. Hip Dysplasia. This happens if a joint doesn’t work smoothly. The socket and the ball of the bones don’t fit well and grind against each other instead of sliding. Over time, this completely destroys the joint, leaving your poor dog with painful inflammation. They won’t be able to walk properly and will have to hop around instead. Their range of movement will be severely limited. If you notice any of these symptoms, schedule an urgent visit to the vet.Dachshunds are also prone to skin problems and seizures. It’s highly important to take good care of them, as well as their mixes.

Occasional preventive tests can go a long way in early diagnosis of a potential problem, which can prolong your pup’s lifespan and protect them from health issues.

Is Dusky Easy to Train?

Not at all. Even though both Doxies and Huskies are intelligent breeds, they are pig-headed and independent enough not to care about what you want them to do. Keep in mind that training doesn’t only include commands like “sit” or “stay.” You can actually teach them to your dog relatively easily.

The problematic part comes when you want them to do something they don’t really want to do. Try teaching them not to dig in your garden, for example. Or teach a Doxie not to do their business in the house even when it’s raining outside. Dachshunds generally dislike wet weather and won’t see any point in going out when they can just as well defecate inside. Try teaching Husky not to go in an unknown direction as soon as they’re free of the leash, and you’ll know what dog-lover hell looks like. You need to train this mix using lots of positive reinforcement, such as praise, gifts, and treats.

This mix will never do what you want them to do if it goes against what they want to do. You’ll need to assert yourself as the boss, and you’ll get challenged constantly. Dachshund training and Dachshund potty training can be extremely challenging, and Duskies can also inherit their stubbornness. In case you have a little munchkin that needs to be trained, please take a look at our advice on the best ways to train your puppy. If you decide to take this mix in, find someone with tons of experience to help you train them.

Whatever you decide to do, make sure to avoid the five most common mistakes in training that dog owners frequently make.

Yes and no. They require a lot of attention and dislike being left alone, so multiple people in one household can make sure that the pooch is never neglected. They are playful and have plenty of energy, so they’ll be a good companion for older children and teenagers.

When it comes to younger children, though, this cross is not a good fit. If you have a baby or a toddler, never leave them with a Dusky unsupervised. This mix is curious but also a little snappy and you won’t hesitate to nip at your kid if the child is being rough with them.

How Much Exercise Do Husky Dachshund Mix Dogs Need?

Depending on which parent your pup takes after, it will need moderate to intense workouts. Huskies are crazy energetic, and they require plenty of exercise. Doxies are less enthusiastic and sometimes can be downright couch potatoes. On average, though, the mix will need moderate exercise. An hour a day should be enough, and you should split the time into two walks and one playing session.

A word of caution, though—never let your pooch run up or down a flight of stairs. The sensitive Doxie spine can be hurt fairly easily.

How Much Effort Goes into Grooming a Dachshund Husky Pup?

This mix will need moderate grooming. Brushing one or two times a week should be enough, even if they have a longer coat. Follow our suggestions for the best dog grooming tips. In case your pooch suffers from dry skin, take them to the vet, or consider changing their diet. Clip their nails twice a month and brush their teeth every other day. You can get away with two times a week if you get some good dental chews. Check out our list of top 10 best dog dental chews—they can help you keep your dog’s gums clean and healthy. If your little fellow has inherited Doxie ears, inspect and clean them regularly to prevent the growth of bacteria.

What Are the Food Requirements of a Dusky?

Source: div.and.daph

Because this cross-breed has a high tendency toward health issues connected to bones and joints, it’s important to feed them nothing but high-quality food and plenty of fish oil supplements. Steer clear of all the unhealthy options, avoid these worst dry dog food and worst dog treat brands like a plague, and make sure you don’t overfeed them. Duskies gain weight faster than Taylor Swift can write a song about an ex, so it’s important to stay within the recommended daily limit of about three cups of dry food, split into two meals. Adjust the servings based on your dog’s size. Some of the best options for this breed are:

• Wellness Core® Natural Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. This brand of dog food is a fantastic choice for any Dachshund mix. Glucosamine and Chondroitin in the food improve the health of the bones and keep the joints healthy. Doxies tend to struggle with their short legs, and the added pressure of the big Husky body can exacerbate the problem. This food is a great way to give your pooch’s bones a fighting chance.
• Blue Buffalo Wilderness Toy Breed Adult Grain-Free Chicken Recipe. This is a great option if your dog takes after their Mini Dachshund parent. The shape of the kibble aids in removing tartar from their mouth, and the added Omega 3 and fatty acids improve the health of their coat and make it shinier.
• Merrick Backcountry Raw Infused Puppy Recipe. This food is great for puppies, but only if the dog in question takes after their Husky parent more than the Dachshund one. The kibble is too large for the narrow Doxie jaws, which can result in the pup swallowing too much air, which increases the chance of bloating.

For more choices, check out our list of best dry dog food for small dogs. If your buddy prefers wet food, that’s fine too—here are some of the best canned dog food brands. You’ll need to account for the age of your dog as well because puppies, adults, and seniors shouldn’t eat the same kind of food. If your pooch is already aging, check out our list of the best senior dry dog food brands. For puppies, try to find the best puppy food brands on the market.

Scan through our reviews for the following dog food brands:

• Showtime dog food review
• River Run dog food review
• Wellness Core dog food review

Dachshund Husky Mix FAQ

1. What is a Dachshund Husky Mix?

A Dachshund Husky Mix, also known as a “Dusky,” is a crossbreed resulting from the intentional mating of a Dachshund and a Husky. This unique blend combines the characteristics of the spirited Dachshund with the striking appearance and energetic nature of the Husky.

2. What are the characteristics of a Dachshund Husky Mix?

Dachshund Husky Mixes can exhibit a variety of traits, including a medium-sized stature, a mix of coat colors, and a spirited personality. Their appearance and temperament may vary based on the specific traits inherited from each parent breed.

3. How big does a Dachshund Husky Mix get?

The size of a Dachshund Husky Mix can vary, but they typically fall into the medium-sized range. Adult dogs may stand around 13 to 22 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 20 to 40 pounds, influenced by the traits inherited from the Dachshund and Husky parent breeds.

4. What kind of care do Dachshund Husky Mixes require?

These mixes often need regular exercise, mental stimulation, and proper grooming. Their coat may vary, but brushing is usually required to manage shedding. As with any dog, routine veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and dental care contribute to their overall well-being.

5. Are Dachshund Husky Mixes good family pets?

Dachshund Husky Mixes can make excellent family pets, but their suitability depends on various factors, including socialization, training, and the energy levels of the individual dog. Early socialization and consistent training can help ensure a harmonious relationship with family members.

6. Do Dachshund Husky Mixes have specific health concerns?

As with any crossbreed, Dachshund Husky Mixes may inherit health concerns from their parent breeds. It’s essential to be aware of potential issues such as back problems common in Dachshunds and certain eye conditions found in Huskies. Regular veterinary check-ups are crucial for monitoring and addressing any health concerns.

7. How do you train a Dachshund Husky Mix?

Training a Dachshund Husky Mix requires patience, positive reinforcement, and consistency. Due to the independent nature of both parent breeds, early socialization and obedience training are essential. Engaging in interactive activities and providing mental stimulation can also contribute to a well-behaved and happy dog.

Check Out These Other Cute Dachshund Mixes

If you are utterly enamored with Doxies, and you know that you want to get a mix that includes them, great! Even if Dusky is not the right choice for you, there are plenty of others. Check them out and find your new best bud.

For more Husky mixes, check out our table below:

References

1. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dachshund
2. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Husky
3. Sauvé, Christopher P., et al. “Oronasal and Oroantral Fistulas Secondary to Periodontal Disease: A Retrospective Study Comparing the Prevalence Within Dachshunds and a Control Group.” Journal of Veterinary Dentistry, vol. 36, no. 4, 2019, pp. 236–244., doi:10.1177/0898756420909657.
4. Beauchesne, Ryan. Crusoe, the Celebrity Dachshund: Adventures of the Wiener Dog Extraordinaire. St. Martins Griffin, 2015