Husky Lab Mix Facts

If you want a pet that’s gorgeous, loving, and loyal, then the Husky Lab mix is the dog for you.

A mix of the playful Labrador and the hardworking Siberian Husky, this relatively new mixed breed has captured the eyes and hearts of millions of dog lovers around the world. And who can blame them? This dog is affectionate, energetic, intelligent, and hardworking. They’re great swimmers and love nothing better than to run beside their owner or play Frisbee with them. They’re also extremely loyal and protective of their families.

The Husky Lab goes by several names – Huskador, Siberian Retriever, or Labsky. Regardless of what you call it, this is one of the most loving animals around.

3 Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Get a Husky Labrador

1. Has a tendency to shed a lot. The Husky Lab comes from two parent breeds that shed. Expect your mixed breed dog to shed excessively during its shedding season – Spring and Fall.
2. Exhibits destructive tendencies due to anxiety and boredom. This dog loves to be around its family and needs a lot of mental stimulation. Leaving it alone for long periods will cause it to destroy or chew things, bark excessively, or dig around the yard.
3. Needs a large space. This dog has high energy levels and needs ample space to run around and play. It’s not a good fit for owners who live in small apartments or condominium units.

Other Husky Mixes

Love huskies but not sure this particular pup is for you? Check out America’s most popular Husky mix breed dogs.

1. Doberman Husky Mix
2. Great Pyrenees Husky Mix
3. Great Dane Husky Mix
4. Rottweiler Husky Mix
5. Chihuahua Husky Mix
6. Akita Husky Mix
7. Boxer Husky Mix
8. Malamute Husky Mix
9. Chow Chow Husky Mix
10. Pitbull Husky Mix
11. Pug Husky Mix
12. Pomeranian Husky Mix
13. Australian Shepherd Husky Mix
14. Golden Retriever Husky Mix
15. Bernese Mountain Dog Husky Mix
16. Beagle Husky Mix
17. Poodle Husky Mix

3 Reasons Why You Should Get a Lab Husky

• You get a steady exercise buddy. Your Lab Husky needs daily exercise. Whether you’re into walking, running, or riding a bike, this canine can match you every step of the way. Playing in the park or swimming at the beach is more fun with your Huskador around.
• You can train it yourself. This is a very intelligent breed. It’s easy to train and learn commands. You don’t even have to go to obedience school.
• Suits any family. A Husky mixed with a Lab is a good dog for anyone. It loves children and is patient around them. New dog owners will also find this dog manageable as long they provide it with enough exercise and mental stimulation.

Appearance, Personality, and Traits of a Husky Labrador Mix

Weight	Males: 40 to 60 lbs Females: 40 to 55 lbs
Height	Males: 21 to 25 inches Females: 20 to 24 inches
Size	Large
Coat Type	Double coat. Short to medium length
Coat Color	Black, brown, red, white, yellow or any combination of these colors
Amount of Shedding	Moderate; has a shedding season
Eyes	Blue or brown
Nose	Dark
Ears	Down
Temperament	Playful, affectionate, loyal, intelligent, sociable
Life Expectancy	10 to 15 years
Hypoallergenic	No
Kid Friendly	Yes, especially if socialized early and consistently
New Owner Friendly	Yes
Breed Recognition	Dog Registry of America (DRA)

No one can say for certain what the appearance or temperament of a mixed breed will be since the dog can inherent dominant traits from either parent. For instance, a Husky Lab mix could either be laid-back like a Labrador or hyper as a Husky. It could be prone to barking like its Husky parent or just bark occasionally like a Lab.

However, it’s almost certain that your Lab Husky mix will be lovable and loving. Their affection towards their families, and children, in general, are renowned. It’s what makes them wonderful family pets and playmates for children. It also means this dog doesn’t like being alone.

Labradors don’t do well when left to their own devices for long periods of time. This trait is also found in some Huskies. So it’s not surprising that their hybrid offspring might also have separation anxiety. This will manifest in excessive barking and destructive behavior.

The Husky Lab is also extremely intelligent. It will require lots of mental stimulation to keep it happy and engaged. Unfortunately, this is also why a Huskador shouldn’t be left alone for hours. A bored Husky Lab is a destructive one. It will chew whatever it gets its teeth on or dig around your garden.

It’s essential that you take steps to ensure your dog is kept busy until you return. Invest in lots of chew-resistant dog toys. It also needs access to a large space where it can run and play freely.

Owners who work all day should have a pet walker or arrange with a friend to take the dog to the park. Of course, you should also spend time with your dog once you arrive home.

This hybrid doesn’t like getting wet. It will never step out when it’s raining, so make sure your pet has a warm and safe place to go to when the weather is bad.

Lab Husky Mix Puppies for Sale

Choosing a puppy should entail a more serious consideration than looking at Lab Husky mix puppies and picking the cutest one. You should also think about its health and what gender and temperament are best for you and your lifestyle.

The first step to getting the best dog for you is to find the right breeder. You want to work with legitimate, ethical and caring breeders. Request for a tour of the breeder’s kennel to see if it’s safe and clean. Ask questions on what they’re feeding their dogs, whether they have the space to run around and socialize etc. Verify that the puppies have all been properly vaccinated for their age and are free from parasites like tapeworms. Ask for the name of their veterinarian and double check with them. Take the time to research the breeder. Look for any testimonials or feedback from previous customers.

Give show breeders a wide berth. These organizations typically breed litters for the dog’s appearance and not based on their health, temperament, or strength. It’s better to work with groups that breed for the working dog’s traits as they tend to produce the liveliest and healthiest litters.

Here are some tips for choosing a Husky Lab mix puppy:

• Consider the dog’s coat. If you live in a region that’s relatively warm the whole year, then a shorter haired dog is a better and more compassionate choice. Your prospective pet won’t have to suffer unnecessarily from the hot weather.
• Observe the puppies’ temperament. You’ll see different personalities even in a big litter. Look for a puppy that’s curious, outgoing, friendly, and brave enough to approach you on their own.
• Examine the puppy carefully. Inspect its eyes, ears, mouth, skin, underbelly, tail, and paws. Make sure those areas are clean and healthy looking.
• Request for information. Ask for the parent breeds’ health history, data on any genetic testing done to check for congenital health problems and the name of their veterinarian.

Do your research and look for trustworthy breeders like Lancaster Puppies and Greenfield Puppies.

You can also go through the adoption route. Sites like www.adoptapet.com and www.petfinder.com can help you find the best dog for you.

Talk to your local animal shelter or rescue organizations about any Husky Lab hybrids that need a forever home. Here are some groups that can set you on the right path –

1. Husky House
2. A Forever Home Rescue Foundation
3. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals
4. Arctic Rescue
5. Secondhand Hounds

Grooming Your Husky Mixed With Lab

Anyone who wants a Husky mixed with Lab should be prepared to devote time to its grooming. As the offspring of a Husky and Lab, expect your dog to shed regularly throughout the year. But brace yourself for spring and autumn. These are prime shedding seasons for this mixed breed.

The copious shedding is due to the Husky’s thick double-coat. A Husky Lab mix that took after its Labrador parent will shed less than the typical Husky but more than the average Lab. If you’re unlucky and your dog took after its Husky parent, then expect an astounding level of hair fall as it sheds its undercoat.

Make sure you groom your dog twice a week. An undercoat rake will make this task more manageable and won’t hurt your dog. It will also keep its coat sleek and beautiful and reduce the amount of falling hair.

But during shedding season, it’s prudent to brush your dog three to five times a week to help control the wayward hair. It’s also a good idea to invest in a vacuum cleaner to keep your home hair-free.

A Husky Lab mix should also be bathed monthly, or whenever it’s dirty. Trim their nails as needed but make sure you clean your dog’s ears at least two times a month. You should also brush its teeth twice a week.

Lab Mixed With Husky Health Problems

Mixed breed dogs are typically healthier than the parent breeds. But it also means that your Lab Husky mix could be susceptible to the health issues that plage Labradors and Siberian Huskies.

It’s therefore vital that you request the breeder or your vet to conduct a health test on your puppy. This will reveal the presence of any congenital issues.

Your Lab mixed with Husky will be susceptible to arthritis, eye problems, skin conditions, heart issues, and elbow and hip dysplasia. You should also take extra care that your dog doesn’t become obese as it increases the odds it will develop arthritis, dysplasia, and heart problems.

It’s also in your best interest to be on the lookout for symptoms of:

• Allergies
• Cataracts
• Degenerative Myelopathy
• Dental problems
• Epilepsy
• Exercise-induced collapse
• Glaucoma
• Hemophilia

Your Lab Husky should also visit the vet regularly.

Husky Crossed With Labrador Food Requirements

It’s a good idea to continue feeding your Husky Lab puppy with the dog food the breeder fed it. You can then wean if off that brand slowly and introduce new food while steadily increasing the ratio. To ensure your Lab Husky mix cub gets all they need to grow up big and strong, try one of the best puppy food brands or some of the best dry dog food for small dogs.

A Husky crossed with Lab pup should be fed three to four times daily. Once it hits six months, feeding can be dropped to just two times a day.

Keep feeding your dog with puppy dog food until it turns a year old. This is because this feed is designed to have more protein, something that a growing puppy needs. Once your pet turns a year old, it should then be fed about 2.5 cups of dry dog feed a day. That is when you can switch to the best dry dog food that undoubtedly all adult doggos enjoy. A dog of the Husky Lab’s stature will also love a meal of any of the best large breed dry dog food options currently on the market.

Choose dry dog food that’s high in proteins. You should actually make sure that a quarter of your Husky Lab hybrid’s food is comprised of protein. Avoid feed that has rendered fats, wheat/corn gluten, and artificial coloring, such as these worst dry dog food choices.

Luckily for owners of Lab Husky mixes, there’s a good selection of high-quality dry dog food out in the market today, like:

• Wellness Core Dog Food
• Dog For Dog Food
• Wellness Complete Health Puppy: The company aims to meet the five most important wellness requirements of your Husky Lab crossbreed with its formula that contains antioxidants from blueberries and spinach, DHA for enhanced brain development, and taurine for the heart.
• Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food: This is one of the best dog food for adult and senior Husky Lab mixes. It contains ocean fish meal, salmon, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and peas. Give this to your dog if you want it to have a shinier coat.
• Nutro Max Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food: One of the best makers of dog food today, Nutro Max uses fewer ingredients in its feed to reduce the number of digestive issues a dog might develop. It uses real chicken as its main source of protein. This helps with muscle development and enhances your pet’s appetite.

You will need to switch up your fellow’s diet once more during their lifetime. Once your pooch reaches a certain age, their bones and overall health become more frail, and they need food that can give them all the necessary nutrients. We have ample suggestions of the best senior dry dog food brands that you could offer your aged pooch. They will also benefit from additional vitamins and minerals, so we suggest including the Nutra Thrive dog food supplement in their diet as well.

Lab Crossed With Husky Exercise Requirements

A Lab crossed with Husky has amazingly high energy levels. This shouldn’t come as a surprise considering its descended from two energetic working dog breeds.

Your Lab Husky mix will need regular exercise to stay fit and burn off excess energy. So if you’re the type who prefers a lie-in during Saturdays or watching TV in the afternoon, this is not the dog for you.

This dog needs a long walk twice a day. It also enjoys running around the park and playing Frisbee. This crossbreed has a natural affinity to water and loves to swim. Its webbed paws make it a natural in this activity.

Any interactive game will suit this dog perfectly. Families with an active lifestyle and those who love the outdoors will be good matches for the Husky Lab mix. It’s an ideal running or jogging buddy. You can even take it hiking or camping. Exercise is vital to this mixed breed, especially if it has inherited the Labrador’s gene mutation. Labs have a particular gene that has been linked to weight increase. It’s why a lot of Labradors become obese.

This hybrid dog will thrive in homes with a yard where it can run freely. But make sure the fence around your property is strong enough to prevent this dog’s inner escape artist from appearing. It also loves digging holes so you might have to rearrange your garden.

Keep your dog engaged and entertain with these toys –

• KONG Extreme: Kong toys never fail, and this extreme version of a beloved toy will keep your Lab Husky mix happy for hours. Fill it up with treats, stand back and watch your dog chew on it for hours. What’s more, it’s so durable it can withstand your dog’s jaw.
• Nina Ottoson Dog Tornado: This interactive toy is a bit pricey but well worth the expense. It’s designed to keep your dog’s brain working as it figures out the puzzle. It’s virtually indestructible and dishwasher proof, so cleaning is easy.
• Trixie Dog Activity Chess: This toy will reward your dog with snacks in exchange for its smarts. Hide treats within the movable pieces to keep your pet busy. It’s a good toy for puppies and adults alike, with its four levels of difficulty.
• KONG Jumbler Ball Toy: Another classic from KONG, this tough rubber toy has a tennis ball inside. Your dog will have a great time knocking the ball around or playing fetch with it. It also squeaks, so the more auditory-inclined canines will be interested.
• Mammoth Flossy Chews: Your Husky Lab hybrid will love tugging and playing this cotton blend, three-knot toy. It comes in different sizes, including an extra large one for massive and strong dogs. This toy is also designed to floss and clean your pet’s teeth as it plays or chews it.

Best Dog Food For Lab Husky Mix

Finding the best dog food for a Lab Husky Mix, also known as a Labsky, involves catering to the nutritional needs of both Labrador Retrievers and Siberian Huskies. These medium to large-sized dogs are typically active and energetic, requiring a balanced diet to support their overall well-being. Opt for dog food with high-quality protein sources, such as real meat, to meet their energy demands and promote muscle development. Here are some of the best dog food for them.

Husky Lab Mix Training

Obedience training is a must with a Husky Lab mix, and it should start as soon as you bring your dog home. This training will help you develop a positive relationship with your pet while also enabling you to remain in control.

A Husky Lab is a very intelligent canine, and a responsible and patient owner can train their Huskadors themselves. This will go easier if the lessons are done at an early age.

If your Husky Lab crossbreed inherited the Labrador’s capacity to learn things quickly and eagerness to please its family then training will be a breeze. However, there’s also the chance that your pet will be extremely stubborn due to its Husky parentage. In this situation, you’ll have to be extra patient since your pet will have its own ideas on what it wants. Fortunately, this stubborn streak can be tempered with heaps of positive reinforcement and repetition. It’s also important that training is consistent.

Socialization training is also crucial for this dog. Make sure you start socializing your puppy as soon as you bring it home. Invite your friends over or take your pet to different places. The idea is to let it interact with various people and animals.

To make training easier, consider the following tips:

• Positive reinforcement is best. This is a better strategy with this breed. Do not punish your dog for not obeying your commands or forgetting its training.
• Set up regular playdates. Playing with others do is a way to keep them entertained, socialized, and mentally engaged.
• Invest in puzzle toys. Boredom can set your Labsky’s training back. Make sure you have lots of engaging toys and puzzles on hand.

Labrador Husky Mix and Families

A Lab Husky mix is a great family dog, as long as everyone is on-board with the proper way of handling and training it. Consistency is key to ensure this dog is trained and socialized properly.

This dog suits all types of owners, from single households to families with small children. But you have to make sure you have the time and energy for this dog. You should ask yourself if you have the patience and dedication needed to provide it with the best possible life before getting one.

The Labsky’s high energy levels mean it needs someone with an active lifestyle. This magnificent dog is not the pet for busy employees or those who are away from home for long hours. It’s a people-centered canine that needs a family with the time, energy, dedication, space, and budget for it.

The Husky Lab mix is a unique dog and a fantastic companion. It’s loyal, loving and protective. It needs someone who will love it back; someone who will dedicate the time and effort to ensure its physical and mental requirements are met.

References:

1. Zhao, X., et al. “A Genome-Wide Association Study for Canine Cryptorchidism in Siberian Huskies.” Journal of Animal Breeding and Genetics, vol. 131, no. 3, 25 Nov. 2013, pp. 202–209., doi:10.1111/jbg.12064.
2. Heisler, Lora, and Lourdes Valencia-Torres. “Faculty of 1000 Evaluation for A Deletion in the Canine POMC Gene Is Associated with Weight and Appetite in Obesity-Prone Labrador Retriever Dogs.” F1000 – Post-Publication Peer Review of the Biomedical Literature, 8 Feb. 2016, doi:10.3410/f.726342840.793520381.
3. Morgan, Diane. Siberian Huskies for Dummies. Wiley Publishing, 2001.
4. Walton, Joel, and Eve Adamson. Labrador Retrievers for Dummies. Wiley Publishing, 2007.
5. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Labrador_Retriever
6. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Husky