Labrador Mix with Husky – Full Labsky Guide

A Labrador mix with Husky is a cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Siberian Husky, both of which are attractive and intelligent. The mix can be a wonderful pet for the right home and has active and loyal characters that make them adorable companions and family dogs.

If you are wondering whether this mixed breed is the right choice for you, we have gathered all the necessary info to help you understand the hybrid better. And before you shout in admiration, you should know that this crossbreed is super active and loves running and very long walks.

In our article today, we have included everything you need to know about the Labrador mix with Husky. From their appearance to exercise needs, training, health concerns, life expectancy, and puppy price, you will find this info very enlightening.

What is a Labrador mix with Husky called?

A Husky mixed with lab is famously known as a Huskador or a Labsky (Labskies in plural). Some also call them Siberian Retrievers. Unfortunately, this is a designer dog which means that it is not recognized by the AKC.

We would also want to make the difference between a Huskador and a Labrador Husky. The latter is a purebred dog that hails from the coastal Labrador and shares the same wolf appearance as the Siberian Husky. Unlike the Husky that barks, however, the Labrador Husky howls like a wolf.

History of the Breed

No one knows the origin of the Labrador x Husky or crossbreed between a Siberian Husky and Labrador Retriever yet. However, some sources claim this mix breed has existed since the 1990s. Breeders were trying to design a pooch with the most desirable characters from the two purebreds.

To understand the Labskies better, let us take a brief look at their parents.

Parents

The Labrador Retriever – Labs have their origins in Newfoundland where they were first developed as gun dogs in the 19^th century. They also were working dogs that helped fishermen haul nets and would help retrieve fish from snowy rivers. Later on, they would become excellent companion dogs and are today’s most cherished dog breeds in the United States by families.

Labs are intelligent and have a high IQ that makes them trainable, and they receive commands very fast. They are number 7 on the list of the most intelligent dog breeds globally according to the AKC. These purebred pooches are excellent swimmers and became recognized by the AKC in 1917 and in 1903 by the UKC.

Fully grown Labrador retrievers are 22 to 24 inches tall at the shoulders where males weigh 64 to 79 lbs. and females 55 to 71 lbs. They boast a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years and are prone to common health issues like joint problems, heart disease, bloat, ear infections, and obesity.

The Siberian Husky – As the name suggests, the Siberian Husky is a medium-sized pooch that was initially created in Siberia by the Chukchi people. In 1908, they made their way to Nome, Alaska as working sled dogs and later developed for use in sled dog races. Siberian Huskies currently stand at position 14 of the most recognized dog breeds by the AKC. They were recognized by the AKC as a breed in 1930.

Huskies are efficient learners with high intelligence and rank as the 74^th smartest dog breed for obedience & working IQ out of 138 breeds. Do not let the outgoing, friendly, and gentle temperament fool you. They are alert and make great escape artists. While they make excellent companions, they are high energy and very athletic and thus need ample exercise.

Being medium-sized dog breeds, males are 21 to 24 inches in height and weigh 45 to 60 lbs. while females stand 20 to 22 inches tall and weigh 35 to 50 lbs. These purebreds have a lifespan of 11 to 13 years but some common health problems such as cataracts, corneal dystrophy, progressive retinal atrophy, and hypothyroidism may shorten it.

Appearance

A Husky mixed with a Labrador can inherit the traits of both or any parent which makes it a puzzle to guess what they would look like. The Siberian Husky and Labrador retriever parents are both medium-sized pooches. As such, their offspring would be 22 to 25 inches in size and weigh between 40 and 60 lbs. They will also have a double coat and mostly take after their Labs short coat and sometimes straight like that of the Husky parent.

Most Huskadors commonly inherit the two different-colored eye traits or heterochromia from their Husky parent. This makes them look very unique. Their body and facial features might lean more to any parent. A Husky Lab mix color may vary significantly depending on which parent it favors most.

Check out the picture below of a black lab mix with Husky

Temperament and Characteristics

Both parent breeds of the Labrador Husky cross are generally friendly, but their characters can differ considerably. As such, your puppy can take on the temperament of either of the purebred parents. Many owners of the Labsky, however, say their pooches are extremely loyal and very active. They love human company and being around the family which makes them great pets but also makes them prone to separation anxiety.

Being highly energetic dogs means they always want to engage in physical play sessions and extra-long walks. They are for the active individual or family. That being said, you will need to have a large outdoor space or yard where your Huskador can exercise. Unfortunately, none of the parents is known to be a guard dog so your Lab Husky mix will not be one either.

Some pups in the litter can turn out to be stubborn which is expected due to their Siberian Husky trait. And while it can make training hard, the Lab parent’s calm nature makes an equilibrium. If you want your Huskador to be well-behaved, introduce socialization from the puppyhood stage.

Ease of Training

The Siberian Husky and Labrador Retriever are both intelligent working dogs with an eager-to-please character that can make training them easier. However, the stubborn nature of the Husky parent can complicate the process. For best results, utilize positive reinforcement and keep your sessions short and fun. Otherwise, your pooch will lose interest and it will be time wasted.

When dealing with a Huskador, introduce obedience training immediately when you bring your puppy home. You should introduce it together with potty training as this will show them that you are in charge. This will also help build a strong bond between you and your canine buddy.

Exercise

Both the Labrador retriever and Siberian Husky are extremely energetic dogs which means the Labsky will be the same. To burn off this energy, your Husky Labrador mix will need at least 1-hour exercise each day. Additionally, keep them engaged with toys to play with especially when you are not at home. This will decrease boredom which could lead to destructive behaviors.

A Labrador Husky mix will benefit a lot from a quick game of fetch as it revives their retriever drive. If you are a person or family that loves adventures and needs a companion with the same or more energy level. And did we tell you to invest in puzzle toys to keep them mentally fueled?

Nutritional Requirements

An ideal diet for your Siberian Husky should be the one formulated for medium-sized dog breeds with high energy needs. Make sure the dog food is made with high-quality ingredients and for the right age as their dietary needs change from puppyhood to adulthood.

Labskies have an increased risk of bloat which they inherit from their Lab parent. You should, therefore, divide their daily meal into small portions instead of feeding them once. If they eat very fast, feed them using a slow bowl.

The Lab parent is prone to obesity and is predisposed to weight gain problems. As such, make sure that you do not overfeed them especially when they are puppies. This will prevent them from developing osteochondritis dissecans when they grow up.

Health Issues

While hybrids are generally healthy than their purebred parents, there are potential genetic issues that your Labsky might inherit from the parents. Common health problems in a Labsky include obesity, allergies, hip dysplasia, and eye problems. Cataracts and PRA are also possible health issues.

To ensure your Labsky grows in good health condition, take care of them as you should and visit the vet for checkups as instructed.

Life Expectancy

Generally, a healthy Labrador Husky mix will live between 10 and 13 years.

How to care for them

As mentioned above, you should keep up your Huskador’s regular vet checkups so you can be aware of any health concerns in advance. This way, your vet will give directions and advice on how to keep your pooch healthy. Monitor the amount of food they take to prevent obesity. In addition, give them regular long walks and lots of play to burn off energy and prevent boredom.

Grooming is vital with a Huskador. Both parents are shedders so you will have a lot of work during the shedding season. Their double coats will do well with at least once or twice brushing daily to prevent matting and tangling. Do not bathe them often. Check and clean their ears regularly according to your vet’s advice.

Siberian Huskies suffer from dental problems. As such, you should consult your vet on the most efficient way to clean your Labsky’s teeth for optimal oral health. Three times a week sounds like a good schedule. The nails should be trimmed regularly, at least once a month.

Cost

If you want to buy a Husky Lab mix, visit a reputable breeder in their place of work and demand to see the Labsky’s medical or health records. See their parents as well. Being a relatively new hybrid or designer dog, Huskadors have a price tag of between $400 and $800.

Where to Adopt

You can start looking at a Labrador Husky mix from the local shelter near you or talk to those who work there. These designer dogs can also be found in rescue centers of the parent breeds. Adoption can be cheaper than purchasing from a breeder.

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