Husky-poodle, Poodle-husky, Huskypoo, Huskydoodle, or Siberpoo. Regardless of what you call them if you’re looking for a highly energetic, extremely intelligent dog, then a Husky Poodle mix may be exactly the dog you’re looking for. This is a hybrid mix that mixes a Poodle’s intelligence with the loyal but independent nature of a Siberian Husky.
While these dogs can be terrific best friends, they also can be demanding when they want something, so owners beware! These dogs will bring you the best of the Poodle and the Husky along with a few other relatively desirable traits thrown in for good measure.
This is not a common or well-known hybrid breed, but it certainly can be a challenging one. So, if you find intelligence, abundant energy, and a good challenge appealing, a Husky Poodle certainly merits your consideration. Here are seven things you should know before adopting.
General Overview of a Husky Poodle Mix
- Breed: Hybrid of Siberian Husky with a Poodle
- Weight: 45 to 60 lbs.
- Height: 13 to 22 inches
- Personality: Active, audacious, smart, stubborn, and a bit temperamental
- Fur: Hypoallergenic, single or double coat, shed
This hybrid breed matches a working dog, the Siberian Husky, with a non-sporting companion breed, the Poodle. It was originally bred to offer a Hypoallergenic breed alternative to allergy sufferers, ideally with the Husky’s personality and a Poodle’s fur coat, although there are no guarantees. When dealing with this hybrid, it’s a roll of the genetic dice.
1. The Husky-Poodle Appearance
When considering appearance, it truly can be like playing the lottery. You may have a puppy that looks like a poodle but with Husky coloring or vice-versa. The tail can be straight or feature the Husky curl and eye color may turn out brown, black, or icy blue.
Both males and females will fall into the 13 to 22-inch range in size and the form of legs will depend on the luck of the draw. They can be muscular if large dogs, or delicate and stumpy if smaller. Larger examples that surpass 18 inches will likely be heavier in weight.
These dogs can come in a solid coat color or a mixture of two or three colors typically gray, black, or brown. Fur coats can feature a double coat and look thick and shaggy, or a single long coat that can be shaped and groomed.
2. Personality
A Husky-Poodle mix screams “Pay attention to me”, and you can’t ignore them, or they’ll reward you by chewing anything within reach and being generally destructive. You’ll need to play a lot as boredom can have unhappy consequences. Both poodles and huskies tend to be loud, and the characteristic Husky howl may end up in the genetic package.
While your Husky-Poodle may love you, they won’t necessarily warm up to strangers and tend to be suspicious. As high-energy dogs, they are great for families, although with young children, care should be taken.
3. Exercise Needs
Running, tumbling, and lots of outdoor play are optimal for this mix. You will need to dedicate at least an hour or more, and they should be walked daily.
4. Grooming Needs
Grooming needs will be determined by the kind of coat your dog inherits. Should your pup develop a double coat, plan on brushing every day and prepare yourself for shedding. A trip to the groomer every four to six months will keep them looking their best. Nails will wear down naturally, but should they curl, a clip is in order.
5. Dietary Needs
Dietary needs will initially depend on their size and as they mature on their activity level and age. They will need to be fed approximately a cup of kibble twice a day. If your dog is quite large, a third cup may be on the menu. Food intolerances can be common with this hybrid, but your veterinarian will be able to assist you.
6. Potential Health Problems
Food allergies and sensibilities that cause itching and sneezing, vomiting, and diarrhea are not uncommon. Both Poodles and Huskies are susceptible to hip dysplasia that can lead to lameness with age.
7. Training
Patience is the key to success when educating a Husky Poodle mix. They learn quickly due to their exceptional intelligence, but on days when they don’t feel like training, try games to conquer any attention deficit. You can also brush up on your knowledge with Zak George’s Dog Training Revolution which comes highly recommended.
A Final Thought
These are demanding dogs that will require all of your energy, and most of your time. They crave attention and need stimulation. If you’re up to the challenge, you couldn’t ask for a better partner in crime.
