The Australian Shepherd mix is a crossbreed between two popular breeds, the Siberian Husky and the Australian Shepherd. This Husky mix is also known as the Aussie mix and is an intelligent and medium-sized mixed dog. The weight of an Aussie Husky can be 35-65 pounds and stands at 20-23 inches.
This mixed dog is not only good looking but he is also highly energetic and very smart.
He is a great family dog but his high exercise needs may prove to be too much for some individuals.
Aussie Huskies are also prone to howling and may not be the best option for you if you live in an apartment.
-But before you decide on this mix, you should know that he has a lot to offer, most of which we are going to look at in this dog buyer’s guide.
So, stick with us.
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About the Australian Shepherd Husky mix
The Australian Shepherd Husky is a marvel to look at and the perfect dog for both Siberian Husky and Australian Shepherd lovers.
These are 2 very popular with the Siberian Husky ranked as the 14th most popular dog in the US and the Australian Shepherd is ranked as the 15th.
It is also hard not to see why they made such a perfect match for each other.
Also, with the rise in the popularity of designer dogs, it is not a surprise that this hybrid doggie came to be. It is believed that he was first bred in 2004 which makes him a fairly recent breed.
These dogs are extremely energetic and playful with a love for being outdoors like no other.
You should, however, be warned that this hybrid may not be suited for all dog owners, especially if you are not ready to deal with his mischief or high exercise needs.
Breed recognition
This cross is not recognized by any of the major kennel clubs as he is not a purebred dog.
However, both parent breeds are recognized and have breed standards but several registries recognize this Husky mix that includes;
- The International Designer Canine Registry
- The dog Registry of America
There are no registries or rescues for this dog as an individual.
Pros and cons of the Australian Husky
Pros
✓ These dogs get along with other pets and children alike.
✔ They are intelligent and are very trainable.
✓ These dogs make great watchdogs.
Cons
✘ They have an independent streak and can be very mischievous.
✗ These dogs shed a lot and are not suited for allergy sufferers.
✘ They are a high energy breed and can be too much, especially for novice dog owners.
8 Fun facts about the Australian Shepherd Husky mix
- This mix can reach top speeds of up to 34 miles per hour when running.
- Aussie Huskies are great escape artists and have been known to slip off leashes and dig under fences to run and explore.
- These dogs are known to regulate their metabolism and can work for long periods without food.
- They are known for their striking crystal blue eyes but can also have different colored eyes (mismatched eyes) in a condition known as heterochromia.
- Australian Shepherd Husky crossbreed can withstand cold climate areas thanks to their thick double coats.
- Some Aussie Siberians are born with short tails that are also known as bobbed tails. This comes in handy when the dogs are herding.
- These are extremely vocal dogs and are prone to barking, groaning, howling, and even jabbering.
- Due to their strong herding instincts, they are prone to mouth and may even try to herd your children. Interactions between this dog and young children should be highly monitored.
Aussie Husky Characteristics and Appearance
Australian Shepherd Husky mix summary table | |
---|---|
Height | 20 to 23 inches |
Weight | 35 to 65 pounds |
Lifespan | 10 – 13 years |
Breed Type | mixes and more |
Purpose | Companion and working dog |
Suitable For | High-energy and active families |
Grooming requirements | May require heavy grooming |
Color Variations | Brown, gray, black, silver |
Health concerns | skin allergies, eye problems, and Joint Dysplasia |
Temperament | Eager To Please, Intelligent, Independent, Protective, Affectionate, Trainable, maybe stubborn, Out-going, Loyal, And Energetic |
Other Names | Aussie Siberian or Aussie Husky |
Height and weight
These are medium-sized dogs that can stand between 20 and 23 inches and weigh between 35 and 65 pounds.
The Aussie Shepherd physical appearance
Predicting the size and appearance of a mixed dog can be quite difficult. This is mainly because there are no official breed standards that have been set for this hybrid.
However, the Aussie Siberian is usually described as a “Shaggy Husky” keeping the Husky physique with the coat of an Australian Shepherd.
They have eyes that are alert and curious giving them an intelligent expression.
Most Australian Shepherd Husky mix dog can have blue eyes but some may also have brown eyes. This is because the parents have blue eyes which is the dominant color in both breeds.
These dogs have triangular-shaped ears with stocky bodies. The bodies are solid and well-muscled.
Coat appearance and shedding
This Siberian Husky mix usually has a dense, medium-length, and water-resistant double coat with a soft undercoat and a long outer coat
The coat sheds moderately throughout the year with 2 seasonal blowouts.
Colors:
The Australian Shepherd Husky mix can come in several colors and color combinations that include;
- White
- Black
- Merle
- Cream
- Brown
- Gray
The Aussie Husky can also have a bi-color coat with the belly and chest areas having one color while the rest of the body has another color.
Aussie Husky Generations
Like I pointed out earlier in this post, you can have Australian Huskies that are from multiple generations.
This means that not all the offspring will be from the parent breeds. You can also have multi-generation crosses.
When you cross a purebred Australian Shepherd with a purebred Siberian Husky you get an f1 generation cross. This generation is said to have the most vigor of all generations.
The mixed dogs slowly lose the hybrid vigor as you go down the generations.
However, there are some benefits to having multi-generation crosses. This may increase the chances of having certain traits that help in the establishment of the breed standards.
Here is a breakdown of the generations;
- F1 cross- Combination of two purebred parent breeds.
- F1B backcross- Is a combination of an F1 offspring with either of the parent breeds. This is done to strengthen certain traits.
- F2 cross- This is a combination of 2 F1 crosses.
- F2b backcross- Is a second-generation backcross puppy. This pup is got by mixing an F1 with an F1b parent.
Aussie Siberian temperament and personality
Aussie Siberian Husky mixes can be very independent, work-oriented, smart, and active.
They can also be aloof to strangers but this does not mean that they are not interested in those good cuddles and belly rubs.
These mixed dogs are great family pets but are better suited for active lifestyles as they enjoy a lot of outdoor activities.
They will also get along with other animals with proper and early socialization.
You should, however, keep in mind that these are herding dogs and if they get stimulated they may be inclined to herd other household pets and even children.
Despite this, they do well with young kids and can play with them for hours on end.
These dogs are also protective and are suitable watchdogs. Aussie Huskies are also very intelligent and highly trainable.
They learn new commands and tricks quickly.
Remember we said that the Aussie Siberian is a high energy dog. This means that he will need a lot of space and an apartment may not be the most comfortable setting for this dog.
They will need space like a yard where they can explore and that will be most convenient for them.
Australian Shepherd Husky mix puppy
Both the Siberian Husky and Australian Shepherd don’t differ much in size and so, any of the parent breeds can be used as the dam or the sire.
The litter size will also vary depending on how big each parent is but in general most litters will comprise of between 4 and 8 puppies.
These puppies take between 12 and 18 months to reach their full size.
How much does a Siberian Husky Australian Shepherd mix puppy cost?
Australian Shepherd Husky mix puppies can cost you anywhere between $500 and $1200 depending on the breeder and the location.
You also need to keep in mind other recurring costs that may add up to an average of $1000 annually.
So, how do you get about finding a reputable breeder? Visit our guide on how to find a reputable and responsible breeder to learn more about that.
A reputable breeder should be able to do the following
- A reputable breeder should be interested in knowing about your lifestyle and tell you if this dog will be best suited for you.
- The breeder should be follow up on the puppy’s welfare even after you have taken him home.
- He or she should keep the puppy until its about 8 to 10 weeks old.
- The breeder should provide you with information on how you should take care of the puppy. This will include feeding and basic training.
- Reputable breeders should have a refund policy.
How to groom an Australian Shepherd Husky
The thick coat of this Husky mix should be groomed regularly to keep the dog healthy and looking good.
Brushing the dog’s should be done 3 to 5 times a week using a slicker brush or a pin brush and hand glove mint glove.
This will help get rid of dead fur and in turn, minimize shedding.
Brushing also helps to keep the coat shiny by evenly distributing coat oils. You can also spray the mixed dog with a leave-in conditioner to restore its sheen and strengthen the coat.
Only bath this dog when it is necessary for example when he becomes dirty or smelly.
This should be done using a pH neutral shampoo product such as an aloe vera shampoo formulated for dogs. After using the shampoo, you can also bath the dog a second time using a conditioner.
Check your dog’s ears regularly and clean them if they are dirty use cotton balls dipped in an ear cleaning solution.
For the eyes, you can also use a microfiber cloth or a cotton ball that has mineral oils to clean them.
Clipping the nails and dental hygiene are also equally as important.
Feeding requirements
The Ausky is a very food-oriented dog and it is very important to ensure that he is fed in a high-quality diet. You should also make sure that his daily calorie requirements.
As a general rule of thumb, this dog will need about 30 calories for every pound that he weighs.
Ausky mix Daily Food Consumption | |
---|---|
Guide | 1100 to 1800 calories |
Cups of Kibble | 3 to 4 |
These meals should be divided into two portions to reduce the risk of bloat that is also known as gastric volvulus. One portion should be given to the dog in the morning and the other in the evening.
The diet should be high on proteins and should make up at least 22% of the diet.
For proper bone development, the diet should have essential minerals such as calcium and phosphorous. These minerals help in muscle development and reduce blood disorders.
Ausky Exercise requirements
The Australian Shepherd Husky mix is a dog that loves being outdoors and it is a great opportunity for the dog to get exercise.
This is the setting where they are happiest.
That is why we had mentioned earlier that the Ausky does not do well in closed spaces as they love to explore and play.
This pooch is known to be mischievous when he gets bored and therefore the yard should be as secure as possible.
You need to provide the dog with stimulation both physical and mental. This is also a great way to strengthen the bond between you and your dog.
There are several ways that you can do this like playing fetch and going for walks and jogs.
Number of walks | 2 (30 minutes each) |
Exercise needs | upwards of 60 minutes |
Training an Aussie Siberian
The Australian Shepherd Husky mix is a smart dog that is very trainable as a matter of fact.
This adorable pooch inherits this intelligence from the parent breeds that.
However, their urge to be independent can make them somewhat stubborn. They tend to do what they are in the mood for and you will need to watch their mood when you are about to train them.
Train them when they are most active like after a walk as this is when they will give you most of the attention.
House training would be a great place to start your training.
Desensitization training for an Australian Shepherd Husky mix
Is your Ausky scared of something?
Many people do not understand desensitization training for a dog and what it entails.
Let me break down this for you.
Let us say you have a sensitivity to something and you detect the slightest changes.
Dogs with emotional issues are usually abnormally sensitive to a stimulus that can cause them to react in a way that is not appropriate like being aggressive.
Desensitization is a way of reducing the sensitivity gradually until there is no response at all to the stimulus.
You do this by introducing your Australian Shepherd Husky mix to small portions of that stimulus so that he can get used to it.
You can do this by counter conditioning or operant conditioning which are very similar and important in desensitization.
The difference between the two is that in counter-conditioning the pooch already has a negative association such as pain to a certain stimulus and you will need to create a new association with the stimulus.
Counter-conditioning will require you to have more repetition, diligence, and patience.
Health concerns
There are always a few health concerns that you have to look out for even if the dog was crossed to outbreed any health issues.
The Australian Shepherd Husky mix is no exception to that as this dog is prone to inheriting some of the health problems from the parent breeds.
Luckily some of these problems can be treated as long as you keep a close eye on your dog.
You can schedule a test with your veterinarian to determine the possibility of any inherited health issues.
There are recommendations and diet requirements that you will require to follow to keep your pooch in a stable healthy state.
These are just concerns but it does not mean that your dog will suffer from them.
Some of the health concerns are;
- skin allergies
- eye problems
- joint dysplasia
Is the Aussie Husky the right dog for you?
This dog will never get tired of you which makes him a great pet for families that enjoy outdoor activities.
He is also a great pooch for families that are looking for a guard dog.
If you are willing to get this dog you must also be willing to make sure that you spend a lot of time making them feel useful as they like to have a sense of purpose.
Exercise is a must if you are adopting the Australian Shepherd Husky.
What do you think about this adorable mixed dog? leave us your thoughts and feedback in the comment section below.
There you go, WOOF!!!!
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