The Husky Poodle mix, also known as the Poosky, is a crossbreed between the Siberian Husky and Poodle. This mixed dog is gaining popularity among dog lovers due to its unique appearance and friendly nature.
The Poosky inherits the best traits from both parent breeds, making it an ideal companion for families and individuals alike. While the Poodle dials down their shedding, the mix’s Husky side may drive you to lint rollers and vacuums more than other Poodle mixes. They can be prone to zinc deficiencies so be sure to speak to your vet about a good multivitamin pet supplement.
Overall, the Husky Poodle mix is a charming and friendly breed quickly gaining popularity among dog lovers. We’ve consulted Riley James’ Guide on Huskydoodles for a comprehensive guide on this stunning mix.
So, What is a Husky Poodle Mix?
A Husky Poodle Mix, also known as a Huskydoodle, Huskypoo, or a Poosky, is a mixed dog breed that is a cross between a purebred Siberian Husky and a purebred Standard Poodle. One of the most notable features of the Husky Poodle mix is its striking appearance and high energy. With its fluffy coat, piercing blue eyes, and athletic build, this hybrid dog is hard to miss.
However, the Poosky’s physical appearance is not the only reason why it is becoming a popular choice among dog owners. This breed is known for its friendly and affectionate nature, making it an excellent companion for families with children or other pets.
Like many other doodles (including the Saint Berdoodle, Mini Schnoodles and Labradoodles) Huskypoodles were mostly bred for allergy-friendly coats. Since most Huskies are too much for the average owner, the Poodle was added for a less-intense, lower-shedding dog.
These dogs are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and playful nature. They are highly energetic and require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy. They are great with children and other pets, but they do have a strong prey drive, so it is important to socialize them properly from a young age.
This Siberpoo has those mischievous Husky eyebrows
Origins of the Husky Poodle Mix
Where Did the Huskydoodle Come From?
Poodle mixes are extremely common, thanks to the breed’s allergy-friendly coat and well-balanced temperament. Huskies have also had their fair share of designer dog mixes, such as Huskyhuahuas, Pomskies, and Corgi Huskies.
Mixed breeds are also referred to as designer breeds and can be traced back to the 1990s with the rise of the designer dog craze. Other popular Huskydoodle names include:
- Siberpoo;
- Poosky;
- Siberian Poodle;
- Huskypoo; and
- Huskapoo.
To better understand the Husky Poodle, let’s dive into the parent breeds’ origins.
The Siberian Husky originated in Siberia, Russia, where the Chukchi people bred them to help pull sleds over long distances through the snow. These dogs were highly valued for their strength, endurance, and ability to withstand the harsh Siberian climate.
In the early 20th century, a group of Huskies completed a challenging 658-mile journey delivering life-saving diphtheria serum to Nome, Alaska. They were then brought to Alaska for use in sled dog racing, and from there, they spread throughout the United States and Canada.
On the other hand, the Poodle is a breed of dog that originated in Germany in the 15th century, where they were bred as water retrievers. They were highly valued for their intelligence, trainability, and ability to swim.
Poodles come in three different sizes – Standard, Miniature, and Toy – and are known for their curly, hypoallergenic coats. Since their development, there arguably lacks another breed used in breeding mixed dogs quite as much as Poodles. You’ll see Sheepadoodles, Doxiepoos, Great Pyeredoodles, Goldendoodles, Giant Schnoodles, Corgipoos, and Irish Doodles; you name it.
Physical Characteristics of a Husky Poodle Mix
What Does a Huskydoodle Look Like?
The appearance of a Huskypoo can vary widely, depending on the traits inherited from each parent. Generally, a Huskydoodle has a medium to large size, a sturdy build, and a thick coat. A Huskydoodle will have wolf-like looks trapped in a Poodle or will look like a curly Husky.
They may have almond-shaped eyes that can be blue, brown or a mix of both. The ears can be floppy or erect, depending on the dominant genes. The muzzle is usually of medium length and may have a slightly tapered shape.
Husky Poodles typically have a well-proportioned body with a strong, muscular build. They often have a deep chest, a straight back, and a level topline. Their legs are usually well-muscled and straight, giving them an agile and athletic appearance.
How Big Does a Siberpoo Get?
The size of a Huskydoodle can vary depending on the size of the Poodle parent. On average, a Huskydoodle can weigh between 40 to 60 pounds (18 to 27 kg)and stand up to 18 to 24 inches (45 to 60 cm) tall at the shoulder.
Huskydoodle Coat and Colors
The coat of a Poosky is usually thick and fluffy, with a texture that can be either curly or wavy. The coat combinations are very wolf-like and are what makes the mix resemble a Husky so much. The coat can come in a variety of colors, including:
- Agouti;
- Black;
- White;
- Gray;
- Brown; and
- Cream.
Some Huskydoodles may have a mix of two or more colors, such as black and white or brown and cream. They can also come in coat patterns like agouti, phantom, or particolored.
The coat of a Huskydoodle is usually low-shedding, making it a great option for people with allergies. However, the Husky side may increase their shedding, making spending time with the mix the only way to know if they’re allergy-friendly.
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Caring for a Husky Poodle Mix
What Should a Huskydoodle Eat?
Huskydoodles need a quality, high-protein diet (25% to 30% composition) based on their weight for maximum health. It’s recommended to feed them two to three small meals a day rather than one large meal. Their diet should be adapted to accommodate their age and size.
Feeding your Husky Poodle mix too much can lead to obesity, which can cause health problems such as joint pain and heart disease. Your vet can help you come up with the best diet for your Siberpoo based on their health.
Exercise Requirements
It’s recommended to provide Pooskies with at least 1 to 2 hours of exercise each day. Husky Poodle mixes, like Bordoodles, are incredibly active dogs that require daily exercise to stay healthy and happy. They enjoy going for walks, running, and playing in the yard.
In addition to physical exercise, mental stimulation is important for Husky Poodle mixes. Providing them with toys, puzzles, snuffle mats, and training activities can help keep them mentally stimulated and prevent boredom.
Grooming a Huskydoodle
Husky Poodle mixes have a thick, double coat that requires regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. It’s recommended to brush them at least once a week and more frequently during shedding season.
Bathing with a mild shampoo should be done as needed, but not too frequently, as it can strip the natural oils from their coat. It’s important to trim their nails with clippers regularly to prevent them from becoming too long and causing discomfort. They also need their teeth brushed at least twice a week and bi-weekly ear cleaning with dog ear wipes.
Huskydoodle Temperament, Intelligence, and Training
Huskypoos are intelligent dogs with a friendly and outgoing temperament. They are canine drama royalty, happy, lively, social, affectionate, loyal, and intelligent dogs with a sense of the ridiculous.
They may inherit the Husky’s talkative and loud tendencies, so cross your fingers that your neighbors are tolerant. They love being around family and forming deep bonds with loved ones and their favorite person.
The trainability of the Huskydoodle varies. Huskies are notoriously difficult to train while Poodles are the second easiest dogs to train in the world. This means that if you get a Huskypoo, they will be intelligent, but how easy they are to train is going to depend on which parent they take after.
They respond well to praise and rewards and can learn a variety of commands and tricks. However, they can also be stubborn and easily distracted at times, so consistency and patience are necessary when training them.
Are Huskypoos Good with Children and Families?
Huskypoos are known to be friendly, affectionate, and playful dogs that make great family pets. They are also loyal and protective, which makes them great watchdogs. However, they must never remain alone with kids to prevent unforeseeable accidents. They also need socialization and early training.
Do Huskydoodles Do Well with Other Animals?
When it comes to other pets in the household, Huskypoos can get along well with other dogs and cats if they are socialized properly from a young age. They have a high prey drive, which means they may chase after smaller animals, so it is crucial to supervise them when they are around other pets.
Health Considerations in Siberpoos
It is essential to consider the Poosky’s health needs to ensure they live a long and healthy life. Here are some health considerations to keep in mind:
Hip Dysplasia: A common condition where the hip joint doesn’t develop properly, leading to pain and mobility problems. A study records Husky hip dysplasia prevalence as one of the lowest (5%) compared to other breeds, but the number is still astoundingly high so make sure to invest in hip mobility chews.
Degenerative Myelopathy (DM): Huskies are predisposed to DM, a progressive spinal cord disease that affects the dog’s mobility. Research showed that hereditary factors influence DM prevalence in Huskies.
Eye issues like cataracts and Progressive Retinal Atrophy, where the retina slowly degenerates
Hypothyroidism: A condition where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone, resulting in metabolic and hormonal imbalances, mostly found in Poodles
Epilepsy: A neurological disorder characterized by recurring seizures.
Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus (GDV) or Bloat: A life-threatening condition where the stomach twists, leading to restricted blood flow and potential organ damage.
Patellar Luxation: Dislocation of the kneecap, which can cause pain and lameness
Addison’s Disease: A hormonal disorder that affects the adrenal glands, leading to inadequate production of certain hormones. This issue is more common in Poodles.
Von Willebrand’s Disease: A bleeding disorder caused by a deficiency of von Willebrand factor, which helps in blood clotting. Studies show that Poodles are more susceptible to one of the three (type 1) classes of this disorder.
Heart Disease: Some Husky Poodles may be prone to certain heart conditions, such as mitral valve disease or dilated cardiomyopathy (enlarged heart)
Other health issues like allergies, dental issues, skin problems, ear infections, and food intolerances
Training a Husky Poodle Mix
Training a Husky Poodle Mix can be a challenging task, as these dogs can have a strong will and may exhibit stubbornness at times. However, with patience and consistency, it is possible to train them effectively.
One important aspect of training a Husky Poodle Mix is socialization. These dogs have a tendency to be wary of strangers, so it is important to expose them to different people and situations from an early age. Obedience and crate training are other critical aspects of training your Siberpoo.
Husky Poodle Mixes can benefit from more advanced training, such as agility or obedience competitions, because they’re more intelligent than your average dog. These activities can help keep them mentally and physically stimulated and can provide a fun bonding experience for both the dog and the owner.
Is a Husky Poodle Mix Right for You?
A Poosky is best for homes with these conditions:
- A home with a yard to cater to their crazy energy levels;
- Extremely active people who are ready for lots of daily exercise;
- People who don’t suffer from allergies since they’re less allergenic than Poodles;
- A home where someone is home regularly;
- People with active lifestyles; and
- Adult supervision for homes with young kids.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are Huskypoos good dogs?
Yes, Huskypoos are generally good dogs. They are known for being friendly, energetic, and loyal. However, like any breed, individual personalities can vary.
How long do Huskypoos live?
Huskypoos typically live between 10 and 15 years. However, this can vary depending on factors such as genetics, diet, and exercise.
How much does a Huskypoo puppy cost?
The cost of a Huskypoo puppy can vary depending on the breeder and location. On average, they can cost between $1,000 and $2,500.
Does a Huskypoo shed a lot?
Huskypoos may shed less than the Husky, but they are usually Shed. If they inherit a Poodle single coat, they may be very low shedders.
Is a Huskypoo hypoallergenic?
While no dog breed is completely hypoallergenic, Huskypoos can be more allergy-friendly than others, provided they inherit a Poodle’s low-shedding coat. They have a low dander level and shed less than some other breeds.
Final Thoughts
Overall, the Husky Poodle mix is a great dog for anyone looking for a friendly and active companion. They are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and playful personalities. However, potential owners should be aware that this breed requires a lot of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
Meet Your Experts
Author
Tamsin de la Harpe has nearly two decades of experience with dogs in rescue, training, and behavior modification with fearful and aggressive dogs. She has worked closely with veterinarians and various kennels, building up extensive medical knowledge and an understanding of canine health and physiology. She also spent two years in the animal sciences as a canine nutrition researcher, focusing on longevity and holistic healthcare for our four-legged companions. Tamsin currently keeps a busy homestead with an assortment of rescue dogs and three Bullmastiffs.