Over the last 20 years or so, mixed breed dogs have become extremely popular and the Husky Lab Mix is no exception.
As with most other crossbreeds, the Husky Lab Mix inherits his best characteristics from his parents.
Both the Siberian Husky and the Labrador Retriever’s physical characteristics and personality traits are loved by many dog owners, so it makes perfect sense to mix the two breeds.
The result is a designer dog who is as gentle and dignified as the Siberian Husky and as loving and loyal as the Labrador Retriever.
If you adore Siberian Huskies and Labrador Retrievers, you may be interested in learning more about their offspring.
Here, we’ll take a closer look at the personality traits, training, grooming and all the facts about the Husky Lab Mix. So keep reading.
By the end of this guide, you should be able to determine whether or not the Husky Lab Mix is a good match for you or your family.
Table of Contents
What is a Husky Lab Mix?
As the name suggests, the Husky Lab Mix is a cross between a purebred Siberian Husky and a purebred Labrador Retriever.
Since both parent breeds are working dogs, you can expect your Husky cross Labrador dog to be very energetic. These days, this mixed breed dog is not developed for any particular work, but to be a loving family pet.
The Labrador Husky Mix is a lovable dog that combines the best traits of both the Husky and the Labrador and one that will make a wonderful addition to almost any family.
This mix has several other names, including the Siberian Retriever, Labrador Retriever Husky Mix, Husky Labrador, Lab Husky, Labsky and Huskador.
No matter the name, however, this dog’s parents are always the same: a purebred Siberian Husky and a purebred Labrador Retriever.
Along with the Borador and the Labradoodle, this crossbreed is one of the most popular Lab mixes in the world today.
But where did the Labrador Retriever Husky Mix come from?
Let’s now talk about the origin of this crossbreed.
The Origin of the Husky Lab Mix
The Siberian Husky Lab Mix was intentionally developed in the last 20 years or so and is one of the most popular designer dogs in the world today.
Like other mixed breed dogs, the Siberian Retriever is not a purebred dog and normally acquires the characteristics, looks and temperaments of both parent breeds.
When getting a designer dog, make sure to buy from a reputable breeder since some breeders are only interested in making a killing out of unsuspecting dog lovers. Such breeders have little regard about the health of the puppies.
Unfortunately, there’s little to no information about how and when this mix was bred, but you can learn more about the crossbreed by studying the histories of both parent breeds.
It is advisable to meet both of the puppy’s parents before buying to get a good idea about the pup’s temperament.
So where did this sweet-natured and playful mix come from? In order to gain a better understanding of the dog, let’s study both parent breeds.
First up is the Siberian Husky parent.
An Overview of the Siberian Husky:
The Siberian Husky is an athletic yet gentle dog with a thick coat. The coat comes in a range of colors and patterns.
This dog is also known to have blue or multi-colored eyes as well as attractive facial masks that immediately steal the attention of pet owners the world over.
The Husky closely resembles the Siberian wolf. Nonetheless, Siberian Huskies are neither wolf dogs nor partial wolf dogs.
Due to their fierce and strong-willed nature, first-time dog owners might face difficulties while taking care of these dogs since they love to challenge their owners. Nonetheless, this does not stop people from getting Siberian Huskies largely because of their beautiful looks. They are also known for their strong work ethics.
Siberian Huskies were originally developed by the Chuckchi people who used them to transport goods. Most people consider Siberian Huskies to be snow dogs. It is thought that the name “Husky” is derived from the moniker “esky”, which is itself derived from the word ”Eskimo”
The American navy officer and explorer Robert Peary was guided by a team of Siberian Huskies during his expeditions to the North Pole.
And did you know that a team of Siberians once saved a town?
These dogs caught the attention of the public when they began dominating sled races sometime in the 1900s, but they hit the headlines in 1925 when a team of Siberian Huskies traveled over 600 miles in just about five days to deliver a lifesaving serum to Nome, Alaska, where a diphtheria epidemic was threatening to wipe out the whole population.
The exciting serum run made the news headlines all over the world, and ignited popularity of Siberian Huskies – a popularity that has not waned to this day. Balto, the lead dog on the last part of the journey, is one of the most famous dogs of all time.
Mushers still maintain packs of Siberian Huskies for dog-sledding puppies across North America. The less adventurous lovers of the breed also enjoy the companionship of this friendly, gentle dog.
Siberian Huskies are very sociable, playful and loving dogs. Their athleticism and intelligence levels are second to none.
Nonetheless, Huskies are not ideal for first-time dog owners. They do well in an environment where they are always busy and they don’t like being left alone for far too long. They will howl, dig and chew.
So what about the Labrador Retriever? Is their resume as impressive? Let’s find out:
The Labrador Retriever:
The Labrador Retriever is a wonderful working breed that is also known for his sociable nature. The Lab traces its origins to Newfoundland, Canada. The breed’s history began sometime in the 18th century when they were still known as St John’s Dogs.
Labradors were originally bred to be working dogs, family pets and companion dogs. Useful for helping fishermen, these dogs were also known to be wonderful family pets.
When Englishmen saw the Lab, they ended up taking some of them back to England to work as hunting dogs. By the end of the 19th century, the breed had totally vanished from Canada, but its popularity continued to grow in the UK.
The modern-day Labrador Retrievers are just as good-natured and hard-working as their predecessors. These dogs are wonderful guide dogs to owners who are physically disabled.
This athletic breed is playful, friendly and very intelligent. Labs are also people-oriented and adapt well and quickly in homes with many family members.
The Lab’s sociable and gentle nature makes them excellent therapy dogs. As such, they are sometimes taken to elderly homes and medical centers to help cheer up their patients.
Labs have also been used as search and rescue dogs over the years thanks to their excellent hunting and retrieving skills.
These dogs also do well in a number of canine sports, including agility and obedience competitions. Nonetheless, Labs are not necessarily good watchdogs because they are too gentle and friendly and are likely to greet strangers with love and kindness.
The General Appearance of a Labrador and Husky Mix
As a crossbreed, each Labrador X Husky puppy’s general appearance will be a special combination of characteristics from both parent breeds.
This dog’s ears may stand straight just like their Husky parent or may droop like a Labrador’s. Either way, this will be a very beautiful pup that’s sure to catch the attention of everyone.
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Another common feature found in Siberian Retrievers is heterochromia, a condition that is characterized by two different eye colors. Fortunately, this condition is not dangerous and occurs naturally.
A Lab Cross Husky’s coat comes in a wide selection of colors including white, black, brown, yellow, grey and copper. Puppies can also exhibit an attractive combination of colors as is typical of Siberian Huskies.
Their coat is usually straight and short to medium in length. Since this adorable dog is a Siberian Husky Mix, he will shed more than your average dog.
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Siberian Huskies have a thick, double coat that protects them from freezing temperatures.
If your Labsky dog acquires the double coat of his Husky parent, he will shed the undercoat twice per year. This means that you will need to prepare for proper brushing and vacuuming before adding this dog to your household.
We’ll cover the Huskador grooming requirements later on in this article, so keep reading.
For now let’s focus on the size, height and weight of a full grown Husky Lab Mix.
How Big Will A Husky Lab Mix Get?
Siberian Huskies and Labrador Retrievers are both medium sized dogs, so you can expect your Huskador to be the same.
A Husky Lab Mix full grown dog is considered to be a medium-sized dog and has an average weight of around 40 to 60 pounds. The mix will stand anywhere between 20 and 25 inches in height, with males probably being a bit larger than females.
What about the personality and behavior traits of a Huskador? here’s is more information about this dog’s temperament.
Husky Lab Mix Temperament
When getting a mixed breed like the Siberian Retriever, you may find it difficult to predict what the puppies’ personalities will turn out like. It is important to study the dog’s parents to make an informed guess about his behavior and temperament.
The Labrador and Husky Mix is a loving and affectionate dog with boundless energy. Many experts agree that this mix is one of the best mixed breed dogs in the ever-growing hybrid dog market.
It is an interesting combination of the Siberian Husky’s sociable personality and a Lab’s well-behaved nature.
Both parent breeds are gentle and can be incredibly good with kids, making the Husky Lab Mix a good choice for families with children. As such, this mix is an ideal companion for people who are looking for a reliable family pet. The breed is lively and gentle in nature.
They also need proper exercises to help burn off excess energy and love being the center of attention. This means that you need to spend a reasonable amount of time with them every day.
If you don’t have much time on your hands to spend with your dog, it probably isn’t the end of the world, and chances are your dog will be fine if you are able to spend some quality time with him each day.
Husky Lab Mixes are special dogs, particularly because they love the waters and swimming in particular. Although this canine has a barking issue, he is generally calm and well behaved.
Siberian Retrievers are loyal and protective of their families and will most likely bark to let others know that their owners are in danger.
? Things go from bad to worse when someone gets a Siberian Retriever without understanding what it takes to care and maintain one and simply leaves them alone for extended periods of time. In such cases, the Husky Lab Mix will definitely develop separation anxiety and show behavioral issues to let you know that they feel neglected.
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Does a Husky Lab Mix Make a Good Watchdog?
Generally speaking, the Labrador Husky Mix is a fairly good watchdog being alert and intelligent and will often bark to let you know when there is a stranger. He is a courageous dog with lots of enthusiasm and energy.
However, you need to be aware of the fact that the Husky Lab Mix can be an annoying barker that can become a nuisance to your neighbors or give you a headache…literally!
This largely depends on whether they acquire the frustrating barking habit from their Siberian Husky parent or the calmer demeanor from the Lab. If they start barking at anything and everyone they see, then you have your work cut out for you. This is yet another reason why proper training is extremely important at a young age.
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Are Lab Husky Mixes Escape Artists?
There’s no denying the fact that Siberian Huskies are escape artists. But what about the Lab Husky mix?
? Well, the myth that all Siberian huskies always try to wander off is largely untrue. Although Huskies are good at finding ways of escaping, it is very important to know that they will normally only try to escape if they get bored or when they are not mentally stimulated.
On the other hand, huskies enjoy digging and running around, and trimming may not prevent them from doing these things. They are considered great diggers, So, be sure to prepare your yard properly before adding this dog to your home.
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Since digging is often unavoidable, it is a good idea to designate a certain part of your yard for your pup to dig. Finally, you can train the dog to do his digging within the boundaries of that area.
Microchipping is highly recommended for a Husky Lab Mix, and this pup should wear an identification tag at all times. Proper identification will help ensure a safe return should your pooch successfully wander off.
Are Lab Husky Mixes Natural Hunters?
It is important to note here that the Siberian Huskies have a natural predatory instinct.
Since the Siberian Retriever is half Husky half Lab, he is likely to acquire some predatory tendencies from his Husky parent. Your dog might view your cat and other small animals as prey.
Fortunately, proper training and socialization can help prevent this behavior and ensure your dog gets along well with cats and other household pets.
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Are Husky Lab Mixes Good Dogs?
Siberian Retrievers are good family dogs. However, these are generally large or medium sized dogs and should never be left alone with small kids.
With proper care and training, your companion dog will learn to get along well with children and will even keep them safe, if need be. In addition, teach your kids not to play rough with your dog.
Husky Lab Mixes are best suited for families with children who know how to interact with a dog without teasing or hurting them. These fun-loving dogs enjoy quality playtime with his family.
Like all breeds, proper care, training and socialization are a must if you want your Siberian Retriever to develop into a well rounded dog.
Huskador Training
As with any hybrid dog, you should start training your Huskador puppy as soon as you bring him home. Both parent breeds have worked as service dogs, which is a testimony to their loyalty, trainability and hardworking nature.
Since the Husky Lab Mix is very intelligent and eager to please, you can train him yourself, provided you start training at a young age.
Nonetheless, the dog might display a stubborn streak since he has a Siberian Husky parent. Therefore, it is important to exercise patience and hold several training sessions before getting a positive response.
In addition to housetraining, obedience training can also help you establish a strong bond with your dog while establishing yourself as the pack leader.
Keep in mind that dogs respond well to positive training methods, including treats, hugs, praises and other rewards. Proper socialization from a young age is also an important part of training.
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Exercise Requirements
A Husky Lab Mix is a very energetic dog who needs plenty of exercises to remain happy. That shouldn’t come as too much of a surprise since the two parent breeds have good work ethics.
Daily walks and regular trips to a nearby dog park are important for this dog’s disposition.
Due to his loyalty and interest in taking part in family activities, it is possible to make your Husky Lab Mix part of your everyday exercise program. Your furry friend will enjoy hiking or jogging alongside you each and every time. This crossbreed also enjoys swimming and baths – a trait that he acquired from his Labrador parent.
The high intelligence levels of the Lab Husky Mix also means that you need to keep them mental stimulated. Failure to do so could result in boredom and destructive behaviors, especially because they have digging tendencies.
Giving your dog interactive dog toys will also help you to meet his exercise needs. The athletic nature of this dog allows him to be capable for performing advanced activities, from playing Flyball to Frisbee.
Moreover, get him strong dog toys for him to chew, and give him access to a spacious yard where he can run, play and move freely.
Leaving your dog for long periods of time can lead to separation anxiety, common with Labrador Retrievers, but sometimes also found in Siberian Huskies. So, whenever you have to leave him alone, be sure to keep him busy and mental stimulated.
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Labrador Husky Mix Grooming
First of all, it is important to note that the Siberian Retriever is certainly not a low shedding dog. In fact, these dogs are considered to be moderate to heavy shedders.
In order to control his shedding and ensure it doesn’t become a major problem, be sure to brush them at least once every day. This will help boost coat health and enhance its overall quality.
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The shedding will usually increase during Spring and Summer when the dog loses his undercoat.
During the shedding seasons, make sure to brush his coat at least twice each day. Vacuuming is also an important part of then grooming process if you want to keep your house clean and free of pet hair.
When it comes to bathing, Husky Lab Mixes do not require frequent baths. This dog needs a bath once in a while when the coat becomes particularly dirty. Otherwise, make sure to use deodorizing wipes to keep their coat clean and healthy when you are not bathing them.
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Cleaning and brushing your dog’s teeth is also important and should be done two to three times each week.
As for other grooming practices, such as nail trimming and ear cleaning, these procedures are best entrusted to a professional groomer whenever necessary.
Further Reading: Top 10 Best Bones to Clean Dogs Teeth
Feeding Information
When you buy your Huskador puppy, chances are the breeders will have him on a particular food. Make sure to keep him on that food and gradually transition him to new food. You can achieve this by giving him both the new and old food at the same time and slowly increasing the amount of the new food.
Husky Lab Mix puppies should be fed 3 to 4 times each day, and then reduce the number to two servings per day. A full grown Husky Lab Mix will need around 2.5 cups of high quality food each day.
Quality dry foods are rich in protein and your dog’s diet should contain at least 50 percent meat. Avoid buying any dog food that contains fillers, corn gluten and artificial colorings.
Your dog will also need fresh water on a daily basis. You’ll want to keep an eye on your pup to ensure he is drinking enough.
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Lab Husky Health Issues
As a dog lover, you probably know that there are certain health problems that may affect your dog. A Siberian Husky Lab Mix is prone to various health problems that affect both parent breeds.
This hybrid dog may potentially inherit different health problems from his parents. These include:
Epilepsy: this is one of the most common disorders in canines and affects at least one in 130 dogs. Epilepsy is a serious health problem that causes seizures.
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Ear Infections: ear infections usually occur due to accumulation of bacteria or yeast, wax, foreign items and allergies.
A dog like a Husky Lab Mix who spends a lot of time outside is exposed to bacteria and foreign bodies that are responsible for ear infections. This can be managed with thorough cleanings and medicine offered at home. The vet may prescribe oral or topical medicine.
Bloating: gas accumulation or bloating is another serious condition that affects Labrador Husky mixes. The affected dog can suffer from shock since the stomach expands and puts more pressure on veins and arteries. Dog Breeds such as the Labrador Retriever and Siberian Husky are vulnerable to flatulence because of their size and high food consumption.
Eye Disease: eye disease is a major problem among dogs, and the Husky Lab Mix is no exception. This condition is inherited from the dog’s Husky parent. Three of the most common eye problems affecting Siberian Retrievers are progressive retinal atrophy, cataracts and corneal dystrophy.
Obesity: Siberian Retrievers are also prone to obesity just like other Lab mixes. This means that these dogs are also prone to joint conditions such as arthritis. As Siberian Retrievers can also be vulnerable to heart problems, you should monitor your pup’s weight.
As with all dogs, make sure to buy your Husky Lab Mix puppy from a reputable breeder to ensure he is healthy. Good breeders should be able to produce the medical records of both his parents.
You will also want to use the Embark Dog DNA Test Kit to confirm the lineage of your dog and any health problems that he may develop in the future. Regular vet visits can also help you to keep up with your dog’s health and any other issues he may face.
What is the Life Expectancy Of A Husky Lab Mix?
A Siberian Retriever has an average lifespan of around 10 to 15 years. For such a large breed, this is a very long time and your dog should live long enough to see everyone grow.
Finding A Labsky Puppy For Sale Or Adoption
When looking for a new dog to add to your household, you should always deal with a reputable breeder.
You need to meet both parent dogs and spend some time with them to ensure they are of good temperament. Moreover, visit the puppies and see if they are comfortable around strangers. This will give you a good idea of the kind of personality traits they might have acquired from their parents.
Although it is actually random, you may also find a puppy with certain characteristics like a black Lab Husky Mix. A good idea is to deal with a breeder that prefers working dog traits over visual appearance, as these pups are more likely to have good temperaments.
For Siberian Retrievers, since both parents should be purebred dogs, you can ask if they are registered with the kennel club and request to view documents.
You should also see the medical records of both parent dogs and a record of the puppy’s vaccinations and flea treatments until the moment you are ready to take the puppy home.
Check the Huskador puppies for sale that you’re interested in to ensure they are in a good heath condition with clean ears and eyes. A responsible breeder will give you professional advice on taking care of your desired puppy and will not be in a hurry to sell you their puppies.
Good breeders will want the dogs to go to the right homes, so prepare to answer to their questions as well.
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Husky Lab Mix Rescue
If you are looking to adopt a full grown Siberian Retriever, an animal shelter is certainly a good place to start.
Healthy and adorable dogs sometimes end up in rescue centers without any fault of their own, and they need a dog lover who can give them a forever home.
In case you have decided to adopt a dog, please fill free to check these websites:
– PuppyFinder.com
– Adoptapet.com
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How Much Are Husky Lab Mix Puppies?
The price of Husky Lab Mix puppies for sale from a reputable breeder is around $400 to $800. The Labsky price will start to increase as the dog grows in popularity.
If you are lucky enough to find a Husky Labrador Mix at an animal shelter or rescue center, adoption fees will vary from around $50 to $100.
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Conclusion
As you can see, a Husky Lab Mix can be a wonderful addition to the right family. He gets along well with kids and loves being with his family at all times.
However, you will have to be there for your dog and also allow him to take part in your activities, which would be difficult if you stay away from home for long periods of time.
They need proper exercises each day and lots of mental stimulation to keep him happy and healthy. But if you have the time and resources to spend exercising and training a Husky Lab Mix, you can rest assured that you’ll never have a dull moment with this cheerful dog.
