The Husky Labrador mix is a cross between two of America’s most popular dog breeds; the Siberian Husky and the Labrador Retriever. This friendly and energetic mix has many names, including Labradoreky, Huskador or Siberian Retriever.
They are a medium-sized to large dog breed that weighs between 35 and 80 pounds and can grow up to 24 inches tall. They have a double coat, but the color depends on which parent breed is dominant.
The husky lab mix is generally a healthy dog with some inherited health problems to pay attention to. Known for its intelligence and loyalty, this hybrid is becoming increasingly popular.
As different as these two dog breeds are, it seems as if their traits perfectly compliment each other in this crossbreed. The Husky and Labrador are so popular for a reason, right? So if you weren’t able to decide which one of these two canines you should get, maybe this crossbreed is the right one for you!
So let’s learn more about this designer breed, and see if they would be a good fit for your family.
Origin of the Labrador Husky Mix
After crossing a Labrador Retriever with a Siberian Husky, the Labsky was born. Although their initial country of origin has not been determined, the mixed breed dates back to the 1990s.
The parent breeds of the Labsky have a long and illustrious history. The Siberian Husky has been around for about 3000 years and originates in Alaska and Canada’s frigid climates.
The Labrador Retriever was first developed as a gun dog in Newfoundland in the nineteenth century. According to the American Kennel Club, the Labrador Retriever is now one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, and it frequently ranks as the most popular dog breed overall.
Even though the Labsky appears to be a high-end designer dog, many of them wind up in shelters, so if you decide this is the breed for you, consider adoption!
We can learn more about what makes this mixed breed so special by dealing with the origin of their parents.
Origins of the Siberian Husky
It is assumed that the Siberian Husky descended from an old breed of dogs in Asia. The ancestors of the husky were mainly used as companions and sled dogs.
The husky first came to Alaska in 1909 to participate in sled dog races. They became a quite popular race because they were the most constant winners of these races,
Today, the husky ranks 14th out of 193 breeds on the list of the most popular dog breeds of the American Kennel Club (AKC).
Although they are a beloved family dog, this intelligent and resistant dog is still used as a sled dog. They have a stubborn streak which the Labsky dog can inherit.
Origins of the Labrador Retriever
An old breed that is believed to exist around 1500 years, the Labrador Retriever probably comes from Newfoundland, Canada.
Originally bred for duck hunting and fish farming, the Labrador Retriever was a favorite among fishermen and was known for its intelligence and loyal nature. They are true people dogs and many believe that they are the best choice for a family home dog.
With its short, weatherproof fur, the Labrador was the perfect candidate for working on boats in the ice-cold Canadian climate. And their tail is the perfect propeller if they wanted to catch up with their master’s catch while swimming.
The Labrador came to America in 1903 and was officially registered by the AKC in 1917, where it is now the top of the list of America’s most popular dog breeds! In fact, this brilliant pet has been on top of the list for many years in a row, including 2021!
Appearance
The appearance of a crossed first-generation dog is always left to chance and genetics, and the mixture of Husky Lab is no exception.
Let’s take a look at the purebred parents to determine what kind of features your Huskador could inherit.
Husky appearance
The husky is undoubtedly a beautiful and commanding dog with medium-length, dense fur, feathered rod, upright ears and almond-shaped eyes that are both brown and blue.
They usually weigh about 35 to 60 pounds, with the females standing on the smaller side. And they can be between 20 and 23.5 inches tall.
The fur of the husky is available in many color combinations:
Huskies can have two different colored eyes; a brown and a blue eye. Your Huskador could also have this property! It is called heterochromy and can be caused by an anomaly of pigmentation.
Labrador appearance
The Labrador is usually slightly larger than the husky. It is about 22 to 25 inches tall and weighs about 55 to 80 pounds.
The Labrador also has floppy ears and a short, dense, double coat that is water-repellent.
In contrast to husky, the fur of the Labrador is only available in three standard colors, including:
Lab Husky mix appearance
If you take into account the above information, you can prepare yourself that your Lab and Husky Mix will be a medium-sized dog between 20 and 23.5 inches tall.
The weight of a full grown Labrador Husky will be between 35 and 80 pounds. Females weight between 35 and 70 pounds and the males weight between 45 and 80 pounds.
Both parent breeds have a double coat, so that your husky lab mixture also has a thick coat. Depending on which parent they take afterwards, their fur can be medium or short. It can also come in a number of colors.
As husky lab mixed puppies grow up, their color and size as adults are always a surprise!
Your mixed pup could be one solid color like the Labrador. Most commonly the colors are tan, cream, black or brown. It could also be a two-tone puppy that resembles the husky side and combines a number of color options.
Temperament Labrador Husky Mix
Since the Lab-Husky is a crossbreed, it can be difficult to determine their exact behavioral characteristics. This mixed breed could get a mixture of temperament features from each of their purebred parents.
So how can we find out more about the mixing behavior of the husky lab breed? Well, we have to take a look at the temperaments of the Labrador and Husky!
Husky temperament
First of all, the husky is a family-friendly breed known for its pleasant nature and energetic endurance.
The friendly and social Husky gets along so well with everyone he meets!
In fact, huskies need a lot of social interaction either with their owners or with other dogs. In addition, this is not a breed that likes to be left alone for a long time.
Huskies also have a lot of energy and need a safely fenced backyard where they can run and play. Keep your husky on a leash as they have a strong prey instinct.
This breed loves children. They are also good with other dogs. They also greet strangers with joy and see everyone as a friend.
Huskies are not the best guard dogs, but they are an excellent dog for those who often have company. There are some big husky names inspired by this fiery personality!
Labrador temperament
There is a reason why the lab is the most popular family dog in America!
Pleaseing their intelligence, loyalty and zeal means that they are a fabulous companion for people with children and other pets. This is a gentle race that loves her family unconditionally and wants nothing more than to make their people happy!
The labradors are quick to learn and easy to train, but we should note that this breed matures slowly and is puppy-like into adulthood.
They can also be prone to chewing and boredom, which is never a good combination. Therefore, it will be up to its owners to ensure that the Labrador is properly trained and maintains a good level of mental stimulation so that it stays out of the difficulties!
Husky Labrador Mix Temperament
Since both the husky and the labrador are known for their endurance and energy, a future owner should prepare for an energetic dog.
This mix enjoys people and is very social. It is a human-related race that will do its best alongside its family members.
They will need a lot of toys, exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy. They can be fun for themselves or resort to destructive behavior if they are not sufficiently trained.
As with all dogs, experts recommend early socialization and obedience training. Husky lab mixed puppies can be quite excitable and only mature slowly under the influence of the Labrador.
Early socialization and obedience training could help reduce your dog’s anxiety. It can also ensure that he is adaptable, calm and good-natured.
Are they good family dogs?
A Lab Husky mix is a wonderful family dog if everyone understands how to properly handle and train it. To ensure that this dog is properly trained and socialized, consistency is essential.
This dog is suitable for a wide range of owners, from singles to families with small children. However, you must ensure that you have the time and energy to devote to this dog. Before getting one, you should consider whether you have the patience and dedication required to provide it with the best possible life.
Because of the Labsky’s high energy levels, it requires someone who leads an active lifestyle. This wonderful dog is not the right pet for busy workers or people who spend a lot of time away from home. It’s a people-oriented dog that requires a family with the time, energy, dedication, space, and financial resources to care for it.
The Husky Lab mix is a one-of-a-kind canine that makes an excellent companion. It is devoted, caring, and protective. It requires someone who will love it back and provide the time and effort necessary to guarantee that its physical and emotional needs are addressed.
Caring for a Labrador Husky mix
You should take your Labsky to the vet on a regular basis, just like any other dog, to catch any health problems early. Your veterinarian can assist you in developing a care routine for your dog that will keep him healthy.
Due to their Labrador Retriever ancestry, Labskies are prone to gaining weight. They also have a lot of energy, so you’ll need to be able to commit to long walks and play sessions.
With a Labsky, grooming is essential. You should brush your dog’s double coat at least once a day, if not twice. This will reduce the likelihood of the dog creating mats and remove any dead fur or debris that may be clinging to it. You should also establish a regular ear cleaning routine; your veterinarian can advise you on the best method.
Because Siberian Huskies have been known to develop dental problems, talk to your usual vet about the best approach to keep their teeth in good shape. Brushing your Labsky’s teeth and maintaining proper at-home dental care are skills that your veterinarian can teach you.
Training
Both breeds are intelligent working dogs who enjoy their work. Problem behaviors can emerge if proper enrichment and direction are not provided.
Because they are both canines who thrive on company and can develop separation anxiety if left alone too long. Huskies are often a very vocal breed, and if left alone, their wailing could drive your neighbors insane. It may be necessary to provide training to urge them to speak less frequently. They should always be rewarded for quiet conduct, and you should never encourage your dog to scream, no matter how cute you think it is.
Chewers in general, and Labradors in particular, are well-known. You should provide plenty of strong, interactive chew toys for them, and you should redirect them whenever you observe them attempting to gnaw on a table leg or shoe.
Huskies aren’t famed for their memory abilities. If you want to be able to let them off the leash, you can anticipate to have to put in a lot of preparation time.
Houdinis is another nickname for them. Their climbing and digging abilities are unrivaled. You may need to have a high-fenced garden to prevent them from digging underneath the fence and escaping.
Because both breeds are intelligent, whatever training you perform will be incredibly beneficial. They are both quick learners who benefit from positive reinforcement training. The Lab, in particular, has a strong desire to please and is highly driven by food.
Grooming
Anyone who desires a Husky/Lab mix should be prepared to spend time grooming it. Because you’re the offspring of a Husky and a Lab, you may expect your dog to shed throughout the year. Spring and autumn, on the other hand, should be anticipated. For this mixed breed, these are the best shedding seasons.
The Husky’s thick double-coat causes a lot of shedding. A Husky Lab hybrid with a Labrador father will shed less than a standard Husky, but more than a typical Lab. If you’re unlucky and your dog inherited its Husky parent’s coat, you should expect a lot of hair to fall out as it sheds its undercoat.
Make sure your dog is groomed twice a week. This task will be made easier with the use of an undercoat rake, which will not harm your dog. It will help keep its coat smooth and glossy, as well as lessen the amount of hair that falls out.
A Husky Lab mix should be bathed at least once a month, or whenever it gets soiled. Trim your dog’s nails as necessary, but clean their ears at least twice a month. Brushing its teeth twice a week is also recommended.
Using a warm moist towel or cotton ball, clean your ears once a week. Your veterinarian can advise you on which ear cleaning solution is best for you.
Your dog’s nails should also be trimmed. Use a dog-specific nail clipper and take special care not to cut too deeply into the skin or blood vessels.
To make things easier, you can have it done by your veterinarian or a professional groomer. Brush your dog’s teeth at least twice a week.
Exercise
The Husky Lab mix is the offspring of two “working dog” breed parents who are both active and enthusiastic. That’s why his activity levels are high too. Boredom can be a serious issue for these dogs, who were raised to be active all day, every day. They frequently do physically tough tasks!
As a result, you can count on the need to keep your Siberian Husky Lab mix dog active and occupied. Otherwise, she may create her own schedule of entertaining activities to participate in.
Webbed paws and a natural love of water are also features of Lab Husky mix dogs. Swimming is a fantastic sport for them to participate in. Any game of fetch including retrieving a bobbing toy from the water is as well.
They also adore running and, if your situation allows, will gladly appreciate long runs off-leash. Lab mixes are susceptible to hip dysplasia, so be cautious with younger dogs and limit their exercise.
Because of its parents’ hunting past, the Huskador has a lot of energy that needs to be expended. At least an hour of intense activity per day is required for this crossbreed.
Walks, treks, and jogs are all excellent ways to help your Lab Husky mix burn off excess energy. Given the Labrador’s history as a water retriever, these dogs will like swimming as well.
You can also let your dog run around off-leash in a controlled environment, such as a dog park.
You can add games like fetch to their list of activities on days when you can’t let them out for a stroll. Huskadors can be kept occupied and focused by playing indoor games.
Nutrition & Food
It is critical that you feed your Lab Husky Mix a high-quality diet, just as you would any other dog.
Labs are prone to obesity. That’s why you should avoid overfeeding them, especially when they are puppies, as this can raise their chances of having health later in life.
Because they are more prone to bloating, it is preferable to feed them smaller meals more frequently rather than one huge meal per day. They may benefit from being fed from a slow feed bowl if they eat their food very quickly.
If you have an extremely energetic dog, such as one who has the Husky trait of wanting to run and you regularly take them to Canicross sessions, you must ensure that they are eating a meal that can support their increased energy needs.
Puppies of Lab Husky mixes should be given at least 1.5 cups of high-quality puppy chow every day, divided into 3 to 4 meals. When they reach their sixth month, you can reduce their feeding to two meals per day.
Make sure your Huskador has enough protein, carbohydrates, lipids, and vitamins in his diet. High-quality protein sources, such as muscle or organ meat, will support your dog’s bones and joints, while fat will keep his energy levels up.
As soon as he turns one, start him on premium dry kibble and gradually raise his feeds to 2 12 cup of kibble every day, divided between two meals.
Health of the Labrador Husky mix
The typical lifespan of a Siberian Husky Lab hybrid is 11 to 13 years, but health complications may shorten this longevity.
Lab Husky mixes are prone to a variety of genetic health disorders due to their diverse gene pools. Because Labrador Retrievers and Siberian Huskies are both more susceptible to certain health concerns, you can anticipate your Lab Husky to inherit these issues as well.
When it comes to your Husky Lab Mixes’ health, a decent quality diet and the appropriate quantity of exercise will play a big role. When it comes to inheritable conditions, some things are beyond your control. You should be aware that your dog may be susceptible to health problems that either breed is known to suffer from. As a result, it’s beneficial to know what these conditions are.
If you’re buying a Husky Lab Mix from a breeder, make sure they’ve run the necessary health tests on the parents. This will reduce the chances of your dog developing some of these genetic conditions.
Most common health problems
Hip Dysplasia
Canine hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint becomes unstable as a result of both developmental and environmental factors. Dogs are prone to this bone and joint disorder. The femur does not meet the pelvic bone appropriately, causing the bones to wear out prematurely.
Later in life, your dog may develop arthritis, which can be excruciatingly painful. This ailment shows itself as a peculiar walk, shaky posture, or limping, all of which are plainly seen in your beautiful pup. To preserve your dog’s quality of life, discuss care with your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Bloat
Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV or Bloat) is a condition that affects dogs with deep, narrow chests. This indicates that your dog is more vulnerable than other breeds. The stomach twists on itself and fills with gas when a dog bloats. The twisting cuts off the stomach’s and sometimes the spleen’s blood flow.
If left untreated, the sickness can kill your dog in as little as 30 minutes. Your dog may retch or heave (but nothing comes out), be agitated, have an enlarged abdomen, or lie in a prayer position (front feet down, rear end up). Preventive surgery, which involves tacking or suturing the stomach in place so that it does not twist, is possible.
Von Willebrand’s Disease
This is one of the most prevalent blood clotting problems in humans, and you might be surprised to learn that it can also affect your dog. Von Willebrand’s disease is caused by a lack of the von Willebrand Factor, a protein that aids in blood clotting.
In the event of even a minor cut, this can result in significant bleeding. This disease is difficult to detect because your dog may appear to be in perfect health for their whole life unless they have an injury. Other signs and symptoms may appear in some dogs. Nosebleeds, blood in the feces or urine, and easily damaged skin are examples.
If you and your dog are both careful, this ailment will not have a significant impact on your dog’s quality of life. Inquire with your veterinarian about treatment options for the condition. It’s critical to have your puppy checked for this problem as soon as possible, as certain medications, such as aspirin, might make it worse.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy
Progressive retinal atrophy is an eye ailment that might have a negative impact on the quality of life of your dog. This usually happens later in life as a result of retinal degeneration. Retinal dysplasia is the name for the early-onset type, which is observed in puppies. This is when the retinal cells do not mature properly.
The dog becomes partially or completely blind in both cases. While the disease isn’t unpleasant, it can have a significant influence on your dog’s quality of life. Consult your veterinarian about your dog’s alternatives, as well as what to do if he becomes blind.
Patellar luxation
Patellar luxation, or the dislocation of the kneecap, is common in these dogs. The kneecap usually sits in front of the hind leg’s joint and is maintained in place by ligaments. It moves around in a groove when the dog walks, protecting the joint but allowing the dog to move freely.
This little bone can dislocate and slip out of the groove in certain dogs. So it’s causing it to “float” freely about the knee. If left untreated, this can lead to major complications. It’s possible that the bone will be forced up against another bone, causing damage. Ligaments are frequently injured when the kneecap moves around incorrectly.
Allergies
Allergies to pollen, mold, and dust cause people to sneeze. Instead of sneezing, allergies in dogs produce itching. Atopy is a name used to describe a common skin allergy in these puppies. The feet, tummy, skin wrinkles, and ears are the most commonly affected locations. Symptoms normally emerge between the ages of one and three, and they can get worse as time goes on. Licking the paws, stroking the face, and recurring ear infections are the most prevalent allergy symptoms. The good news is that these diseases can be treated in a number of different ways.
Epilepsy
Unfortunately, dogs too can develop epilepsy and seizures. Recurrent seizures with no known cause or abnormal brain damage characterize epilepsy. To put it another way, the brain appears normal on the outside but functions strangely on the inside. Twitching, shaking, tremors, convulsions, and/or spasms are all symptoms of a seizure.
Cataracts
In older canines, cataracts are a common cause of blindness. The lenses of his eyes become more opaque—in other words, hazy rather than clear. Many dogs adapt well to losing their vision and live happily ever after. Surgical removal of cataracts and restoration of vision may also be a possibility.
What to know before getting a Husky Lab mix puppy
The love and affection these canines have for their human families is one of their best qualities. This makes them excellent family dogs and excellent play companions for children of all ages, but it also means they dislike being left alone.
Separation anxiety can occur when your dog is left alone for an extended period of time. It can occur in Huskies as well, but it is more common in Labradors. So, if you have to leave your dog home alone, keep him occupied until you return.
Get him some chewable dog toys and give him unrestricted access to the yard so he can play, run, and move around freely. Ascertain that he has a safe location to go in the event of inclement weather. These canines despise rain and being wet.
Ask a friend or a pet walker to take him to the park if you work all day, and make sure you spend enough time with her when you get home.
A Labrador Husky Mix sheds all year, with spring and autumn shedding being the most intense. During these seasons, you’ll need to brush your dog’s coat three to five times a week to keep the mess to a minimum. To maintain your house clean, you’ll need to use the vacuum cleaner frequently.
When dealing with a Lab Husky Mix, you should begin training as soon as possible after bringing your puppy home. Apart from potty training, obedience classes can help you bond more easily with your dog while still allowing you to maintain control.
You never know what you’ll get when you buy a designer dog, and the Labrador Husky Mix is no exception. This mixed breed is new, and there isn’t much information regarding how these dogs grow up.
Where to get a Husky Lab mix puppy?
Just like with getting any other breed of dog, you have basically two options on where to get your puppy. You can either buy a puppy from a breeder or adopt a puppy from a rescue group or an animal shelter. Each has its own set of advantages and disadvantages.
Whether or not you contemplate adoption for a Husky Lab mix puppy depends on how determined you are to get an authentic Husky Lab mix.
Because the appearance of this hybrid can vary widely, genetic testing is often the only way to identify true breed lineage. Some organizations may even pay for the tests if it means finding a loving new “forever home” and family for a puppy or adult dog.
When you buy a puppy from a breeder, they should be able to give you with registration documents proving your dog’s purebred pedigree. If these papers aren’t available, genetic testing is the only method to determine if your dog is genuinely a Husky Lab mix.
Which option you pick will also determine how much you will pay for your Husky Lab mix. Adopting is as always cheaper, but you could be looking for a long time for your Husky Lab mix. Also, your chances of finding a dog in his puppy stage are pretty slim.
A Husky Lab hybrid puppy can cost anywhere from $500 to $1200 depending on the breed. It is determined by the breeder’s availability, parental ancestry, gender, birth order, coat and eye colors, general appearance, and other desired features. Puppy mills or backyard breeders should be avoided.
Adoption costs will also vary anywhere from $200 to $400 dollars. And you will also have to pay extra for genetic testing in most cases.
Breeders
If you do decide to purchase a puppy, it is important that you do your homework. There will be no accredited breeders because the Husky Lab Mix is not a recognized breed.
You should make sure that anyone you’re thinking of buying from lets you visit the dog’s mom and her litter, and that they’re in a home setting where all of their needs are met.
The breeder should have had the puppies examined by a veterinarian before releasing them to their new homes, and they should not be permitted to leave until they are at least eight weeks old and have completely weaned from their mother’s milk.
Because of the growing popularity of mixed breed dogs, also known as “designer” breeds, there has been an increase in the number of unethical backyard breeders and puppy mills cashing in on the trend.
You risk not only getting a sick, undersocialized puppy, but you’ll also be supporting a process in which breeding dogs are frequently kept in brutal, inhumane conditions.
Whenever feasible, look for a breeder who focuses on working dog qualities, as these puppies are more likely to be healthy.
Observe and, if possible, interact with both parent dogs to get a sense of their personalities and temperament; avoid any breeder who won’t let you meet the litter’s parents.
Prioritize outgoing, interested, and friendly dogs who approach you without fear. Check the puppy’s eyes, ears, lips, tongue, paws, skin, tail, and bottom for cleanliness and health.
Do your research on the breeder before deciding to buy, as there is a terrifying number of scams out there!
Rescues
If the cost of a Husky Lab puppy from a breeder is costly, you can always adopt or rescue a Huskador. Aside from the cost savings, adopting an adult dog may be easier because you won’t have to struggle with puppy training.
It may be tough to locate a non-profit rescue organization dedicated solely to Labsky pets. Several Siberian Husky and Labrador breed-specific rescues, on the other hand, occasionally assist mixed-breed dogs in finding homes. Look for a rescue near you, or visit our adoption page to search for suitable dogs by breed and zip code.
Here are some breed-specific rescues that could be able to assist you in finding the perfect Labsky:
1. Husky House
2. Lucky Lab Rescue
Final thoughts
Thinking About getting a Labsky puppy? Well, we have some good news. These lovely canines are excellent family companions because they are usually easy to teach and quick to pick up new commands. However, keep in mind that Labskies are active dogs, so expect plenty of extra long walks.
Labskies are usually fantastic among children due to their intrinsically devoted character and love of playing. Although, due to the dog’s strong build, it is necessary to supervise play sessions for both parties’ safety. However, if children learn how to approach and play with a Labsky in the appropriate manner, the dog can become a very energetic and loyal companion.
Lab Husky mix puppies are regarded as affectionate and loyal dogs who seek out human companionship and like being in the company of others at home. These dogs thrive in an atmosphere with a lot of human contact and appreciate being around family.
In some situations, the Labrador Retriever’s Siberian Husky heritage can make some dogs appear stubborn, although the Labrador Retriever’s calm demeanor and friendly attitude usually counteract this tendency.
A Husky Lab Mix could be the dog for you if you’re searching for a mixed breed that’s likely to be very affectionate, a smart cookie, typically good with other dogs, and appreciates plenty of exercise and an active lifestyle.
Remember that when it comes to time off the leash, you may need to do some extra training, and you may need to be particularly rigorous with their nutrition to avoid an expanding girth. You can also expect to clean up a lot of dog hair!
But all in all, getting a Husky Lab mix could absolutely change your life for the better.
More interesting Husky mixes:
More interesting Labrador mixes: