Fondly called the Dusky, the Dachshund Husky mix is a hybrid resulting from the cross between a female Husky and a male Dachshund.
It’s an interesting and strangely adorable breed. At first glance, you may notice a puppy with the short legs of the Dachshund and the thick, well-furred coat of the Husky that comes in multiple hues and markings.
Both of these canines have amiable characteristics. The Dachshund is known for being clever, stubborn, and devoted. While the Husky is renowned for its high prey drive, agility, strength, and gentleness.
Whatever the case, pet lovers and enthusiasts who love these two cute purebreds can find all they desire in the Dusky.
| Dachshund Husky Mix Facts | |
|---|---|
| Breed Type | Designer breed |
| Average Weight | 16 - 60 pounds |
| Average Height | 8 - 21 inches |
| Size | Small to medium |
| Coat Type | Straight to wiry; short to medium |
| Coat color | Black, white, grey, silver, brown, cream, blue, copper-tan |
| Shedding | High |
| Temperament | Intelligent, alert, gentle, devoted, loyal, affectionate, friendly, stubborn, independence |
| Life Expectancy | 12 - 15 years |
| Suitable for | Family with teenagers or older children, families with a lot of outdoor activities |
| Price | $1000 - $2000 |
History: Emergence Of Dachshund Husky Mix
The Dachshund Husky hybrid is a relatively new designer dog breed, having been developed only about few decades ago. It was most likely conceived as a result of an owner’s desire to blend the parent breeds into one. Unfortunately, this means there isn’t much background information available, so let’s dig deeper into the Husky and Dachshund, respectively.
The Husky is believed to have originated among the Chukchi, a tribe of Siberian nomads. According to records, the last Siberian Husky was transported from Siberia in 1930, when the Soviet authorities closed the borders. In North America, the breed continued to prosper. They have a strong prey drive because they were permitted to hunt freely during the summer and take shelter indoors during the winter.
Dachshunds, on the other hand, were developed in Germany as hunting dogs to ward off pests such as badgers by driving them out of their tunnels – hence their distinct body shape. In German, the name means “badger dog.” Their bravery, tenacity, and intelligence have been passed down the generations.
Dachshund Husky Mix Temperament, Training, and Socialization
The Dachshund Husky is a wonderful dog to have around the house because it is one of the most faithful canine companions.
Your dog can either take after the husky personality or that of the dachshunds or they can have a mix of both. In practice though, this means they’ll be incredibly unpredictable.
When it comes to disposition, a Dusky can be difficult to manage. They will be naturally gentle and outgoing due to the Husky in them, however, the Doxie side will be suspicious of strangers and tend to respond aggressively. This type of attitude could make you avoid hanging out with your dog. If you must, make sure he’s always on-leash.
Both parent breeds have a strong sense of autonomy but huskies usually have a greater wanderlust.
You won’t be bored if you acquire a Dusky. Love and affection are a few of their core attributes. They are both loyal and full of life. Both parent breeds are very intelligent, so they can learn quickly when you teach them.
Because the Dachshund and the Husky have a high prey drive, it’s not an easy task to train this mix. Keep them away from other smaller parts like guinea pigs, and cats in the house. Early socialization can help remedy the situation.
Duskies can be stubborn and obstinate at times, thus needing a firm hand to deal with it tactfully. In other words, it could be a real challenge to train them.
Socializing the Dusky puppies is of utmost importance so that they get to mix with different people and get acquainted with various kinds of environments from a young age, which would eventually help them to identify the good from the bad.
Teach it to just bark on command to help it overcome its tendency to howl or bark unnecessarily. Teach him the words “speak” and “quiet” so that when he hears the former, he will start barking and stop when you say the latter. His exposure to a variety of settings would gradually teach him when to speak up and when to remain silent.
Dachshund Husky Mix Looks And Aesthetics
The Dachshund and the Husky are breathtaking to look at, no doubt the Dusky will be as beautiful. Practically, it is still a gamble how this breed will turn out to be.
The Dusky can resemble either parent in greater proportion than the other. Or it could be a fair mix of the two parents.
Generally, it will most likely inherit the Dachshund’s short legs. If the Husky had those beautiful blue eyes, the puppy could as well. It could, however, adopt the brown eyes of the Dachshund or any other color.
The Dachshund Husky Mix can have either the Dachshund’s floppy long ears or the Husky’s medium-sized upright ears.
It is possible that the Dusky will inherit the double coat of the Husky parent. This coat has two layers – a dense finely wavy undercoat & a longer topcoat of thicker, straight guard hairs.
The coat color of the Dusky could be black and white, copper-red, brown, red, grey & white, etc.
Everything is based on chance or luck.
How Big Can A Dachshund Husky Mix Get? (Size, Height, and Weight)
The Dachshund Husky mix is a small to medium-sized dog. Depending on the size of the individual parents, the Dusky can be as tall as the Husky or short and low as the Dachshund. If the Doxie in the mix is a Mini, the offspring will be smaller and vice versa.
The average height of the Dusky is 8 – 21 inches. It’s worth noting that if a miniature Dachshund is used in this hybrid, your Dusky might be as small as 6 inches tall.
As for the weight, the average Dusky weighs about 16 – 60 pounds. If you include a small Dachshund, your Dachshund Husky Mix could weigh even less than 16 pounds.
Also Read: Yorkie Dachshund Mix: A Small, Cute And Doting Friend
Dachshund Husky Mix Health Considerations
The Husky crossed with Dachshund, on average, can live at least 12 and up to 15 years. This means that it will live as far as normal dogs do.
When compared to their purebred parents, hybrid dog breeds are usually significantly healthier. It can, however, have the specific genetic health concerns that both of its parents’ breeds have.
If you’re planning on getting a Husky-Dachshund puppy, here’s a list of diseases that affect both of its parents’ breeds that you should be aware of:
- Patellar Luxation – This condition develops when the dog’s kneecap dislocates from the groove of the thigh bone, which can be caused by severe injury, genetic deformity, or repetitive physical activity pressure on the joint.
- Hip dysplasia – This is an irregular development of the hip socket that can lead to joint arthritis and paralysis. Due to its energetic temperament, a Dachshund Husky’s hip might be damaged. Hip dysplasia is widespread in dog breeds, particularly those who enjoy running.
- Progressive retinal atrophy – is a retinal condition that affects many purebred dogs. When a parent has progressive retinal atrophy, the offspring are more than likely to inherit the disease. When the condition progresses, rod cells in the retina die, potentially resulting in lifelong blindness.
- Intervertebral Disc Disease (IVDD) – IVDD is a disease that is caused by body shape. Their intervertebral disks strain against the nerves in the spinal cord, causing pain. This results in discomfort, nerve damage, and, in the worst-case scenario, paralysis. Any movement, most especially jumping and running up and down the stairs, might induce this.
How To Feed Your Dachshund Husky Mix
Opt for high-quality or healthy food options. Since the Dusky has a high proclivity for bone and joint problems, it’s critical to avoid diets that can predispose them to obesity. This can also be as a result of overfeeding.
If you’re going to give them sweets or snacks, you’ll need to subtract the calories from their next meal. You must limit their total calorie intake to the level recommended by your veterinarian.
Most importantly, pay special attention to the fat content of their food and take extra precautions.
Dachshund Husky Shedding and Grooming
Duskies tend to be heavy shedders. They are also seasonal shedders. This means that during hot weather, they lose their undercoat to enable heat loss. The reverse occurs during cold weather.
This hybrid requires moderate grooming. Brushing them with a soft bristle brush once or twice a week during the regular season is typically sufficient. And once their shedding season begins, daily brushing is generally adequate.
Someone who knows how to clip nails must do the nail trimming. Once a week, their ears should be evaluated for infection and cleansed. Clean their teeth at least once a day, especially since they are prone to dental disorders and gum disease.
Dachshund Husky Mix Exercise Needs
The Husky mixed with Dachshund mix requires moderate to vigorous activity. Families who enjoy going on vacations and spending time outside the house will enjoy the hybrid dog.
Exercise with your dog for thirty to sixty minutes each day. Morning and evening strolls with the Dusky is recommended.
Also Read: Dachshund Pomeranian Mix: A Complete Guide This Beautiful Hybrid
How Much Does a Dachshund Husky Mix Puppy Cost?
An average Dusky will cost about $1000 – $2000 or even more depending on the availability of the breed in your area and the location of the breeder.
Reputable breeders will gladly address your breed-related queries. This is also your chance to learn about the puppy’s and parents’ medical histories. This information is critical in ensuring that you get a healthy dog.
If the puppies are well cared for, you’ll know you’re working with respectable breeders. They should have been checked and immunized for a variety of diseases and illnesses. The immunization certificates, test results, and other papers will be readily available from their breeders.
Make sure you inspect a puppy’s body properly before buying it. Look for symptoms of fleas or ticks, which can be very dangerous to pets. You can also examine the area for any fractured bones or other health issues.
What’s The Ideal Home Type For A Dachshund Husky Mix?
The Dusky is a dog who craves the company of its family and gets along with everyone. They are athletic canines who will like playing with kids in the yard.
The Dachshund Husky puppies are not ideal for homes with young children or kids. They are most suited for active families with older children or singles who lead active lives.
Duskies who aren’t fond of rough play or being poked and probed, and can become irritable if they’ve had enough of it.
When reared together, Duskies, like many dogs, don’t have any problems with other animals, but when a new pet is introduced into your home later, a problem can occur. Early socialization and training can rid them of any hostility toward other pets in the home.
