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While all dog breeds have their loyal fans, there are two breeds with particularly enamored supporters: the athletic Siberian Husky and the intelligent Poodle. It comes as no surprise then that these two long-adored dogs have been crossbred in recent decades. The result is the Husky-Poodle mix or Huskydoodle, as this fascinating hybrid is commonly known.
The Huskydoodle is somewhat of a Renaissance dog, featuring a unique combination of traits in the canine world. On the one hand, they have the strength and agility of the Siberian Husky, while on the other, they embody the hard-working nature of the Standard Poodle. Huskydoodles are quickly developing a fanbase of their own, and it’s very likely you will find yourself in love with the breed, too. Let’s explore what makes the Huskydoodle appealing to so many dog lovers!
Quick Huskydoodle Facts
Name: Huskydoodle, Husky Doodle, Husky-Poodle, Huskypoo, Siberpoo
Origin: Siberia and Germany
Size: 15-24 inches tall, 35-70 pounds
Lifespan: 12-15 years
Appearance: typically have a thick, wavy coat with a combination of Poodle and Husky traits
Temperament: have lots of personality and can be stubborn and independent
Compatibility: often get along well with children
Intelligence: very intelligent and may try to outsmart their owners
Exercise & Energy: high energy and impressive agility
Grooming Needs: grooming intensive and may shed heavily
Training: need consistent training to keep stubborn behaviors in check
Health: prone to eye, heart, and hip issues
Highlights: smart, athletic, vocal, playful, energetic
What Makes Huskydoodles Great
Very active: Individuals who love the outdoors will be delighted to find the Huskydoodle makes an enthusiastic companion for high-energy activities.
Kid-friendly: Many people find their Huskydoodle absolutely loves frolicking with children who are old (and large) enough to handle running around in the backyard.
Expressive: Their Husky side is famed for their vocality, so don’t be surprised if your Husky-Poodle mix “talks” to you nonstop throughout the day!
Quite intelligent: Huskydoodles are smart canines that are entirely capable of learning many commands and tricks as long as their willfulness is kept in check.
Moderately sized: While a typical Huskydoodle isn’t the smallest dog by any means, this breed doesn’t grow as massive as a Saint Bernard or Boerboel.
What Does a Huskydoodle Look Like?
As with any mixed breed, a Huskydoodle puppy can inherit some traits from each parent’s side, which means that two Huskydoodles can look very different from one another! One Huskydoodle might be born with the piercing blue eyes of their Siberian Husky ancestors and the wavy fur of the Standard Poodle. Another might show its Poodle roots through brown eyes and its Husky side through its relatively straight fur. That said, Huskydoodles often inherit the Husky’s characteristic black and white or gray and white coloring. Some are apricot or other hues that are more commonly found in Poodles.
What Size is a Huskydoodle?
The exact size of a Huskydoodle can also vary from one animal to another. One contributing factor to this difference in size is the fact that there are three types of Poodles, namely, Standard, Miniature, and Toy. While most Huskydoodles are bred from Standard Poodles, sometimes Miniature and Toy Poodles are used. Most Huskydoodles will stand between 15 and 24 inches tall and weigh anywhere from 35 to 70 pounds.
What is a Huskydoodle’s Coat Like?
As you might imagine, the coat of a Husky and Poodle mix is something to behold! The Husky is known for its ultra-thick, straight fur coat that blows the undercoat in the spring and fall. The prestigious Poodle, on the other hand, is known for having a haircoat that sheds very little and is impressively curly.
Many Huskydoodles have a combination of these two coat types, leading to dogs with straight, wavy, or curly strands. Some may even have patches featuring each type of fur!
Do Huskydoodles Have Friendly Temperaments?
A Poodle mixed with a Husky usually results in a dog with a remarkably sweet temperament. Both of the original breeds have a long history working alongside humans, so the average Huskydoodle is highly likely to be amicable toward humans.
What is a Huskydoodle’s Personality Like?
Huskydoodles are affectionate and loving dogs that want to spend lots of time with their owners. However, that doesn’t mean they are always willing to do as they’re told, even when they’re perfectly capable of doing so! Huskies, and less frequently Poodles, are known for demonstrating stubbornness when they want to get their way. Don’t let your Huskydoodle fool you when they give you the look that implies they didn’t know better. Often, they’re using their unmatched intelligence to manipulate humans into giving them an extra treat or letting them get away with undesirable behavior.
Are Huskydoodles Good with Children?
Both Huskies and Poodles are renowned for being wonderful companions for children. Since they’re so active, families may want to wait until children are a bit older to adopt a Huskydoodle, though. Small children can get hurt even by a well-intentioned dog romping through the yard.
Will a Huskydoodle Get Along with Another Pet?
Huskydoodles tend to do well with other dogs. Owners who have cats or other non-canine pets should exercise caution when bringing home a Huskydoodle. Since both breeds’ ancestors had strong prey drives, other animals could be at risk. For the best chance at success, socialize your Huskydoodle with other pets as young as possible, but do so gradually over a period of time.
How Do You Care for a Huskydoodle?
Huskydoodles need the same type of care other dogs need. This means they need nutritious food, adequate shelter (i.e., live inside the home), and plenty of bonding time with their owner. These dogs also tend to be more high maintenance than other breeds. Specifically, Huskies are infamous for their very vocal temper tantrums while Poodles need their coats tended to daily.
Do Huskydoodles Need Frequent Grooming?
No matter whether your Huskydoodle inherits the coat of their Poodle or Husky side, you’re going to need to dedicate a significant amount of time to grooming them. If your pet has Poodle-like fur, they should be trimmed every 4-6 weeks and brushed daily. Very curly Poodle hair tends to mat easily, a problem that can lead to skin infections if not addressed early on.
Conversely, a dog with Husky-like fur won’t need to get its coat clipped, but it will need regular brushing. Twice a year, your home may be flooded with fur thanks to that thick undercoat. It sheds in response to the changing weather, so expect their peak shedding time to happen in the spring and fall. As with other dogs, a Huskydoodle’s nails will need to be trimmed about once a month or more frequently if necessary.
Can You Train a Huskydoodle?
Absolutely. Because both the Husky and Poodle were bred to be trained, the Huskydoodle is just as intelligent as its ancestors. Keep in mind that Huskies are notorious for having a stubborn streak, which means owners must be extra diligent about consistently training their Huskydoodles. Otherwise, their homes could easily be destroyed by a misbehaving pup!
How Much Space Does a Huskydoodle Need?
There’s no other way to put it: Your Huskydoodle will need a lot of space. Both Poodles and Huskies are known for being extremely energetic and small dwellings simply won’t work in the long run. The Huskydoodle needs a yard to roam free and get out those energetic bursts they’re so prone to. Just be sure not to leave this breed alone too long. They are dedicated to their owners and need a cozy bed inside the home.
What Food Should a Huskydoodle Eat?
All dogs need to eat healthy diets that contain a careful combination of nutrients. In general, Huskydoodles should eat food that’s designed for medium-to-large dogs (or smaller, if your Huskydoodle has Miniature or Toy Poodle genetics). Kibble that’s too small can pose a choking hazard as large dogs tend to swallow these morsels without chewing.
Are Huskydoodles Generally Healthy Dogs?
Mixed breed dogs are typically less likely to develop diseases compared to purebred dogs, but they’re more likely to be genetic carriers. This means there is always the risk of a Huskydoodle being born with a problem or developing one later.
What Are Common Huskydoodle Conditions?
Huskies and Poodles commonly have eye problems. Some may be relatively minor, as is the case with most cataracts, while others can cause extensive eye damage. Heart and skin issues can also occur in Poodles while Huskies frequently experience hip dysplasia. As a result, the Huskydoodle is at risk for these conditions, too.
Corneal dystrophy
Both their Husky and Poodle sides are known for this issue which affects the eyes. Corneal dystrophy causes the outer surface of the eye to become cloudy. This progressive disease can be treated but not cured, unfortunately.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Huskies often inherit PRA which ultimately deteriorates the retina. Most dogs with PRA will eventually become blind, but the condition doesn’t usually cause pain. Owners can work with a veterinarian to learn strategies for helping dogs feel more comfortable as they lose their sight.
Addison’s disease
This hormonal disorder affects Poodles and can cause vomiting, diarrhea, shaking, and an assortment of other symptoms. Diagnosis requires lab work and sometimes an EKG but once an affected dog is on a medication regimen, they’re often able to live a relatively normal life.
Hip dysplasia
Huskies are known for sometimes inheriting hip dysplasia, a condition that can lead to arthritis as a dog ages. This problem with the hip’s ball and socket joint can be treated with a combination of drugs, weight loss, and surgery.
Should You Get Pet Insurance for a Huskydoodle?
Because Huskydoodles are at risk for so many issues, investing in pet insurance for dogs is essential. It can provide financial protection for unexpected veterinary expenses, ensuring that your furry friend receives the care they need without straining your finances. Embrace offers comprehensive pet insurance plans perfect for Huskydoodles, covering a wide range of illnesses, injuries, and conditions.
In addition to pet insurance, consider adding on an optional wellness plan. This proactive approach to your dog's health can help prevent future issues and maintain their overall well-being. Wellness plans cover routine check-ups, vaccinations, dental care, and even grooming services. If your Huskydoodle has a poodle coat that needs trimmed regularly, you’ll be glad you got the wellness plan! By investing in a holistic approach to your dog's health, you can ensure that your Huskydoodle receives the preventive care they need to thrive.
What is the History of the Huskydoodle?
The Siberian Husky was developed using sled dogs that were carefully bred by the Chukchi people in what is now Russia. The Husky’s ancestors were bred to be strong, intelligent, and friendly so that they could exist peacefully within their community while also performing as strong work dogs.
While one might assume the Poodle has a much different and more pampered history, the breed actually began as water retrievers in Germany about 400 years ago. They helped hunt ducks and other birds, but in the past century, they began to be associated more with a posh lifestyle.
The Huskydoodle is a much newer mix that isn’t yet considered an official breed by the American Kennel Club. It likely first appeared as part of the designer dog craze that started in the 1980s and picked up speed over the past few decades.
Where Can You Find a Huskydoodle?
If you’re looking for a Huskydoodle puppy, you’ll almost certainly need to visit a breeder. There’s a slight chance you might find one in a shelter or rescue, but these pups aren’t common.
Before you purchase a Huskydoodle, do your part to stop the rise in puppy mills and research the breeder. Check their reviews and visit the business in person to ensure their animals are living in a clean and spacious location. Reputable breeders will be up front about any health issues their animals have and will ask you plenty of questions to make sure you’re a suitable dog owner.
Huskydoodle Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Huskydoodle mix?
A Huskydoodle mix is a cross between a Siberian Husky and a Standard Poodle. In some cases, a Miniature or Toy Poodle may be used instead.
How long do Huskydoodles live?
Huskydoodles enjoy relatively long lives, with many reaching between 12 and 15 years old. Feeding your pup high-quality dog food, making sure they get sufficient exercise, and taking them to the vet for regular checkups can help your dog stay in optimal health.
How big do Huskydoodles get?
A full-grown Husky-Poodle mix will vary in size depending on which of the parent breeds is dominant. On the larger end of the spectrum, you can expect a Huskydoodle to reach about 70 pounds, while the smaller ones may weigh around 35 pounds.
Are Huskydoodles good dogs for families?
Both Huskies and Poodles often make great pets for kids. One thing to keep in mind is that younger children may be unintentionally knocked over by a Huskydoodle running through the yard, so always monitor playtime.
Do Huskydoodles shed?
Yes. In fact, all dogs shed to some degree. Huskies are prolific shedders and blow their coats in spring and fall. Poodles, on the other hand, don’t shed much at all. Whether your Huskydoodle sheds a lot depends entirely on which breed influences their coat the most.
Are there Huskydoodle breeders in the US?
Yes, you can find a Poodle-Husky mix through certain breeders in the United States. Since this designer mix isn’t very common, you may need to travel out of state to find one. Avoid puppy mills and only visit reputable breeders.