The Huskydoodle is a mixed breed dog–a cross between the Siberian Husky and Poodle dog breeds. Highly intelligent, full of energy, and sociable, these pups inherited some of the best traits from both of their parents.
Huskydoodles go by several names, including Siberpoo, Poosky, Siberian Poodle, and Huskypoo. Despite their unfortunate status as a designer breed, you may find these mixed breed dogs in shelters and breed specific rescues, so remember to adopt! Don’t shop!
These incredibly active pups make great dogs for equally active owners. While they can thrive with a high-energy person in an urban environment, they are best suited to households with a larger amount of space, like a yard, and more than one human. If you want a playful dog who will make sure you get your steps in–all while loving you unconditionally–this may be the right dog for you!
Breed Characteristics:
Adaptability
Contrary to popular belief, small size doesn’t necessarily an apartment dog make. Plenty of small dogs are too high-energy and yappy for life in a high-rise. Being quiet, low energy, fairly calm indoors, and polite with the other residents are all good qualities in an apartment dog.
Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They’re also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.
Dogs who are highly sensitive, independent thinking, or assertive may be harder for a first-time dog parent to manage. You’ll get your best match if you take your dog-owning experience into account as you choose your new pooch.
If you’re new to dog parenting, take a look at 101 Dog Tricks and read up on how to train your dog!
Some dogs will let a stern reprimand roll off their backs, while others take even a dirty look to heart. Low-sensitivity dogs, also called “easygoing,” “tolerant,” “resilient,” and even “thick-skinned,” can better handle a noisy, chaotic household, a louder or more assertive owner, and an inconsistent or variable routine. Do you have young kids, throw lots of dinner parties, play in a garage band, or lead a hectic life? Go with a low-sensitivity dog.
Some breeds bond very closely with their family and are more prone to worry or even panic when left alone by their owner. An anxious dog can be very destructive–barking, whining, chewing, and otherwise causing mayhem. These breeds do best when a family member is home during the day or if you can take the dog to work.
Dogs with thick, double coats are more vulnerable to overheating. So are breeds with short noses, like Bulldogs or Pugs, since they can’t pant as well to cool themselves off. If you want a heat-sensitive breed, your dog will need to stay indoors with you on warm or humid days, and you’ll need to be extra cautious about exercising your dog in the heat.
All Around Friendliness
Some breeds are independent and aloof, even if they’ve been raised by the same person since puppyhood; others bond closely to one person and are indifferent to everyone else; and some shower the whole family with affection. Breed isn’t the only factor that goes into affection levels; dogs who were raised inside a home with people around feel more comfortable with humans and bond more easily.
See Dogs Less Affectionate with Family
Being gentle with children, sturdy enough to handle the heavy-handed pets and hugs they can dish out, and having a blasé attitude toward running, screaming children are all traits that make a kid-friendly dog. You may be surprised by who’s on that list: Fierce-looking Boxers are considered good with children, as are American Staffordshire Terriers (which are considered Pit Bulls). Small, delicate, and potentially snappy dogs such as Chihuahuas aren’t always so family-friendly.
**All dogs are individuals. Our ratings are generalizations, and they’re not a guarantee of how any breed or individual dog will behave. Dogs from any breed can be good with children based on their past experiences, training on how to get along with kids, and personality. No matter what the breed or breed type, all dogs have strong jaws, sharp pointy teeth, and may bite in stressful circumstances. Young children and dogs of any breed should always be supervised by an adult and never left alone together, period.
Friendliness toward dogs and friendliness toward humans are two completely different things. Some dogs may attack or try to dominate other dogs, even if they’re love-bugs with people; others would rather play than fight; and some will turn tail and run. Breed isn’t the only factor. Dogs who lived with their littermates and mother until at least six to eight weeks of age and who spent lots of time playing with other dogs during puppyhood, are more likely to have good canine social skills.
Health And Grooming Needs
If you’re going to share your home with a dog, you’ll need to deal with some level of dog hair on your clothes and in your house. However, shedding does vary greatly among the breeds. Some dogs shed year-round, some “blow” seasonally, some do both, and some shed hardly at all. If you’re a neatnik, you’ll need to either pick a low-shedding breed or relax your standards. To help keep your home a little cleaner, you can find a great de-shedding tool here!
Drool-prone dogs may drape ropes of slobber on your arm and leave big, wet spots on your clothes when they come over to say hello. If you’ve got a laid-back attitude toward slobber, fine; but if you’re a neatnik, you may want to choose a dog who rates low in the drool department.
Some breeds are brush-and-go dogs; others require regular bathing, clipping, and other grooming just to stay clean and healthy. Consider whether you have the time and patience for a dog who needs a lot of grooming, or the money to pay someone else to do it.
Due to poor breeding practices, some breeds are prone to certain genetic health problems, such as hip dysplasia. This doesn’t mean that every dog of that breed will develop those diseases; it just means that they’re at an increased risk.
If you’re adopting a puppy, it’s a good idea to find out which genetic illnesses are common to the breed you’re interested in. You may also want to ask if your shelter or rescue has information about the physical health of your potential pup’s parents and other relatives.
Some breeds have hearty appetites and tend to put on weight easily. As in humans, being overweight can cause health problems in dogs. If you pick a breed that’s prone to packing on pounds, you’ll need to limit treats, make sure they get enough exercise, and measure out their daily food servings into regular meals rather than leaving food out all the time.
Ask your vet about your dog’s diet and what they recommend for feeding your pooch to keep them at a healthy weight. Weight gain can lead to other health issues or worsen problems like arthritis.
Dogs come in all sizes, from the world’s smallest pooch, the Chihuahua, to the towering Great Dane, how much space a dog takes up is a key factor in deciding if they’re compatible with you and your living space. Large dog breeds might seem overpowering and intimidating, but some of them are incredibly sweet! Take a look and find the right sized dog for you!
Trainability
Easy-to-train dogs are more adept at forming an association between a prompt (such as the word “sit”), an action (sitting), and a consequence (getting a treat) very quickly. Other dogs need more time, patience, and repetition during training.
Many breeds are intelligent but approach training with a “What’s in it for me?” attitude, in which case you’ll need to use rewards and games to teach them to want to comply with your requests.
Dogs who were bred for jobs that require decision making, intelligence, and concentration, such as herding livestock, need to exercise their brains, just as dogs who were bred to run all day need to exercise their bodies. If they don’t get the mental stimulation they need, they’ll make their own work–usually with projects you won’t like, such as digging and chewing. Obedience training and interactive dog toys are good ways to give a dog a brain workout, as are dog sports and careers, such as agility and search and rescue.
Common in most breeds during puppyhood and in Retriever breeds at all ages, mouthiness means a tendency to nip, chew, and play-bite (a soft, fairly painless bite that doesn’t puncture the skin). Mouthy dogs are more likely to use their mouths to hold or “herd” their human family members, and they need training to learn that it’s fine to gnaw on chew toys, but not on people. Mouthy breeds tend to really enjoy a game of fetch, as well as a good chew on a toy that’s been stuffed with kibble and treats.
Dogs who were bred to hunt, such as Terriers, have an inborn desire to chase–and sometimes kill–other animals. Anything whizzing by, such as cats, squirrels, and perhaps even cars, can trigger that instinct. Dogs who like to chase need to be leashed or kept in a fenced area when outdoors, and you’ll need a high, secure fence in your yard. These breeds generally aren’t a good fit for homes with smaller pets that can look like prey, such as cats, hamsters, or small dogs. Breeds that were originally used for bird hunting, on the other hand, generally won’t chase, but you’ll probably have a hard time getting their attention when there are birds flying by.
Some breeds sound off more often than others. When choosing a breed, think about how often the dog vocalizes with barks or howls. If you’re considering a hound, would you find their trademark howls musical or maddening? If you’re considering a watchdog, will a city full of suspicious “strangers” put your pup on permanent alert? Will the local wildlife literally drive your dog wild? Do you live in housing with noise restrictions? Do you have neighbors nearby? Then you may wish to choose a quieter dog.
Some breeds are more free-spirited than others. Nordic dogs such as Siberian Huskies were bred to range long distances, and given the chance, they’ll take off after anything that catches their interest. And many hounds simply must follow their noses–or that bunny that just ran across the path–even if it means leaving you behind.
Physical Needs
High-energy dogs are always ready and waiting for action. Originally bred to perform a canine job of some sort, such as retrieving game for hunters or herding livestock, they have the stamina to put in a full workday. They need a significant amount of exercise and mental stimulation, and they’re more likely to spend time jumping, playing, and investigating any new sights and smells.
Low-energy dogs are the canine equivalent of a couch potato, content to doze the day away. When picking a breed, consider your own activity level and lifestyle, and think about whether you’ll find a frisky, energetic dog invigorating or annoying.
A vigorous dog may or may not have high energy, but everything they do, they do with vigor: they strain on the leash (until you train them not to), try to plow through obstacles, and even eats and drinks with great big gulps. These dynamos need lots of training to learn good manners, and may not be the best fit for a home with young kids or someone who’s elderly or frail. A low-vigor dog, on the other hand, has a more subdued approach to life.
Some breeds do fine with a slow evening stroll around the block. Others need daily, vigorous exercise, especially those that were originally bred for physically demanding jobs, like herding or hunting.
Without enough exercise, these breeds may put on weight and vent their pent-up energy in ways you don’t like, such as barking, chewing, and digging. Breeds that need a lot of exercise are good for outdoorsy, active people, or those interested in training their dog to compete in a high-energy dog sport, such as agility.
Some dogs are perpetual puppies — always begging for a game — while others are more serious and sedate. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog.
Vital Stats:
Dog Breed Group:Mixed Breed DogsHeight:12 to 25 inchesWeight:40 to 60 poundsLife Span:10 to 14 years
More About This Breed
Highlights
- The Huskydoodle is a mixed breed dog. They are not purebreds like their Siberian Husky or Poodle parents.
- The main colors of Huskydoodles are black, gray, and white. Sometimes they will take on some of the Poodle parent’s coloring, such as apricot, red, or brown, although this is less common. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors.
- Huskydoodles are often bred with the intention of reproducing the Poodle’s more low-shedding coat, but there they may have more Siberian Husky coat traits, which include seasonal shedding. These dogs may not be as allergy-friendly.
- Huskydoodles can have a pack mentality and typically enjoy the presence of other dogs. Their prey drive can make it a bit of an obstacle to get along with cats.
- Huskydoodles make excellent family dogs, as they are highly sociable and fairly tolerant of accidental rough play from younger children. Always supervise play time.
- This mixed breed dog can be stubborn at points, so training is an absolute must with the Huskydoodle.
- Make sure your Huskydoodle gets at least one good half-hour- to hour-long walk per day with a few good, active play sessions and some shorter walks mixed in.
History
The Huskydoodle dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing Siberian Huskies and Poodles in the late 1990s, likely in North America.
Breeders wanted to combine the working status of the Siberian Husky while finding a way to avoid blowing, or seasonal coat shedding. Poodles are often used in hybrid dog breeds to help make the offspring’s coat less likely to shed or trigger allergies. Breeders continued to create Huskydoodles as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed.
Even though the Huskydoodle got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the mixed breed for you.
Check your local shelters, research Huskydoodle rescues, or check with breed specific Siberian Husky or Poodle rescues, as they sometimes take in mixed breed dogs and find homes for them.
Size
Since the Huskydoodle is a relatively new mixed breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. However, as a mix between Siberian Husky and Poodle parents, you can expect Huskydoodles to be medium-sized.
Their size will also depend on the size of the Poodle parent, who could be a toy or a Standard.
Most Huskydoodles weigh in at 40 to 60 pounds and range in height from twelve to 25 inches at the shoulder. That said, many can be smaller or larger.
Personality
Many Huskydoodle lovers describe the mixed breed as fiercely intelligent and active. Even though they do require a higher-than-usual amount of exercise and mental stimulation, there are times the Huskydoodle thinks they’re a lap dog and will happily cuddle on the couch with you.
Since they are so intelligent, Huskydoodles get bored quickly, which can lead to unwanted destructive behaviors. In order to curb any shoe chewing or backyard digging, a Huskydoodle’s human needs to provide plenty of structure and stimulation.
This mixed breed dog can be stubborn at points, so training is an absolute must with the Huskydoodle. If you’re looking for an exercise partner or a dog who can work as a support animal, you can’t do much better than a Huskydoodle.
Huskydoodles can make great family pets, but they do tend to latch onto one particular person. Still, the Huskydoodle tends to get along with everyone. Since they are so energetic and demand so much attention, they are best suited as the only animal in the house, though they can get along with other pets with proper socialization.
Health
The Huskydoodle mixed breed is predisposed to some of the same conditions the Poodle and the Siberian Husky also face. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and keep up with regular veterinary appointments.
Some of the more common health problems Huskydoodles suffer from include:
- hip dysplasia
- elbow dysplasia
- allergies
- skin issues
- bloat
Care
As with all dogs, you should keep up with your Huskydoodle’s regular veterinary checkups to detect any health concerns early. Your vet can help you create a health and care routine for your pup that will keep them well.
The Huskydoodle is prone to allergies that can cause them skin and nasal irritation. Be sure to note any excessive licking, scratching, or cold-like symptoms in your Huskydoodle. You can also get your dog tested for allergies by the vet.
If they don’t get a good amount of exercise in, Huskydoodles are likely to pack on the pounds. Make sure your Huskydoodle gets at least one good half-hour- to hour-long walk per day with a few good, active play sessions and some shorter walks mixed in.
Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. Trim your dog’s nails before they get too long–usually once or twice per month. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this.
Routinely brush your Huskydoodle’s teeth. Your veterinarian can instruct you on how to brush your dog’s teeth properly.
Feeding
An ideal Huskydoodle diet should be formulated for a medium-to-large sized breed with high energy.
They tend to gain weight if they are overfed, so be sure to stick to a regular feeding schedule. Do not leave food out during the day, and limit their amount of treats as well.
As with all dogs, the Huskydoodle’s dietary needs will change from puppyhood to adulthood and will continue to change into their senior years. You should ask your veterinarian for recommendations about your Huskydoodle’s diet, as there is far too much variation among individual dogs–including weight, energy, and health–to make a specific recommendation.
Coat Color And Grooming
Huskydoodle coats are often a mix of their Siberian Husky and Poodle parents’ coats and colors. The main colors of Huskydoodles are black, gray, and white. Sometimes they will take on some of the Poodle parent’s coloring, such as apricot, red, or brown, although this is less common. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors.
While Huskydoodles are often bred with the intention of reproducing the Poodle’s more low-shedding coat, there’s still a chance your Huskydoodle’s coat takes on some of the Siberian Husky coat traits, which include seasonal shedding. These Huskydoodles may not be as allergy-friendly.
Fortunately, both types of coats are fairly easy to maintain. Routinely brush your Huskydoodle’s coat daily or once a week, depending on the length and type of coat.
The Huskydoodle can tolerate colder temperatures, especially if they inherit the double coat of their Siberian Husky parent. Still, like any dog, you should not leave your Huskydoodle outside in either extreme cold or hot temperatures.
Children And Other Pets
Huskydoodles make excellent family dogs, as they are highly sociable and fairly tolerant of accidental rough play from younger children. Be sure to teach any kids interacting with your Huskydoodle how to safely play with the dog, even if your pup tends to be on the mellow side.
Huskydoodles can have a pack mentality and typically enjoy the presence of other dogs. Their prey drive can make it a bit of an obstacle to get along with cats, but with the proper introduction and socialization, your Huskydoodle can do it. Many Huskydoodles get along with other dogs and cats just fine, but it truly comes down to training, socialization, and luck of the draw.
Rescue Groups
It may be hard to find a breed specific rescue for Huskydoodles because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Siberian Husky or Poodle breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:
- Raven’s Husky Haven and Rescue
- Carolina Poodle Rescue
