Australian Shepherd Husky Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Australian Shepherd Husky?

The Australian Shepherd Husky has been around for a while however it wasn't until around the end of the 1990s that people started to breed them intentionally. This likely started in North America where they became known as designer dogs as there was a high demand for mixed-breed pups.

The reason that there was such a high demand for the Australian Shepherd Husky was that they had a combination of the most desirable traits from both the Australian Shepherd dog and the Siberian Husky. Unfortunately, although they have been given the label as one of the designer dog breeds, they have started showing up in shelters more and more.

This may be due to people initially wanting the breed because of their appealing looks but were not prepared to care for an animal. If you are thinking about getting one of these fantastic dogs, make sure to check shelters near you to see if they have any. There are some shelters that look to re-home specific mixed breed dogs like the Aussie Husky mix.

Unlike their parent breeds, the Australian shepherds and Siberian huskies, the Aussie Husky has yet to be recognized by the American Kennel Club. The Husky Australian Shepherd mix is however recognized by The Dog Registry of America as well as The Internation Designer Canine Registry.

Who are Australian Shepherd Husky dogs best for?

The Aussie Husky belongs to a family that enjoys spending a lot of time outdoors and considers themselves quite active. This is one of the dog breeds that needs a good amount of daily exercise, so if you enjoy long walks and have time to do them every day then it might be the breed for you.

They are very loyal dogs that bond strong attachments to their owners so if you have a job that causes you to be away from your home for long periods of time then you might want to reconsider this breed as a potential option for you.

As with all dogs, whether they are hybrid dogs or not, the Australian Husky will need early socialization so they can get used to being around other dogs and strangers. Doing this at an early age will prevent them from developing bad habits like being hostile around other people and animals.

How much grooming does a Australian Shepherd Husky need?

Australian shepherd husky mixes have a medium coat length that sheds a fair amount. This means that they do require a good brushing a few times each week. Brushing will also help with spreading the natural oils that they produce throughout the entire coat.

You should only bathe them if they become exceptionally dirty after a long walk where they decided to have a mud bath. Stick to mild shampoos so you don't remove the natural oils in the coat as these oils help maintain the fur so it stays in a good condition.

Do Australian Shepherd Husky bark much?

The Aussie Husky does a strong tendency to bark mainly due to the characteristics of the Shepherd breed that it has inherited. This means you should probably take this into consideration if you live somewhere with neighbours close by.

Although they do have a natural instinct to bark, they can be trained to reduce this behaviour so you aren't kept up all night with them howling at noises in the night.

Do Australian Shepherd Husky bite?

Another characteristic of the Shepherd breed that the Aussie Husky has inherited is the instinct to herd. These dogs used to give gentle nips to control the livestock which means that the Aussie Husky may also display this behaviour around other animals or people.

It is then important to train them at an early age not to do this. They are also very protective dogs and may become hostile around other people if they feel that you are in danger. Again, lots of interactions with other people and dogs will make them feel a lot more comfortable whilst out in public.

What is the temperament & personality of a Australian Shepherd Husky?

This Husky mix is an extremely affectionate dog that needs loving owners that can reciprocate their fondness. They are highly active dogs that enjoy spending their time exploring nature on long walks with their owners.

They like turning work into play so games that involve performing a task, even if it is just playing fetch, they will love. After a long day running around outside, these dogs will happily cuddle up on the couch and fall asleep next to their family.

What is the weight & size of a Australian Shepherd Husky?

This breed of dog weighs somewhere between 15-29 kg and stands around 55-58 cm tall.

How much training does a Australian Shepherd Husky need?

Because these dogs come from the Siberian Husky as well as a Shepherd breed, they are very intelligent which makes training them quite easy. They are quick to pick up on what you want and enjoy following commands to appease you.

Like most dogs, you should train them at an early age so stomp out any potential bad habits or behaviours and make sure you perform proper obedience training so that you can control them whilst out on walks.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Australian Shepherd Husky?

There are a few health problems that these dogs share with their purebred parent breeds. Some of the most common conditions to look out for include hip dysplasia, some blood diseases, and epilepsy. Other than this, they are considered quite healthy dogs.

What is the lifespan of a Australian Shepherd Husky?

The average life expectancy of this dog is somewhere between 10 and 13 years. Of course, if they are looked after properly they can live to a much older age.

How much should you feed a Australian Shepherd Husky?

The diet for this breed of dog should match that of a medium-sized breed that is considered high-energy. This can vary depending on the age, activity levels, size, and metabolism of the specific dog.

You should consult your vet for recommendations on their diet as they grow from a puppy to an adult. Be cautious not to overfeed them with treats as they are prone to becoming obese.

What is the price of a Australian Shepherd Husky in Australia?

The average price for Aussie Husky puppies is between $600 and $1000. The most important thing to remember is that you find a reputable breeder that can provide a full medical history of both parents.