Any pet owner would love a dog with minimal health issues. Unfortunately, no breed is without them. The Chusky is predisposed to some health issues its parents, the Chow Chow and Siberian Husky, deal with.
To learn about this hybrid dog, continue reading our Chusky Health Guide.
The good news is that this is a generally healthy breed. But caring for a Chusky requires well-versed knowledge and understanding. Read on to learn more about this unique mixed breed and the health problems they may face.
We can trace this aesthetically pleasing dog and its ancient parent, the Chow Chow, back to Queen Victoria. Recognised for her love of the Chow Chow, the breed’s popularity quickly sparked.
Bred by two of the oldest dog breeds, Chusky dogs take after the intelligent Siberian Husky and protective Chow Chows. Siberian huskies and Chow Chows are generally healthy but can suffer from joint, eye, and weight issues, similar to other dog breeds.
This is why the Chow Husky breed requires experienced dog owners who are prepared for the health issues these guard dogs may face.
Mixed-breed dogs, like purebred dogs, are susceptible to joint issues, specifically hip dysplasia and patellar luxation. Bone issues are most common amongst larger breeds due to the higher amount of weight they carry on their joints.
Several factors contribute to this development in dogs, which are mainly hereditary. Other factors like improper weight gain, excessive growth, and an unbalanced diet can amplify this and lead to further deterioration of the joint over time.
Like humans, dogs can also suffer from eye problems like glaucoma, cataracts, corneal dystrophy, and entropion. A mouthful of complex terms that can scare any interested Chusky owner.
But by consistently monitoring your Chusky’s comfort levels and behaviour, these can be quickly identified and addressed.
Hypothyroidism, also known as autoimmune thyroiditis, is most common in mid to large-size breeds between the ages of 4 to 10. Although the Chusky breed can be susceptible to this, they are not among the high-risk breeds.
This disease occurs when the body doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormones. Symptoms can vary in severity from dog to dog, but the most common is a slowing in metabolism, dry skin, and behavioural changes.
The good news is that once identified, hypothyroidism is easily manageable and, when treated, not life-threatening.
Pet insurance is a great tool that enables dog lovers to care for their pooch without spending a sizeable – barking mad at best – amount of money.
Ensuring this designer breed is a great option for covering the cost of vet fees. Certain pet insurance plans can help in covering unexpected treatment costs, as well as routine procedures.
It’s always best to be prepared for life-altering or even life-threatening illnesses for your Chusky. Here are the best tips for ensuring your pooch is covered with the best insurance:
According to the American Kennel Club, a Chusky’s average life expectancy is 10 – 13 years. To maintain this, it’s important to know the dog’s diet requirements, parent breeds, and health history.
The Chow Husky is a recognised breed on trusted registries like the American Canine Hybrid Club. Both of these provide information for all things breed, health, and dog training related.
Although learning about the health issues a Chusky could face can be daunting, it’s always important to keep a positive mind and good knowledge of this designer dog breed.
To ensure you receive a healthy Chusky puppy, it’s important that you source your pup from ethical designer breeders. Avoid puppy mills, as these are one of the main contributing factors to a pup’s poor health. Consider local breed-specific rescues instead.
As long as you’re procuring your Husky Chow from a good breeder, you can be guaranteed a healthy Chusky puppy.
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