With the energetic Siberian Husky and protective Chow Chow as its parents, the Chusky is a regal pooch with a bold personality. Many Aussies are curious to know how they can get their hands on this unique mixed breed. But with the expensive price tag of Siberian Huskies and Chow Chows, where does that leave the Chusky?
Buying a Chow Chow cross Siberian Husky puppy can cost approximately $900 – $1500. This price is heavily influenced by the breeding of the Chusky and one’s location.
Read on to find out how much you’ll be paying for the Husky Chow breed and all the expenses that come with owning one.
Both the Chow Chow and Siberian Husky are among the top most expensive dog breeds. However, with its offspring, you can expect a happy medium from $900-$1500. But the price all depends on the breeding quality, the pup’s pedigree and bloodline, and where you live.
A Chusky puppy’s price will be significantly higher if the puppy is vet checked and healthy. But know that this is always the better option regardless of the higher price.
Chuskies are pretty rare, and this is reflected in the price you’ll pay for one, with registered breeders charging between $3,000 and $5,000 per puppy. You might find Chusky puppies being sold for less than this, but these are likely from unregistered breeders, which is something to avoid as profit is often prioritised over the health of both the parents and the puppies.
Another option available to you is adoption, and Chusky adoption fees can range from $100 to $500, which is much cheaper and comes with that good feeling of giving a Chusky in need another chance. However, finding Chuskies in shelters isn’t easy, so you may have to do a fair amount of searching.
Chuskies from registered breeders come with an average price tag of $3,000 and $5,000. This might seem high, considering that Chuskies are not an Australian National Kennel Council recognised breed, but if the puppies come from pedigree parents, the price is likely to be higher. We’ll look at this in more detail later, along with other things that influence this price range.
Adopting a Chusky comes at a much lower cost of around $100 – $500 in adoption fees, which will usually include vaccinations, microchipping, desexing, and some basic training. But, since Chuskies are relatively uncommon in adoption shelters, it’s a good idea to look at specialist organisations rather than local rescues if you’ve got your heart set on this breed. Organisations like Husky Rescue WA and Homes for Huskies are great options, and while their main focus is Huskies, they may have Chuskies from time to time in need of a forever home.
There are quite a few things that can affect the price of a Chusky, including:
A good breeder will always prioritise the health of both the parent dogs and their puppies over the price, making sure they undergo health screenings and are raised in an environment where they can socialise properly. However, these things cost the breeder money, and while it gives them a good reputation for raising healthy, well-rounded pups, it does mean they charge more to make back the costs.
We touched on this above, but let’s explore it in more detail here. Chuskies aren’t recognised breeds with the ANKC, and that essentially means they’ll never be seen as pedigree dogs. However, if a Chusky puppy is the offspring of one or two show winning parents, the breeder can charge more, as they’ll still have a championship bloodline. On the other hand, Chuskies with non-show-winning Chow Chow and Husky parents, or those with Chusky parents, will be priced lower because they don’t have the same level of distinction.
Believe it or not, the location that the Chusky is being sold from can also influence the price. In areas where Chuskies and their parent breeds are rare, the prices are likely to be higher because of demand and limited availability. However, regions with higher numbers or Chusky breeders may price their puppies lower in order to compete.
It’s easy to think that the only cost of buying a Chusky is the purchase price. But, to make sure they have a healthy and happy life, you’ll also need to invest in some essential items, including:
Dog crate: $50 – $150 for a large, strong crate that can be used for training and to offer a secure, private environment.
Dog bed: $30 – $100 for a large bed, ideally with memory foam to support their joints and a cooling layer that provides comfort for their thick coats in the Australian summer.
Dog collar/lead: $20 – $60 for an adjustable collar with a strong buckle and a durable lead capable of withstanding sudden or prolonged pulling.
Feeding bowl: $10 – $40 for a slow-feeder bowl with a non-slip base to prevent bloating and digestive issues.
Dog toothbrush: $10 – $30 for a soft-bristled toothbrush and enzymatic toothpaste.
Dog car harness: $30 – $80 for a strong, well-fitted, crash-tested travel harness to keep them safe and in-place throughout car journeys.
Puppy treats: $10 – $30 per pack for natural, nutritious reward treats and longer-lasting chews for downtime and mental enrichment.
Puppy training pads: $10 – $40 for reusable pads to help protect your home against accidents during the early months of training.
Dog shampoo & conditioner: $15 – $50 for a hypoallergenic shampoo capable of removing dirt and excess oil from a thick coat without irritating the skin.
Dog nail clippers, brushes & combs: $20 – $80 for a de-shedding brush, slicker brush, and sturdy nail clippers.
Chuskies are active dogs, and adults can weigh between 18kg and 30kg, so they need around 500g of food each day. Below, you’ll find the daily cost of three different diets, which, across the course of the month, can add up to between $60 and $300.
One thing to note here is that these are only estimates, and the amount you’ll spend will depend on the brand, the ingredients, and the recommended portion size for your Chusky. To get a clearer idea of the best diet, make sure you consult your vet.
There’s also healthcare to consider, and not just for any potential accidents or illnesses, but preventative care to keep your Chusky as healthy as possible. The average costs for these are:
Annual vet checkups: $80 – $150 for a routine check up to look for signs of underlying health problems, a weight check, and wellness advice.
Vaccinations: $100 – $200 per year for core and optional vaccinations against parvovirus, distemper, kennel cough, and more.
Worming and parasite protection: $15 – $30 for ongoing parasite protection that prevents fleas, ticks, and heartworm.
Dental cleaning (every 1-2 years): $300 – $600 for a thorough cleaning under anaesthesia and, if needed, any extraction work.
Pet insurance: $30 – $100 per month, depending on the coverage you choose, including unexpected medical expenses for surgeries and treating chronic conditions.
It’s no surprise that Chuskies need regular grooming, given their thick, double coats. Doing this at home regularly will only achieve so much, though, and you’ll also need to budget for regular trips to the groomers. Here’s what you can expect to pay for certain grooming services:
Hydrobath prices: $20 – $50 for a deep clean to remove stubborn dirt and loose fur.
Full groom prices: $70 – $150 for a deep clean, de-shedding, trim, brush, ear clean, and nail trim.
Face, feet & tail groom prices: $40 – $80 for a clean and trim around these areas to keep your Chusky looking good and to remove bacteria.
Chuskies are super smart, but this intelligence can be misplaced into bad behaviour if proper training isn’t given. So, you’ll also need to enrol them into some classes, such as:
Basic obedience training prices: $100 – $300 for a 4-week group class focused on commands like sit and stay, as well as recall and lead walking.
Puppy training class prices: $150 – $400 for a multi-week course that covers foundational training like toilet training, early socialisation, and bite inhibition.
Specialised training prices (i.e. anxiety, aggression): $80 – $200 per session to tackle more challenging behavioural issues like excessive barking, aggression, and separation anxiety.
While Chuskies are undeniably cute, this isn’t enough alone to base your decision of buying one on. They come with a huge financial commitment, and you’ll need to budget every month for their feeding and grooming needs, as well as the items they need to live a good life. But if you’re 100% confident you can cover these costs across their 10 – 13 year average life span, you’ll have an excellent companion for many years to come.
Many shy away from purchasing specific breeds due to their high price tags. But know that there are always good reasons for a pup to cost a little bit more than you expected.
All purebred dog breeds are more expensive than their mixed breed counterparts, but some breeds, like the Siberian Husky and Chow Chow, demand an exceptionally high price.
Luckily, mixed-breed puppies tend to be cheaper than their purebred parents.
Breeders must follow strict, ethical requirements when managing and raising breeding stock. They need to cover the cost of both parents and the litter.
On average, both a female Chow Chow and Siberian Husky will have a litter of around 3-6 puppies. That said, the cost of a Chusky pup also depends on how many are in the litter.
Mixed-breed dogs are more often found in rescues and shelters. Not only is it a noble thing to do to rescue a dog, but it’s also significantly cheaper. Adoption fees can vary depending on how long the dog has been there and what medical, food and transportation expenses the centre has had to pay.
Because the Chow Husky is a hybrid breed, finding one in puppy mills and backyard breeding is sadly a common occurrence. Finding a registered breeder is best and can be done through the Australian National Kennel Council (ANKC).
A reputable breeder will have no problem showing you the area the puppies were raised in and proof of authentic health tests and pedigree.
Many unethical breeders look to make a quick buck from unsuspecting buyers. So, if the price appears suspiciously low, typically anything under $500, or if the breeder is being evasive about information, know that this is a clear indicator that something is illegitimate.
Both Chow Chow and Siberian Husky puppies are high maintenance when it comes to caring for them. It’s vital that you and your bank account are prepared.
Here are some maintenance costs to be aware of for the Chusky:
The price of dog food will vary depending on the size and age of your dog, as well as the quality of food you’re giving them. Bred from two high-energy dogs, a Chusky requires a good amount of sustenance to remain active and healthy – this can cost between $50-$200 a month.
Chuskys can inherit health issues from both their parents. Buying them from a registered breeder and investing in pet insurance ($200 to $750 annually) will help you stay ahead of the game.
The Chusky’s fluffy double coat makes them a heavy shedder, which can sometimes make your pocket a little lighter. The average price for grooming can be around $75-$150.
Chuskys are high-maintenance dogs that require experienced dog owners. There is a lot of work that goes into these dogs, especially when it comes to training.
The Chusky can be a wily dog to manage, but if you’re prepared to take on the price and the work, you’ll be rewarded with an incredible canine companion.
Bred by the distinguished ancient breed, the Chow chow, and the nomadic sled puller, the Siberian Husky, there’s no denying the Chusky is a unique dog to have. These dogs are as great as they are expensive, so be prepared before bringing your new Chusky puppy home. Always ensure you’re getting your pup from a registered breeder.
Moreover, adoption is a noble thing to do. Many of these mixed dog breeds end up in rescues and shelters, so try and look towards those first.
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