The stunning and vivacious Australian Shepherd Husky mix is a new designer dog on the block. Smart, fun-loving, and affectionate, they are amazing companions and best suited for outdoorsy and active people.
What is an Aussie Siberian? The Australian Shepherd Husky mix, also known as the Aussie Siberian is a medium-sized designer dog. Developed by crossing an Australian Shepherd with a Siberian Husky, this mix is a dedicated worker. Friendly, loyal, and easy to train, they are great companions to people of all ages.
In this article, we’ll tell you more about the Australian Shepherd Husky mix and help you decide if this energetic dog is the right choice for you!
What Is an Australian Shepherd Husky Mix?
The Australian Shepherd Husky mix, also known as Aussie Siberian, is a new designer dog breed. Developed by crossing a purebred Australian Shepherd with a purebred Siberian Husky, the Aussie Siberian is a mixed-breed.
While the American Kennel Club recognizes both parent breeds, it doesn’t recognize the Aussie Husky mix. However, this designer breed is recognized by the Dog Registry of America and the International Designer Canine Registry.
Brief History
It’s very likely that Aussies and Huskies mixed naturally over the years. However, it wasn’t until the late 1990s that breeders started crossing Australian Shepherds and Siberian Huskies on purpose.
Breeders wanted to create a healthy, strong, and energetic companion dog and so, the Aussie Siberian was born.
Australian Shepherd
Best known for its stunning appearance and impeccable work ethic, the Australian Shepherd was bred to be an ultimate herding dog. Surprisingly, the Aussie was developed in the U.S as a working breed, but they are also excellent therapy dogs, guide dogs, search, and rescue dogs.
Intelligent, energetic, and easy to train, Aussies are loyal and devoted to their owners and make great pets to active families.
Siberian Husky
Originally bred to endure harsh weather conditions in Siberia, the Siberian Husky was used to pull sleds and transport people and goods. Known for its wolf-like appearance, the Husky is an athletic, agile, and strong breed.
Highly energetic, mischievous, and vivacious, Huskies make amazing companions to active people and families with children.
Both – Mixed Breed – Australian Shepherd Husky Mix
When you mix these two breeds you get an Aussie Siberian – an extremely good looking, loyal, and energetic pooch. True to its parent breeds, the Australian Shepherd Husky mix is a working breed that needs a lot of exercise and a job to do.
Outgoing, devoted, and smart, this mix is best suited for active people and will be a tireless exercise buddy.
Characteristics of Australian Shepherd Husky Mix
The Aussie Siberian is a new designer hybrid, so it’s hard to predict the exact temperament and appearance of each individual dog. However, you can be certain that your Aussie Siberian will be athletically built medium-sized dog with a fluffy double coat, triangularly shaped ears, and narrow muzzle.
Aussie Siberian Highlights:
| Size | Medium size |
| Weight | 40-65 pounds |
| Height | 18-25 inches |
| Coat Type | Short to medium-long double coat |
| Shedding | Heavy with seasonal shedding |
| Energy Level | Highly energetic |
| Overall Health | Very good |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
Size
Since Australian Shepherds and Huskies are medium-sized breeds, the Aussie Siberian will be a medium-size dog too.
Height
Most Australian Shepherd Huskies measure from 18 to 25 inches at the shoulder. Since there are no set breed standards, some Aussie Siberians can be slightly shorter or taller.
Weight
Expect you mix to weigh from 40 to 65 pounds, but don’t be alarmed if he weighs slightly more or less as long as he isn’t looking underfed or obese.
Coat Color
Aussie Siberians come in a variety of colors and their coats are usually a mix of the coat colors seen in Aussies and Huskies. The coat can come in a variety of base colors and is accentuated with a different combination of patches and spots.
The most commonly seen coat colors are:
- Black
- White
- Brown
- Cream
- Tan
- Gray
Shedding
Aussie Huskies usually have short to medium-long dense coats that shed moderately all-year-round. They will shed huge amounts of hair during spring and fall, so be prepared to deal with clumps of doggy hair all over your home and backyard (source).
Like their Husky parents, these hybrids have a weather-resistant coat that helps them cope well in all weather conditions and temperatures.
Temperament
It’s difficult to predict the exact temperament of any mixed-breed dog, but your Aussie Siberian will likely inherit traits from both the Aussie and the Husky. To get an idea of how your mix is going to behave you should meet both of his parents.
Most Aussie Siberians are loyal, active, and outgoing family companions. While friendly and affectionate towards its owners, this mix tends to be aloof and reserved towards strangers.
To prevent any behavioral problems or aggression, later on, the socialization process must start from a young age (source). Exposing your mix to different people and other dogs early on will help him overcome his reserved nature and grow into a friendly and well-behaved dog.
As an offspring of two highly energetic working dog breeds, the Aussie Siberian will have a ton of energy and a strong desire to work. Whether playing fetch or jogging around the block with you, the Aussie Siberian loves all sorts of activities and will be still only while sleeping.
While reserved with strangers, they bond deeply with their owners and don’t like being left alone. Without attention and affection, Aussie Siberians become bored easily and can develop separation anxiety.
When bored and left to its own devices this mix will develop all sorts of bad habits and will howl, whine, dig, chew and destroy everything in sight just to blow off some steam. The only way you can prevent the destruction of your property is to exercise your dog daily and keep him mentally stimulated with puzzle and chew toys.
Pet Friendly
Aussie Siberians usually get along well with other pets, but you should still start socialization early on. Keep in mind that this mix may inherit the Husky’s prey drive and try to chase smaller pets such as cats and guinea pigs.
Child Friendly
Highly energetic and fun-loving Australian Shepherd Husky mix loves children and will enjoy having them as playmates. While very tolerant, the Aussie Siberian has a ton of energy and can easily knock down a small child in the heat of the play.
To avoid any injuries or accidents, supervise your dog whenever he is playing with younger children.
Australian Shepherd Husky Mix Care
Whether you have owned dogs before or you are a first-time owner, you should come up with a care routine for your Aussie Siberian. Besides regular vet checkups make sure to keep your pooch vaccinated, dewormed, and protected from fleas and ticks.
Here are other things you’ll need to think about:
Health Risks
While generally healthy, the Aussie Shepherd Husky mixed dogs are predisposed to certain health issues seen in their parent breeds.
The most common health problems are:
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Epilepsy
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Cataracts
The Australian Shepherd Husky mix has an average lifespan of 12 to 15 years, so be prepared for a long-term commitment before you welcome this mix into your home.
Grooming
As all other Shepherd mixes, the Aussie Siberian is a high-maintenance dog when it comes to grooming. They have dense double coats that shed moderately all-year-round and have to be brushed regularly.
Brush your dog at least three to four times a week and be prepared to groom him daily during the shedding season. Regular brushing will help remove loose hair, dirt, and debris, and prevent dog hairs from accumulating on your floors and furniture (source).
You’ll need to bathe your dog four times a year with a mild dog shampoo that won’t irritate the skin or coat. Avoid bathing your Aussie Husky too often since this can dry up his skin and coat.
The rest is basic care and involves daily teeth brushing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning.
Food or Diet
The Aussie Siberian should eat food that is formulated for medium-sized dogs with high energy. Make sure that your dog’s diet contains animal proteins, fats, wholesome carbs, and all essential vitamins and minerals.
Your dog’s dietary needs will change as he grows and gets older so make sure that you are feeding him with age-appropriate dog food. As always, whenever in doubt talk with your vet or a canine nutritionist who will design an individual feeding plan for your dog.
Training and Exercise
As a highly energetic and athletic breed, the Australian Shepherd Husky mix needs 90 to 120 minutes of exercise every day. Intense cardio activities such as hiking, cycling, agility, or running in a dog park are ideal and will keep your mix active and content.
If under-exercised, your Aussie Siberian will find creative ways to blow off some steam and will destroy everything in sight, including the pair of your favorite shoes.
As highly intelligent dogs, Aussie Huskies are easy to train and will master basic commands quickly. Use positive reinforcement techniques to tap into your dog’s full learning potential and teach him obedience and tricks.
On the downside, this mix can be stubborn at times, just like its Husky parent, so you’ll have to be patient and consistent when it comes to training (source). If, despite your best efforts, your dog remains uncooperative, consider enrolling him in an obedience class and have him work with a certified trainer.
Housing
Aussie Huskies should live indoors with their human family, and have access to some outdoor space. Since they have a huge wanderlust potential, a fenced backyard is a must, otherwise, be prepared to chase your pooch through the neighborhood.
Generally, the Aussie Siberian can happily live in an apartment as long as you can take him outside and keep him exercised.
Where to Get Australian Shepherd Husky Mix?
While designer dog breeds are increasingly popular, the Aussie Siberian is still a rare hybrid and not widely available. As with all other dog breeds, you can opt to buy your dog from a reputable breeder, or do a humane thing and adopt.
Australian Shepherd Husky Mix Breeders
Since the Australian Shepherd Husky mix isn’t still as popular as other designer hybrids you’ll have to do a lot of research and even travel to another state to find a reputable breeder. A reputable breeder will let you meet both parents and show your health certificates as proof that his dogs are healthy and properly cared for.
Australian Shepherd Husky Mix Price
The Australian Shepherd Husky mix puppies usually cost from $600 to $1000. However, puppies with multi-colored eyes or distinctive coat colors come with a higher price tag.
Adoption
Besides being a more humane way to welcome a dog into your home, adoption is also a cheaper option than buying a puppy from a breeder. Mix breed dogs often end up in shelters, so there is a big chance that an Aussie Siberian is waiting for a forever home in your local rescue.
Conclusion
Highly energetic, fun-loving, and affectionate, Aussie Huskies are great companions and will make amazing pets to active families. Whether you are a novice or experienced owner, this mix is an excellent choice if you are looking for an exercise buddy who will push your limits.
However, if you or any of your family members have allergies, the Australian Shepherd Husky mix isn’t the right dog for you. But, if you can tolerate dog hairs and are adrenaline junkie, the Aussie Siberian is definitely the best dog for you.
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