A Husky Lab Mix is a cross between a Labrador with a Siberian Husky.
They are not to be confused with the Labrador Husky from Canada!
Sometimes referred to as a Labsky or Huskador, Husky Lab Mixes makes a wonderful addition to any active and dedicated owner.
Bred from two of the most loved dog breeds in America, this hybrid is playful, loyal, and intelligent (traits shared by both parent breeds).
In this article, we take a look at the breed’s history, what features and traits there are to know, and where you can find puppies.
TABLE OF CONTENTS
What Is A Husky Lab Mix?
This breed was intentionally bred for the first time in the 1990s by mating a Lab with a Siberian Husky.
Combining two well-loved breeds resulted in a crossbreed that has stolen the hearts of many dog lovers.
With two working parents, this mix was bred to be a high-energy companion dog. They will require a lot of exercises and a secure backyard, as Huskies are known to be expert escape artists.
It can be difficult to predict traits of crossbreeds, but the Husky Lab Mix is highly likely to be affectionate, playful, and friendly.
They will inherit a mixture of traits from both parents:
| Bred by the Chukchi people to pull sleds and occasionally help with hunting. | First bred as gundogs, trained to retrieve prey that had been shot down. |
| Originates from the colder climates of Siberia. | Originates from Newfoundland, an island just off Canada. |
| Athletic and strong to haul cargo for long distances. | Intelligent and eager to please their owner. |
| The Siberian Husky arrived in Alaska in 1909 to compete in sled racing and was ranked as the 14th favorite dog breed by the American Kennel Club. | They first arrived in America in 1903 and were recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1917. |
There are breed-specific rescue centers for each of the parent breeds (e.g. Lab Rescue LRPC and Arctic Rescue), but as of yet, there is no specific rescue organization for this mix.As they are crossbreed, they are not registered with any Kennel Clubs.
Why We Love Huskadors
- Loyal, playful, and intelligent, a Husky Lab Mix will adore spending time with you and playing games that stimulate them mentally or challenge them physically.
- They are affectionate, playful, and friendly.
- This mix has a lot of energy to burn. Running, hiking, and swimming – they love it all!
- Some exhibit a condition called heterochromia where they have two different colored eyes.
- A loveable and loyal dog breed, suitable for active families with a lot of love and time to give.
Husky Lab Mix Puppies
A Husky Lab Mix will cost between $400 and $800 USD.
When a Husky and Lab mate, it can be difficult to predict the litter size:
- The litter size may be smaller like Huskies, comprising of around 4-6 puppies.
- Or it may be a large litter size, resembling a Lab’s litter of around 6-8 puppies.
It is difficult to predict what a Husky Lab mix puppy will look like.
They can be solid in color, like their Lab parent, or be a combination of colors, like a Husky. Either way, you can be sure this puppy will have a soft double coat.
Because Labs are slow to mature, usually showing puppy-like behavior during early adulthood, with this mix you can estimate for them to reach full maturity between 18 months and 2 years:
| 3 | 8-12 |
| 6 | 18-28 |
| 9 | 27-42 |
| 12 | 35-60 |
Husky Lab Mix Size, Appearance, and Color
You can never be certain what a mix will look like, other than they will be a unique cross of both parents.The Husky Lab Mix has a lean and muscular build and has a short to medium-length double coat, which is soft to the touch.
They often have expressive faces, possessing eyebrows and sometimes face masks.
Husky mixes either have floppy ears or erect ears.
Interestingly, the Husky Lab Mix may exhibit a condition called heterochromia. This means they have two different colored eyes. This is perfectly natural and is not harmful to the dog.
How Big Do Husky Lab Mixes Get?
Generally, males are slightly larger ranging from between 45 to 80 pounds, whereas females are more likely to weigh around 35 to 70 pounds.
Their height can range anywhere from 20 to 28inches with the average being 25 inches to the withers.
They are therefore classed as a medium to large breed.
Color and Coat
Depending on their parent, they may exhibit:
- Anything from black to pure white (white, black, cream, brown, or gray combinations) from a Husky.
- A block color of yellow/red, chocolate, or black from a Lab.
Both parents have double coats. This helps them to maintain a stable body temperature and sheds moderately all year round. It is short to medium in length and will be quite dense due to its undercoat.
Shedding will increase during Spring and Autumn.
Temperament and Behavior
Both parent breeds are very sweet-natured and gentle around children. That is why this mix is so often chosen as the new family member.
Huskies and Labs share quite a few traits; potential owners can expect this mix to exhibit traits from both.
This mix is best suited to a family where at least one member of the family is at home most of the day. They can easily become anxious and bored and will release their frustration through undesirable and often destructive behaviors.Both Huskies and Labs form very strong attachments to their owners. Because of this, the Husky Lab Mix is prone to separation anxiety.
As both parents were working dogs, this mix is very energetic. They enjoy any interaction with their family and are love to play games.
Their prey drive is likely to be quite low as they are bred to be companion dogs.
While the Lab only vocalizes when necessary, Huskies can be particularly talkative. Potential owners should be aware of this mix’s tendency to bark.
Levels of aggression and protectiveness are low in the parent breeds and this mix’s ability to be a watchdog is thwarted by their social tendencies that instead lead them to be friendly.
Both parents are confident and intelligent enough to decipher between safe and threatening situations.
Providing that they have been appropriately socialized, they are extremely friendly with strangers and unfamiliar dogs.
Do Husky Lab Mixes Make Good Family Dogs?
Yes. The Husky Lab Mix makes a great family pet.
They are well-known for being gentle and calm around children, enjoying any playtime and human contact.
Generally speaking, suitable socialization and consistent training from a young age should ensure the development of a well-rounded and sweet-natured dog.
They are often seen getting on very well with other household pets too.
Care Guide (Feeding, Exercise & Grooming)
Provided that owners are able to meet their grooming and exercise requirements, the Husky Lab Mix is suited to novice owners. However, any owner will need to be committed to their daily exercise routine.
Feeding Guide
| Daily Food Consumption | |
|---|---|
| Guide | 1,200 calories |
| Cups of Kibble |  |
High-quality kibble should be fed twice a day (once in the morning and evening).
A consistent feeding routine will help to remove any begging behaviors which Labs are famous food due to their obesity genes.
Dry kibble helps to reduce tartar build up, as opposed to wet or raw food since it is more abrasive.
The Husky Lab Mix does not require a complicated or breed-specific diet.
Exercise Requirements
| Daily Exercise | |
|---|---|
| Minutes | 60+ minutes |
| Activity Level |  |
| Favorite Exercise | Fetch |
If they are not sufficiently exercised, Huskies and Labs can become bored and frustrated easily. They will find their own form of fun:
- For Huskies, it is usually digging (backyards, couches, whatever they can!)
- For Labs, it is usually chewing (furniture, shoes, anything!)
These undesirable behaviors can easily be observed in this mix.
Exercise, mental stimulation, and human contact (to keep them occupied) will help to reduce these behaviors.
A Husky Lab Mix should be thoroughly exercised for at least one hour each day; they need dedicated time to burn off energy.
This can be in the form of walking (off-leash is more effective), hiking, swimming, long walks, or a run around the park.
Because they are intelligent, this mix is suited to canine sports such as agility and flyball. This will help mentally and physically challenge them.
Training A Husky Lab Mix
Training will heavily depend upon which traits they inherit from their parents:
- Huskies harbor a stubborn streak with other ideas of what they want to do.
- Labs are intelligent and very eager to please their human companion, responding well to positive reinforcement and mastering new commands quite quickly.
When you start training, you will require patience and lots of repeated sessions.
Consistent training and interactive training involving all family members is key to keeping the dog engaged and combating stubbornness.
Their intelligence means they will require lots of mental stimulation to prevent boredom, especially when left alone.
Grooming Guide
A thorough brushing of their double coat to remove loose undercoats will be required twice a week. In Spring and Autumn, the brushing frequency will need to increase to 3-5 times a week. This will help to combat their higher intensity shedding:
- Bathing needs only occur when they are dirty or once every couple of months.
- Ear cleanings will be required about twice a month (especially if they have floppy ears) to reduce the build-up of wax and mitigate the risk of ear infections.
- Teeth brushing should take place daily (if possible) to reduce tartar buildup.
Known Health Issues
It is estimated that a Husky Lab Mix will live for an average of 12 years.
However, this can span from 10 to 15 years based on their parents’ typical life spans.
Unfortunately, both parent breeds have known health conditions that can affect their quality of life. A major one of which is Obesity.
Labs in particular have a gene mutation that gives them a tendency to gain weight.
This is also exacerbated by an underactive thyroid, another condition common in the mix, which makes it difficult to lose weight.
Weight gain in a Husky Lab Mix can cause arthritis and joint issues which causes pain and lameness.
It is important to monitor your dog’s weight to ensure they aren’t eating too much in a meal or getting too many treats; it can negatively impact their health in the long run.
Husky Lab Mix Dog Facts
Size 20–28 inches
Weight 35–80 pounds
Lifespan 10-15 years
Price $400 – $800 USD
Breed Type Mix
Suitable For Families, novice but active owners
Color White, Black, Cream, Brown or Gray
Temperament Loyal, Energetic, Intelligent, Playful and Patient
The Husky Lab Mix is a loveable and loyal dog breed, suitable for active families with a lot of love and time to give.Summary
Their strong attachments to their humans mean they dislike being alone and would prefer the company of a human for most of the day.
Not suited to people living a relaxed lifestyle in an apartment, they will need plenty of exercises and a secure backyard!
Loyal, playful, and intelligent, a Husky Lab Mix will adore spending time with you and playing games that stimulate them mentally or challenge them physically.
Their gentle nature around children means they make a great family pet (providing their exercise and grooming requirements are met).
Could this mix be your latest addition to the family? Let us know below.
Other Labrador Retriever and Husky Mixes
If you’re interested in learning about other Lab mixes or Siberian Husky mixes, check out the hybrid dog breeds below.
Lab Mixes
- German Shepherd Lab Mix
- Pitbull Lab Mix
- Blue Heeler Lab Mix
- Golden Retriever Lab Mix
- Rottweiler Lab Mix
- Beagle Lab Mix
- Border Collie Lab Mix
- Australian Shepherd Lab Mix
- Labrabull
- Labradoodle Dog
- Boxador
- Mini Labradoodle
- Australian Labradoodle
My Chocolate lab got preg.by a husky. She is 4 years old going to be 5 in nov.3 this year.