Huskimo Dog – The Siberian Husky and American Eskimo Mix Breed

So let’s find out if this designer breed is right for your family.

Huskimo FAQs

Our readers’ most popular and frequently asked questions about the Huskimo.

• Are Huskimos good family dogs?
• Are Huskimos aggressive?
• How do I adopt a Huskimo?

Click the links above to jump straight to the answers, or keep reading for a full overview of this breed!

Huskimo: Breed At A Glance

• Popularity: Not rated by AKC
• Purpose: Working/circus dog background, companion dog (parent breeds)
• Weight: Dependent on parent breed (anywhere from 25-60 lbs)
• Temperament: Agile, smart, loyal

Huskimo Breed Review: Contents

• History and original purpose
• Fun facts about Huskimos
• Huskimo appearance
• Huskimo temperament
• Training and exercising your Huskimo
• Huskimo health and care
• Do Huskimos make good family pets
• Rescuing a Huskimo
• Finding a Huskimo puppy
• Raising a Huskimo puppy
• Huskimo products and accessories

History and original purpose of the Huskimo

The Huskimo, an American Eskimo husky mix, is a dog with two different purebred parents: the American Eskimo and the Siberian Husky.

So let’s take a look at the parent breeds!

Origins of the American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo dog, or “Eskie” as enthusiasts call this breed, actually hails from an ancient line of German Spitz dogs.

Interestingly, despite this dog’s modern name, the Eskimos have had no influence on the evolution of the Eskie dog!

These hard-working dogs have partnered with people for generations. They’ve worked in sledding, hunting, hauling, herding, search and rescue, tracking, dog therapy, and service work in their native Germany. Eskies are now also popular in the United States and around the world.

Originally medium-sized dogs, today there are three registered Eskie sizes: standard, miniature and toy.

Origins of the Siberian Husky Dog

The Siberian Husky hails from – no surprise here – Siberia. There, the native Chuchki people have lived and worked alongside these powerful, loyal sled dogs for generations.

Until the early 20th century, Siberian Huskies were virtually unknown outside of Siberia. But in 1925, a musher (sled dog leader) named Leonhard Seppala changed that. He undertook a 658-mile trip with his lead sled dog, Balto, and a relay team.

The trip made international news headlines and resulted in a movie about Balto’s bravery.

Today, Siberian Huskies have become popular around the world both as sled racing dogs and pets.

Fun Fact About Huskimos

The Huskimo is one of the younger crossbreeds. Experts began breeding them in 1990! Most other mixed breeds were formed much earlier. Also, since they’re from two pure-breeds accustomed to a frigid climate, they are perfect for people living in very cold climates.

There’s a bit of a debate surrounding mixed breeds like this. So let’s take a brief look:

Purebred Dogs vs. Designer dogs – The Controversy & the Science

Part of the reason behind the rising popularity of hybrid dogs like the Huskimo is a theory called heterosis, or hybrid vigor.

Hybrid vigor refers to what happens when increased genetic diversity is introduced into a limited gene pool by interbreeding two related species.

In the canine world, a true intraspecies or hybrid dog like a Huskimo is called an F1. Some people also call such breeds first generation hybrids.

Why is hybrid vigor so controversial, yet so important for dog health? Breeders want to maintain the purity of their dog’s genetic line. Yet, breeding for specific traits such as physical appearance can, over time, introduce other genetic weaknesses into that lineage.

Here, canine biologists tell us, the introduction of hybrid vigor, into those weakened purebred lines has the potential to strengthen each purebred dog’s gene pool. So, if you have ever heard someone say that the good old-fashioned “mutt” is often healthier than those pricey purebreds, this is what they mean!

But now let’s look a bit closer at our mixed breed of the day.

Huskimo Appearance

As with any hybrid dog, the overall size, height and weight of a given Huskimo puppy will greatly depend on the extent of parental genetic influence.

The American Eskimo dog is now bred in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy. A standard adult Eskie will weigh 25 to 35 pounds and stand 15 to 19 inches. On the other hand, a miniature adult Eskie will weigh 10 to 20 pounds and stand 12 to 15 inches. A toy Eskie will weigh 6 to 10 pounds and stand 9 to 12 inches.

The Siberian Husky dog weighs anywhere from 35 to 60 pounds. This breed stands 20 to 23.5 inches.

So, with these stats, you can see how a standard Huskimo may grow much larger than a mini Huskimo!

Huskimo Dog Coats

Siberian Husky coat colors can vary quite a bit. Still, you can expect at least a bi-color coat with white patches and then another color. Gray, red, black, sable, brown and copper are common varieties.

Your Huskimo will likely have a short to medium-long double-layer coat that needs regular brushing. They typically will shed seasonally at least twice per year.

Huskimo Temperament

The Huskimo dog is a hard-working, high-energy dog breed! These dogs can make amazing working, show, and agility dogs. They’re also ideal therapy, companion, or service dogs.

This dog bonds closely with “their” people and crave an active place in the family’s daily life. This is not a dog that can tolerate alone-time or neglect. Like its parent, the American Eskimo dog, Huskimos are agile well into middle age. These dogs are intelligent and have a high drive to please.

Aggression

This mixed breed is rarely aggressive. They only become aggressive when mistreated or poorly socialized. So make sure to properly socialize your puppy from a young age.

They also need a high level of activity to stay happy and are known to misbehave when bored.

Training and Exercising Your Huskimo

The American Eskimo Husky mix are considered particularly trainable due to their working and circus dog background. Siberian Huskies, the parent breed, are working dogs born and bred with a strong drive to run and exercise.

They are smart and trainable and need to feel like part of a “pack” due to their sled dog history working as part of a unified team. The Huskimo is quite similar.

With this in mind, if you’re looking into Huskimo puppies, be prepared for an active dog. As such, Huskimo dog harness training will be an essential part of ensuring your puppy fits in well with family and community life.

These dogs have a strong drive to run; to use their athleticism. So if your pup gets off-leash, the drive to run may make it hard to retrieve them! Therefore, many Huskimo owners elect to enroll in Huskimo dog jumpers training, agility training and other sports to keep these active dogs happy.

Socializing Your Huskimo Puppies

These dogs are generally friendly and do well with people. Still, a puppy’s experiences at the beginning of their lives can greatly impact their socialization. So, if your Huskimo puppies struggle to socialize, they may need more (gradual) exposure to other humans. Done well, however, this shouldn’t be an issue.

American Eskimo dogs can make excellent guard dogs with proper training and socialization.

Siberian Husky dogs, on the other hand, make very poor guard dogs even with training and socialization.

Your Huskimo puppy may fall anywhere along this spectrum, which means your best approach is to ensure you begin positive training and socialization with people, other dogs and other animals during puppyhood.

Like their parent breed, Huskimos may not be fans of swimming. You may find that your dog likes being close to the water, but doesn’t want to swim. It’s best not to force them.

Huskimo Health and Care

Huskimo health issues are not well known at this time. The only often-stated issue is the occasional hip dysplasia reported by some owners.

However, we can certainly learn a bit about them by considering the health of their parent breeds.

The Eskie can have different health issues depending on size. However, one issue all Eskies tend to struggle with is wax buildup in the ears.

They’re also known to have dental issues and some eye issues. But regular ear and teeth cleaning can help nip any issues in the bud.

The Siberian Husky, on the other hand, is considered to be a healthy dog breed overall.

Lifespan and Health Testing

The American Eskimo dog’s average lifespan is 13 to 15 years, whereas the Siberian Husky’s average lifespan is 12 to 14 years. It would be safe to assume that the Huskimo falls somewhere in between.

Other than the recommended health testing noted below, the only significant issue to be aware of is that working dog breeds can be especially good at hiding the beginnings of illness or injury.
Regular preventative veterinary care can help minimize potential issues.

Health Testing for Huskimo Dogs

The Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) database recommends health testing American Eskimo parent dogs for eye issues and hip dysplasia.

Other recommended optional health tests include elbow dysplasia, cardiac issues, autoimmune thyroiditis, patellar luxation, and Legg-Calve-Perthes disease.

The Canine Health Information Center (CHIC) database also recommends health testing Siberian Husky parent dogs for eye issues and hip dysplasia.

Working with a reputable breeder can help ensure your new Husky American Eskimo puppy comes to you free of any known genetic issues for which preventative tests exist.

This will help your Huskimo grow up into a happy, healthy part of your family and community.

Huskimo Grooming & Feeding

On first glance, the Eskie’s long, fluffy, double-layer coat looks high maintenance. But it is surprisingly simple to care for – just brush it every other day to keep shedding manageable.

Eskie coat colors don’t vary much – they are typically either all white or white and tan (biscuit). Twice a year, the Eskie will “blow coat” with the seasons.

Siberian Huskies are rather unique among dogs in that they shed very little. This breed almost never have any “doggy” odor and their coat is basically self-cleaning.

You will need to brush the thick double-layer coat at least weekly and be prepared for a heavier shed twice annually.

Huskimo coats are typically fairly long and just as unproblematic as their parents’. You’ll need to brush it daily or at least twice a week since they shed often. You may also need a deshedder to aid their regular shedding.

Be sure to trim your pup’s nails as needed. This active breed may not need frequent nail trimming. Also give baths as needed, but be sure to clean their ears weekly, if possible, to reduce the risk of ear infections.

Do Huskimos Make Good Family Pets?

Both American Eskimo dogs and Siberian Husky dogs are known to be wonderful family dogs – very loving and affectionate, and even tolerant of pet cats!

However, they best suit active families who can give them the exercise they need to stay healthy and happy.

Huskimos that are left alone without enough mental and physical stimulation can engage in destructive behavior!

Rescuing a Huskimo

Husky Eskimo mix dog breeders can be challenging to locate. You may need to be prepared to put your name on a waiting list and then travel to pick up your new pup.

Any reputable breeder of Huskimo puppies should willingly volunteer information about both parent dogs. They should also willingly present results of all required and recommended health screenings.

Your puppy should come with proof of all required vaccinations, an initial guarantee of health and a take-back guarantee if the puppy doesn’t work out for any reason.

The best way to pick out your new puppy is to look for a puppy with clear, bright eyes, healthy skin and coat. Also check for clear ears and tail area, an active and alert personality and a willingness to be held and to play.

You can find a few rescue centers here.

Finding a Huskimo Puppy

Finding a puppy is a serious mission. It’s vital to watch out for puppy mills. These places typically breed dogs in terrible conditions. If you’re unsure how to avoid such an establishment or have any other puppy search related questions, you’ll find our puppy search guide useful.

With the growing popularity of breed mixes, it’s especially important to choose the right breeder.

Raising a Huskimo Puppy

Caring for a vulnerable puppy is a big responsibility. There are some great guides to help you with all aspects of puppy care and training. You’ll find them listed on our Huskimo puppy page.

Huskimo Products and Accessories

These recommendations for Huskies would also be a great fit for your Huskimo:

• Indoor puppy playpens
• Best dog leashes
• Best dog ear cleaner

Pros And Cons of Getting a Husky Eskimo Mix Dog

Cons

• Might be too active for certain pet lovers.
• Not to be left alone — requires active owner presence.
• Needs space to run around — may not be an apartment dog.
• Sheds a fair amount.

Pros

• Perfect for active owners — great running companion.
• Great with kids.
• Very loving, loyal, and playful.
• Great companion, therapy, or service dog.

Comparing the Huskimo with other breeds

If you’re looking for Husky mixes and aren’t sure this one is for you, check out our comparison of other Husky mixes.

Similar Breeds

Other dog breeds you might want to consider if you love the Huskimo:

• Pomeranian
• Alaskan Husky
• Old English Sheepdog
• Collie mixes
• Husky Lab mix (Labsky)

Huskimo Breed Rescues

Mixed breed rescue centers have been hard to locate, but we liked these two:

• Puppy Finder
• Huskimos
• Tick Brair Farm SC

Let us know if you have additional suggestions, please!

Is the American Eskimo Husky mix right for you?

There is no definitive answer to the question of whether the Huskimo is the right next canine companion for you.

The Husky Eskimo mix dog can make an amazing pet for the right person who has the time and energy to offer this dog a fun and active lifestyle!

References And Resources

• Gough A, Thomas A, O’Neill D. 2018 Breed Predispositions to Disease In Dogs and Cats. Wiley Blackwell
• O’Neill et al. 2013. Longevity and Mortality of Owned Dogs In England. The Veterinary Journal
• Adams VJ, et al. 2010. Results of a Survey of UK Purebred Dogs. Journal of Small Animal Practice.
• Schalamon et al. 2006. Analysis of Dog Bites In Children Who Are Younger Than 17 Years. Pediatrics
• Duffy D et al. Breed differences in canine aggression. Applied Animal Behavior Science 2008
• Strain G. Deafness prevalence and pigmentation and gender associations in dog breeds at risk. The Veterinary Journal 2004
• Packer et al. 2015. Impact of Facial Conformation On Canine Health. PlosOne
• Demidoff, L., et al, “The Siberian Husky: A Brief History of the Breed/Hereditary Problems,” Siberian Husky Club of America, 2009.
• Beynon, B., et al, “American Eskimo Health,” American Eskimo Dog Club of America, 2011.
• Allen, D.L., “Eskie Essence and Instincts,” National American Eskimo Dog Association, 2018.
• Stryeski, K., DVM, “Health Issues with Siberian Huskies,” Siberian Husky Health Foundation, 2018.
• Clark, R., DVM, “Genetic Tests for American Eskimo Dogs,” Medical, Genetic & Behavioral Risk Factors of American Eskimo Dogs, 2014. Xlibris Corporation.