Husky Lab Mix – Labsky Breed Traits and Care

What is a Husky Lab Mix?

The Husky Lab mix is a generally healthy dog with a few hereditary health issues to be aware of. Known for their intelligence, loyalty, and zest for life, this hybrid is quickly rising in popularity amongst dog lovers everywhere! So, how do you know if this precocious pup is right for you?

• Popularity: The Husky is ranked 14th and the Labrador is ranked 1st out of 193 breeds by the American Kennel Club (AKC)
• Purpose: Companion
• Weight: 35 to 80 pounds
• Temperament: Loyal, energetic, intelligent

Husky Lab Mix History

Since the Husky Lab Mix is considered a first-generation crossbreed, their story is still in the works. We can learn more about what makes them so special by looking into the origins of their parents.

The Siberian Husky is believed to have derived from an ancient breed of dog in Asia and bred by the Chukchi people of Siberia. The ancestors of the Husky were primarily used as companions and sled dogs. The Husky’s ancestors played a vital role in the survival of the Chukchi people. The Chukchi created a more resilient sled dog who could travel easily for miles while at the same time hauling cargo when shifting temperatures forced them to move.

An ancient breed believed to have existed as early as the 1500s, the Labrador Retriever likely hails from Newfoundland, Canada. Originally bred for duck hunting and fish retrieving, the Lab was a favorite among fisherman and was renowned for its intelligence and loyal nature.

The Labrador was the perfect candidate to work on boats in the freezing Canadian climates with their short, weather-resistant coat. And their “otter tail” made the perfect propeller for when they were swimming to retrieve their master’s catch.

The Labrador was taken to England in the 1800s and perfected by British breeders during the 19th-century. And many of the Labrador’s original traits still stand. Their intelligence, loyalty, and gentle nature are amongst the most sought after and adored characteristics of the breed.

Fun Fact!

• Huskies can have two different colored eyes; one brown eye and one blue eye. Your Huskador could also have this trait! It is referred to as heterochromia and can be caused by an abnormality in pigmentation.

Husky Lab Mix Appearance

Both parent breeds have a double coat so your Husky Lab mix will also have a thick coat. Depending on which parent they take after, their coat may be medium or short in length and could come in an array of colors. As Husky Lab mix puppies grow up, their adult coloring and size are always a bit of a surprise!

You could end up with a pup most resembling the Labrador parent’s coloring, like a Black Lab Husky Mix, a Chocolate Lab Husky Mix, or a Yellow Lab Husky Mix. You could also end up with a bi-colored pup, more resembling the Husky side, combining an array of color options.

The appearance of a first-generation, crossbred dog is always going to be left up to chance and genetics, and the Husky Lab mix is no exception. Let’s take a look at the purebred parents to determine the kind of traits your Huskador could inherit.

Coat Colors

The Husky is no doubt a beautiful and commanding dog with a medium-length, thick coat, plumed tail, erect ears, and almond-shaped eyes that come in both brown and blue.

• Agouti
• Black
• Blue Belton
• Brown
• Copper
• Piebald
• Sable
• Silver
• Splash
• White
• Black and Gold

The Lab also has floppy ears and a short, dense double coat that is water repellent. Unlike the Husky, the Lab’s coat comes in only three standard colors, including:

• Black
• Chocolate
• Yellow

Husky Lab Mix Grooming

Usually, the grooming requirements for crossbred dogs vary, just like size and temperament. This is because the crossbreed’s grooming needs usually depend on the type of coat your dog inherits. However, when it comes to the Husky Lab mix dog, you’re in luck! The Siberian Retriever’s parent breeds share similar coat types and therefore require similar grooming needs!

Normally, the Husky Lab mix only needs weekly brushing and an occasional bath. Both the Lab and the Husky shed most in the fall and spring seasons. During this time, your furry friend will need to be brushed about two to three times a week to keep their skin and coat at its best and loose hair under control. You will likely want to rake the coat with a metal comb during shedding season.

Your dog will also need their ears cleaned regularly to keep them free of waxy buildup and reduce the chances of infection. And of course, they will also need their nails trimmed regularly to keep them from cracking.

How Big is a Husky Lab Mix?

Huskies typically weigh around 35 to 60 pounds with the females on the smaller side. And they can stand anywhere from 20 to 23.5 inches tall. The Labrador is usually a bit larger in size than the Husky, standing around 22 to 25 inches tall and weighing approximately 55 to 80 pounds.

You can prepare for your Lab and Husky Mix to be a medium-sized dog, standing anywhere from 20 to 23.5 inches tall. The weight of a full-grown Husky Lab cross will range between 35 to 80 pounds, with females ranging from 35 to 70 pounds and the males from 45 to 80 pounds.

Husky Lab Mix Temperament

Considering both the Husky and the Lab are known for their endurance and energy, a prospective Husky Lab Mix owner should prepare for an energetic dog. This mix enjoys people and is highly social. This is a people-oriented breed that will do its best living alongside their family members.

The Labsky will need lots of toys, exercise, and mental stimulation to stay happy. They may make their own fun or resort to destructive behavior If they are not adequately exercised. As with all dogs, experts recommend early socialization and obedience training with this breed. Husky Lab mix puppies can be quite excitable, and with the Lab influence, slow to mature.

Early socialization and obedience training could help reduce the chances of anxiety in your dog and also ensure that they are adaptable, calm, and well-behaved in all kinds of situations.

Since the Labsky is a crossbreed, determining their exact behavioral traits may be difficult. That’s because the Husky Lab cross could get a mix of temperamental traits from each of their purebred parents.

Siberian Husky Temperament

For starters, the Husky is a family-oriented breed that is known for their agreeable nature and energetic stamina. With a background that mixes companionship and work, it’s no wonder this dog gets on so well with everyone they meet!

In fact, Huskies need a lot of social interaction either with their owners or with other dogs. Furthermore, this is not a breed that likes to be left alone for long periods.

Huskies also have loads of energy and will require a securely fenced backyard where they can run and play. They may also have a desire to chase, so keeping them on a leash when outside the home is a must.

This breed adores kids and as a dog that was bred to work in a canine team, they generally do well with other dogs. Likewise, they greet strangers with joy and see everyone as a friend.

While Huskies don’t make the greatest watchdog, they do make an excellent dog for those who often have company.

Labrador Temperament

There is a reason the Lab is the favorite family dog in America! Their intelligence, loyalty, and eagerness to please means they make a fabulous companion for those with children and other pets. This is a gentle breed who loves their family unconditionally and wants nothing more than to make their people happy!

Labs are quick to learn and easy to train, however, we should note that this breed matures slowly and is puppy-like into adulthood.

They can also be prone to chewing and boredom, which is never a good combination. Therefore, it will be up to his owners to ensure the Labrador is properly exercised and maintains a good level of mental stimulation to stay out of trouble!

Training Your Husky Lab Mix

The Husky Lab mix may require different training methods depending on the parent they tend to take after. Training could be simple if your Labsky is more like the Lab parent in temperament. Labs are very energetic, but they are also eager to please.

They will enjoy learning new tricks and following commands. For that reason, implementing new tricks into your Labsky’s training regimen will help to keep them mentally happy and keep boredom at bay.

On the other hand, if you’ve got a dog that has more traits from the Husky parent, you’re going to need to utilize some patience and consistency.

The Husky has a tendency to be an independent thinker and may not enjoy learning new things the same way their Labrador counterpart does. However, you should have no problem training your Husky Lab mix as long as you utilize the positive reward system, offer treats and praise, and keep the training sessions fun!

And remember, early socialization and obedience training in puppyhood will benefit this crossbreed and help you to manage them as they get older.

Husky Lab Mix Exercise

Both the Labrador and the Husky are athletic and highly energetic. And while the Husky is not as energetic as their Labrador counterpart, they are still just as needy when it comes to proper exercise and play.

For this reason, you should prepare to exercise your Siberian Retriever for at least an hour a day. This could include runs, hikes, long walks, swimming, and romps at the dog park. With the Husky’s innate urge to run you will need to keep your Husky Lab on a leash during recreational outings.

Both parent breeds excel in canine sports such as agility, obedience, tracking, and rally. This is the perfect way to stimulate your dog’s mind during exercise sessions. It is also a great way to strengthen the bond between dog and owner.

You will also want to ensure your Siberian Retriever dog has plenty of chew toys and a fenced-in backyard where you can let them run and play freely to help burn off some of that excess energy.

Health And Care

All dogs are prone to inheriting genetic diseases from their parents and your crossbreed dog is no exception. For this reason, you may want to consider early health screening in your Husky Lab mix dog. Early health screening could help you to prepare for or even avoid any future issues your dog may face.

Husky Health Concerns

The Husky is at risk of diseases common to all dogs, like dental disease and skin disorders. Huskies are particularly prone to skin conditions. They are also predisposed to a few more serious hereditary health conditions that could be passed down to any offspring. Huskies are prone to a few ophthalmological issues including cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, and corneal dystrophy:

• Cataracts tend to affect older dogs and are hallmarked by cloudy, filmy looking eyes. They impair vision and if left untreated will lead to blindness. Huskies are also prone to juvenile cataracts as well, which can start as early as two years of age.
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) is a degenerative eye disease that can also lead to blindness. It tends to present in dogs three years and older and results in blindness within one to two years from onset. There is no cure but a genetic screen in their parent breeds is available.
• Corneal dystrophy has three variations but they all result in a form of opaqueness in the eye. It is an inherited condition that can present from six months old into middle age. Some dogs may have a mild case and not be bothered by symptoms, while other dogs can end up with painful ulcers and impaired vision.

Some of the otherconditions Husky are prone to can be screened for in the parents. The recommended testing schemes for Huskies include the following:

• Hip Dysplasia Scheme
• ISDS Gonioscopy
• Eye Testing

Labrador Health Concerns

The Labrador is prone to some of the same health conditions as the Husky, like hip dysplasia, epilepsy, cataracts, corneal dystrophy, and progressive retinal atrophy. Labradors are also prone to some health conditions that Huskies are not. Recommended testing for Labradors includes:

• Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis (HNKP)
• Centronuclear Myopathy (CN)
• Hip and Elbow Evaluation
• Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
• Exercise Induced Collapse (EIC)
• Hereditary Cataracts (HC)

Husky Lab Health Concerns

The Husky Lab mix could potentially develop any condition found in either parent breed. However, they are most likely to develop a hereditary health condition common to both parent breeds. Your Huskador has a higher likelihood of developing cataracts, PRA, hip dysplasia, and epilepsy. That said, it is important to be familiar with all conditions common to both breeds.

It is also vital that you use a reputable breeder that can provide proof of health testing. A good breeder will test the parents for hereditary health issues.

How Long Do Husky Lab Mixes Live?

The Labrador’s lifespan is typically 10 to 12 years, while the Husky has a lifespan of 12 to 14 years. Mixed breeds often have a similar life expectancy to that of the parents, so you can reasonably expect that your Lab and Husky Mix will live 10 to 14 years.

Do Husky Lab Mixes Make Good Family Pets?

Huskadors can make great family pets as they are friendly, loyal, and gentle dogs. Both parent breeds are known for being good with children and other pets. These dogs love to be around their owners and will do well with an active family that they can play in the yard with.

However, this may not be the best dog for families with small children as the rambunctiousness of this big dog can be too much. In all their excitement, they can easily knock over a small child.

Pros And Cons of Getting A Husky Lab Mix

Getting a dog is a big and long-term responsibility, especially when it is a dog with high exercise requirements like the Husky Lab mix. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of this breed to see if it is the right fit for you.

Cons

• This breed needs lots of exercise and may be destructive if they don’t get it
• Huskadors shed a lot, especially in spring and fall
• This may not be a good dog for families with small children
• They do not like to be left alone for long periods

Pros

• They are family friendly dogs
• Husky Labs are gentle, friendly, and intelligent dogs
• They are great companions for active individuals or families
• This breed gets along well with other pets
• They are highly trainable dogs

Is A Husky Lab Mix Right For You?

A Black Lab Husky Mix would make the perfect pet for someone. Is that someone you? The Siberian Retriever is a stellar dog for families and singles. However, for those who do not have the time, patience, or energy-level to train and exercise this crossbreed will not be a good fit.

This is going to be an active dog who needs lots of training and exercise to harness all their energy and keep them fit and happy. They will also do best in homes with fenced in backyards where they can run and play freely, and an hour of exercise every day should also be met with a good amount of playtime.

In conclusion, this may be the crossbreed for you if you don’t mind a dog who is high-energy, sheds, needs regular brushing and will want to be with you all the time!

Rescuing a Husky Lab Mix

Rescuing a dog is a great way to bring a new furry friend into your life. These dogs are even sometimes already house broken by previous owners. Adoption from a rescue is often cheaper than purchasing from a breeder, too. See our list of rescue societies at the bottom of the page.

Finding A Husky Lab Mix Puppy

When picking your Labsky puppy, we recommend going through sources you trust. While there are many ways to go about getting Husky Lab mix puppies, not all are reputable and responsible.

Since health is so important, you’ll want to ensure you go through reputable breeders who have health screened the parents and pups and are able to offer certificates proving their dogs are healthy.

Keep in mind that most breeders will charge anywhere from $500 to over $1000 for a Husky Lab Mix pup, but one of the best things about going through a breeder, aside from the early health screening, is that you’ll be able to ask questions.

Always ask about any health or temperamental issues with previous litters and the parent breeds. You may even get a chance to meet the parent breeds face-to-face.

On the other hand, if you are interested in rescuing your Labsky, adoption fees are typically much less, usually running about $50 to $100.

Furthermore, most shelters will cover the first veterinarian trip, ensuring your Labsky is healthy and up to date on their vaccines.

It is recommended to avoid pet stores and online ads in your search for Husky Lab mix puppies. These dogs tend to be unhealthy and they tend to have more temperament challenges as well.

Raising A Husky Lab Mix Puppy

Caring for a vulnerable Husky Lab Mix 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 puppy care page.

Raising an energetic pup like a Lab and Husky Mix can keep you on your toes! Here are a few tips to help make your training go a little more smoothly:

• 12 Great Places To Socialize Your Puppy
• How to Stop A Dog From Chewing Your Stuff!
• Potty Training Schedule And Finishing Touches
• Puppy Training Stages

Husky Lab Mix Products And Accessories

Here are a few things that might make caring for your Lab and Husky Mix easier.

• Interactive Dog Toys
• Beds For Large Dogs

Similar Breeds

If you are considering a Husky Lab Mix, here are some other mixed breeds you might want to look at:

• Australian Shepherd Husky Mix
• German Shepard Husky Mix
• Boxer Husky Mix
• Goldador—Golden Retriever Labrador Mix
• Husky Poodle Mix
• Labradoodle—Poodle Labrador Mix
• Springador—Labrador Springer Spaniel Mix

• Husky Beagle Mix

For more Labrador and Husky mix breeds check out these articles:

• Labrador Retriever Mix: Which One Is Right For You?
• Husky Mixes: Which One Will Win Your Heart?

Husky Lab Mix Breed Rescues

US Rescues

• Arctic Rescue
• Forever Husky
• Lab Rescue LRPC
• Lucky Lab Rescue

UK Rescues

• Labrador Retriever Rescue Southern England
• Husky Education Aid Rescue Team (Heart) Welfare
• Labrador Retriever Rescue Scotland
• Siberian Husky Welfare Association (SHWA-UK)

Canada Rescues

• Halo Husky Haven
• Lab Rescue—Labrador Retriever Adoption Service Inc.

Australia Rescues

• Arctic Rescue Victoria Inc.
• Labrador Rescue Australia
• Labrador Retriever Rescue Australia (LRRA)

Please leave a message below in our comments if you would like to join one of our lists.

References And Resources

• Animal Health Center. Accessed 2019.”Siberian Husky.”
• Busse, C. et. al. 2019. “Phenotype of macular corneal dystrophy in Labrador Retrievers: A multicenter study.” Veterinary Ophthalmology.
• Encyclopaedia Britannica. 2019. “Labrador Retriever.”
• Howell, T. J. et. al. 2015. “Puppy Parties and Beyond: the role of early age socialization practices on adult dog behavior.” Veterinary Medicine: Research and Reports.
• Sutter, N. B., and Ostrander, E. A. 2004. “Dog star rising: the canine genetic system.” Nature Reviews Genetics.
• Washington State University Veterinary Medicine. Accessed 2019. “Hypothyroidism in Dogs.”