Husky Poodle Mix Breed Information – A Guide To The Huskydoodle Dog

The gorgeous Husky Poodle mix is known variously as the Huskydoodle, the Siberpoo and the Poosky! This is a cross between a purebred Siberian Husky and a purebred Standard Poodle. The Siberpoo stands at an average of 14 to 26 inches tall and can weigh from 45 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Both parent breeds share some health concerns like hip dysplasia. In addition, this mixed breed is quite high maintenance when it comes to training.

What’s In This Guide

• Husky Poodle mix At A Glance
• In-depth Breed Review
• Husky Poodle mix Training And Care
• Pros And Cons Of Getting A Husky Poodle mix

Husky Poodle mix FAQs

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

• Are Husky Poodle mixes good family dogs?
• Are Huskydoodles hypoallergenic?
• How much does a Poosky cost?

Husky Poodle mix: Breed At A Glance

• Popularity: According to AKC’s Most Popular Dog Breed list, the Siberian Husky ranked 14th while the Standard Poodle ranked 7th
• Purpose: Huskies were (and still are) working dogs. Poodles were originally water-retrievers.
• Weight: 40-65 pounds
• Temperament: Bright, strong-willed and energetic

Husky Poodle mix Breed Review: Contents

• History and original purpose of the Husky Poodle mix
• Fun facts about Husky Poodle mix
• Husky Poodle mix appearance
• Husky Poodle mix temperament
• Training and exercising your Husky Poodle mix
• Husky Poodle mix health and care
• Do Husky Poodle mixes make good family pets
• Rescuing a Husky Poodle mix
• Finding a Husky Poodle mix puppy
• Raising a Husky Poodle mix puppy
• Husky Poodle mix products and accessories

History and original purpose of the Husky Poodle mix

The Siberian Husky isn’t actually a wolf hybrid, despite its looks.

The breed first appeared in Siberia as a working dog bred by the Chukchi people. Its primary duty was to pull sleds laden with walrus meat from the hunting grounds back to the village.

Huskies have maintained that noble profession of sled pulling for thousands of years. They rose to prominence in 1925 when they delivered crucial medicine to the Alaskan town of Nome, saving the town from being wiped out by an intense diphtheria epidemic.

The Poodle, despite being associated with France, is a breed that is thought to have arisen in Germany for hunting waterfowl. They’re among the best canine swimmers, even though we normally think of them as prim and proper show dogs.

Since the Siberian husky and poodle mix is not purebred, there are no records of the breed’s origins – official or otherwise. It’s likely that many breeders began to produce them at the same time when designer dogs started gaining traction.

Fun facts about Husky Poodle mix

While I can’t find too many stories about the Huskydoodle, the Husky and the Poodle both have had their fair share of fame over the years.

My favorite Husky story, or perhaps my favourite story of any breed is of the three Huskies Balto, Fritz and Togo. In 1925 they raced across Alaska to deliver vital medicine to people in a town who had contracted diphtheria. Balto battled through 700 miles of blizzard on his own!

Poodles have adorned the silver screen for years, often as a mark of high society. They seem to have caught the eyes of plenty of Hollywood celebrities too. Jeff Goldblum, Patrick Swayze and Elizabeth Taylor are some of cinema’s darlings who owned poodles.

Husky Poodle mix appearance

It’s important to remember that there are no guaranteed traits in a crossbreed.

The appearance, behavior, health, and all other traits of a huskydoodle puppy are inherited randomly from both parents. It might have the startling blue eyes of a husky, or it might not. He or she could have the poise of a poodle or, you guessed it, he or she might not!

For that reason, it’s difficult to generalize about designer dogs and crossbreeds.

There are characteristics that tend to be a combination of both breeds, rather than just being picked from one or the other.

Size

Size is one such trait. A huskydoodle will grow to be a large dog, anywhere from 45-60 lbs and 14 to 25 inches tall. Both of the parent breeds are well-built, active dogs, so you should expect the same from the crossbreed.

Coat

Their coat is usually multi-colored with markings, especially on the head and chest. They tend to stay on a spectrum of black to white, and grey is a frequent color as well.

Ears & Nose

While huskies often have erect ears, the ears of a huskydoodle are almost always floppy. Their noses are invariably black, but that shouldn’t come as a surprise.

Husky Poodle mix temperament

A husky crossed with a poodle is like asking for an espresso with a caffeine booster – it’s a lot.

They’re very smart and very active. It’s not the kind of dog you can leave at home in a kennel all day. They make great working dogs. For instance, a huskydoodle would not be out of place as a service animal or working on a farm.

A crossbreed like this will require a lot of attention, so make sure you’re able to give it. At the same time, huskydoodles are almost catlike in their ability to lounge. Expect your dog to be lazy when you’re available and bouncing off the walls when they want play time.

A husky-poodle mix will always be loyal to its family. They also like to form strong bonds with one person. Since they are generally a friendly, happy cross, you can expect them to be sociable around strangers that don’t emanate bad vibes.

Also like their parents, huskydoodles can be obstinate and stubborn. It will require a firm hand to ensure obedience.

Mixed Breeds are Mixed Bags

Poodles are known to be highly intelligent and active. They can reach a level of training and socialization superior to that of some other breeds, which contributes to their public perception as pretentious and snooty.

On the other hand, your siberpoo might inherit the derpy “talking” that makes huskies so adorable. It could have both, or neither, of these traits!

Training and exercising your Husky Poodle mix

Both dogs are known to be high-maintenance in several regards. Notably, they require advanced training and socialization. Large dogs have the potential to cause a lot of damage to objects and people, so you need to be able to depend on their training.

 

Frankly, huskydoodles aren’t a great choice for first time dog owners (and neither are huskies or poodles). Training can be a long, difficult process for these breeds.

Start while they’re young, because their attitude (and capacity for destruction) only increases as they age. Ideally you should enroll in obedience lessons within a few weeks of getting your dog – those lessons also help establish your dominant role in the relationship.

Since they can be stubborn and have short attention spans, frequent training for short durations is a good strategy. Use lots of praise and rewards to convince your husky-poodle mix puppy that listening to you is worth his time!

Exercise for Huskydoodles

Daily exercise is a must for the Huskydoodle.

Ideally, they should get between 45 minutes and an hour of active, outdoor time. They need space to run around and stretch their muscles.

An apartment is a poor place for a big, active dog like the huskydoodle. They really need a backyard of some kind, even if it’s small. Daily walks to a dog park are a good substitute.

Kill two birds with one stone and enroll in some agility classes! They get your dog moving and also help instill obedience. Plus, it’s really cool when your dog can do tricks people have never seen before.

Husky Poodle mix health and care

When trying to predict health issues a crossbreed (or designer dog) might have, you look to the parents.

Both huskies and poodles are known to frequently suffer hip dysplasia, so you can anticipate mobility loss in the later years of a huskydoodle’s life.

That hip issue is the only major overlapping medical problem the breeds share, though, so it’s the only one that is still probable. As a crossbreed, your huskydoodle will benefit from “hybrid vigor”. As a result, he should be healthier due to the increased genetic variation.

Also watch out for skin problems like irritation or rashes. These generally arise as a result of improper grooming. Stay on top of it and your pup will be fine!

Lifespan

The huskydoodle has a lifespan of around 10-13 years of good health. A proper diet and exercise can extend this period.

Grooming a Husky Poodle Mix

As mentioned previously, crossbreed traits are hard to predict and impossible to ensure. In regard to huskydoodles, though, there’s a trend of having the coat markings of a husky and a fur quality similar to that of a poodle.

Huskies have a “double coat.” The top layer of the coat is called the “guard layer”. This means it has long thick hairs that allow the skin to breathe, but protect the layer beneath. On the other hand, that bottom layer, or undercoat, has thick, soft hairs that trap heat. The undercoat is shed a couple times a year, depending on temperatures.

A huskydoodle may or may not have the double coat of a husky. It will probably adopt the wiry, curly hair of the poodle, though.
While both of the parent breeds are dogs that require intensive grooming, the huskydoodle tones that down a bit.

You won’t ever need to shave them like you might for a poodle (and you also don’t need to make your huskydoodle look like topiary). You won’t have to give your dog a trim in the summer like a husky requires, because regular brushing should be sufficient.

That being said, they are prone to matted coats. This is a trait passed on by their poodle parent. This can be avoided by brushing regularly with a wire brush. That activity makes for some good bonding time, though, so enjoy it!

Is the Poodle x Husky Hypoallergenic?

Technically, no dog is 100% hypoallergenic because all dogs produce some amount of dander.

People like to tout poodles as being hypoallergenic, but it’s not entirely true. Their curly fur does tend to capture shed hairs and dandruff, which reduces the amount of allergens in the air. The requisite brushing and shaving, though, releases them and can cause allergic reactions.

Huskies are, of course, very rough on people with allergies.

The huskydoodle presents a happy medium – the curly hair reduces dander, though it is still present. If you’re too sensitive to the allergens to have a husky, but really like that aesthetic, the huskydoodle might be for you!

Do Husky Poodle mixes make good family pets

Is the Husky Poodle mix a loyal, protective dog? Absolutely. Is it a patient dog? Not always.

Neither huskies nor poodles are known to be very tolerant of poking, prodding, or tugging habits of infants and small children. They’re not a big fan of surprises or sudden, loud noises. Huskydoodles are quite similar in this regard.

If your house has young children, it might behoove you to look into other, more kid-friendly, breeds.

Of course, if you train your dog (or your kids) very well, it will never be an issue. Generally speaking, though, it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Wait to get a huskydoodle until your children have grown old enough to know to ‘let sleeping dogs lie.’

Rescuing a Husky Poodle mix

With the tag “designer dog” you are unlikely to find one for sale for less than $500. Prices can reach up to $2000 – suspiciously close to that of “superior” purebreds!

If money is an obstacle, then you might have better luck finding a siberpoo at a local rescue. That being said, there are considerable financial burdens to keep in mind whether you rescue a dog or buy one.

Aside from being the cheaper option, another benefit of rescuing a dog include giving an older dog a new lease on life. Also, if you do rescue an older dog, you are more likely to know about any serious health conditions that dog has.

We’ve put together a list of rescue centers for each parent breed towards the end of this page.

Finding a Husky Poodle mix puppy

You might have your heart set on a Siberpoo. In that case, there are some things you need to know.

Firstly, you will probably be hard pressed to find a dedicated breeder of this mix. Your best bet is to keep an eye on a local rescue. You might have some luck talking to breeders of either parent breed.

Most importantly, you should avoid puppy mills or pet stores. Pet stores usually source their dogs from puppy mills. Puppy mills are essentially places where people breed dogs, en masse, for profit. They usually have terrible standards of care for their animals and should be avoided.

On Finding the Right Breeder

Be sure to do a thorough background check on the breeder you consider. Find reviews from third parties or sources you trust. Since you’re not concerned about pedigree, you can consider a wider variety of breeders.

Be sure to meet the parent dogs if possible to get an idea of temperament and appearance. Inquire (and verify with a vet if possible) about the medical history of the parents.

Always have your puppy tested at a vet for current health and congenital problems, especially if the breeder says it’s not necessary. That’s a suspicious thing to say. Even if the parents were the picture of good health, it’s important to make certain you’re getting a healthy puppy.

Make sure you also choose the perfect name!

Designer Dogs

The last few decades have seen the rise of “designer dogs,” a loaded term that simply refers to a cross of markedly different dog breeds. Oftentimes, a designer dog is the result of two pedigreed parents.

The Siberian husky and poodle mix has been at the forefront of the wave of designer dog popularity because it’s sturdy build and high average intelligence make it a great companion.

Although traits can never be guaranteed in a cross breed, a husky mixed with a poodle has the potential to be a great combination. Husky x Poodle usually requires less intensive grooming, which is a big plus for people who don’t have a lot of time.

Of course, the most influential reason for their popularity is no doubt the appearance of the husky-poodle mix puppies – there is no cuter pup.

On the Topic of Pedigrees

No matter the topic, whenever changes occur, there will be people who oppose them. Sometimes they have an interest in maintaining the status quo; other times they stand to lose something from changes.

Dog breeding is not immune to this phenomenon.

Not long after we domesticated dogs, people realized that if you bred a dog with specific characteristics, the offspring were likely to have that trait, too. Fast forward thousands of years and repeat this process millions of times – the wolves we befriended now appear as chihuahuas,Great Danes, and everything in between.

It’s important to remember that every dog is the exact same species of animal – Canis lupus familiaris. So where do pedigrees come in?

Breed Standards

People who really loved dogs (don’t we all?) got together and made clubs- kennel clubs- which decided to categorize dogs into breeds using (arbitrary) characteristics to define that breed.

In order to maintain the imagined purity of the artificially-created breed standards, they began to curate lists of dog husbandry. In order to have a “real” Siberian husky or a “real” poodle, it has to have parents that are registered on one of these lists.

Ultimately, a pedigree is a piece of paper. It has little to do with your dog’s health or happiness.

Designer Dog Controversy

For centuries, there were two kinds of dogs: pedigreed purebreds and mutts.

This worked out well for dog breeders – they registered their dogs with kennel clubs and so their litters were pedigreed pups that could command high prices.

However, in order to maintain the purity of the breed, pedigreed dogs undergo a lot of inbreeding. That is, they mate with closely-related dogs – oftentimes members of their immediate family.

We don’t do that as humans because we recognize that it often leads to health problems because of genetic depression . We know that there is strength in diversity – and that is doubly true for genetics.

Hybrid Vigor

This brings us to the topic of hybrid vigor. There is a myth perpetuated that hybrids, especially in the first generation, are somehow weaker and more prone to illness than pedigree dogs.

In fact, it’s the exact opposite.

Centuries of inbreeding has produced common health issues in pedigrees. As we’ve seen above, the stunning Siberian husky is prone to several eye-degeneration diseases. Furthermore, the body types of dogs like chihuahuas or bulldogs practically guarantee they will have brachycephalic airway issues.

Mutts, and more recently, designer dogs, alleviate some of these issues by adding genetic diversity that helps mitigate innate health issues and slightly altering body types to less extreme conformations.

Don’t let anyone tell you that designer dogs are less healthy. That’s wrong. Science will back you up.

Raising a Husky Poodle mix puppy

Caring for a vulnerable Husky Poodle 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 training page.

Husky Poodle mix products and accessories

While these products weren’t designed specifically for this mix, they were designed for similarly sized dogs with similar amounts of energy!

• Indestructible Dog Beds
• Toys For Huskies
• Dog Gates
• Indestructible Dog Toys
• Dog Crates

Pros And Cons of Getting A Husky Poodle mix

Cons

• These are large, energetic dogs that need a lot of exercise and a fair amount of space.
• We know from Husky owners that depending on which coat type your mix favors, this mix may be a nightmare for anyone sensitive to dog hair.
• This mix breed has the potential to be impatient with young children.

Pros

• Both parent breeds are loyal so this mixed breed could make a great companion and guard dog.
• Strong wills abound in both parent breeds. The resulting mix may result in a dog with bundles of personality.
• You can be almost certain that this dog will be a thing of beauty! This of course, is subjective!

Similar Breeds

Other dog breeds you might want to consider

Since designer dogs are all the rage these days, you should have no problems finding a husky-poodle mix. Check out specific crosses like a toy poodle-husky mix, or a mini poodle mix.

Here are some others you might want to look at.

• Australian Shepherd Husky Mix
• Husky Lab Mix
• Goldendoodle
• Labradoodle

Husky Poodle mix Breed Rescues

Here are some breed rescues for each parent breed. If you know of any amazing rescue centers for these breeds please let us know in the comments. We’re happy to add any you know about!

USA

• Free Spirit Husky Rescue
• Forever Husky
• National Poodle Rescue Network
• Carolina Poodle Rescue

UK

• Siberian Husky Rescue and Rehoming UK
• Siberian Husky Welfare Association
• Poodle Network UK
• Poodles In Need

Australia

• The Siberian Husky Club of New South Wales
• Homes for Huskies Rescue Inc
• Poodle Cross Rescue and Rehoming
• Poodle Rescue Qld

Canada

• Halo Husky Haven
• Danielle’s Huskies to the Rescue

This article has been extensively revised in 2019.

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 Behaviour 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
• Beauchat, C. 2014 The myth of hybrid vigor in dogs…is a myth. Institute of Canine Biology
• Mattinson, P. 2018. Purebred vs Mutt. The Labrador Site
• Wills, MB. 1997. A review of the progress in canine hip dysplasia control in Britain. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association