A mixed-breed dog is often the best of both worlds – and they can be a delightful mashup of just about any breed out there.
But what happens when a small-breed dog like a Chihuahua mixes DNA with a large-breed dog such as a Siberian Husky? Is that even possible?
The short answer: yes.
A husky mixed with a chihuahua is entirely possible.
And they can make an amazing companion for people from all walks of life.
Whether you’re considering adopting one, or have already welcomed one into your home, there are some things to understand about the breed.
Mixed-breed dogs have their ups and downs, just like any dog. There are health and behavioral issues to look out for like any wise dog parent does.
Consider the unique challenges and rewards you’ll be presented with when you share your house with a chihuahua husky mix.
The first step towards a harmonious life for you and your pet is preparing for the things you’ll need to stay on top of.
Here I will tell you everything you need to know about a husky mixed with a chihuahua, and more.
Chihuahua-Husky Mixes 101
When a dog is the result of two breeds so vastly different as a chihuahua and a husky, their appearance can widely vary.
Any mixed-breed dog can take more traits from one parent or the other, or be an equal combination of both.
Let’s break it down:
Chihuahuas are considered “toy” breeds, and most never exceed six pounds, even in adulthood.
They are compact and easy to carry – the reason you see so many poking out of handbags.
Huskies, on the other hand, are a medium-sized breed and can reach 60 pounds; ten times the size of a chihuahua. You won’t see them stuffed into a purse anytime soon.
When you combine these two breeds, you could have a small to medium-sized dog, or with long or short hair. The possibilities are vast.
To understand the physical traits of a chihuahua-husky mix, we’ll take a look at each breed individually.
Chihuahua
These spunky, sometimes feisty little dogs, are a popular companion breed.
They make great apartment dogs, and excellent friends for the elderly, as they are “low maintenance” as far as dogs go.
They have a long history:
Chihuahuas are an old breed, with some historians tracing their bloodlines back to the Aztec Empire. They are a small but hardy, intrepid breed.
Their coloring can vary widely. Spotted, and brindle coat variations are all common, although they can also be solid colors. They can be a blend of colors, as well.
The coloring of the breed ranges from white to black, and many shades in between, including the rarer blue coat.
The consistency of the coat itself can be long or short, also known as “smooth coat.”
They typically have dark eyes, set in an “apple” shaped head.
Lighter eye shades can be found in light-coated dogs, though this is less common.
Their ears are naturally upright, though when relaxed, the ears might droop to the sides. Ears that fold are considered against the breed standard, so a full-blooded chihuahua should have erect ears.
Did we mention they’re small?
Aside from being lightweight, they don’t stand very far off the ground – eight inches is about as tall as they’ll get.
Don’t let the size fool you, though. They tend to be muscular and solid and could surprise you by jumping over that baby gate you installed to keep them out of the living room.
Overall, a chihuahua embodies the typical toy breed – they’re little, portable, and pack a punch with their sassy personalities.
Siberian Husky
Welcome to the 14th most popular breed in America. They’ve earned that title with their loving, loyal demeanors and sharp minds.
As a working dog, huskies are full of energy and have powerful bodies.
A female can grow to 50 pounds and stand at up to 22 inches in adulthood. Males tend to be slightly taller and heavier.
Be aware:
Don’t confuse them with an Alaskan Malamute. They’re slightly smaller, and originate from a totally different part of the world – Asia, to be exact.
The Chukchi people of Northern Asia originally bred these dogs as companions and working dogs. They eventually became popular as sled-dogs.
The breed gained recognition and popularity in 1925 when they saved the town of Nome, AK, by delivering life-saving serum to ill citizens.
Their method of delivery? A sled, of course.
Siberian Huskies, sometimes referred to as “Sibes,” are a beautiful breed that has wolf-like features.
Their coats can vary from solid white to the more typical sable markings. Sable dogs have white with colored points on the back, head, face, and sides.
The colors can range from tan to red to grey to black. Patterns of colors mixed with white can also widely vary. Solid black and grey colors are rarer, but not unheard of.
While plenty of huskies have the signature blue eyes, amber or brown variations are just as common. Sometimes there will be a combination of colors in the iris.
Sibes have a very thick coat – a testament to their Arctic origins. They have a dense undercoat which insulates them against all kinds of weather.
The upper coat, or guard hairs, are smoother. Huskies are shedders – they can look patchy or slimmer during shedding season.
While sometimes considered mischievous, they just need a lot of mental stimulation – and they’ll be the first ones to tell you if they’re bored.
Mixing the Two
Like with any mixed-breed, it’s a roll of the dice which traits will shine through. But don’t expect a husky-sized dog – they will take more of the chihuahua’s genes when it comes to size.
What about coloring?
Colors are anyone’s guess, but the two breeds do share some color characteristics. They can have distinctly husky markings or none at all.
They might look like a miniature version of a husky, with distinctly shorter legs. Or, they can retain more chihuahua physiology, and look like a chihuahua walking around in a Sibe’s coat.
Mixing a long-haired chihuahua and a Sibe will likely result in puppies with thick, long coats. But a smooth-coated chihuahua mixed with a husky could have shorter-haired offspring.
It’s important to remember the potential health issues a husky chihuahua mix could inherit from either parent.
What are some potential health risks each breed carries?
Chihuahuas face knee joint difficulties and heart problems, while huskies carry the risk of having hip issues. Both breeds are susceptible to vision disorders and diseases.
Health checks recommended by your vet are the best way to stay ahead of potential issues this mixed-breed faces.
How Do The Two Mesh?
Chihuahuas are intelligent but tend to be a little rebellious and imposing.
Anyone who has been around a chihuahua knows they often think they’re much bigger than they are.
Huskies are smart to the point of stubborn, yet lovable and eager to please. They can be hilariously dramatic – and very vocal.
So what does this mean when you cross the two breeds?
You guessed it – another gamble.
Just like when you mix two dogs of the same breed, the resulting temperament can be hard to predict.
It is important to know that each of these two breeds has different requirements for exercise and training, so try to identify as early as possible which parent the puppy takes after.
If They Take After the Chihuahua Parent
Toy breeds do well in smaller spaces and have less demanding exercise requirements. A laid-back chihuahua Sibe mix might not need a lot of walks or mental stimulation.
However, they can inherit the feistiness so many chihuahuas exhibit, so it’s important to use a firm (but humane) hand when training them.
Taking after a short-haired chihuahua parent can also mean lower maintenance when it comes to grooming – but there is no guarantee they will have an easy grooming regimen.
If They Take After the Husky Parent
A high-energy dog will need a lot of time – and adequate space.
An apartment could be suitable for a chihuahua husky mix, but they will need plenty of outside time if they’ve inherited that husky energy.
Sibes don’t like being bored, and they’ll make that more than clear. A Sibe-mix can become destructive if they are left to their own devices for too long.
Don’t expect to be able to crate them for hours on end if they take after their husky mix parent; they might not be the lapdog type that their chihuahua mother or father is.
Be Ready for Any Situation
There is no sure way to know if a mix-breed will gain zero or all traits from one side or the other.
When dealing with a chihuahua husky mix, it’s essential to understand each possibility.
If you can accommodate either a lapdog or a rambunctious working breed, then a chihuahua husky mixed breed dog might be for you.
But if you have your heart set on one or the other, you’ll be taking a risk that your dog might not carry the traits you were looking for.
Keep in mind that even if the mix-breed dog takes after each parent equally, the exercise demands of a husky dominated mix might rule this hybrid out for some people.
They will need a lot of time and attention devoted to them.
On the other hand, if you’re not looking for a laid back, low-energy dog, the chihuahua traits could shine through and dash your hiking and agility course dreams.
Consider each alternative, and make sure you’re comfortable for any scenario before you decide on this hybrid breed.
How to Train Your Hybrid
Dog training isn’t easy no matter what, and it demands a lot of time and energy from you, the parent.
It’s even more challenging when you’re dealing with a hybrid that has two widely contrasting backgrounds.
Consider the Demands of Each Breed
You can apply most training methods to any dog, but when it comes to a hybrid, you should consider the unique combinations when it comes to their personality.
The biggest mistake pet parents of small dogs make is using their size as an excuse not to discipline them properly.
Just because you can pick them up and shut them in another room easily, doesn’t mean you don’t need to teach them some manners.
Chihuahuas can be territorial, and also very protective of their close family.
This can make them great alarm dogs, but it can also raise the issue of them barking at everything.
Use positive reinforcement and redirection to help teach your dog not to bark at every little sound.
And remember when we said not to let the size of a chihuahua fool you? Even mixed with a Sibe, the resulting hybrid can be small.
And they can be aggressive if not properly socialized.
Again, the small size is no excuse to put off training. A chihuahua husky hybrid can take after the chihuahua and guard things – and people – aggressively.
Expose the dog to people and other animals from an early age, and discourage any chasing or attack behaviors.
Picking them up to protect the mailman doesn’t teach them much. A time-out, or redirecting them to something else is much more effective.
On the husky side of the equation, physical activity and mental stimulation is your best ally.
Training goes hand in hand with adequate exercise.
A dog with too much pent up energy is a dog that’s going to shred your furniture – and your clothes and your mail and your electronics – to ribbons.
Keep your hybrid well exercised, and be firm and consistent with your training.
Both breeds have the potential to be defiant and get an attitude from time to time, so be sure you have plenty of time to dedicate to training them.
And don’t be that person who thinks training a small dog is as simple as lifting them up or putting them in their carrier – everyone at the dog park will silently judge you.
Manners are vital. Small or not, you don’t want to deal with your dog showing aggression towards anyone, including yourself.
If you don’t have the resources to funnel towards adequate training, consider a hybrid that comes from breeds with less complicated personalities.
While the intelligence of each breed can be an alluring factor, that high IQ can become your worst nightmare if you don’t channel their energy properly.
Care Basics
Grooming
Any dog with arctic breeds in its blood has the chance of having a high-maintenance coat.
If your chihuahua husky mix has a smooth coat, congratulations; your job is much easier than if they took after their husky side.
For a long, thick-haired hybrid, be prepared for frequent brushing.
Brushing
Arctic breeds and their variations need weekly brushing – or more during shedding season. Failing to brush could result in matting, tangling, and a hefty groomer’s bill.
Bathing
Whether their coat is short or long, every dog needs a bath from time to time. Keep in mind, longer-haired dogs with undercoats tend to take a long time to dry.
During cold months, try not to bathe them if they’ll need to go outside before they’re fully dry. Specialized dryers for dogs can be helpful for drying out thick coats.
Feeding
Chihuahuas can be susceptible to obesity, so any chihuahua hybrid is also at risk.
While using treats for training is a great method, be aware of just how big those treats are. Small nibbles of delicious treats are every bit as effective as a reward during training.
Huskies are the more active of the two breeds that make up this hybrid, and in general, require more protein.
However, you can adjust their food based on the level of activity and exercise they get.
If your dog loses weight but still eats, then it’s a sign they may need a little more.
Exercise
The dome-shaped head of a chihuahua is a trait the hybrid may inherit. Because of this, they are more likely to suffer from brachycephaly.
This condition can cause airway issues – so it’s important not to overexert these dogs; especially in high temperatures.
Speaking of heat:
A long, thick coat means hybrids might not be able to tolerate the summer as easily.
That undercoat does provide some insulation against the heat, as well as the cold. But still, keep in mind, this type of dog would rather be in the cool.
During the summer, a small pool or sprinkler is a great way to keep your thick-coated hybrid cool while providing exercise and entertainment.
Health Concerns
Each breed has some specific health issues to look out for.
Chihuahuas can have breathing problems, especially if they’re overexerted. They’re also prone to some small dog issues, such as hypoglycemia, tracheal collapse, and luxating patella.
Sibes might face retinal issues, which could lead to blindness if left untreated. They also have a higher risk of hip dysplasia.
Any hybrid of these two breeds can develop these health issues.
While most of these conditions are manageable or easily cured, it is important to keep in mind some vet bills you might face down the road.
The Breed in Action
This video can help give you an idea of what a chihuahua husky mix puppy looks like.
You can probably tell this puppy inherited a lot of traits from each parent.
He’s the classic chihuahua in a Sibe’s coat – the physiology resembles the chihuahua parent, but the coat is more akin to a husky.
He’s also quite small, and will probably not grow into a large dog. But he’s unlikely to be purse-sized for much longer.
This is just one of many possibilities when it comes to combining the breeds.
Is This the Right Dog for Me?
Adopting mixed-breed dogs is an admirable thing to do – they fill up shelters and take longer to get adopted.
However, adopting a chihuahua husky mix from a shelter or rescue is one of the only scenarios in which we recommend making this hybrid part of your family.
Here’s why:
It Requires Reputable Breeding
Hybrid breeders are keeping up with the current trend of hybrid dogs – and it’s notoriously hard to find a reputable breeder.
On the contrary, you’re more likely to fall prey to backyard breeders who have not put proper research into their breeding programs.
These puppies are more prone to health issues, and backyard breeders frequently skip over genetic testing before breeding their dogs.
Anyone who has their heart set on one of these hybrids should research breeders extensively, and make sure there are certificates of health given at the time of adoption.
The other risk is that your puppy comes from a puppy mill.
But why is that bad?
Puppy mills involve inhumane and cruel conditions, all in the name of profit.
Puppy mill owners have found out they can make an easy buck by jumping on the hybrid bandwagon – but it’s at the cost of the dogs they mistreat.
If you find husky chihuahua mix puppies in a pet store, they almost certainly came from a puppy mill.
If a puppy’s origins are a puppy mill, you’re enabling animal cruelty by buying it. There’s a reason they’re banned in three states, with other states following their example.
It Can Put the Mother in Danger
A chihuahua often requires a C-section to give birth to pure breed puppies.
But adding a larger dog’s genes into the mix makes it even more dangerous for her to carry out her pregnancy.
A chihuahua carrying a husky’s puppies will almost certainly require veterinary intervention and risky procedures to give birth.
What’s more, there’s no evidence that breeding these two under natural circumstances is safe.
Regardless of which parent is the larger of the two breeds, artificial insemination appears to be the only acceptable and low-risk method of joining these two breeds.
They’ll Be Expensive
The hybrid trend means private breeders and pet stores can charge a steep price for these types of dogs.
Demand is high for hybrids, so don’t expect to find any for sale for reasonable prices.
We know dog lovers don’t like to put a price on their family member – it’s understandable.
But keep in mind that money isn’t a guarantee of health, or that the puppy came from a humane situation.
Reputable breeders often have higher prices, because they include health and genetic testing in their fees – as well as ample love and care for their dogs.
If you’re going to spend a lot of money on one of these hybrids, make sure that high price actually makes sense.
Stick With Rescues
There are rescue organizations all over the country – with patience and communication, you could find a chihuahua husky hybrid through a shelter instead of a breeder.
You won’t pay high adoption fees, and you’ll know you’re not contributing to any irresponsible or inhumane practices.
Plus, you’ll be helping an animal in need.
A Dog Best to Rescue
If you’re comfortable with all the variables involved with the meshing of these two very different breeds, then a husky chihuahua mix can make an excellent companion.
You will face some challenges with figuring out your dog’s personality and how each breed has shaped who they are.
But if you go in prepared for any scenario, the right training and lots of love is all it takes to make any dog – hybrids included – a valued member of your household.
Chihuahuas and Sibes are both great breeds with distinct personality traits – a combination of the two means the potential for a bright, easy to please, loyal, lovable dog.
The important part; it’ll do everyone a big favor if you hold out for one of these dogs once they become available for rescue.
Not only will you be your new dog’s hero, but they could also turn out to be the perfect fit for you and your family.
Chihusky? Huskihuahua? We’ll let you decide – or maybe we’ll call them a ball of love and leave it at that.
