Intelligent and energetic, a Huskypoo is an eye-catching mixed breed that’s growing in popularity. There’s much to love, from floppy ears to thick coats. However, with any new mixed breed it’s difficult to know what you might be getting.
With parents like poodles and huskies, you know you’re looking at a smart dog with boundless energy. But there are more than a few characteristics you might not be sure of.
If you’re curious about a Huskypoo, our guide can show you the kind of dog you can expect. We want all Huskypoos to go to the perfect home, and that might be yours!
What is Huskypoo, and what does it look like?
A Huskypoo is a designer dog bred from a poodle and a husky. The original intention was to create a dog with the working qualities of a Siberian husky, and the hypoallergenic coats of a poodle.
The Huskypoo, or the Huskydoodle, is just as cute as the name suggests. It’s hard to imagine anything called a Huskydoodle that wouldn’t be adorable.
They generally have a thick, warm coat, which should have the hypoallergenic qualities of a poodle. The fur will be fleecy, with more curl depending on how much of the poodle comes through. The coat is most commonly gray, black, and white, although you may get some browns or reds depending on the parent dogs. It’s the kind of fur you just want to sink your fingers into.
The eyes are another fantastic feature of a Huskypoo. They either have the startling bright blue of a husky, or the warm intelligence of a poodle.
The two breeds combine to give a dog with features that are a mix of friendly, cheeky, and intelligent.
How big is a Huskypoo?
While the description ‘loveable ball of fur’ might be accurate, it doesn’t give you much idea of the size of a Huskydoodle. Before purchasing any dog, you need to be sure that the environment you’re providing is suitable for the breed.
As a Huskypoo is a mix of both poodle and husky, there is some variety in sizing. This is because there are three sizes of poodle: standard, miniature, and toy.
A fully grown standard Huskypoo is between 21 and 25 inches tall, and around 40 to 60 pounds. However, it may be larger, depending on the parent dogs. This makes a Huskypoo an average to large sized dog.
A miniature Huskypoo is bred using a miniature poodle, and this results in a smaller dog. You could expect it to be around 12 to 16 inches tall, and weigh roughly 15 to 35 pounds. This is better for apartments and other small homes.
The smallest Huskypoos will be bred using toy poodles. These may be only 8 to 10 inches tall, and weigh 6 to 9 pounds. Much smaller than the standard size!
This sizing variety is one attribute that makes the Huskydoodle such a valuable pet. Discuss the choice with a reputable breeder if you decide on a toy or miniature Huskypoo. As a new mix, there isn’t such a standardized level of sizing. By talking with a reputable breeder you can get a better idea of the variety of sizing that may occur.
(Of course, you should still see a breeder you can trust even for a larger dog.)
The temperament and behavior of a Huskypoo
A Huskydoodle takes characteristics from both of its parent dogs. By getting a better idea of them, you can see the kind of dog you’ll be getting.
Poodle
Although they’re perhaps best known for their elegance, poodles were originally bred for physical tasks. In fact, they were primarily water dogs, bred to collect shot fowl and missed arrows. Over the years, this has led to an incredibly intelligent and highly energetic dog.
A poodle is trainable and alert, with a touch of mischief. They make good family pets, and poodle owners find them to be loving and faithful.
Siberian Husky
Like poodles, huskies are intelligent dogs. Again, they were bred for work, and even the most pampered pet still has piles of energy. This can make them harder to care for, as a husky will need to be kept active.
They’re also quite an independent dog, which can be tricky for first time owners. Still, they’re friendly and gentle, and play well with kids. A husky may not be the easiest breed, but they repay every ounce of attention with love.
Huskypoo characteristics
You can tell from looking at the characteristics of a poodle and a husky that the Huskypoo is smart. Both parent dogs are known for their intelligence, and this trait is easy to spot in a Huskypoo. This makes them a great dog to train.
They’ve also inherited masses of energy from their working history. A Huskypoo will need lots of exercise to keep it entertained and burn off that excess enthusiasm.
Ultimately, as a mixed breed you can never be entirely sure what characteristics you’ll get. Each dog has its own personality, this is what we love about them. Overall, a Huskydoodle will be intelligent and energetic, with a loveable loyalty. They aren’t generally aggressive, but remember that even the most docile of dogs can act out when they aren’t meeting their needs.
Huskypoos and exercise
A Huskypoo needs exercise to be kept happy. If the owner doesn’t provide this, the dog will have to start looking for its own entertainment. Probably by destroying the house.
A Huskydoodle should be taken out of the house for at least one walk of sixty minutes every day, and enjoy regular exercise. They also like variety, so try having different routes and destinations. They’re good with snow and water, so you can mix it up.
Outside of walking, they should be kept stimulated around the home. That means paying them attention and playing with them regularly. They certainly aren’t low maintenance, but if you want a walking buddy then the Huskydoodle is ideal.
Training a Huskypoo
Huskypoos are smart and can have the independent streak of a Siberian husky, so you need to start training them young. Otherwise, the dog will try to establish dominance, and your house is their house.
Luckily, this intelligence means a Huskypoo is a good dog to train, especially if you’re willing to put the effort in.
Start training your dog with confidence. If you want a more easy-going dog, then it’s better to look for other breeds. Huskydoodles have confidence, so they need to see that same confidence in you.
Before you start a training session, take the dog walking. A nice long trip will leave them with less energy, so they can focus better. Try and work this into a daily routine.
Huskypoos want to please, so training should be focused on positive reinforcement. Reward them with lots of pats and compliments.
Be patient. It might take them a while to catch on, especially as you’re starting with a young dog. Work on forming a bond by using positive reinforcement, and once you’ve gained their affections a Huskydoodle will be eager to please.
As a smart and energetic dog, training a Huskypoo requires a smart and energetic owner. This is not a dog for someone who isn’t willing to put in the effort. A Huskypoo can definitely be stubborn. The reward is so worth it though, when you get a happy and loyal companion.
What homes are right for Huskypoos?
When choosing to get a Huskypoo, you first need to consider the space you have. A standard Huskydoodle may be average sized, but it needs a large space to contain all its energy. This means big backyards with tall fences.
A standard Huskypoo in a small apartment will still have the same amount of energy, the difference is they’ll burn it off by causing havoc in the home. If you only have a small garden, and you want a Huskypoo, then you have to be prepared to take it for regular walks, and keep it engaged at home. Otherwise, an intelligent breed like a Huskydoodle is going to start looking to escape.
For a miniature or toy Huskypoo, smaller homes present less of a problem. These don’t have the same boundless energy as a larger Huskypoo, and can find smaller homes cozy.
Another factor to consider are the other animals in the home. Huskies are pack animals, and this trait can be shared with the Huskypoo. If you have other dogs, a Huskypoo will enjoy getting to spend time with these pets. However, we don’t recommend a Huskypoo if you have cats. The breed has predator instincts, and may view the cat as an animal to hunt.
How to groom a Huskypoo
The lovely thick coat of a Huskypoo is what attracts many of us to the breed, but it can also be what turns us away. Huskypoos require a fair bit of grooming to keep them in good condition.
Depending on the thickness and length of the coat, a daily to weekly groom is ideal. This can be incorporated into a routine, and used as a sign of affection. Regular brushing is essential to stop the hair from matting.
With regular brushing, there shouldn’t be any need for shaving. However, you will want to give the coat an occasional trim, to keep it from getting too long. Trips to the groomers are a good idea, to keep your Huskydoodle in top shape.
As with any mixed breed, there’s no real guarantee on what kind of fur the dog will inherit. The intention is generally to keep the poodles low-shed coat, which makes the dog hypoallergenic. However, the husky coat can still come through, leading to seasonal shedding. In this case, they aren’t ideal for those who suffer from allergies.
A Huskypoo has the floppy ears of a poodle, so clean around the ear frequently. Dirt can get trapped in the fur otherwise. Also, take care to maintain and trim their nails, or ask a groomer to do it for you.
Health and life expectancy of a Huskypoo
With any dog breed, there are medical issues to be aware of, which goes for the Huskypoo. Be aware of conditions that the parent dog may be predisposed toward. This includes allergies, joint issues such as hip or elbow dysplasia, and trouble with the skin or fur. A Huskydoodle may also be prone to separation anxiety. Without regular walking, a Huskypoo is likely to gain weight.
Always take your dog for regular check-ups at the vet, and be sure to get them looked over if they start to show any unusual behaviors. Frequent grooming will keep you aware when any problems do arise.
Before buying a Huskypoo, speak to the breeder. A reputable breeder will be able to inform you of any health problems, and any issues with the parent dogs.
With proper care and attention, the life expectancy of a standard Huskypoo is 10 to 14 years. This increases with the smaller miniature or toy Huskydoodles.
Buying a Huskypoo
Both the Siberian husky and the Poodle are a high-priced dog, so you can expect to see this reflected in the Huskypoo. Although not as expensive as a purebred, it’s still a crossbreed that can have a hefty price tag attached.
When purchasing any type of dog, you want to be sure you’re going to a trusted breeder. These will have taken care when breeding the dog to ensure it’s as healthy and happy as can be. If you see a Huskydoodle for sale at a particularly low price, then you should triple check the breeding and conditions.
Huskypoos are growing in popularity, which means they are easier to find at a lower price. However, as they become more common, puppy mills and bad breeders look to profit
You may be able to find a Huskydoodle up for adoption. If there are poodle or husky specific rescues near you, then this is the best place to start looking.
Who should and shouldn’t get a Huskypoo
With all their mischievous intelligence, loyalty, and fun-loving nature, there are many reasons why you may be interested in a Huskypoo. Not to mention they have adorable faces and a gorgeous coat.
If you’re willing to dedicate the time, a Huskydoodle might be the perfect pet. For families who enjoy hiking or have a big backyard, there’s no end to the fun that can be had with a Huskydoodle. Experienced dogs owners will appreciate their intelligence, and all dog lovers will enjoy the companionship they offer.
The coats are generally more hypoallergenic than a standard husky, so they’re a good choice if you want an active pet but suffer from allergies. They do still need regular grooming, and there’s a chance they’ll shed seasonally like a husky.
Huskypoos are good with children, so they can be a fantastic family pet. However, they’re boisterous, and very small children may find themselves knocked over occasionally. If you want a Huskypoo for a family pet, start training them early and maybe wait until the kids are a bit older.
This is not to say that a Huskypoo is the right pet for everyone. They really do need regular exercise, and if that’s not something you can do then prepare to have the house destroyed.
They also need attention, and shouldn’t be left alone for too long. If you’re going to be out of the house most of the day a Huskypoo could get stressed.
If you’re looking for a low-effort pet, then this is not the breed for you. But if you want a clever animal with lots of energy and a friendly temperament, then Huskydoodles are ideal!
