Ultimate Huskimo Dog Guide: All You Need to Know About This Amazing Mix
The world of designer dogs is always full of surprises. One such creation is the Huskimo, an adorable mix between a Siberian Husky and an American Eskimo.
Known for its energetic personality, stunning looks, and loyalty, the Huskimo dog is an amazing breed that can bring joy to any household.
In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into everything you need to know about this fascinating breed – from diet and health to appearance and temperament.
A Brief History of the Huskimo Dog
Huskimos are relatively new dogs (especially if you compare them to their parent breeds).
Although the exact moment they were first created is unknown, and could well have happened way earlier without breeders being involved, it’s thought they were first intentionally bred in the 1990s.
The 90s was a very popular decade for breeding new designer dog breeds including the Schnoodle, Mini Bernedoodle, and Mini Goldendoodle.
Despite being a new breed, the Huskimo has gained popularity due to its unique blend of physical traits and temperament inherited from its Siberian Husky and American Eskimo parents.
However, it’s essential to remember that the characteristics of the Huskimo can vary greatly, as they can inherit different traits from either of their parent breeds.
What’s more, because they are a designer dog breed (a mix) they’re not accepted by the Kennel Clubs. This means there isn’t a breed standard to follow – which means they can look pretty different!
Parent Breeds: A Quick Overview
To fully understand Huskimo dogs, it’s best to look at both the parent breeds. This helps you to imagine what your adorable Huskimo puppy could look and be like!
Siberian Husky
Renowned for its endurance and resilience, the Siberian Husky is a breed that originated in North-Eastern Siberia. They were primarily used as sled dogs by the Chukchi people and have a high tolerance for cold climates.
There are lots of amazing Husky colors and these pups are particularly popular because of their fluffy coats and stunning bright blue eyes.
They’re very intelligent dogs and need their brains to be trained well. They also need to have a job to do and will love going on hikes or taking part in races.
American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo is a beautiful breed known for its intelligence and agility. Interestingly, despite its name, this breed has no direct ties with Eskimo culture. It is, in fact, a member of the Spitz family, which originated in Germany.
They’re smaller than Siberian Huskies and can only be white or white and biscuit. They’re very alert little dogs and make perfect watchdogs (although they’re certainly not considered a scary breed, so don’t expect them to deter anyone).
There are three American Eskimo dog varieties – standard, miniature, and toy. Standard dogs are usually used to breed with a Husky.
The Appearance of a Huskimo Dog
The Huskimo boasts a striking appearance, thanks to its beautiful blend of Siberian Husky and American Eskimo genes. From the two pictures above, you can tell how amazing their offspring would be.
They are medium-sized dogs, typically weighing between 40-60 pounds and measuring about 21-24 inches in height.
Huskimos usually have a thick double coat, with a soft inner layer and a rough outer layer.
This double coat is not just beautiful but also functional, providing the Huskimo with excellent protection against both hot and cold weather conditions. It does mean they’re likely to shed, though.
When it comes to color, Huskimos come in a range of shades, including white, red, gray, black, and brown. Their eyes can be either brown or blue, and in some cases, they can have one eye of each color, a trait inherited from their Siberian Husky parent.
Their tails usually curl up at the side of their bodies or over their backs and are extremely fluffy!
The Temperament of a Huskimo Dog
Huskimos are known for their lively and affectionate nature. They are intelligent dogs, always eager to please their owners. However, they can exhibit a strong pack instinct, meaning they need to know exactly who the boss is.
If they don’t have a strong leader, they can have a tendency to be a little disobedient – or at least push the boundaries.
If they’re really allowed to assert their dominance over their owner they may take up the role of leader which can lead to potential behavioral issues. Puppy training classes can be a good solution.
Huskimos are generally friendly and sociable, making them great companions for families. They are also known for their playfulness and energy, which means they need an active lifestyle to keep them happy and healthy.
They have very quick minds which need to be kept occupied too. Puzzle toys and snuffle mats are a good idea as they really engage dogs and keep them entertained (for a little bit anyway)!
Because both the American Eskimo dog and the Husky are alert dogs, you can expect the Huskimo to be too. They’ll be happy to alert you to exciting things and potential dangers.
Living Needs: Are Huskimos Suitable for Apartment Living?
While Huskimos can adapt to various living conditions, they are not ideally suited for apartment living due to their high energy levels. They need ample space to move around and burn off their energy.
A house with a backyard would be more suitable for these energetic canines. If you think about it, one of their parents was used as a sled dog and could cross vast landscapes quickly. So, they’re definitely more suited to having some space.
However, with adequate exercise and mental stimulation, a Huskimo could manage in an apartment setting. But you really need to take them out a lot and provide them with enough things to keep them stimulated.
Do Huskimos Bark a Lot?
Like any other breed, Huskimos can bark, but they are not known to be excessive barkers. Their barking often stems from boredom, anxiety, or a lack of exercise.
Regular physical activity and mental stimulation can help keep their barking in check.
But they are alert and will bark (or howl/talk like a Husky) when they think there is a threat.
Training Your Huskimo Dog
Training a Huskimo dog can be a fun and rewarding experience, thanks to their intelligence and eagerness to please. However, they can also be quite stubborn at times, which is why they need a confident and patient handler.
Early socialization and obedience training are recommended for this breed. It’s really important to expose them to other dogs and people as this can help educate and calm them.
Canine classes could also be a good option for this breed.
As with almost all dogs, positive reinforcement is the best technique to use. They respond really well to fun training sessions and praise when they do something well.
Try using cute toys, or healthier snacks such as edamame or squash to engage and reward them.
Consistency is key when training Huskimos and sessions should always be fun. Try to keep them short and interesting and they’ll love it!
Do Huskimos Get Along with Children and Other Pets?
Huskimos are generally good with children and can make excellent family pets. They are also known to get along well with other pets, especially if they are socialized from a young age.
But they really do need to be socialized (as all dog breeds do).
These pups can naturally be quite excitable and high-energy, which could make them too much for some children. It’s important to always supervise interactions between pets and small children to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
How Much Exercise Does a Huskimo Dog Need?
Being a high-energy breed, Huskimo dogs require a significant amount of exercise to keep them physically and mentally stimulated.
A daily routine of at least 90-120 minutes of physical activity, including walks, runs, and playtime, is generally recommended for this breed. In addition, they also enjoy activities such as hiking, agility courses, and games that stimulate their mind.
If you do have a backyard, these dogs will probably love an exciting herding ball. It’s a great way for them to use up some energy and have a lot of fun!
Diet for a Huskimo Dog
A well-balanced diet is crucial for the health and well-being of a Huskimo. An average adult Huskimo requires about 2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry dog food daily, divided into two meals.
The exact amount of food these doggos need depends on their age, size, and activity level.
A fresh food diet could be a good choice for your Huskimo. It’s a great way of getting extra veggies in their meals and many of the brands personalize the food to your dog’s specific requirements.
Always consult with a vet before changing or adding anything to your dog’s diet.
Health of a Huskimo Dog
The Siberian Husky American Eskimo mix is usually a healthy breed, especially if they follow a healthy lifestyle, get enough exercise, and are fed good-quality food.
Like any breed, they can suffer from conditions that are common in their parent breeds. These are:
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye Cataracts
- Skin Infections
- Cancers
To ensure your pooch is as healthy as can be, it’s important to find a good breeder. They should be carrying out regular health tests on their dogs so that they’re breeding healthy Huskimo puppies.
Taking your dog for regular checkups can also help to keep them healthy.
Lifespan of a Huskimo Dog
With proper care and nutrition, a Huskimo can live between 12 to 15 years, which is relatively long for a medium-sized dog breed.
Rarity of the Huskimo Breed
While the Huskimo dog is becoming increasingly popular, it is still considered a relatively rare breed. Given their recent origin and the specific breeding requirements, finding a Huskimo puppy may require some effort.
Final Thoughts
The Huskimo dog, with its lively personality, striking looks, and loyal nature, makes a wonderful pet for active families. Despite their need for strong leadership and high energy levels, their affectionate nature and adaptability make them an amazing addition to the family.
However, like with any pet, owning a Huskimo requires commitment, time, and effort to ensure they live a happy and healthy life.
