Joe Kahlo
When you cross the athletic Siberian Husky with the sturdy bulldog, you are sure to get one of the most dynamic designer breeds around. Meet the stunning husky-bulldog mix
| HEIGHT: 19 to 23 inches | WEIGHT: 35 to 60 pounds |
| LIFE SPAN: 8 to 15 years | BREED SIZE: Medium to large |
| INTELLIGENCE: Medium | EXERCISE NEEDS: Moderate to high |
| ENERGY LEVEL: Moderate to high | BARKING LEVEL: Occasional |
| DROOL TENDENCY: Medium | COAT LENGTH: Short, flat or long, thick |
| COLORS: Black, brown, brindle, fawn, gray, white, red, or a combination |
| TEMPERAMENT: Gentle, loving, playful, loyal, affectionate, outgoing, brave |
| GOOD WITH: Families with children, experienced owners, apartment dwellers |
| HEALTH FACTORS: Hip dysplasia, cataract, respiratory problems |
| OTHER TRAITS: Can be stubborn and impatient, easy to groom, good companions, moderate shedders |
Don’t let their brute strength intimidate you. The husky bulldog mix is, in fact, a very loving, affectionate, and loyal dog. But do they make ideal family pets?
History | They are fairly rare, despite having very popular parents.
We do not know much about the origin of the husky-bulldog mix. Breeders likely started crossing them within the last 20 years, as with the other hybrids. Also referred to as Buskdoggy, these canines are scarce, especially in the United States. While huskies and bulldogs are popular dogs, people looking for pets do not usually look for a mix of these two breeds.
Huskies can trace their ancestry back to Taimyr wolves that existed over 35,000 years ago. These dogs are born to run and haul heavy loads in challenging weather conditions. Bulldogs were formerly fighting dogs used for bull-baiting until England outlawed the sport in 1835.
Appearance | The husky bulldog mix is a random variety of the parent breeds.
When it comes to physical features, no two dog breeds can look so different from each other than the husky and the bulldog. Huskies have a long and thick double coat, lean legs, pronounced snout, a bushy tail, and big pointy ears. Bulldogs have short and dense hair, a broad head, a flat nose, stumpy legs, and loose, wrinkled skin. There is no way to predict the physical traits of their offspring as there is no uniform standard for their appearance. Some of these dogs favor one breed, while others look equally like both parents.
The husky bulldog mix is a medium to large dog, weighing around 35 to 60 pounds. If they inherit the short and stocky build of the bulldog, they can grow between 14 to 15 inches and 20 to 24 inches if they have the slim and tall genes of the husky. They may have a thick double coat suitable for cold climates or a light single coat ideal for warmer weather. Their colors may include black, brown, brindle, fawn, gray, white, red, or a combination of any of these.
Temperament | Their personality is as unpredictable as their looks.
Despite their grumpy appearance, bulldogs are among the sweetest and gentlest breeds. Combine the bulldog’s affectionate nature with the friendliness and loyalty of the husky, and you’ve got a dog that is not only a great family pet but also a fantastic companion.
This mix, however, can get over-protective of their families, even territorial. They may also inherit the strong prey drive of their husky parent and the bulldog’s notorious aggression towards other animals, especially dogs of the same sex. With that said, these hybrids are not the best option for multi-pet households. However, training and socialization at an early age can help prevent and correct any unwanted behavior. If properly guided, they get along well with people, young children, and other pets.
Care | A husky bulldog mix may be tough, but they need tender loving care.
Grooming your husky bulldog mix depends mainly on what type of coat it has. If the dog has the double coat of its husky parent, it will need daily brushing to minimize shedding. However, if it inherited the short hair of the bulldog, brushing once a week is enough. Either way, it is essential to groom your dog regularly to remove dead hair and prevent matting. Bathe the dog with a mild shampoo once a month or when it’s dirty. Make sure to brush its teeth daily, trim its nails and clean its ears of wax.
Exercise | They need exercise regardless of their energy level.
Huskies are highly active and always rearing to go, while bulldogs are laid-back creatures who prefer to lounge on the couch. Their hybrid may fall somewhere in between. But whether they’re active or inactive, these dogs require moderate and regular exercise to stay healthy.
If the husky gene is more dominant, these dogs can get bored quickly and resort to unpleasant behavior, such as excessive howling and destructive chewing. Depending on their energy level, a 30 to 40-minute exercise daily would do. Hiking, running, playing fetch, even skateboarding will keep them busy and happy.
Diet | A husky bulldog mix’s nutrient requirement may vary extensively, even if they are from the same litter.
Because it is difficult to predict the overall makeup of a husky bulldog mix, there is limited information on their feeding requirements. Their dietary needs can vary significantly from one mixed offspring to another. It depends chiefly on which parent they take after.
While huskies are picky eaters, bulldogs tend to consume anything on their plate, making them prone to obesity. Their mix could have the appetite of a bulldog or a husky. Either way, between 1.5 to 2 cups of healthy protein-rich food should be sufficient for an average, moderately-active adult husky bulldog mix. Make sure their meals are appropriate for their age, size, activity level, and health condition.
Training | They are not always the brightest but are eager to please.
When it comes to obedience and working intelligence, huskies rank 74th out of 138 breeds, making them moderately intelligent. Meanwhile, bulldogs place 136th, which means they are not very bright. It doesn’t mean they are not trainable. Bulldogs pick up from their previous experiences and are able to discover things for themselves. Along with the eager attitude of the husky, you have a dog that, although not a genius, can learn essential commands relatively quickly.
Training should focus on obedience and socialization, with plenty of exposure to children, people, and animals to correct any territorial and predatory tendencies. These mixed dogs can be stubborn but respond well to treats and praise, so be sure to use plenty of positive reinforcement.
Health | They are more likely to suffer from hip dysplasia compared to other hybrids.
Both huskies and bulldogs are prone to hip dysplasia. Their offspring have a high risk of inheriting the disorder. They are also susceptible to cataracts, breathing problems, and heatstroke. However, with proper care, an appropriate diet, and excellent living conditions, this mix could live up to 15 years.
