Every dog lover would love to adopt a lovely canine that is active, playful, and intuitive. If you plan to get yourself a dog that meets all those criteria, then an Australian Cattle Dog Husky mix or Ausky would be perfect for you.
Both of the Ausky’s parent breeds are known to be highly active and intelligent animals, so you can expect more or less of these personality traits from this hybrid breed.
At this point, you may already be considering an Ausky as your companion to many adventures.
But there are other things that you should know first before getting one for yourself. Luckily, this article will be your ultimate guide!
What Is an Australian Cattle Dog Husky Mix?
Photo by @mrblueskywhite (IG)
The Australian Cattle Dog Husky mix, also known as Ausky, is the cross between an Australian Cattle Dog and a Siberian Husky. This combination results in highly sociable and loyal dogs who will do their best to protect their owners.
Considering the average size of the Australian Cattle Dog and the Siberian Husky, we cannot expect the Ausky to be a medium-sized canine breed. It is a medium-sized dog with a compact build.
Another remarkable trait of the Blue Heeler Husky mix is its unlimited source of energy. This is good for dog owners who love playing games with their pets all the time.
However, if you fail to match the energy of an Ausky, you might encounter some problems. This will be discussed further later on.
Australian Cattle Dog Husky Mix Origin and History
The conception of the first Ausky was not adequately documented. It is unclear whether the interbreeding of the Australian Cattle Dog and the Siberian Husky happened naturally.
Thus, to study the lineage of the Australian Cattle Dog Husky mix, we should trace the origins of its two parent breeds separately.
We start with the Australian Cattle Dog, also known as the Blue Heeler or the Queensland Heeler.
Back in the day, breeders wanted to have a new enduring breed of dog that could survive the harsh Australian terrains. However, they also need this breed to be loyal to humans.
They came up with the idea to crossbreed wild dingoes with British working dogs. The outcome is the Australian Cattle Dog, which has proven to be an intelligent and active dog that can herd livestock animals with ease.
Meanwhile, the Siberian Husky is also a resulting cross of intentional crossbreeding. The main reason behind their development is to create a sturdy and agile canine that can withstand brutal winters.
Breeders also wanted the Siberian Husky to be friendly towards humans so it could transport them anywhere using a sled.
Despite the rich history of its parent breeds, we are left to wonder why breeders have decided to make a Husky Heeler mix. But, whatever the reason may be, making this new dog breed is worth every effort.
Australian Cattle Dog Husky Mix Appearance
Photo by @mrblueskywhite (IG)
The Australian Cattle Dog Husky mix is medium in size. It is evidently compact and sturdy at first glance. You can easily spot its well-developed muscles, especially if it gets regular exercise or training.
The skull structure of an Ausky is broad. Its snout feature is strong and has a medium length. Meanwhile, their eyes are almond-shaped, and they can be of different colors, like blue or brown.
The Husky Cattle Dog mix can be identified by the shape of its ears which are typically upright and triangular. The inside of their ears can be very furry.
If you ever see an Ausky with long, floppy ears instead of medium, upright ears, that dog is not likely to be of Australian Cattle Dog lineage. It could be a crossbreed of a Husky and an Australian Shepherd.
The thickness and color of the coat of an Australian Cattle Dog Husky mix depend on the features of the Heeler and Husky parents. Some may sport a long-haired or wooly coat.
Particularly, the Australian Cattle Dog can have a red or brown coat instead of deep blue, making it a Red Heeler.
In this case, a Red Heeler Husky mix can have streaks or speckles of red in its coat. In a Blue Heeler Husky mix, the coat has blue or black coloration instead of red.
Because of their Husky side, an Ausky can also exhibit speckles of white or grey on its water-resistant coat.
The Ausky has a double coat, like its parent breeds. This double coat consists of a dense undercoat and a layer of protective coat on top, where the silky straight fur or guard hair can be found.
Australian Cattle Dog Husky Mix Size and Weight
Since both the Australian Cattle Dog and the Siberian Husky are medium-sized, the Husky Cattle Dog mix will likely grow into a medium-sized dog also.
On average, a full-grown Ausky weighs 40 to 60 pounds and measures 17 to 23 inches in height. In some cases, this cross breed can be smaller, particularly if it has a teacup Husky as a parent.
We can expect an Ausky to be fully grown by around 18 to 24 months. Although, due to its hybrid nature, the growth of an Australian Husky mix can be pretty unpredictable.
Australian Cattle Dog Husky Mix Temperament and Personality
Photo by @mrblueskywhite (IG)
The Australian Cattle Dog Husky mix is a highly desirable family dog since its Husky parent is known to enjoy the company of humans. The Blue Heeler, on the other hand, can be loyal to only one owner.
Thus, if a Blue Heeler Husky mix gets attached to humans, expect it to become very protective. If an Ausky picked up the one-person dog trait of Blue Heelers, it might deem all others as strangers.
Therefore, it may act aggressively or display bad behaviors as a way to protect its chosen human. That is how extremely loyal a Blue Heeler Husky mix can be!
Once a Blue Heeler Husky mix gets acquainted with all family members, it would be a perfect family dog. It will do whatever it can to keep everyone safe inside your house, including small children.
In addition, Ausky dogs will work well with active families living in rural or suburban homes as they are highly energetic mixed breeds.
Check out this video to see how loving an Ausky can be with a family:
Dramatic ausky wants to play with new sister<a href="https://youtu.be/S82GO7bpAMw" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank"><img src="https://www.bubblypet.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2FS82GO7bpAMw%2F0.jpg" alt="Dramatic ausky wants to play with new sister" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Australian Cattle Dog Husky Mix Lifespan and Health Issues
When raised in a healthy and happy environment, a Blue Heeler Husky mix can live between 11 and 16 years, which goes almost the same for many Australian Cattle Dogs and Siberian Huskies.
Keep in mind that Siberian Huskies and Blue Heelers have known health issues that Auskies may also inherit.
These are some of the common health concerns that a Blue Heeler Husky mix might encounter:
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) is a group of diseases that cause degeneration of the photoreceptor cells in the eyes. Blue Heeler Husky mixes can suffer from such diseases, and if further deterioration continues, it may lead to blindness in one or both eyes.
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are skeletal conditions that often occur in large dogs. However, it can also target medium-sized dogs like the Ausky. In hip dysplasia, the ball and socket that comprise the hip joint no longer fit together. This can be due to a genetic issue that causes premature development of a dog’s hip joints.
Deafness: Deafness in dogs can be an aftermath of an infection or traumatic injury in one or both ears. It is also possible that deafness is congenital, or the canine was born with an underdeveloped organ for hearing. Merle and white coats in dogs are often associated with congenital deafness. That being said, if you got a newborn white Blue Heeler Husky mix, you must check for signs of deafness.
Before you decide to get an Ausky, be prepared for the possible health issues that your future pet dog may encounter under your care.
Take your Australian Husky mix to a professional that can catch early signs of all those diseases mentioned and provide veterinary advice. It would also be wise to invest in pet insurance.
How to Take Care of Your Blue Heeler Husky Mix
Photo by @bowieheelerhusky (IG)
Taking care of a Blue Heeler Husky should not be that hard. What it needs to live well and be happy is pretty much the same as other dogs.
However, as a unique and special canine, you have to put in a little more effort in taking care of an Ausky. Continue reading below to know the essential requirements in maintaining this mixed breed.
Food and Diet
Your Ausky’s diet must be patterned to the suggested diet for Blue Heelers and Siberian Huskies. Because Blue Heeler Husky mixes are very active and enduring breeds, buy food products rich in protein and omega-3s.
Avoid giving dog food to Auskies that are made mostly of grain. You should also check the nutritional label of the product that you’re planning to buy.
There should be ingredients like chicken and fish as an adequate source of protein in the food.
Of course, it would be better to give your Blue Heeler Husky mix actual chicken and fish meat. Also, don’t forget to add fruits and vegetables to your Ausky’s meal plan for a complete and nutritious diet.
Bones can also be given to this hybrid, given that they are raw or uncooked. It’s also important to seek veterinary guidance if you’re giving them bones for the first time.
You can check out our guide on how much to feed a Siberian Husky and what a Husky can and can’t eat for some helpful tips!
Cleaning and Grooming
The type and frequency of grooming for the Blue Heeler Husky mix depend on the characteristics of its coat.
Every Ausky varies in appearance, especially if they resemble one of its parent breeds more than the other.
If your Ausky has a thick double coat with short guard hairs in the top coat, you only need to bathe your dog occasionally. You also need to give them regular brushing using a stiff bristle brush or a slicker brush.
In case your Blue Heeler Husky mix has long fur in the top coat, you need to brush them more frequently. It would be much better if you could do it daily to prevent too much shedding.
Regular bathing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning are also needed by your Ausky. Make sure to brush their teeth also to avoid dental problems.
Training and Exercise
The parent dogs of an Ausky are both well-muscled canines, so make sure that it gets to work out their muscles regularly. This is not only to maintain the strength and agility of the Ausky but also to keep its energy level stabilized.
We mentioned that Auskies might get all rowdy if they have too much unspent energy. They can get mischievous and cause chaos inside your home without enough mental stimulation.
Therefore, you should provide them with at least 30 to 45 minutes of daily exercise which can involve activities like running or hiking.
It is also important for an Ausky to receive early socialization and obedience training, or else it might become stubborn growing up.
How Much Does a Blue Heeler Husky Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
The price of an Australian Cattle Dog Husky mix is between $500 and $2,000, depending on your location, breeder’s reputation, coat color, and bloodline.
If one or both of the parents of a Blue Heeler Husky mix have a champion bloodline or a higher pedigree, its price is likely to be in the upper end of that range.
There are other expenses that you should be ready for aside from the actual cost of Ausky puppies. They also need a decent dog bed to rest on and a comfortable dog collar and leash, among others.
The initial expenses for a Blue Heeler Husky mix are listed in the table below:
Aside from these initial costs, there will be unexpected medical procedures that you should be prepared for, especially if your pet Ausky catches a disease or gets into an accident.
You might also decide on getting your Aussie Husky mix pet insurance, which will cost you extra bucks.
Places to Find Australian Cattle Dog Husky Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Photo by @mrblueskywhite (IG)
More people may have already bred Auskies in recent years as the demand for this fantastic hybrid pooch increases. Nonetheless, there might only be a few available Ausky puppies out there because of the high demand for them.
Here are some places where you might find Australian Cattle Dog Husky mix puppies for sale:
Greenfield Puppies – If you want to secure an Ausky puppy, check out this pet advertising website. Here you can filter an available pup based on location, price, and even traits. All of the breeders that advertise their puppies are evaluated to ensure good breeding practices.
Keystone Puppies – This is another online puppy advertising website that promotes available mixed breeds like the Australian Cattle Dog Husky mix. They make sure that the health and temperaments of their listed puppies are guaranteed by screening their breeders.
Lancaster Puppies – Another source of Australian Cattle Dog Husky mix puppies for sale is Lancaster Puppies. Detailed puppy listings are updated regularly on their website. If you are from Pennsylvania, Ohio, Indiana, and New York, you should consider checking this source.
You can also check out the best breeders of Siberian Huskies on our website for more options. Make sure to read our puppy buying guide before finalizing any online transactions.
Below are some sources where you can find Blue Heeler Husky mixes for adoption:
Hairy Houdini Siberian Husky Rescue (HHSHR) – Volunteers at HHSHR have devoted their time to rescue and rehome Siberian Huskies. Some of the Huskies under their care are hybrid mixes, so an Ausky could also be waiting for a new family there.
ARA Canine Rescue, Inc. – ARA Canine Rescue, Inc. is a proactive animal shelter in California that wastes no time rescuing dogs without a home. It boasts a vast land area of over 10 acres where their rescued canines are free to play around. Many of their rescues include Siberian Husky mixes, so it’s worth the shot to call them if they also got Auskies up for adoption.
Hesperia Animal Shelter – Hesperia Animal Shelter is another animal rescue group based in California. Adorable puppies are posted on their official site regularly, and there are instances when they put Heeler Husky mixes up for adoption, so it’s worth checking if they still have one right now.
You can also check our list of best Siberian Husky rescues near you. Many breeders and rescue groups are also on social media. You can check out their social media accounts for any Auskies up for adoption.
To secure the success of your application, read our ultimate adoption guide. But if you want to learn tips on how to get this mix for free, check out our article on how to get free puppies in your area.
Pros and Cons of Owning an Ausky
A mixed breed like the Blue Heeler Husky mix can get both qualities of its parent breeds. It can pick up the good qualities of one side. However, it can also inherit the not-so-good attributes of the other.
Here are the advantages of owning an Australian Cattle Dog Husky mix:
Unique appearance: Like other dogs that are hybrid in nature, Auskies have this unique look. The blend among the distinct features of a Blue Heeler and a Siberian Husky is responsible for this.
Ready to work: Auskies would be willing to help you out in your household chores, like pulling a crate out of the garage. Their parent breeds are known to be efficient working dogs, so this is not surprising at all.
Always has the energy to play: Auskies can be very playful because of the sheer amount of energy that they have. This is perfect for those people who like playing with their dogs most of the time. Kids are in for long hours of hide and seek with their pet friend Ausky!
Here are some of the disadvantages of owning an Australian Cattle Dog Husky mix:
Herder instinct: Auskies have high energy. If they get little activity to spend their energy on, things can get messy. They can activate their herder mode, in which they tend to chase after small living creatures moving around because of their high prey drive.
Tends to become stubborn: The Blue Heeler Husky mix can grow naughty and disobedient like other pets if it doesn’t get proper training. It is recommended to start training your Ausky at a young age to avoid picking up destructive behaviors as it ages.
Bonding difficulty: Auskies are friendly canines that can easily connect to their family. However, there is a chance that an Ausky will choose to bond to a single master only. Therefore, it might act differently on other people in the household.
Of course, any issues with a dog’s behavior can be fixed with the proper guidance of a responsible fur parent. You can’t just give up on your pet because of some minor inconvenience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Photo by @bowieheelerhusky (IG)
Are Australian Cattle Dog Husky Mixes Aggressive?
The Blue Heeler Husky mix is a friendly dog. There might be times when they appear hostile, but that’s only when they get their herder instinct on.
The Blue Heeler Husky mix can also be a bit aloof or even aggressive towards some people in the household. This is just the Ausky showing its protective side. This mostly happens when it is only around one person.
Are Australian Cattle Dog Husky Mixes High Maintenance?
Keeping an Ausky should not be very demanding on a dog owner’s part. It requires pretty much the same attention and care as the other dog breeds.
However, there are certain things that you should focus on, like giving them more frequent exercises and grooming.
When it comes to brushing your Australian Heeler hybrid, you need to thoroughly brush the undercoat. Do this daily as much as possible to remove loose hairs.
Do Blue Heeler Husky Mixes Shed a Lot?
Expect Auskies with longer guard hair to shed a great amount of their fur. Their known shedding season is spring and autumn.
During these seasons, you will see the Husky Heeler mix shedding too much fur wherever they go. You can have a mini vacuum cleaner with you as you follow your dog around and clean up the hair that fell off.
You can lessen the amount of shedding of your Ausky by brushing its coat regularly and thoroughly.
Final Thoughts: Is an Ausky the Right Dog for You?
If you are a dog lover with an active and adventurous lifestyle, then an Australian Cattle Dog Husky mix can definitely match your energy. There are many physical activities in which both of you can bond together.
In fact, it would be more of a challenge for you to match your Ausky’s energy, or else it might make some trouble of its own.
Also, make sure that you are up to the challenge of providing your pup with the best quality of care in terms of grooming, feeding, and exercise.
Are you prepared to have an Australian Cattle Dog Husky mix as a pet? Do you have any experience with this hybrid? Let us know in the comment section!
تعليقات