If you can’t decide between the versatile Doberman Pinscher and the sled-dog Siberian Husky, then you might want to take home a unique-looking Doberman Husky mix instead, which is also called the Dobsky.
This mixed breed inherits the best traits from both its parents, resulting in an extremely loyal and highly-active dog. These make them amazing family dogs. Though an unusual mix, they are well-loved by those who encounter them.
In this guide, we will talk about everything you need to know about the Dobsky—from its appearance and temperament to the health issues of this mix to help you assess if this is the right dog for you.
What Is a Doberman Husky Mix?
Photo by @jake_dobe_husky (IG)
The Doberman Husky mix, also known as the Dobsky or Siberian Pinscher, is a mix between two popular dog breeds — the Doberman Pinscher and the Siberian Husky. This combination results in a highly energetic dog best suited for families with active lifestyles.
Th Dobsky’s Doberman Pinscher parent is known for being an incredibly versatile dog breed. In contrast, its Siberian Husky parent is popular for its looks and amazing endurance. Hence, expect no less from the Dobsky.
Since both parents are popular dog breeds, finding breeders that produce this mixed breed is not very hard at all. That said, you can have a unique mixed dog without going through the hassle of finding a breeder.
The downside, however, is that Doberman Husky mixes are not recognized by most kennel clubs, such as the American Kennel Club. Still, they can be registered with registries that accept mixed breeds.
Although these mixes are incredibly smart, trainable, and have extraordinary stamina, they are not qualified to join confirmation and obedience dog shows.
Doberman Husky Mix Origin and History
The origin of a Husky Doberman mix is undocumented and unknown. However, if the goal is to understand the Dobsky mix even more, we can do so by knowing its parents’ histories and origins.
The popular Doberman Pinschers originated in Germany around the 1890s. It was first bred by Louis Dobermann, a German tax collector. Hence, the dog’s name.
Louis Dobermann created the Doberman Pinscher by mixing several breeds such as the Rottweiler, Weimaraner, and German Pinscher to produce police and military dog that would protect him from thugs.
On the other hand, Siberian Huskies were bred to pull sleds and be companions of the Chukchi people in Serbia over 3,000 years ago. Genetically, Siberian Huskies are a part of the Spitz family.
It was during the early 20th century when the Siberian Huskies were brought to the United States when the Alaskans in Nome grew interested in the breed.
Huskies excelled as sled dogs in Alaska. They were even used to transport antitoxins to Nome, Alaska, during a diphtheria epidemic.
The Dobsky has lived up to its Doberman and Husky parents’ history of being working and guard dogs.
With this, it is safe to assume that Doberman Huskies were bred to produce an even more powerful and hard-working breed that can protect families while being amazing companions.
Doberman Husky Mix Appearance
Photo by @toby_the_dobsky (IG)
The appearances of Doberman Huskies can be hard to predict, but most likely, they will be combinations of each parent’s appearance and physical traits. However, it may also depend on which parent carries the stronger gene.
Like their parent breed, Doberman Huskies will flaunt athletic appearances. They often have erect triangular-shaped ears paired with a medium-length muzzle.
Likewise, they also feature almond-shaped eyes that could be blue, hazel, or brown. They can also have heterochromia or eye color different from the other, just like their Siberian Husky parent.
Their face markings include a Husky mask and the Doberman eyebrows, which are usually tan or dark in color.
As with their coat colors, they can inherit any of the colors of their Siberian Husky and Doberman parents. These colors range from fawn, blue, red, gray, silver, white, pied, sable, rust, and black.
Most likely, they will have a straight double-coat that is medium in length. This can vary from one Doberman Husky mix to another since it will depend on which parent it will take after.
Still can’t visualize what a Husky Doberman mix looks like? Watch this video of a Doberman Husky training at a young age.
6mo Doberman/Husky mix, LV - Best Dog Trainer - El Paso, TX<a href="https://youtu.be/glrldHwB0zE" 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%2FglrldHwB0zE%2F0.jpg" alt="6mo Doberman/Husky mix, LV - Best Dog Trainer - El Paso, TX" width="1280" height="700" /><br />Watch this video on YouTube</a>
Doberman Husky Mix Size and Weight
Given the size of its parent breeds, a full-grown Husky Doberman mix is a medium to large-sized dog that grows to about 22 to 26 inches in height and 48 to 75 pounds in weight.
Like any other dogs, they are considered adults at around one year of age but will continue to fill out their weight and height until they reach two years old.
That said, it is advised to wait two years for you to see the full adult size of your Siberian Pinscher.
Regardless, it is important to note that male and female Doberman Husky mixes will differ in size. Male dogs tend to grow bigger and taller as compared to female dogs.
Moreover, genetics also play a huge role in your dog’s overall growth. So, to have an idea of what your Siberian Pinscher will be like when it’s full-grown, you may observe its parent breeds.
Doberman Husky Mix Temperament and Personality
Photo by @jake_dobe_husky (IG)
A Doberman mixed with Siberian Husky will make great family dogs, especially for families and individuals with an active way of living that could match their overflowing energy.
The Siberian Husky’s highly-sociable trait will balance out the protective nature of the Doberman Pinscher, so expect that this mix will be friendly but will still have a hint of its protective nature.
They may tend to be wary of strangers at first but will be friendly once they perceive no threat to themselves and their families.
Contrary to its dominating appearance, the Husky Doberman mix is a very affectionate dog. Some might even play favorites and may want to spend more time with a particular family member.
Moreover, this designer dog will have no difficulty getting along with kids. Note, however, that adult supervision is always recommended to avoid accidents.
Doberman Husky Mix Lifespan and Health Issues
Husky Doberman mixes are generally healthy dogs with a life expectancy of 13 to 14 years, provided that they are given enough care, a healthy lifestyle, and routine veterinary check-ups.
However, they are still susceptible to several health issues that may negatively affect their lives or, even worse, pose a threat to their lives.
Here are some of the most common health problems of a Husky Doberman mix:
Elbow and Hip Dysplasia: Elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia are common among medium and large breeds like Doberman Pinschers and Siberian Huskies. When the elbow and hip joints do not grow or align properly, resulting in a ball and socket dislocation, elbow dysplasia and hip dysplasia occur. Surgery is usually required for severe cases.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy: Progressive retinal atrophy is an inherited disease that causes progressive blindness in dogs for months or years. This condition is occasionally seen in Doberman Pinschers, making the Husky Doberman mix susceptible to this.
Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a thyroid hormone shortage affecting many Dobermans. This is typically brought on by thyroid gland swelling or shrinking, impairing the functionality of other bodily organs. Signs of this thyroid condition include weight gain, hair loss, and dry skin and coat.
Having your Siberian Pinscher checked by a licensed veterinarian is vital to ensure that your pup is in good shape. Getting pet insurance will also be very helpful if your dog encounters any medical emergencies.
How to Take Care of Your Dobsky
Photo by @toby_the_dobsky (IG)
To have a healthy Doberman Husky mix, owners must make sure that the dog’s needs are met. Thus, you must learn how to feed, groom, train, and exercise your dog according to its specific requirements.
Below are detailed tips on giving this dog breed the best care possible:
Food and Diet
On average, an adult Siberian Pinscher may eat around two to three cups of high-quality dog food daily. This will depend on their age, sex, size, level of activity, and the dog’s overall health.
Doberman Husky owners can also opt for a raw food diet consisting of animal protein and fat, as this will greatly help build muscle and retain your dog’s optimal health.
As for the feeding schedule, you can follow the Siberian Husky’s feeding frequency if your Dobsky has a similar growth rate to Huskies.
Still, it is best to speak with your veterinarian so they can determine the recommended amount of food for proper food intake. Make sure to provide them only with a healthy amount of dog treats to avoid obesity.
Cleaning and Grooming
Your Siberian Pinscher’s grooming needs will depend on its coat but since both its parent breeds shed profusely throughout the year, regular brushing may be required.
Brushing will help reduce hair fall, remove dead hair, and ensure that your dog’s fur is maintained.
As with bathing your Doberman Husky mix, it is best to do it at least twice a month or when your dog is dirty. Bathing too often can dry out your dog’s skin.
Dog grooming also includes cleaning your dog’s ears, teeth, and nails. So, spend a few minutes each week wiping your dog’s ear to avoid earwax build-up. Remember to trim its nails every two weeks, too.
Finally, your dog’s teeth should be brushed weekly to avoid tartar build-up and gum diseases.
Training and Exercise
Given the Husky Doberman’s parent breeds, expect this mix to require an active lifestyle with both physical and mental stimulation. Hence, they need to be placed with an active family to ensure they get daily exercise.
Siberian Pinschers will need an average of 90 minutes of daily exercise to exhaust their energy. Remember that pent-up energy may cause unwanted behaviors.
It is also wise to hire a dog walker when you cannot personally take them out for walks. Leaving them unattended in a fenced yard is not recommended since these dogs are notorious escape artists like their Siberian Husky parents.
Training-wise, these mixes are moderately easy-to-train dogs. Your Siberian Pinscher is an obedient dog, but owners need a lot of patience since they can easily be distracted due to their stubbornness.
For owners with little to no time to spare for training, it is advised to hire a professional dog trainer. It is also necessary to provide early training to avoid undesirable behaviors and to have a dog with a good disposition.
How Much Does a Doberman Husky Mix Cost? Puppy Prices & Expenses
Getting a Siberian Pinscher puppy can cost you around $500 to $1,000, depending on several other factors, including your location, the breeder’s reputation, and the overall quality of your pup.
The expenses, however, do not end there. You must also prepare for other expenses, such as your new puppy’s supplies and health needs.
Here is the initial cost of expenses that you need to consider when you take home a Siberian Pinscher puppy:
Doberman Husky owners must prepare $650 to $2,445 on top of the dog’s price tag to cover the initial costs of taking this pup home. Aside from these, you must also allocate funds for your pup’s monthly and annual expenses.
To give you an in-depth idea about the cost of owning this breed, you can read our guide on the expenses of owning a Siberian Husky. Since the Siberian is one of Dobsky’s parent breeds, this should give you a good estimate.
Places to Find Doberman Husky Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Photo by @toby_the_dobsky (IG)
Since both parent breeds are common and popular dogs, it may be quite easy for potential owners to find Doberman Husky dog breeders. The challenge, however, is finding reputable breeders.
To start your search, here are places where you can find a Siberian Husky Doberman Pinscher mix for sale:
Lancaster Puppies – This pet advertising website has over 10,000 listings of different breeds, including Doberman and Husky mixes. Though they have strict breeder requirements, it is still highly recommended to do your part to make sure you buy from a responsible breeder.
Greenfield Puppies – Greenfield Puppies is another pet advertising website that has connected puppies with caring families since 2000. Breeders from this website go through an intensive background check before they can advertise. Thus, you are assured of a high-quality Siberian Pinscher if you buy from this website.
Keystone Puppies – Keystone Puppies is a puppy marketplace that works with reputable breeders. They have a wide variety of crossbreed puppies available, including the Doberman Pinscher Husky mixed breed. When looking for this designer dog, use the search filters “Doberman Pinscher mix” and “Siberian Husky mix” for more relevant results.
Similarly, you can also check out our list of Doberman Pinscher and Siberian Husky recommendations. Though they focus on purebreds, it may be worthwhile to check if they have mixes every now and then.
You can also refer to our puppy buying guide for some useful tips when searching for your Husky Doberman mix online.
If you have already contacted the places above and still haven’t found a match, you can try adopting instead. Unfortunately, many of these mixes end up in rescue centers because their owners cannot keep up with their energy.
Here are some places where you can find a Siberian Pinscher for adoption:
Husky House – Husky House adopts stray, abandoned, and unwanted Siberian Huskies and their mixes in New York, New Jersey, and Connecticut areas. To adopt from this shelter, expect to undergo a thorough screening process, including a home visit to check whether you are a suitable owner for a large dog such as a Doberman Husky mix.
Illinois Doberman Rescue Plus – This Northern-Illinois-based organization rescues Doberman and their mixes who are in need and places them into responsible homes. Rescued Doberman mixes undergo spaying or neutering, vaccinations, heartworm testing, and microchipping before being placed for adoption.
Doberman Rescue Minnesota – This all-volunteer rescue organization has been helping Doberman and Doberman mixes find the best possible homes since 1999. If you are in Minnesota, Dakota, and Wisconsin, it’s best to check this shelter to see if they have a Siberian Pinscher available for adoption.
For additional reference, you can check out our recommended Siberian Husky rescue organizations. Going through our dog adoption guide will help increase your chances of getting approved for adoption.
Likewise, you may check our article on how to find free puppies in your area to increase your chances of getting your Doberman Husky mix without hurting your wallet!
Pros and Cons of Owning a Doberman Husky Mix
Now that you know about this mix’s temperament, health, and cost, it’s now time to weigh the pros and cons to see if this dog breed is the right breed for you.
I listed here the pros and cons of owning a Siberian Pinscher to help make your decision-making easier.
Here are the upsides of owning a Siberian Pinscher:
Highly energetic: Though this may not be an advantage to some, it is for families who are always on the go. You need not leave them at home the next time you go for a swim, hike, run, or jog since they would surely love to accompany you.
Can live in a multi-pet household: With early socialization, Siberian Pinschers can live peacefully with other animals. However, you may still want to practice caution since they might have inherited the prey drive of their Husky parent.
Sociable: This Husky mix breed is very friendly, making them great family pets. They are a good choice for families with many friends and family coming over every now and then.
On the flip side, here are the cons of owning a Siberian Pinscher:
Not ideal for guarding: If you are planning on taking home a Siberian Pinscher to be a guard dog, you definitely should consider a different breed. This mix doesn’t make a good guard dog as they tend to be too friendly, especially if they inherit traits from their Husky parent.
Cannot be left alone: Like other dogs, this mix cannot be left alone for too long, especially when they have no task to work on. They tend to escape and manifest destructive behaviors when bored or left without physical and mental stimulation.
Not apartment-friendly: Due to its size, energy level, and exercise needs, an apartment setup may not be suitable for this big and energetic dog. Ideally, this mix needs a fenced yard where it can run around.
Before getting one, you must evaluate and assess whether the Siberian Pinscher is the right breed for you. This will lessen the chance of getting a dog that does not match your lifestyle and home situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Photo by @jake_dobe_husky (IG)
Are Husky Doberman Mixes Aggressive?
A Doberman Husky mix is not aggressive. In fact, this breed is a great family dog because it is very affectionate. It even gets along well with other animals and kids.
However, these dogs may show signs of being wary of strangers at first, but that is just its Doberman’s guarding instinct kicking in. They will, for sure, be warm towards strangers in no time.
Do Doberman Husky Mixes Shed a Lot?
A Siberian Pinscher’s shedding will depend on which coat it inherits. If it inherited its Doberman parent’s short coat, it would shed less compared to it having its Husky parent’s thick coat.
In case the type of coat falls in the middle of both parents, it might still tend to shed a lot. That is why you must brush its coat frequently to lessen shedding. Investing in a good vacuum cleaner is wise too.
Are Doberman Husky Mixes Hypoallergenic?
The Siberian Husky Doberman mixed breed is not hypoallergenic. Potential owners suffering from allergies must think twice before getting this breed. Its shedding, dander, and saliva can trigger allergic reactions.
Final Thoughts: Is a Dobsky the Right Dog for You?
A Husky mixed with a Doberman makes a wonderful family dog. Aside from this pooch being adorable, it will surely light up your home with its wit and playfulness.
However, since this dog will require a family willing to put up with its very active personality, families with a busy lifestyle may not be a good match.
Still, it is important that all potential owners assess their willingness and commitment to love, care for, and provide for the needs of this mixed dog breed.
Do you think you can take care of the Doberman Husky mix? Let us know in the comments!
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