What do you get when you cross one of the most popular dog breeds with one of the most stunning?
The Siberian Retriever is a cross between a Siberian Husky and a Labrador Retriever. Also known as a Huskador this Lab Husky mix has a lot to offer if you are active and love the outdoors.
If you like a challenge and can find positive outlets for their boundless energy. The Siberian Retriever is an affectionate, gentle dog that is full of fun.
Breed history
Both the Labrador Retriever and Siberian Husky are working dogs. Although originally bred to perform different tasks their work ethic is similar.
So if you choose to share your life with a Lab-Husky mix. You need to be prepared to meet the high exercise needs of this active dog.
Labrador
Originally called the St. John’s dog, the Labradors history begins in Newfoundland in the 1700’s. These ancestors of the Labrador were valued for their desire and ability to work.
The Labradors co-operative nature and its natural desire to retrieve made it a perfect partner for the fisherman of the area.
What’s more, the Labradors love of water and its capacity to withstand the icy conditions made it ideal for retrieving fishing nets and ropes.
As well as its enthusiasm, stamina and love of work the Labrador is a friendly dog and devoted to its family.
Husky
The beginnings of the Husky breed are in the Arctic. Originating from Eastern Siberia, a harsh, cold environment the Husky was used as a means of transportation.
Valued for their stamina, speed and independent thinking, the Husky was nether the less also a family dog. Often sleeping with the children. In order to keep them warm at night in the harsh conditions.
Gentle with kids, the Husky is all the same a skilled hunter. Possessing a high prey drive makes it unsuitable for multi-pet households.
Lab Husky temperament
So what happens when you combine the accommodating nature of the Labrador and the independent thinking of the Husky?
Well on the plus side there is a lot of positives about the Lab Husky mix. The Siberian Retriever is gentle, patient and affectionate without being needy.
What’s more, the Siberian Retriever is intelligent, friendly to everyone and good natured. They often have a mischievous side inherited from the Husky parent and are fun loving, playful and enjoy inclusion in family life.
Lab Husky mix at its best An intelligent dog that is willing to please and gentle with all members of the family
On the downside, the Lab Husky mix is a high energy, easily bored dog that can be destructive. With the Labradors love of chewing and the Huskies love of digging, they are not a dog for the house proud.
The Husky has a tendency to be choosy when it comes to doggy friends. And an independent streak that even the co-operative nature of the Labrador can’t entirely calm down.
The Labradors love of food, and its exuberance can overpower the Huskies more reserved nature. Producing a dog that is both large and unruly.
What’s more, as the Labrador tends to mature late, at around three years old. So it’s entirely possible to have a very boisterous dog for an extended period.
Lab Husky mix at its worse An independent, rambunctious dog that if bored is destructive and rowdy and expert in escaping
Lab Husky mix appearance
Trying to guess what a mix breed dog will look like is almost impossible. However, you can get a general idea based on the physical characteristics of the parent breeds.
As both the Labrador and Husky are medium to large dogs, you can expect your Lab Husky mix to be the same. Generally around 20 -26 inches tall and weighing in at around 40-60 pounds with females being on the smaller end of that scale.
Depending on the colour of both the Labrador and the Husky parents. Standard colours for the Siberian Retriever include brown, copper, tan, chocolate, black and white. Additionally, the distinctive face markings of the Husky may also be evident.
Most often the Lab Husky mix will have flat or semi-erect ears although erect ears are also possible. The head is triangular in shape, and the eyes are soft and can be brown, blue or mixed.
Generally speaking, the Siberian Retriever has an athletic body. Although more slight than a Labrador the Lab Husky mix is still robust and sturdy with a characteristic sickle-shaped tail like that of the Husky.
Lab Husky mix exercise
As both the Labrador and the Husky are working breeds. It’s not surprising that the Lab Husky mix needs a lot of exercise.
These dogs will be happy to spend all day running around and getting enough exercise is vital to keep them happy.
The Huskies desire to run is sometimes tempered by the Labradors desire to please, but not always. So you may end up with a dog that you can’t let off lead unless it’s in a secure area.
If you enjoy jogging, cycling or any outdoor activity your Lab Husky mix will enjoy it with you. Commitment to daily physical activity is a must if you want to share your life with a Siberian Retriever.
Not only that, but mental stimulation is also necessary. Both parent breed dogs are highly intelligent. Keeping your dog’s brain engaged is a great way to provide another form of exercise.
Obedience training, brain games, puzzle toys and scent work are all great options for this smart and energetic dog. Also, being a playful dog, the Lab Husky mix will also enjoy a game in the garden or yard.
Overall a Siberian Retriever is best suited to a naturally active home that can provide both the physical and mental stimulation they need.
A bored or under exercised Lab Husky mix is a destructive dog. With a love of both chewing and digging, and ability to escape that is second to none.
Lab Husky mix grooming
Despite both parent breeds being medium to heavy shedders the grooming needs of a Lab-Husky mix are not too onerous.
The Labrador has a wash and wear coat requiring only weekly brushing. Whereas the Husky has a dense double layered coat that needs daily brushing and a bit more attention in the spring and autumn.
If your Lab Husky mix inherits the double coat of the Husky parent. It’s possible that the undercoat will be blown twice a year.
Although this involves your dog shedding clumps of hair in large amounts. You can help manage the process with daily brushing with an undercoat rake.
If your Lab Husky inherits the easy to care coat of its Labrador parent. Weekly brushing is all that is needed to keep it in good condition.
Despite this, you may find that you need to bathe your dog more frequently than some other breeds. Labradors love water, and it’s possible your Siberian Retriever will as well.
Unfortunately, Labradors are not choosy about the type of water they play in, so a muddle puddle will do. The desire to splash in water combined with a Huskies’ strategy for cooling off on a hot day by rolling in mud can make for a dirty dog.
Lab Husky mix health
While the Lab Husky mix does not have any known health risks associated with it, it’s always worth noting the health problems of the parent breeds.
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy
- Hip and elbow dysplasia
- Knee problems
- Cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy
- Obesity
If you do choose a Lab-Husky mix, then you can expect to share your life with it for 10-12 years.
Lab Husky mix highlights
The Lab Husky mix has a lot to offer if you are an active family. Friendly, affectionate and always up for an adventure the Siberian Retriever is a perfect partner if you love the outdoors.
Intelligent and gentle this mix breed is both a working dog and family member. They do well when included in daily activities and make loyal and devoted companions.
Life will never be dull with this dog by your side. Fail to provide enough mental or physical exercise, however, and you may suffer the consequences of an independent thinker that decides how to entertain themselves.
If you think you can offer the ideal environment for this exciting mix breed, you will be rewarded with a loyal, fun loving and devoted companion.