Husky Chow Mix: What To Know Before Buying A Chusky

The husky chow mix is a beautiful blend between a Siberian husky and a chow chow.

It looks like a big, fluffy teddy bear on four legs!

These two breeds are well known for their devotion to their owners. So it is no surprise that when you mix these two together, you get one of the most loyal dogs around.

Whilst these pups may look cute and cuddly they can be a lot to handle. This very high-maintenance breed requires the commitment and patience of an experienced dog owner.

What is a Husky Chow Mix?

The Husky Chow Mix, also known as the Chusky and Chowski, is a cross between a Chow Chow and a Siberian Husky.

Whilst they are classified as a hybrid their parents are classified in the working breed group and non-sporting group.

These dogs were bred for their attractive appearance.

They have thick, fluffy fur and often display an arrogance that matches their dignified air.

Their playful and wild streak stems from their Husky sides.

New owners looking to adopt one should be ready for a major commitment – this very high-maintenance breed can be difficult to train and adapt to the home.

  • Overview: Hybrid (Siberian Husky/Chow Chow).
  • Purpose: Companion.
  • Weight: 45-60 pounds.
  • Size: 18-27 inches.
  • Temperament: Standoffish, spirited, and independent.

Husky Chow Mix Appearance

Chusky

As there are no breed standards so you never really know how your pup is going to turn out.

The majority of Chowskis will look like a very fluffy Husky.

They may stand tall on long legs, or have a shorter and stockier build.

You can expect them to have a wide head and broad muzzle but occasionally they can inherit the wrinkly face that many Chow Chows have – unfortunately this wrinkly face is linked to breathing problems.

Their ears will be rounded during puppyhood and point upward as they grow.

Height and Weight

The average Husky Chow Mix will stand between 18 and 23 inches tall, but they can grow up to 27 inches tall.

Healthy weight ranges from 40 to 65 pounds.

Males are slightly larger than females but there is no major difference.

Colors and Coat

Your mix could inherit any one of the popular Chow or Husky color forms.

Brown, red, and cream are the most popular coat colors.

Sometimes they can even have the Husky’s iconic salt and pepper coloring!

This breed is known for their beautiful and elegant fluffy double coat – it is one of the thickest and softest coats that you can find!

5 Fun Facts About The Chusky

Husky Chow Mix

  1. Their exact origins are unknown – all we know is this breed first appeared in the early 2000s.
  2. Both of these hybrid’s parent breeds are several thousand years old and are among the oldest domestic dog breeds around.
  3. Husky mixes are some of the most sought after mix breeds with the Pomsky and Malamute Mix being particularly popular.
  4. Both Chows and Huskies have history as sled dogs, and they do particularly well in colder climates.
  5. Chow Chows began as the dignified companions of Chinese nobility. Huskies started out as working dogs for the Chukchi tribe in Siberia.

Husky Chow Mix Personality and Temperament

Husky And Chow Chow

This dog comes from parents who are known for their stubborn and difficult behavior.

Dog training with Husky Chow mix dog will take plenty of patience and understanding.

Chow Chows are not very friendly or playful.

However the Husky’s personality adds a layer of sociability to this mix – the result is a family oriented pooch with a fiercely protective streak.

As 50% of this breed comes from a working dog, it will need a job to do and has no patience for boredom.

This mix is a high energy breed that needs plenty of daily exercise and will become destructive if left alone.

Their overprotectiveness makes them very noisy so they will bark to alert you to any person, sound, or scent that is unfamiliar to them. Your dog will be loud and mouthy to other people until they learn to see them as part of their pack.

It will be difficult for your pup to get along with other dogs at first so these dogs must be socialized early and often.

A Chusky is a big bully to cats and smaller dogs, so a single pet household is needed.

At their best these dogs are very loving and affectionate. They may not be lap dogs but they will still appreciate a shower of cuddles and kisses!

Is The Husky Chow Mix A Good Family Dog?

Since this breed is so pack oriented it makes a wonderful family dog. Each member of the family should have their own role in taking care of the dog.

Their ability to get along with children of all ages is one of their very best qualities. Just make sure your child is old enough to be around a larger dog like this.

Caring for a Husky Chow Mix

Chowski

A Husky Chow mix is a very intense and demanding breed that only experienced dog owners should take on.

With intensive grooming requirements, an energetic nature, and costly feeding for such a large dog, caring for this dog will not be a walk in the park!

If you’re like most dog parents (or parents-to-be), you care for your pet immensely. 

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Exercise Requirements

They were born to travel long distances and will want to be walked for at least an hour every day.

These long distance walkers dominate the hiking and nature trails.

They also enjoy running and games of fetch and catch. During the wintertime your dog will love to run through the snow. During the summer they will want to cool off indoors or in the shade.

You can train your dog to pull carts and carry bundles of sticks just like their ancestors used to do – this could make them a big help around the yard!

  • Number of Walks Per Day: 1+.
  • Total Exercise Needed Per Day: 60+ Minutes.

Grooming and Shedding

These dogs are some of the heaviest shedders around.

Your pooch will need brushing daily, with special combs and brushes made to deal with their heavy shedding.

You will also need to trim their nails every 2 months and keep their ears free of dirt and wax. They will also need a regular dental routine.

Feeding and Diet

An active Chusky should be fed 3 cups of high quality dry dog food a day.

Any kibble that you buy should have a balance of protein, carbs, and fats from healthy sources. Carbs should come from natural sources rather than processed fillers.

If you want to indulge your dog with a treat, try raw cuts of chicken or turkey. This is much better than many of the junk filled dog biscuits you will find at the store.

Your dog should weigh in anywhere between 45 and 60 pounds – be careful not to overfeed them.

Calories Per Day:Cups of Kibble Per Day:
1200~3

How Long Does A Husky Chow Mix Live?

Your loyal Husky Chow mix will be by your side for 12 to 14 years.

How Much Does A Husky Chow Mix Cost?

Expect to pay around $900 for a Husky Chow mix.

However, the costs of care and upkeep for this very high maintenance breed can total up to $1500 each year.

How To Train A Chusky

When you are training a Husky Chow Mix you must be prepared to deal with a dog that wants nothing at all to do with training.

Your pup will test your limits and push back against you at every opportunity.

Positive reinforcement is the key and bad behavior should be ignored.

Never punish or physically discipline your dog no matter how difficult they may be – this will only lead to aggression.

Instead try to take advantage of your dog’s love for attention. Pets and cuddles will become a much desired reward for a job well done.

For a fun and engaging take on training, tap into your puppy’s roots and teach them to pull a wagon or a small cart. This is a great opportunity to practice obedience commands. Give your pup plenty of time to get familiar with the wagon before you strap it on. It is going to take a while for them to get used to it so be patient.

Direct your puppy on a homemade cart pulling course as you practice their basic commands. Later on you can load the wagon with small toys or light bundles that they can fetch for you.

Buyer’s Guide

ProsCons
Fiercely protective of its owner.
Expensive and demanding to care for.
Beautiful teddy bear appearance.
Very frequent and messy shedding.
Incredibly soft coat.
May display rude and arrogant behavior.
Easily fits into a large family.
Difficult to train and to socialize.
Very loving and affectionate.

Quick Breed Summary Table

Breed Characteristics
Size:18-27 inches
Weight:45-60lb
Lifespan:12-14 years
Coat:Fluffy double coat
Color:Brown, white, cream, black and red are the most common
Do They Shed:Yes
Temperament:Headstrong, standoffish, independent, proud, and protective
Intelligence:Moderate
Socialization:Requires special training with attention to socializing
Destructive Behavior:Howling and digging
People Skills:Very attached to its owners but can be aloof with strangers
Good with Children:Yes
Activity Levels:High

Summary

These beautiful dogs are certainly a force to be reckoned with.

The decision to invite one into your home is not one to be taken lightly.

Feeding, grooming, and veterinary costs for one of these dogs can add up fast. Your monthly dog care budget is something to seriously consider before adopting your pup.

In addition to the costs, you need to be aware that your dog will take up most of your attention and energy.

If you can provide your Husky Chow mix with this then you will be rewarded with a loyal and protective companion.

More Siberian Husky and Chow Chow Mixes

Want a Siberian Husky mix or Chow Chow mix but aren’t keen on the Husky Chow mix? Check out these other hybrid dog breeds:

Siberian Husky Mixes

About Thomas Woods 224 Articles
Thomas has been a dog lover since he was 6 years old when his parents got him a rescue Labrador. Since then his love for dogs has lead him to study Animal Behavior & Welfare. He now keeps a six year old English Bullmastiff and educates pet parents through his online publication Perfect Dog Breeds.

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