Chusky Dog Breed

Chusky dogs have only appeared on the designer dog scene recently. They are usually companion dogs that can be trained as guard dogs due to their extremely protective temperaments. Members of this breed are not suited for apartments, condos, or very small dwellings and, ideally, they will have a fenced yard; those in hot climates are encourage to choose another breed since this one is sensitive to extreme temperatures. This breed is not recommended for first time owners and those without the time and patience to maintain them.

Pros

• Protective, loyal, can be trained as guard dogs
• Perfect for active families/owners
• Excellent choice for cold climates
• Loving, playful, good with kids

Cons

• Not for a first time owner; somewhat difficult to train
• May be aggressive towards pets and strangers
• Sheds constantly
• Needs at least an hour of daily outdoor exercise
• May suffer separation anxiety if left alone for long periods of time

Chuskies, as hybrid dogs, will inherit characteristics from both parents but not always equally. We recommend prospective owners read up on the traits of both the Chow Chow and Siberian Husky before adopting one of these mixes. The following information for the Husky-Chow mix can be supplemented by visiting our parent breed pages.

This breed is not recommended for the first time owner unless they have plenty of time and patience to maintain them. Part of that maintenance is training and it should start from day one, with firmness and consistency. They are excitable dogs that should be taught how to greet guests, walk on leash, and not be overly protective and aggressive towards strangers and other pets. Socialization with people, pets and overall handling should also take place as early as possible.

The Chusky is very loyal and, if not trained properly this can trend toward aggressive. However, they are good playmates and adore kids. With guests they will be social, with stranger they may be overprotective. Ideally, unless they have been trained and socialized from puppy age, they should live in a single pet household.

This breed is best for active owners and families that enjoy spending a lot of time outdoors. Chuskies do best when they get an hour or more of daily outdoor exercise. A fenced yard for them to spend time in is recommended but they also shouldn't be kept away from the family all day; this may cause separation anxiety and destructive behaviors.

Chuskies, as hybrid dogs, have personalities that are hard to predict and can differ quite a bit from one puppy to the next-- even if from the same litter. Overall, the Chusky temperament is summed up as loyal, protective, affectionate and energetic. They are not recommended for first time owners or those that don't have the time to exercise or train them.

A Chow Husky mix will do well in a house with older, active kids. He may be a bit too big and a lot too energetic to safely play with small children. A well trained Chusky can be friendly with strangers but will always prefer their owner. A poorly trained individual may be overly excitable, or worse, overly protective and aggressive. This also means that, aside from already being good watch dogs, they can be trained to perform guard dog duties as well. Aside from this, they aren't frequent, unnecessary barkers. This breed is more suited to a single pet household but, with early socialization, may do ok with other pets.

As loyal, loving dogs, they need to spend time every day with their owner or family. Ideally, they would be part of an active household that enjoys being outdoors. Be careful in very hot climates, however, as they don't tolerate heat very well. They are able to live outdoors in appropriate temperatures (in a fenced area) but if not allowed to spend time with the owner/family, they will develop separation anxiety and destructive behavior.

Training is said to be difficult for a first time owner. This is a lot of dog and quite a bit of energy to reign in if they haven't been properly trained. Consistency and firmness (not harshness) is necessary for them and treats and praise will ease the experience. If you don't have the patience or time to train one, either choose another breed or take them to a professional. Aggressive behaviors towards strangers and other dogs can be corrected if trained as a puppy, along with over excitability and jumping on guests.

A mix between a Chow Chow and Husky should produce puppies that develop fewer health problems than their purebred parents, especially first generation crosses. Choosing a reputable breeder that offers a health guarantee, along with routine check ups at your veterinarian should help prevent and/or detect many conditions. Typically, Chuskies live between 12-15 years. Although these puppies are usually healthy, commonly inherited ailments may center around the teeth. They have been known to be born missing several teeth or losing them shortly thereafter, causing them to need a special diet. Brushing your pets teeth on a weekly basis will help you notice changes in their mouths.