Huskerman Dog Breed

The Doberman and Husky mix, as a crossbreed, is not an official member of any breed group--but both the Husky and the Doberman are in the Working Group in the AKC and other clubs, so these hybrids fit nicely in that category. Neither does any info exist about the Huskerman's specific origin; while a Doberman mixed with Husky has probably existed naturally for a long time, no breeder or breed club has claimed its creation. The Husky and Doberman mix is likely a product of the designer dog "explosion" in North America in the late 20th century. These intelligent, sociable yet protective hybrids will make great pets for active families, particularly those in need of a dog with good watch- and guard dog abilities.

A few Doberman x Husky mix facts: they're medium- to large-sized, averaging 24 inches at the shoulders in height and 60 pounds in weight; they have short- to medium-length coats that shed a good bit; and they're extremely energetic and will need a lot of exercise.

Some advantages and drawbacks to owning a Huskerman:

The Huskerman is the offspring of two breeds that are alike in some ways, yet different in others: both the Husky and the Doberman are energetic, athletic, and task-oriented--but the Husky is friendly with pretty much everyone and everything, while the Dobie is usually reserved and protective. Regardless, these hybrids will be affectionate and loyal with family members, and with training and socialization they can be friendly to strangers too.

These dogs average 60 pounds, so they tend to be on the larger side; they can have short coats like the Doberman or longer ones like the Husky (or likely somewhere in between). The coats will sometimes be double-layered like the Husky's, and will shed more during the spring (and possibly fall) shedding seasons. Regardless, the coats won't be hypoallergenic, so allergy sufferers will need to find another breed. And it's best if a Huskerman lives in a home with a large, securely fenced yard that'll give the dog room to run.

And these hybrids like to run! They have tons of energy (and depending on inherited traits, they can be muscular too), and will need lots of exercise throughout the day; without it they can become highly frustrated--which could lead to destructiveness.

Energetic, intelligent, protective, fun-loving, and at times dominant, the Doberman-Husky mix temperament is one of loyalty and confidence. These hybrids are very affectionate with family members, and will be very protective of them. The Huskerman may try to "rule the roost," so to speak, so it'll need confident, firm owners willing to act as the dog's "alpha" if necessary. Even so, Huskerman hybrids are great playmates for kids, and they usually socialize well with other household pets too--though they might be bossy toward other dogs (particularly those of the same sex). It's best if your Huskerman grows up alongside any children or other pets, so they'll learn to be accustomed to one another.

In regards to training: these hybrids are intelligent, and usually respond well to it--but their potential hard-headedness might mean they'll require a few repetitions when learning commands. As with any dog, firm, consistent, reward-based training methods are best.

And a Huskerman normally inherits the Doberman's excellent watchdog abilities. While not huge barkers, these hybrids are loyal and alert, and should bark at and investigate unknown sights or sounds--and they'll have enough physical presence to neutralize like intruders.

The Huskerman, due to hybrid vigor (in which a crossbred dog inherits the healthiest traits of its parent breeds), is very healthy. Even so, these hybrids may suffer ailments common to the parent breeds including hip and elbow dysplasia, various eye issues, and a blood disorder called Von Willebrand's disease. Larger, broader-chested Huskerman hybrids may also be prone to gastric torsion (or bloat). Potential owners are advised to ask breeders for health screenings for the dog and/or its parents, or they can have their own veterinarians do the screenings.

Life expectancy for the Huskerman is 11-14 years.