19 Things to Know about the Chow Chow Husky Mix

Have you ever heard someone mention a “chusky” or “chowski”? These adorable nicknames refer to the Chow Chow Husky mix. This unique dog consists of a cross between a Chow Chow and a Siberian Husky and is fast becoming one of the most popular hybrid breeds amongst dog lovers. 

Considering Chow Chows and Huskies are both fluffy big dogs, it’s no surprise that Chuskies resemble large balls of floof with four long legs. Regarding personality, these canines have inherited a mixture of characteristics from each of their parent breeds. A Chow Chow mixed with a Husky has a uniquely expressive, loving, loyal, and protective personality that makes them an ideal furry friend.  

However, if you’re looking to adopt a Chow Chow Husky, keep in mind that these dogs take as much as they give. As such, Chuskies require considerable attention and commitment from their owners.

19 Things to Know About the Chow Chow and Husky Mix

If you’re considering adopting a Husky and Chow Chow mix, below is some key information to know about these adorable pooches.

1. The Origins of Chuskies

Interestingly enough, the Chow Chow Husky (also sometimes called the Husky Chow Chow) is a relatively new addition to the canine world. Breeders only started crossing these two dogs in the early 2000s, and there’s a general understanding that this took place in the United States. Sadly, other than those two facts, not much more is known about the origins of this unique breed. 

While the world might never fully know how these fluffy hybrid friends came to be, It’s clear that whoever decided to start breeding Chuskies knew what they were doing. Both Huskies and Chow Chows are old breeds with a long history of human companionship. This means Chuskies had a great foundation for becoming man’s newest best friend.  

Huskies’ intense loyalty and Chow Chows’ protective streak meant the two breeds were always likely to create excellent guard dogs. However, personality differences become clear when you compare the extreme intelligence and trainability for which Huskies are famous with the Chow Chows’ independent and potentially stubborn nature. 

The combination of their parents’ opposing characteristics means Chuskies tend to have very strong personalities. Many prospective owners find themselves unprepared for the commitment and discipline required to successfully nurture these dogs. As a result, a disproportionate amount of Chow Chow Huskies have ended up in shelters or rescue centers.

2. More About the Chow Chow Breed

Many people believe Chow Chows were companions for Chinese nobles and the Han Dynasty in centuries past. These dogs are intelligent and love to boss their way around their own packs and families. Combined with their sturdy, muscular build, this makes them excellent guard dogs. 

In fact, breeders originally bred and trained Chow Chows to be no-nonsense protectors of livestock and people. This socialization resulted in these canines developing a strong sense of territory. However, without proper training, Chow Chow’s protective instincts may cause them to have negative reactions toward strangers.

3. More About the Siberian Husky Breed

The Siberian Husky is one of the most admired dogs in the world. In part, this is because they are one of the most beautiful dog breeds. However, siberian huskies are also hard-working, strong, independent, and fiercely loyal. 

One of Huskies’ most distinctive visual traits is their lush coat which is linked to their beginnings as sled dogs in Siberia. The native Chukchi people developed these dogs’ coats to withstand the region’s intensely cold climate. Huskies’ hardy nature and protectiveness of their packs also contributed to them surviving and thriving in such harsh conditions.

4. The Chow Chow Husky Appearance

When it comes to a Chusky’s appearance, you can generally think Husky but fluffier. However, in terms of specific physical features, Chuskies can vary considerably. 

For example, certain Chow Chow Huskies may have shorter legs than others. Some Chuskies also inherit the distinctive wrinkled Chow Chow face. This isn’t always desirable, though, as it’s associated with possible health issues (more about this later). 

Oddly enough, Chuskies’ ears are one of their most interesting features. When they’re born, Husky Chow puppies will often have round ears. This changes as they grow, and a full-grown Chow Chow Husky mix has ears that are pointed upwards.

The sex of a Chusky can also influence their appearance. Males tend to be larger, while females can be slimmer and more athletic-looking. Males also sometimes have bigger heads — perhaps slightly more on the Chow Chow side of things. Females, on the other hand, are more likely to have a finer, narrower facial build. 

While these physical characteristics apply to many chusky dogs, remember they’re still just general trends and are in no way absolute.

5. Chow Chow Huskies’ Size and Coloring

You already know this designer breed can vary in size somewhat. On average, a Chow Chow Husky will be between 18 and 24 inches high. Anything more than 27 inches is considered large and falls into the realm of tallest dog breeds.

You can expect a decent weight for these dogs to be around 50 lbs (although anything between 40 lbs and 65 lbs is normal). Remember, males tend to be bulkier than females. The dogs are classified as medium to large. 

Chow Chow Huskies predominantly arrive in brown, white, cream, black, and red. They can be solid-colored, patched, or a mixture of the above shades. In general, the coloring of a Chow Chow Husky puppy will be determined by genetics. Puppies’ coats either combine those of their parents or match one of them.

Here’s a summary of the key stats for a Husky Chow mix:

• Height: 18-24 inches
• Weight: 40-65 pounds
• Colors: Brown, white, cream, black, and red

6. Husky Chow Chow Grooming Needs

With their beautiful fluffy thick coat, it should come as no surprise that these large dogs are major shedders. This means they don’t make good pets for people with allergies. If you’re sensitive to animal hair but still want a canine companion, why not check out these big dogs that don’t shed?

When it comes to managing Chuskies’ thick double coat, you should be prepared to brush them on a daily basis. A specialized grooming brush can help to keep shedding under control. However, daily brushing is not a miracle solution, and you’re still likely to have lots of hair from that luscious double coat floating around your home.

You may want to invest part of your paycheck with a local grooming specialist for these purebred dogs. Every six weeks is the recommended minimum for appointments if you go this route. While your pooch is there, make a point to tell the groomer to assist with cleaning their ears (they have furry ears) and possibly trimming their nails.

While there is some debate about trimming a dog’s nails, Huskies and Chows are traditionally outdoor, hard-terrain dogs. In a domestic environment, they may not have an opportunity to wear down their nails naturally, so they may become too long. 

Lastly, check your dog’s teeth from time to time for gingivitis or plaque buildup. If you notice any issues, it’s best to talk to a vet about how to treat them and get some tips for future oral care. 

Young pups may also benefit from a classy teething toy — or at the very least, a chew toy. Remember, the Chow Chow Husky is a high-energy dog and will benefit from consistent playtime and a few “instruments of frustration,” AKA toys. 

7. Husky Chow Mix Temperament and Behavior

By now, you’re aware that both Chow Chows and Huskies are strong-willed and intelligent dogs. The mixed Chow Chow Husky breed inherits these qualities, and dealing with them will need your commitment and attention.

If you adopt one of these fluffy friends, you may want to consider hiring a professional trainer for some extra help. While you’ll still need a firm hand when managing a Husky Chow Chow mix, a professional will be able to advise you about various training methods.

This mixed breed dog has a tendency to be fairly dominant within and very protective of their household and its family members. The chusky breed requires an experienced hand and are not recommended for new dog owners. However, with the right proper care and attention they can be fun-loving dogs.

8. How to Handle Chuskies’ Protective Instincts

Chuskies are famously alert to anything strange. They will bark at foreign noises and may act aggressively toward visitors if they feel threatened. This is one of several common dog behaviors that you should be aware of when adopting a fluffy friend. 

While Chowskis are great guard dogs, it’s key to train their judgment skills, so they can tell the difference between visitors and intruders. This breed’s territorial protectiveness also makes them more prone to same-sex aggression, so two males or females may not always get along. You can help avoid this issue by making sure they’re well-socialized from a young age.

You might enjoy reading my article on the border collie husky mix dog breed.

9. Why Chuskies Need Secure Grounds

Huskies are not traditionally used to the confines of modern domestic life. They are bred for the great outdoors. As such, they have a reputation for being escape artists and bolters. Chuskies often inherit this trait.

If you live in a suburban or urban environment, make sure your property is secure enough to prevent your Chow Chow Husky from escaping. This means making sure your pooch can’t dig, jump, or squeeze under, over, or through any possible obstacles.

On the other hand, the Chow Chow is known for preferring to stay home with its clan. There is a chance that your puppy will take on this personality trait instead. However, there’s no way of predicting your puppy’s personality, and it’s always better to be safe than sorry. 

10. Chuskies and Families – Do They Work?

There’s no doubt that with the right amount of time and effort, a Chow Chow Husky can make a wonderful addition to a family. However, Chuskies are still best suited to an experienced owner that understands the work involved in properly socializing and training their canine. 

Bear in mind that small children will also need to be taught how to be around these dogs. The ideal situation would be to acquire a puppy that can more easily get used to having a young toddler as part of the family. 

Supervised interactivity will be necessary for this process. So, while a Chow Chow Husky mix puppy does require a lot of effort at first, you will be rewarded with a loving addition to your family. Also, keep in mind that with enough patience, puppies get easier over time.

11. Chow Chow Huskies and Other Pets

The Chusky’s personality traits suggest they do better as the solo pet of the house. It is worth remembering that this breed has strong natural instincts and may find it tempting to chase smaller animals from time to time. However, these energetic dogs can get along with other pets if you carefully introduce and socialize your puppy from the get-go. 

12. Potential Reasons for Aggression Between Pets

Dogs usually find their own way when it comes to socializing with other members of their pack. Of course, some breeds do better than others. Both Huskies and Chow Chows are naturally quite aggressive dog breeds. Besides this personality trait, here are a few reasons why your Chusky may not get along with others.

Bad Socialization

Socialization refers not only to training but also to behaviors your dog learns from their parents or litter. If a puppy is removed from a litter too early, it will not learn essential canine behavior that avoids or works around conflict. This can lead to hostile situations with other dogs later on in life.

Resources

Like all dogs, Chuskies have the potential to be aggressive if they feel their food or territory is being threatened. 

Protective Instinct

Besides looking after their human families, female pooches are also likely to be intensely protective of their young.

Dominance

This is particularly relevant when it comes to same-sex aggression. As mentioned above, this can be a common issue with Chuskies.

Fear

Dogs who have a history of being in fearful and harmful situations will naturally react more intensely to new situations that they see as potentially threatening.

13. Training Your Chow Chow Husky 

Early training is the key to a well-adjusted, well-behaved, and secure pet dog. It’s a matter of dealing with this breed’s stubbornness and high-energy drive. A home with a good space to run and frolic will help with this. If their living space is too small, your Chowski may engage in destructive behaviors. 

One of the other most common complaints about maladjusted dogs is the tendency to bark. This can cause a lot of distress — not only for you as an owner but also for your neighbors. However, there are several possible causes for such behavior, especially when it comes to dogs barking at night.  

Ultimately, training will be the main factor in ensuring your dog is happy and healthy in both body and mind. Chuskies make excellent family companions if conditioned correctly. Unfortunately, they can be tricky to train, especially if you’re new to dog training.

Chuskies may have short attention spans. That’s not because they aren’t intelligent – quite the opposite. These dogs are naturally curious and love to do and explore whatever catches their fancy.

Regarding training, Chuskies can push boundaries and test your resolve. It’s important in this context not to react with punishment or physical aggression, as this will only cause your dog to act out more. 

Instead, it’s best to ignore bad behavior and encourage good behavior with positive reinforcement. Despite their independence, a Chow Chow Husky will observe your reactions to them. Being ignored will make them feel left out, while positive responses will be highly appreciated.

Key Advantages to Training Your Pup:

There are some great advantages to proper training, especially when it comes to your new Chowski pup. Consider the following:

• Better behavior is the first (and most obvious) benefit.
• You will have more fun. What’s better than being able to understand and enjoy the company of your pooch?
• A mentally well-adjusted dog. The exercise and stimulation involved in training will stimulate your dog’s mental faculties.
• You will learn how to better communicate with your dog and understand its attempt to communicate with you. This allows you to build a deeper relationship with your pet.
• Your dog’s newfound discipline can prevent it from endangering itself in an unfamiliar situation, as you will be able to guide its actions.
• Your home and family will be safer with a dog that understands social rules, and you’ll have peace of mind when taking your Chowski out in public.
• Proper socialization enables your pup to be comfortable when interacting with others. This is particularly important regarding your vet, groomer, and trainer.

14. How Often to Exercise Your Chusky

Your Chow Chow mix Husky is going to need a significant amount of exercise for a healthy life. These dogs — especially the Husky part — are used to dragging sleds for many hours a day. In fact, Huskies are one of the fastest dog breeds out there. Considering this, a mild workout for a hybrid of this caliber would be an hour-long walk.

This trait makes Chowskis great companions for active owners who enjoy running and hiking. Aside from the mutual love of nature, your Chow Chow Husky will be a good security measure if you go on solo excursions.

You will likely need to keep your dog leashed in a public space, so a good strong dog harness is recommended. You may even find the additional resistance a health benefit for yourself.

Bear in mind that you may also have a particular dog that leans toward the Chow side of the spectrum – meaning that it won’t be especially rambunctious or in need of that much physical activity. Still, a good daily 30-45 minute walk won’t hurt.

Another advantage is that Chuskies don’t mind a bit of cold. In fact, their thick coats are best suited for colder climates. So even if you live in snowy countries, this adventurous breed will gladly explore the outdoors with you.

In summary: aim for at least 60 minutes of focused physical and mental stimulation per day.

15. Potential Health Problems for Chow Chow Mix Huskies

In general, Chuskies are healthy dogs. However, as with all hybrid breeds, these dogs can take on a few of their parents’ not-so-desirable vulnerabilities. This isn’t unusual and can be treated, or at least managed, well enough. A reputable breeder will also be able to discuss the breed’s health risks. 

It’s important to ensure you get to know as much about your puppy as early as possible. As they get older, you should have regular vet check-ups, especially if you have any suspicion of a health issue manifesting in your pooch.

Here are a few of Chuskies’ most commonly inherited health issues:

• Cataracts – like with humans, cataracts will make your dog partially or sometimes totally blind. The condition is not fatal, though, and surgery can alleviate the condition somewhat.
• Eyelid entropion is a condition where the eyelids begin to roll inward upon the eye. The outer skin and hair of the eyelashes then irritate the surface of the eye. Chusky puppies can outgrow this condition. If not, though, it can worsen and potentially impact your dog’s eyesight.
• Hip dysplasia progressively affects your dog’s hip joints. This condition mostly affects big dog breeds and can cause pain and eventual lack of mobility.
• Stomach cancer is another concern. Although it’s rare in dogs, tumors can form in the stomach and intestines.
• Bloat (gastric dilatation-volvulus) occurs when food or gas gets trapped in the intestine when the gut twists. It occurs suddenly and can be fatal if left untreated. 

16. Brachycephalic Respiratory Syndrome in Chuskies

The chunky face and additional structure of the Chow Chow have shown a possible tendency for a condition called brachycephalic respiratory syndrome. 

The Chow seems to have an unfortunate physical structure that sometimes results in breathing problems. This includes shorter bones, an elongated palate, and excessive skin towards the rear of the mouth, which blocks air passages to some degree. 

The puffy face of the Chow also narrows the intake of air through the nostrils. Chuskies often do not inherit all these conditions at once and may not be prone to the condition at all. However, checking with your vet is advisable.

17. Things to Know About Chuskies’ Oral Health

One unusual consideration with Chuskies is oral health. It’s unusual in the sense that some puppies are born with missing teeth. Taking care of your dog’s teeth might be in your daily routine if this occurs. There is a good way and a bad way, though, and you should talk to your vet about what kind of care your dog may need.

18. The Price of a Chow Chow Husky Mix Puppy

When purchasing a Chow Chow Husky mix, the price will usually be $600-$1000. This going rate doesn’t seem especially high, given that Chowski puppies are a hybrid breed. 

The real costs involved with a Chow Chow Husky are the additional costs of grooming, vets, and food. Some have suggested budgeting around $1500 per year for this, making Chuskies seemingly costly customers compared to most other breeds.

19. Chuskies’ Food and Dietary Requirements

A Chow Chow Husky has what you might call slightly special dietary needs. It’s slightly special because it’s high quality. The best bet is to establish a high-quality dry kibble as its basic meal – around three cups per day is considered a good average. You may want to consider food designed for Huskies as a starting point.

Try to find a kibble that has plenty of natural carbs, proteins, and other nutrients. Try to keep chemical and artificial ingredients to a minimum. This is especially important in dog treats. Stay away from processed dog biscuits, and go for turkey or chicken treats, especially during training.

Some owners try raw or homemade cooked meals for their special dog. While this is a great way to make sure you know exactly what your dog is eating, it can be a delicate business. Generally, it’s best to consult with your vet before feeding your dog anything that isn’t clinically balanced. 

Remember to adjust your dog’s diet in terms of nutrients and volume. Chow Chow Huskies are very active and get lots of exercise, so their caloric intake should reflect that. An imbalance in diet could contribute to either malnutrition or a puffy, overweight pooch.

An average Chow Chow Husky that weighs 45-60 pounds should be consuming around 1200 calories per day, assuming they are also getting the correct amount of exercise.

Final Thoughts on the Chow Chow Husky Mix

Do you feel you have the level of commitment to adopt a Chow Chow Husky? As you’ve read above, these dogs require a lot of attention, but they have the capacity to return a hugely rewarding relationship with you.

They are beautiful, passionate dogs, blessed with boundless energy and a protective, playful nature. If you are interested, the good news is that you don’t necessarily have to go hunting for a specific breeder program.

Many owners who have underestimated a Chow Chow Husky’s needs have not been able to care for them. Consider adopting a Chusky from a rescue or adoption center. This way, you’ll be saving a dog and finding a friend.

If you have a large, enclosed property, a love of outdoor exercise, and a family that knows how to handle animals, the Chow Chow Husky may well be the perfect new addition to your household. After all, who can resist a big ball of fluff and playful madness?

If you’re looking for other crosses between large breeds, why not check out this German Shepherd Husky mix?