Chow Chow Husky (2022) 20 Things all Owners Should Know

Have you heard about a dog called Chow Chow Husky? It often goes by the name Chusky. Sometimes it’s even pronounced Chowski. It’s a hybrid breed – borne from a cross between a husky and a Chow Chow. It is also and it is fast becoming a popular breed amongst dog lovers.

They are, in simple terms, a big ball of hairy fluff, as one might expect from any dog resembling a husky. They are expressive, protective, and muscular, as you might assume from a Chow Chow. One description seems to fit perfectly: A big and fluffy teddy bear with four long legs.

Those looking to adopt a Chow Chow Husky should be aware: This is a dog that will require your attention and your commitment. talk about the Chow Chow Husky.

20 Things to Know about the Chow Chow Husky

1. The Origins of the Chow Chow Husky

Hybrid dogs inherit many of the characteristics of their parent breeds. In Chow Chow Husky’s case, it has good foundations. Huskies and Chow Chows are both old breeds with a long history of human companionship.

The Siberian Husky is one of the most admired dogs in the world. In part, it’s because they are exceptionally pretty dogs. But they are also hard workers, strong, independent, and fiercely loyal. They have their beginnings as sled dogs in Siberia.

Similarly, Chow Chows are intelligent, strong, and love to boss their way around their own packs and families. They will protect as well as any other guard dog. Chow Chows are believed to have been companion dogs for Chinese nobles in centuries past.

Curiously, the crossbreed is relatively new. Breeders started crossing the breeds in the early 2000s. Not much more is known about who or where the breed originates from, other than a general understanding that it was likely first bred in the US.

The two breeds were always likely to create excellent watchdogs, but their intelligence levels were always an attractive proposition to try to combine.

Unfortunately, their strong personalities have created an unexpected anomaly. 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 Huskys has ended up in shelters or rescues.

2. More About the Chow Chow

Chows were guard dogs. They were bred and trained to be no-nonsense protectors of livestock and people. Along the way, they developed very strong territoriality, which makes them excellent guard dogs. That said, without proper training, their instinct to protect may cause problems when you don’t necessarily want it.

3. More About the Husky

One of the distinctive traits of huskies is their beautiful coat. The Chukchi people of Siberia found this coat to be suitable for their dogs and developed the dog to withstand that region’s harsh, cold climate. It also helps that this dog is similarly territorial, or at least protective of its pack, and is extremely hardy, able to survive in these harsh conditions.

4. The Chow Chow Husky Appearance

There’s some variation of appearance when it comes to Chuskies. But, generally, think Husky, only fluffier.

From that point, you can have dogs that vary considerably in size and color, look, and even structure. For example, a Chow Chow Husky may have shorter or longer legs. Males tend to be larger than females. Females may be slimmer or more athletic.

Males also have bigger heads, perhaps slightly more on the Chow Chow side. Females – more often than males – have a finer, narrower facial build. Bear in mind that these are just general trends, and are in no way absolute.

Some Chuskies do inherit the Chow Chow face. This isn’t always desirable as is associated with possible health issues later on (more about this later).

Chow Chow Husky ears have an interesting trait: The shape of the ear tends to be round when they are puppies but eventually become pointed upwards as they grow. 

5. Chow Chow Husky Coat Colors

Chow Chow Huskies predominantly arrive in brown, white, cream, black, and red. They can be either solid-colored or be patched or mixed between the above shades. In general, the colors will be determined by the parent animals, combining or inheriting directly from one.

6. Chow Chow Husky Size – What to Expect

As mentioned, these dogs can vary in size somewhat. On average, a Chow Chow Husky will be between 18 and 24 inches high. Anything taller than 27 inches will be considered large (or rather, tall).

Expect a decent weight to be around 50 lbs, although the range of 40 lbs to 65 lbs is normal. Remember, males tend to be bulkier than females. The dogs are classified medium to large. In summary, these are the key stats for a Chow Chow Husky:

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

7. Chow Chow Huskies and Grooming Needs

It should come as no surprise that the Chow Chow Husky is a major shedder. The big, fluffy coat is known for being beautiful, but also extremely difficult for people with allergies. As such, prepare to brush your Chow Chow Husky on a daily basis.

Even then, daily brushing will only help with keeping shedding under some semblance of control. It’s no miracle solution, and you’re still likely to have lots of hairs from that luscious double coat floating around your home and furniture.

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

While in some cases nail trimming is contentious, Huskies and Chows are traditionally outdoor, hard terrain dogs. In a domestic situation, they may not have an opportunity to wear down those nails naturally in the same way as they normally would. Their nails will therefore grow excessively, especially if your dog does not do much outdoor activity.

Lastly, check your dog’s teeth from time to time for gingivitis or buildup. If you notice any excessive plaque build-up, talk to a vet about 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 a few “instruments of frustration” and play from time to time.

8. Chow Chow Husky Temperament & Behaviour

By now you’re aware that the parent breeds of the Chow Chow Husky are seriously strong-willed dogs. There’s also the intelligence factor, which both breeds are well-known for. The Chow Chow Husky inherits these qualities, and dealing with them will need your commitment and attention.

If you take on the challenge, the first option to consider is hiring a professional trainer. It will still require your own firm hand and ability to deal with the dog, but at least a professional will be able to assist you with the correct methodology as well.

It must also be said that Chow Chow Huskys are not recommended for new dog owners. These canines require an experienced hand, or you might find them dominating your household.

These dogs become very protective of their households. If not trained properly, they will react aggressively to any visitors or strangers. This hybrid will also be difficult to manage socially, as in on walks or any outdoor activity.

That said, remember that these dogs require a lot of exercise too. If you’re up for this challenge, and you don’t mind being mobbed with love from time to time, you might just make a Chow Chow Husky happy.

9. Protective Instincts

Chuskies are famously alert to anything strange. They will bark at the slightest foreign noise outside your home. Without proper socialization, they may act aggressively towards visitors.

So on the one hand, they are great guard dogs, but they may also exhibit undesirable behavior when you least want it. Training these dogs in their judgment is key in this regard.

This breeds territorial protectiveness also makes them more prone to same-sex aggression. So two males or two females may not always get along well. Again, it is best to socialize them young to avoid these kinds of problems.

10. 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 inherited 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 to wreak havoc upon the outside world. For a hybrid breed like this, secure will mean making sure it cannot dig, jump or squeeze under, over, or through any possible obstacle.

There is some respite. The Chow Chow is known for preferring to stay home with its clan. So there is a chance that your puppy will take on this personality instead. There’s no way of knowing until you know, so best be safe than sorry.

11. Chuskies and Families – Do They Work?

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

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 to acclimate to a young toddler, in order to accept it as part of the family. Supervised interactivity will be necessary regardless.

At the other end of the spectrum, this hybrid breed can become quite protective of a child it sees as its family. Either way, it’s easy to see how training plays a vital role in socialization! A Chow Chow Husky requires a lot of effort at first, but it will be rewarded in kind.

12. Chow Chow Huskies and Other Pets

Other pets may not be a problem if the Chow Chow Husky is introduced and socialized properly. It is worth remembering that the breed has a strong prey drive, and may find smaller animals tempting to chase.

The Chusky’s personality suggests they do better as the solo pet of the house, bearing in mind they tend to compete even with other same-sex dogs.

13. A Word on Inter-Pet Aggression

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. Here are a few reasons a Chow Chow Husky may not get along with others.

Bad Socialization

This doesn’t only refer to training, but what is naturally learned from being in a litter or from a parent dog figure. A puppy removed from a litter too early will not learn essential canine behavior that avoids or works around conflict. This will lead to excessively aggressive situations with other dogs.

Resources

If a dog perceives its food or territory is being impeded by other dogs, it may act aggressively.

Protective Instinct

If a female has puppies, for example, instinct may drive the dog to be violently protective of her young.

Dominance

This is particularly relevant when it comes to same-sex aggression, as has been seen with Chuskies.

Fear

Dogs who have a history of being in fearful and harmful situations will naturally react to any new situation with fear, as it perceives a threat.

14. Chow Chow Husky Training

Early training is the key to a well-adjusted, well-behaved, and secure Chow Chow Husky. It’s a matter of dealing with stubbornness and high energy drive.

In part, a home with a good space to run and frolic will help with this. If the space is too small, the Chowski is one of those breeds that may become destructive when confined to small spaces.

One of the other most common complaints about maladjusted dogs is the tendency to bark. It can cause a lot of distress not only for you as an owner, but also for neighbors.

Ultimately, the training will be the main factor in making sure that your dog is fit in mind and body. They will make for excellent family companions if conditioned correctly. Unfortunately, it’s a particularly tricky dog to train, especially if you’re new to dog training, or an inpatient handler.

Chuskies may inherit a short attention span. That’s not because they aren’t intelligent – quite the opposite. They love to do what they want, and like their husky parent breeds, can be quite neurotic.

They push their boundaries and seem to love to test your resolve. It’s important in this context to not react to this with punishment or physical aggression. This will only create a dog with an aggressive attitude when faced with certain situations.

Instead, experts cite positive reinforcement as a key approach, while ignoring bad behavior is the best action to (not) take. Despite their independence, a Chow Chow Husky will observe your reaction to its behavior, and will always want to feel a part of proceedings. In this context, being ignored will feel undesirable. Positive responses will be highly appreciated.

In summary: Professional training is highly recommended for this breed.

Some 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 an obvious benefit.
• You will have more fun. What’s better than being able to understand and enjoy the company of your pooch without fighting its behavior?
• 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 conversely understand its attempt to communicate with you.
• This, in turn, builds 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 control its actions.
• Your home and family will be safer with a dog that understands its social rules.
• Similarly, you’ll be more assured when taking your dog out in public.
• Let’s not forget that your dog need needs to be comfortable when interacting with others, like your vet, your groomer, and your trainer.

15. Exercise For the Chow Chow Husky

Your Chow Chow Husky is going to need a fair to a significant amount of exercise. Consider that these dogs – especially the Husky part – are used to dragging sleds for many hours a day. A mild workout for a hybrid of this caliber would be an hour-long walk.

This makes a Chowski a great companion for a runner or serious hiker. Aside from the mutual love of running and walking, the Chow Chow Husky will be a good security measure for those who go on solo excursions.

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

Tip: Check out these top recommendations for harnesses.

In addition, you’ll need to schedule time for a solid bit of play as well. This will keep the mental health of this intelligent dog engaged.

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 worth noting is that Chuskies don’t mind a bit of cold. In fact, they prefer colder climates, and may actually suffer a little in extreme heat. So even if you live in snowy countries, this adventurous breed will gladly walk and run with you.

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

16. Potential Health Issues for Chow Chow Husky Dogs

First, be assured that in general, Chuskies are healthy dogs. There is no statistical data that shows they are any less healthy than average.

However, as all hybrid breeds do with their parent breeds, Chuskies can take on a few of their not-so-desirable vulnerabilities. This isn’t unusual, and many can be treated or at least managed well enough. A reputable breeder will also be able to discuss the tendencies of the breed to display any of the issues mentioned here.

It’s therefore important to make sure you get to know as much about your puppy as early as possible. This may include getting them tested and checked out by a vet regularly if you have any suspicion of a health issue manifesting in the dog.

Here are a few of the inherited issues that may be passed down via genetic predisposition.

• Cataracts – like with humans, cataracts will make your dog partially or sometimes totally blind. The condition is not fatal, though. Sometimes, surgery may alleviate the condition somewhat.
• Eyelid Entropion – 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. If it occurs in puppies, they may outgrow the condition. It can, however, also lead to a more serious condition causing blindness.
• Hip dysplasia – A condition that progressively affects the hip joints. Pain and eventual lack of mobility can be expected, and largely affects bigger breeds.
• Stomach cancer – Though not common 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.

17. Brachycephalic Respiratory Syndrome

Something to note: The chunky face and additional structure of the Chow Chow has shown a possible propensity for a condition called brachycephalic respiratory syndrome. The Chow seems to have an unfortunate combination of structures that sometimes result in breathing problems.

The chow has shorter bones, an elongated palate, and excessive skin towards the rear of the mouth. This blocks the air passage to some degree. The puffy face of the Chow also narrows the intake of air through the nostrils. There are one or two other smaller issues that, when combined, create the conditions possible for this problem.

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.

18. Oral Health in Chuskies

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 if indeed required.

19. The Chow Chow Husky Can Be Pricey

The price for a puppy doesn’t seem especially high, given it’s a hybrid breed. Expect to pay around $600-$1000 from a breeder. The real costs involved with the Chow Chow Husky are the additional costs of grooming, vets, and food. Some have suggested budgeting around $1500 per year for this. It’s a seemingly costly customer compared to most other breeds.

20. Feeding Your Chow Chow Husky

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 in training.

Some owners try raw or homemade, cooked meals for their special dog. This is a delicate business. It’s best to consult with your vet before feeding your dog anything that isn’t clinically balanced. In fact, it’s a good idea to chat with your vet for recommendations anyway.

Remember to balance your dog’s diet in terms of nutrients and volumes. This dog is active and gets lots of exercise, so calories should reflect that. An imbalance could contribute to 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 it is getting the correct amount of exercise.

Final Thoughts on the Chow Chow Husky

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

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

Many openers 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. You’ll be saving a dog, and finding a friend.

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

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