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The Rhodesian Ridgeback and Siberian Husky Mix is a stunning crossbreed between two truly unique breeds. You can imagine how adorable the puppies of these two breeds are, with their silky-smooth brown coats and piercing blue eyes. These dogs are capable of many things, from hiking with their pet parents to tracking and agility exercises. They are very family-oriented, although a spacious backyard is a must for this breed.
Before getting a Rhodesian Husky Mix, there are several things you need to think about to become the ideal pet parent. Continue reading this article to find out more about this amazing breed and whether it is a perfect choice for you and your household.
Breed Overview
Height:
20–27 inches
Weight:
65–80 pounds
Lifespan:
10–14 years
Colors:
Brown, black, white, tricolor, agouti
Suitable for:
Families with older children, people with spacious backyards, active people
Temperament:
Loyal, intelligent, friendly, family-oriented
The Rhodesian Husky Mix is a wonderful and gorgeous crossbreed with all the best features of the parent breeds. The Siberian Husky and Rhodesian Ridgeback are both equally majestic and brilliant dogs with entirely different origins and backgrounds. However, molding these two unique breeds into one creates a stunning dog capable of many things. These pups are huge fans of outdoor activities like hiking, running, tracking, and exploring new areas. These dogs require very little maintenance, as an occasional brush and bath make their fur look clean and neat.
Rhodesian Husky Mix Characteristics
Rhodesian Husky Mix Characteristics
Rhodesian Husky Mix Puppies
Getting a new puppy is an exciting time for any family. However, it can also be stressful, especially when introducing the puppy to a new environment. There are many things to consider, and your first and most crucial decision will be where and how to acquire a puppy. Since we are talking about the Rhodesian Husky Mix puppies, which are rare, you can expect to search for a bit longer for a reputable breeder.
The puppies of this mix can vary in appearance, mainly inheriting the coat from the Rhodesian Ridgeback, with the attractive black, brown, and white tricolor patterns. Some puppies will inherit the gorgeous agouti markings and color patterns of the Husky side, making this mix even more unique.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Rhodesian Husky Mix
The parent breeds of the Rhodesian Husky Mix are adorable, friendly dogs with elegant and powerful personalities. Regarding this mix, it inherits the best traits from the parent breeds, with a lot of energy and personality.
Are These Dogs Good for Families?
The Rhodesian Husky Mix is family-oriented and perfect for any family household. Their sweet and playful personalities allow them to befriend anyone, making them especially great with children. Their large size might seem intimidating, but they can get along with kids with proper monitoring. This mix is an ideal family dog; however, they do require plenty of outdoor space for playing, exploring, and running around, so a spacious backyard is desirable.
Does This Breed Get Along with Other Pets?
The Rhodesian Husky Mix is a very tolerant dog that will be a perfect companion even in multi-pet households. They are very outgoing and open to making new friends, so they generally get along well with other pets in the house. While these pups usually approach other dogs in a friendly and non-threatening manner, pet parents should be careful with other males in the same house.
Things to Know When Owning a Rhodesian Husky Mix
Food & Diet Requirements
The Rhodesian Husky Mix is a generally large dog, meaning they need plenty of energy for daily activities. Because these are very energetic pups, their diets must be nutritious and well-balanced to match their lifestyle and allow them to stay as healthy as possible. The best diet for the Rhodesian Husky mix is a high-quality, commercially available dog food, or you can top it with homemade meals.
Because of their lean bodies, it is best to base their diets around meat and animal-based protein, such as lamb, chicken, beef, turkey, fish, and eggs.
Exercise
Rhodesian Husky Mixes are strong, athletic dogs, so plenty of daily exercise is crucial for keeping their bodies healthy. Since they come from working dog parents, they will be happiest during outdoor activities. This breed will also benefit from frequent mental stimulation, so you can offer them puzzle toys or puzzle feeders and let them participate in activities such as agility or tracking.
Training
All dogs will greatly benefit from socialization and training from an early age, and the same goes for the Rhodesian Husky Mix. Because the Rhodesian Ridgeback is sometimes known to be stubborn, this mix often inherits the strong will from this parent breed. They need a firm but gentle hand in training and a lot of patience and tolerance. It is best to make the training sessions fun and engaging for both the puppy and the owner.
Grooming ✂️
Most Rhodesian Husky Mix dogs inherit their coat texture from the Rhodesian Ridgeback, which is a good thing because these dogs require minimal maintenance. Weekly brushing is recommended to remove the dead hair and keep the coat as soft and neat as possible. You should also trim their nails regularly to prevent discomfort during walks.
Health and Conditions
Luckily, both parent breeds are very healthy dogs, with a few minor health problems that a responsible breeder will screen their stock for. The most common issues include elbow and hip dysplasia, hypothyroidism, and eye anomalies. Siberian Huskies are prone to epilepsy, so the Rhodesian Husky Mix might develop this condition too.
- Dermoid sinuses
- Eye abnormalities
- Hip dysplasia
- Elbow dysplasia
- Lymphocytic Thyroiditis
- Hypothyroidism
- Epilepsy
Male vs. Female
When it comes to differences in the male and female Rhodesian Husky Mix, there are very few. Male dogs generally might be more affectionate towards their owners, while females might be more reserved at times. Of course, both are equally caring and sweet, however. Because the Siberian Husky tends to seek dominance in a group of male dogs, the Rhodesian Husky Mix might also inherit this behavior, making it challenging to adapt in a home with multiple male dogs.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Rhodesian Husky Mix
1. The Rhodesian Ridgeback Is Also Known as the African Lion Hound.
The Rhodesian Ridgeback originates from southern Africa, where it was bred mainly for hunting large game, especially lions. Because of this past, it is also known as the “African Lion Hound.”
2. The Rhodesian Husky Mix Can Inherit Coat Types from Either Parent.
The Rhodesian Husky Mix can inherit their coat from either parent. If it inherits the coat of the Siberian Husky, it will have a fluffy, double coat, which will shed profoundly but require minimal maintenance. Their coat is usually agouti grey, and this mixed breed can even inherit the blue eyes from the Siberian Husky. On the other hand, the Rhodesian Ridgeback might have stronger genes in this mix, and many Rhodesian Huskies have smooth, brown, or tricolor coats.
3. The Siberian Husky Originates from the Chukchi People.
The Rhodesian Husky Mix inherited its stamina and love for running and hiking from the Siberian Husky. These dogs were originally bred as work dogs in northeastern Asia, traveling long distances as sled dogs.
Final Thoughts
After learning all the details about the Rhodesian Husky Mix, you will see how unique and impressive this breed is. They are perfect for large spaces and backyards with enough space for exploration and freedom while fitting in perfectly in families with children. Because they are family-oriented, you can expect them to adore each family member and form strong bonds.
See Also:
- Rhodesian Mastiff Mix: Pictures, Care Guide, Temperament, and Traits
- Rhodesian Great Dane Mix: Pictures, Care Guide, Temperament & Traits
Featured Image Credit to: Left – Nina Quka, Pexels | Right – Saira Sustaita, Unsplash