Labsky or Huskador: All About this Breed

From the crossbreeding of a Labrador and a Siberian Husky comes the hybrid breed known as the Labsky or Huskador. Would you like to know what characteristics define this dog? Keep reading!

Reviewed and approved by the biologist Samuel Sanchez.

Written by Laura Morales Negrin

Last update: 27 December, 2022

The last few decades have seen the emergence of many hybrid dog breeds. One of them is the Labsky or Huskador, a dog that comes from cross the Labrador and the Siberian Husky.

If you look closely at this dog, you can differentiate the characteristics of each of the breeds that it comes from. Although we have to say that one of them in particular stands out – find out which one!

The origin of the Labsky or Huskador

This breed originated in the USA, back in the 1990s. However, we also know that, in other parts of the world, the Labsky also began to be raised independently some years ago.

The name of the first recorded Huskador was Runnie, one of the first examples of this cross that emerged in the U.S. Speaking of names, the Labsky or Huskador is also known as the Siberian Retriever or Husky Lab mix.

The greater recognition of this cross began in around 2009, but, by 2006, there was already a specific club to honor this dog in Germany. In it, during several meetings, the breed standard was firmly established. However, it was difficult to find consensus among breeders. The reason was that there were big differences in size and weight between the existing crosses at that time.

Physical characteristics of the Labsky

A curiosity about the Labsky or Huskador is that there are three different sizes:

• The toy size, which allows up to 35 centimeters (14 inches) in height at the withers.
• The miniature size, which measures between 35 and 40 centimeters (14 to 16 inches).
• Finally, there’s the standard Labsky or Huskador, which measures between 40 and 45 centimeters (16 to 18 inches) at the withers.

In all of these cases, the dog’s body is compact, strong, and balanced, weighing between 18 and 28 kilos (40 – 60 pounds). In addition, it has a wide head, crowned by the ears of high origin, more rectangular than triangular.

Depending on the dominant genes, the ears may be a little fallen (as they are completely in the Labrador) or erect (as in the Husky). At birth, you’ll never know what they’ll be like and you’ll have to wait until the dog grows up to find out.

The Labsky has a long muzzle and its eyes are small, oval and brown, blue, or they may have heterochromia (each one of a different color). Finally, it’s worth pointing out its tail, which is long and somewhat curled towards the back.

Fur of the Labsky or Huskador

This dog has a double layer of silky fur that allows it to withstand very low temperatures, as happens with the Siberian Husky. As for the coat colors, this can be come in various shades: black, white, brown, brown, cream, gray, or combinations between two or more of them.

Some specimens have a kind of black mask on their face, but this doesn’t happen in all cases. Because of this, it isn’t a strict standard characteristic.

The behavior of the Labsky dog

If something makes the Labsky such a fabulous pet, it’s how faithful and affectionate they are with those who welcome them into their family. In addition, being somewhat territorial dogs makes them act quite protectively at home.

They’re very active animals with heaps of energy. For this reason, they’re perfect for sporty people who want their pet to accompany them in certain activities. They’re also great working dogs.

Of course, although these are fairly common characteristics in all examples of this cross breed, we must take into account the character of their parents and if they take their characteristics more from one or the other. For example, Huskies are rather more nervous than Labradors, which are calmer, and they also bark more.

The training of the Labsky or Huskador

Another distinctive feature of this dog is its great intelligence. Thanks to this, they aren’t usually too complicated to train, because they learn quickly and this favors their relationship with the family.

The training, of course, should always be based on positive reinforcement. In addition, it should start from the time the dog is a puppy and continue throughout the first few months, establishing a daily routine of between 15 and 30 minutes.

The periods of play are also just as important. This is because the animal also needs mental stimulation and motivation. If it doesn’t find it, then it can become somewhat lazy and stubborn.

The most important care tips for a Labsky or Huskador

Among the most important care tips are related to hygiene. To begin with, as they have two layers of dense fur, their hair molts quite regularly and there’s usually lots of it!

Therefore, combing the dog daily will help to remove these hairs and its coat will look and grow healthier. In addition to this, it’s important to check their ears and clean them if you find them to be dirty. Don’t forget good dental hygiene as well.

Neither should you overlook this breed’s need for exercise, as it’s a very active animal. In addition to running, one of the activities they enjoy most is swimming, so, whenever possible, you should look to give them that possibility.

Because of how energetic these dogs are, they tend to easily get bored if they lack stimuli. Therefore, in addition to physical exercise, they’ll need toys to keep them amused.

Finally, another important aspect of this breed’s care plan is their diet. In this case, you need to choose food that’s created for active medium-sized breeds.

The health of the Labsky

Although they’re strong-looking dogs and can live between 10 and 13 years, these dogs are prone to suffer some of the most common diseases of the two breeds they originate from. Among them, ocular illnesses are especially relevant.

For example, glaucoma is common in both the Labrador and the Husky. The Husky can also suffer from conjunctivitis, cataracts, corneal dystrophy, and progressive retinal atrophy with relative frequency. In addition to this, there are other diseases that can appear in these dogs if certain genes predominate. Among them are:

• Elbow and hip dysplasia
• Hemophilia
• Epilepsy
• Arthrosis
• Thyroid problems
• Degenerative myelopathy
• Follicular dysplasia
• Dental problems

Finally, we also need to highlight obesity as one of the problems that can most affect this breed. There is a certain genetic predisposition towards obesity in Labradors, but its lifestyle also has a great influence.

The labsky or huskador in family

This dog socializes quite well and can have a very good relationship with children, especially when they’re puppies. As they grow up, they can become a little more confused by how children play with them, and they can get a little defensive in certain situations.

However, hey aren’t at all aggressive by nature, and so there should be no conflicts at home with any of the family members. Even so, as with any dog, the training provided will be essential for coexistence.

Finally, as we mentioned earlier, it’s a very athletic and energetic animal, and so only people who can meet that need should consider adopting them. This breed isn’t suitable for families who don’t have enough time to take the dog out several times a day to exercise.