Pet Wiki

Huskador

Canis lupus familiaris

Also called Siberian Retriever, Husky Lab, Husky Labrador mix

A cheerful, curious and affectionate dog that pairs the Lab's eagerness to please with the Husky's independent spirit.

SizeMedium
Weight18 to 34 kg (40 to 75 lb)12
Height51 to 64 cm (20 to 25 in)21
Lifespan10 to 15 years12
CoatShort to medium dense double coat
OriginDesigner cross of recent decades with no single recorded origin; the Husky parent comes from eastern Siberia and the Labrador from Newfoundland, developed further in Britain.1234
CrossbreedShort profile
friendly and good-natured
smart and keen to work
playful partner for active families
12

Personality what they are like

A cheerful, curious and affectionate dog that pairs the Lab's eagerness to please with the Husky's independent spirit. It is clever and enjoys having something to do, though it can be a bit headstrong at times. Which parent shows through more varies from dog to dog.125

Coat and looks how to spot one

short to medium dense double coat

An athletic, long-legged dog with a thick double coat that is usually short to medium in length. Some look more like a Lab, others more like a Husky, and eyes can be brown, blue or one of each.125

Coloursblackbrowngoldencopperredgreysablewhitemixed12

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for a Huskador. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • Brushingevery week
  • Bathevery 8 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
  • Ear checkevery 2 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upevery year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

Very high. At least two good walks of 30 minutes or more each day, plus chances to run off-lead in safe areas and games like fetch, frisbee or swimming.21

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Brush weekly most of the year and daily when the coat is moulting, as these dogs shed a lot, especially in spring. Check and clean ears weekly.21

Home where they are happiest

Best with active owners and a moderate to large secure garden where the dog can stretch its legs.1

Food basics what goes in the bowl

A complete, good-quality diet with balanced protein, fats and carbohydrates, portioned to keep the dog lean. Smaller meals spread through the day are suggested.12

Company who they like around

Loves company and usually gets on well with children and other dogs when socialised. Does best in a home where it is not left alone for long periods.21

The story where it all began

The Huskador has been bred on purpose only in the last couple of decades. Its Husky side was developed by the Chukchi people of Siberia as sled dogs, while the Labrador descends from St. John's water dogs of Newfoundland and was refined by British breeders in the 1880s.134

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    Huskadors often have one brown and one blue eye, a look inherited from the Husky side.1

  2. 2

    The Husky parent breed is famous for the 1925 serum run to Nome, Alaska, where sled dogs like Togo and Balto carried medicine across hundreds of miles.3

  3. 3

    The Labrador parent is named after the Labrador region of Newfoundland, where its water-dog ancestors came from.4

  4. 4

    Huskadors have been used in search and rescue, tracking and therapy work.1

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name 'Huskador' is a portmanteau of 'Husky' and 'Labrador', combining the names of its two parent breeds: the Siberian Husky and the Labrador Retriever.2

Name ideas for your new friend

YukonNovaKodaSplashTundraCopperMistyFinnAspenRippleZephyrLoki

A day in the life told by a Huskador

Morning! I nudge my human's hand until they laugh and grab the leash. We race to the park, where I chase the frisbee until my tongue hangs out. A puddle calls my name, and I splash through it, then shake all over my friend. Later, I dig a small hole behind the shed, just because. At dusk, I curl on the couch, head on a lap, sighing happily. A good day: run, play, cuddle. Tomorrow I'll do it all again.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

The Royal Kennel Club
Crossbreeds are not recognised as pedigree breeds, but they can be registered on the Activity Register and take part in agility, obedience and similar events.5
Designer Breed Registry (DBR)
Listed by the Designer Breed Registry, according to K9 of Mine.1

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Huskador, and at what times?

Feed your Huskador at least two meals a day, with smaller portions spread through the day to keep them lean. Puppies need three to four meals. Times can be morning and evening, but follow your vet's advice for your dog's age and activity level.126

What should a Huskador eat, and which foods are dangerous?

A complete, good-quality diet with balanced protein, fats and carbs is best, portioned to keep your dog lean. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, these are especially harmful to dogs.127

How often should I bathe a Huskador?

Bathe your Huskador about every 8 weeks, or at least once every three months, unless they get very dirty. Over-bathing can strip natural oils, so follow your vet's advice for your dog's coat and skin.8 Pet Wiki plan

How often does a Huskador need brushing?

Brush your Huskador weekly most of the year, and daily during spring moulting season to manage heavy shedding. Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests weekly brushing to keep the coat healthy.12 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim a Huskador's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every 4 weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick (the pink part), and use proper dog nail clippers. Ask your vet or a groomer to show you if unsure.8 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does a Huskador need?

Your Huskador needs very high exercise: at least two good walks of 30 minutes or more each day, plus off-lead runs in safe areas and games like fetch or swimming. Pet Wiki's plan includes daily walks and play to keep them happy.12 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after a Huskador's teeth and ears?

Brush teeth two to three times a week with dog-safe toothpaste, daily is ideal. Check ears weekly for dirt or redness, and clean gently with a vet-recommended solution; never push anything into the ear canal. Pet Wiki suggests ear checks every 2 weeks.128 Pet Wiki plan

How long does a Huskador live?

A Huskador typically lives 10 to 15 years, with proper care, diet, and regular vet check-ups. Enjoy many happy years with your cheerful companion!12

Is a Huskador good with children and other pets?

Yes, Huskadors usually get on well with children and other dogs when properly socialised from a young age. They love company and are affectionate, but always supervise interactions with very young kids.12

Can a Huskador be left alone?

Huskadors prefer not to be left alone for long periods, they thrive on company and can become bored or anxious. If you must leave them, provide plenty of exercise and mental stimulation beforehand, and consider a dog sitter or daycare.12

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

Parents and lookalikes

Siberian HuskyLabrador RetrieverShepskyAlaskan Husky

Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Huskador 101 - K9 of Mine k9ofmine.comused for names, origin, size, lifespan, coat, eyes, temperament, care, fun facts
  2. Husky Labrador Mix - Canine Journal caninejournal.comused for size, lifespan, coat, colours, exercise, grooming, diet, social
  3. Siberian Husky - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for parent history, fun fact
  4. Labrador Retriever - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for parent history, fun fact
  5. What is a crossbreed dog? - The Royal Kennel Club royalkennelclub.comused for recognition, trait variability
  6. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  8. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-10-01. Text is written in our own words from these sources.