A Mastiff Siberian Husky Mix is an unusual dog. These dogs are a mixture of the ancient Mastiff used as guard and war dogs going back to Roman times and the sled-pulling Husky, which is part of the Spitz family.
However, as with every breed or mix, these dogs are not for everyone. Read on to learn more about some of the traits to decide for yourself.
Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Get a Mastiff Siberian Husky Mix
- May weigh in excess of 200 lbs.
- Might have a lifespan as short as 6 years
- Could have seasonal allergies sometimes difficult to treat
- Sometimes these dogs are heavy shedders
- Poorly suited to apartment living
Reasons Why You Should Get a Mastiff Siberian Husky Mix
- A beautiful dog that many consider wolf-like in appearance
- Suited to outdoor activities like hiking with weights or sledding
- May weigh closer to the 35-50 lb. mark
- A fun-loving mix ready for adventures
- Good with most other dogs
Appearance, Personality, Coat and Colors, Lifespan, and Traits of a Mastiff Siberian Husky Mix
The Mastiff Siberian Husky Mix is a big dog with an appearance best described as alert and stunning.
Standing as high as 28 in. and weighing as much as 88 lbs., these dogs are ideal for everyone who loves large breeds. Whether the dog takes more after the Mastiff or Husky side will greatly affect the dog’s adult size.
Mastiff influence will result in a more reserved dog, while Husky influence results in a friendlier dog. Careful training is essential to help ensure that these dogs don’t veer towards either extreme.
Coat types may range from short and smooth to thick and fluffy, depending on the dominant breed’s influence.
Some of the color variations possible include:
- Tan
- Black and white
- Gray
- White
- Red
- Brown
The lifespan for one of these mixes may greatly vary. Mastiff influence may result in a lifespan of 6-12 years, while Husky influence may result in a lifespan closer to 12-14 years.
These dogs are likely to howl a lot, especially when left alone for longer periods. Another unique trait that these dogs have is the likelihood of having blue eyes. These dogs may have one blue and one brown eye or particolored eyes.
Mastiff Siberian Husky Mix Puppies for Sale
Mastiff Siberian Husky Mix puppies are available through breeders and sometimes rescues. More breeders offer purebred Mastiffs or Huskies than Mastiff Huskie Mixes. However, this mix is in high demand because of its unique traits.
When you find a breeder with puppies available, there are some helpful things to look for to make sure you’re using an ethical breeder.
These features include:
- Allowing prospective buyers to see the parents
- Willingness to answer any questions from buyers
- Make sure the puppies have received their initial round of puppy shots
This mix is often considered a designer breed. Many breeders take the pedigrees from the respective breed lines into account, despite not being listed in major registries.
Although these dogs are excellent companions, they have traits that sometimes result in surrender to a rescue or a shelter.
Some of these reasons for rehoming include:
- Destructive behavior if left alone too often
- Howling that might be bothersome in apartment or condo settings
- Escape artists who often dig under fences
- Difficult to manage on a leash without training
- Sometimes moderately aggressive toward strangers
Sometimes one of these dogs might be labeled as a different breed if shelter or rescue staff are unfamiliar with the mix. Depending on whether they look more like one breed or the other, these dogs may end up in breed-specific rescues.
Grooming Your Mastiff Siberian Husky Mix
Grooming a Mastiff Siberian Husky Mix may or may not require a lot of effort. When these dogs take after a Mastiff, the coat is short and dense.
A dog with a shorter coat will benefit from weekly brushing, although twice a week might be necessary during shedding season. Bathing about every eight weeks is usually sufficient unless your dog has gotten into something messy.
When these dogs take after their Husky side, the grooming requirements are more rigorous.
A typical grooming routine for dogs with Husky coats includes:
- Weekly brushing using a wide-toothed comb and paddle brush
- Daily brushing during shedding season when your dog sheds his undercoat
- Bathing about once a month
Despite the size and the fact that these dogs may have thick double coats, this mix is relatively low-maintenance. Regular brushing and bathing, as needed, will keep these dogs comfortable all year long.
Mastiff Siberian Husky Mix Health Problems
A Mastiff Siberian Husky Mix may inherit health issues from one or both sides of his family tree. On one hand, mixed-breed dogs have a little more genetic diversity, reducing problems in many purebreds.
However, health problems present in both breeds are more likely to show up in crosses. When you can find out about your dog’s parents’ health, that may help you know what to expect from your Mastiff Husky Mix.
The health conditions that these dogs are most likely to experience include:
- Eye diseases like chronic dry eye, glaucoma, and progressive retinal atrophy
- Elbow dysplasia
- Hip dysplasia
Mastiffs and Huskies often have difficulties with eye disease. Dry eye is common and often results in irritation, but easily treatable.
Glaucoma in dogs like glaucoma in people involves a buildup of pressure in the affected eye. Irreversible blindness can result without prompt treatment. Medications that relieve pressure and surgery may help dogs with this condition.
Elbow dysplasia is a condition that your dog might inherit. Although this condition often progresses, surgical intervention may help your dog retain as much mobility as possible.
Hip dysplasia involves the hip joint not fitting into the socket, resulting in painful slippage. Supplementing, physical therapy, and surgery are possible remedies.
Mastiff Siberian Husky Mix Food Requirements
One of the most important things to remember about a Mastiff Siberian Husky Mix is that these dogs should eat at least twice daily.
Feeding at least twice a day is a good way to prevent gastric torsion, which is common in some large breeds. Having Mastiff ancestry makes these dogs particularly susceptible to bloating. Spreading feeding out over several smaller meals helps prevent torsion.
Your dog’s activity level plays a role in caloric requirements. If your dog leans more toward the Mastiff side in their activity level, they will not require as much food. However, more food is necessary if they have a Husky’s activity level.
Puppies will require about three or four feedings daily with high-quality puppy food. When you feed your dog puppy food, you’re helping ensure healthy growth. Many orthopedic problems that plague big dogs as they age are preventable through nutrition.
High-quality food formulated for larger breeds usually works best for this mix. The protein content should be high, and the food should be free of fillers or artificial ingredients. Raw food or grain-free diets can help these dogs feel their best.
Mastiff Siberian Husky Mix Exercise Requirements
The Mastiff Siberian Husky Mix has exercise requirements that may vary depending on which of the breeds is dominant. Mastiffs are quiet and often considered couch potatoes. On the other hand, Huskies are often very active, sometimes hyper.
Up to three hours of walking daily with good leash control are essential for a happy, well-adjusted dog.
Outdoor exercise in a fenced-in yard is also helpful, especially if you have another big dog. Activities that involve running or chasing are perfect for dogs this size. If you’re unsure of your abilities in walking your dog, backyard play is an alternative.
Some of the activities most helpful for the dog’s energy level include:
- Frisbee or flyball
- Playing in a pool or under a sprinkler
- Tag-like games, especially involving kids
If your dog has been trained and behaves well in public, a trip to the dog park might be helpful for exercise. It is helpful to keep in mind that not everyone makes their dogs behave at the dog park. Your dog needs good social skills.
Another activity ideal for these dogs is taking a walk or hiking while using a weighted backpack. The weights will help your dog use more energy during his walk. Activities that leave dogs tired, in a healthy way, are beneficial.
Although these dogs are suited to sledding, not every dog of this mix is naturally inclined to take part in such activities. Although some will pull a sled willingly, others may refuse. Respecting your dog as an individual always helps.
Mastiff Siberian Husky Mix Training
The Mastiff Siberian Husky Mix has unique training needs. On one hand, these dogs are loyal and devoted to their families. On the other hand, these dogs can also be strong-willed and tend to get overexcited at times.
Socializing your dog around other people and animals from an early age is essential. The more comfortable your dog is with new people and situations, the fewer difficulties that you’ll encounter. Knowing which skills your dog needs to master is also essential.
Some of the things that you may need to work with your dog on include:
- Sitting and staying when told
- Walking on a leash without lunging and pulling
- Stopping barking when told
One of the biggest contributors to dogs having trouble sitting and staying when told is being distracted.
Holding your dog’s attention is one of the best ways to help keep him from wandering away. Rewarding your dog with treats will encourage sitting.
Once you’ve taught your dog to keep his eyes on you, then you’ll want to work on getting your dog to stay. Keep your dog’s attention for a few moments before giving him the okay to get up. Then, give your dog a treat.
Using a harness or head collar is a great way to maintain control of your dog’s pulls a lot. When your dog pulls, consider standing your ground and not moving. Alternately, you can walk in circles or a zig-zag pattern to discourage pulling.
When your dog gets too noisy, provide a distraction in the form of a disruptive noise to get its attention. Once your dog has stopped barking, reward him with a treat. He will learn to associate keeping quiet with getting a reward.
Mastiff Siberian Husky Mix and Families
The Mastiff Siberian Husky Mix is an excellent dog for families. Both the breeds that make up this mix do well with or at least tolerate children.
However, despite being good with children, these dogs should never be purchased specifically as childrens’ playmates. Their strength and, in some cases, activity level can make it difficult for children to keep up.
These dogs easily devote themselves to the whole family, not just a select one or two members. Don’t be surprised if these dogs want to see where you’re going and what you’re doing all the time. You are, after all, part of their pack.
Mastiff Siberian Husky Mix and Other Pets
The Mastiff Siberian Husky Mix sometimes has a complicated relationship with other pets. Part of this comes from the two very different breeds involved.
Mastiffs are guard dogs likely to see smaller dogs or cats as something to protect. On the other hand, Huskies might see small pets as something to chase or otherwise harass. Your dog may exhibit traits more from one breed than the other.
Careful introductions to new pets are essential for these dogs. All interactions with a new dog or cat should always be supervised to prevent any problems. Introducing everybody properly will help ensure more harmonious relationships.
