Australian Shepherd Husky is a designer breed that is around 20 years old.
These designer dogs are the result of breeding between an Australian Shepherd and a Siberian Husky.
Given the majestic appearance of both breeds, it’s little surprise that this cross has proven so popular.
Although they’re a popular mixed breed, it’s still quite rare to see one.
Australian Shepherd Husky mix is the most common name for these beautiful dogs – but they do go by other names.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the Australian Shepherd Husky mix in closer detail.
We’ll also feature some photos from Howling Up North (@howlingupnorth) and you can read out interview with the Instagram stars here.
Jump To Section
What is an Australian Shepherd husky mix called?
Before we examine these designer dogs in closer detail, we need to look at the various names attached to this cross breed.
Australian Shepherd Husky mix is the most common name used to describe these striking dogs but they can also be called a variety of other names.
Sometimes the name is shortened to Australian Husky mix. They can also be called an Aussie Siberian or an Aussie Husky. It can be shortened further to Ausky.
What is an Australian Shepherd Husky mix?
As you’ve probably gathered, the Australian Shepherd Husky is a cross between an Australian Shepherd and a Siberian Husky.
The Aussie Siberian mix was thought to have first originated at the start of the 21st century as designer breeds continued to enjoy a surge in popularity.
Both breeds have a striking appearance and were originally used as working dogs. Therefore, Aussie Huskies tend to be intelligent and relatively easy to train.
A word of warning: Australian Shepherd Huskies may be highly trainable but can come with a stubborn streak given this is a common trait of Aussies and Huskies.
What is an Australian Shepherd?
Don’t be fooled by the name: Australian Shepherds can trace their roots back to the mountainous regions between France and Spain.
Basque farmers sailed to Australia at the turn of the 19th century and brought their herding dogs (called the Pyrenean Shepherds) with them.
Laying down the foundation of the breed, the Basque ranchers left Australia to travel to California where the Australian Shepherds proved a big hit.
The Australian Shepherd entered the AKC Herding Group in 1993.
What is a Siberian Husky?
Siberian Husky originate in eastern peninsula of Russia (Photo: Adobe Stock)
Siberian Huskies are originally from the northern region of Russia aptly called Siberia.
They lived alongside the semi-nomadic Chukchi people and were used to pull light loads on sleds over long distances.
The northern dogs didn’t arrive in Alaska until the start of the 20th century where they played a big part in the Gold Rush.
Siberian Huskies earned worldwide notoriety when 20 mushers and 150 dogs delivered life-saving serum to Noma in a 674 mile journey in five-and-a-half days.
Originally named Arctic Huskies, the American Kennel Club granted the Spitz breed status in 1930. Their named was changed to Siberian Huskies in 1991.
What do Australian Shepherds look like?
Australian Shepherd Husky mixes have a striking appearance that will secure them attention wherever they go.
Aussies usually have coats that are blue merle, black, red merle, red-all with or without white markings and/or tan (copper) points.
Siberian Huskies have coats that are black and white, copper/red and white, grey and white, sage and white and all-white.
Both breeds can have eyes that are are brown, blue, amber or any variation or combination. Bi eyed and parti eyes are not uncommon.
How big do Australian Shepherd Huskies get?
Ausky Judge (Photo: Howling Up North / Instagram)
Australian Shepherd Huskies are medium-to-large dogs. Their size can depend on what physical traits a puppy inherits from each parent.
Aussie Shepherds are usually between 18 and 23 inches tall and weigh between 40 and 65 pounds.
Siberian Huskies have a height range of 20.5 and 23 inches and can weigh between 35 and 60 pounds.
Therefore, an Aussie Siberians have a height range of 18 to 23 inches and a weight range between 35 and 65 pounds.
Temperament of the Australian Shepherd Husky Mix
Australian Shepherds and Siberian Huskies have well defined personality traits but given Aussie Husky breed is still in its infancy, it’s hard to say with complete certainty the traits these designer dogs will have.
However, we can get an idea of the possible temperament of Australian Shepherd Husky mixes by looking at the traits of both the Australian Shepherd and the Siberian Husky.
The Aussie Shepherd is a smart dog with an innate instinct to guard and herd. As a result, they’ll usually try to herd other animals and even children. The AKC describe the breed as “animated and attentive”.
Siberian Huskies, on the other hand, are sociable dogs that like to interact with other dogs and humans. The northern breed don’t make good guard dogs due to their friendliness, while they’ve got high energy levels.
There’s no guarantee when it comes to what personality traits an Ausky will inherit from each parent. Their temperament won’t become apparent until they start to mature from puppies into adults.
Do Australian Huskies require a lot of exercise?
We can say with a certain level of certainty that Australian Shepherd Husky mixes will require a substantial amount of exercise.
The AKC describe the Aussie as a “a high-energy, athletic dog” that will need a lot of exercise on a daily basis.
Similarly, Siberian Huskies have a lot of energy to expend given the Spitz breed were designed to pull sleds over long distances.
If you’re planning to get an Ausky, you’ll need to ensure that you can give your dog enough exercise to deplete some of their energy levels. Otherwise they could resort to unwanted behaviors.
Are Australian Shepherd Huskies easy to train?
Ausky Judge (Photo: Howling Up North / Instagram)
Australian Shepherds are smart dogs that are equipped to guard and herd livestock. As a result, they’re quick to learn and follow commands.
Siberian Huskies were required to be independent thinkers as they were entrusted with picking the best routes to take a sled during long expeditions.
However, both breeds can have a stubborn streak. Although an Aussie Siberian should be highly trainable, you’ll need to start training from a young age to keep their independent tendencies in check.
Do Australian Shepherd Huskies make good pets?
Australian Huskies can make great pets but they do come with a number of potential cons.
First time dog owners may want to avoid an Aussie Siberian as a pet.
Given Aussies were adept herders, some members of the breed can nip at other pets and young children. This is a trait that could be inherited by Australian Shepherd Huskies.
An experienced dog trainer should be able to help with this issue.
Both Australian Shepherds and Siberian Huskies have a reputation for wandering off. The latter have a high prey drive so they can easily go bounding off in pursuit of a gopher or squirrel.
As a result, it’s imperative that you’ve secured your garden or backyard as Siberian Huskies can be expert escape artists.
Siberian Huskies have a tendency to resort to destructive chewing if they’re bored, while both Aussies and Huskies need a lot of mental stimulation.
Are Australian Huskies good with children?
Australian Shepherd Huskies tend to be sociable dogs. Siberian Huskies were a big part of Chukchi tribe, which included children.
As we mentioned above, dog owners will need to keep an eye on their Aussie Husky in the event that they start to herd kids.
We never advise leaving children unsupervised with an Australian Shepherd Husky mix – or any dog for that matter!
Do Australian Huskies shed?
Ausky Judge (Photo: Howling Up North / Instagram)
We can say with some degree of certainty that Australian Huskies are moderate to high shedders.
Both Aussies and Siberian Huskies have double coats that can protect them against the elements. Aussies have water resistant coats and Siberian Huskies have fur that can withstand cold temperatures.
So you can expect an Australian Shepherd Husky mix to have a versatile coat.
They’ll usually blow out their coat at the changing of the seasons, which can result in copious amounts of dog hair around the home.
Australian Shepherds will require regular grooming to maintain the quality of their coat as well as remove debris and dead hair.
Are Australian Shepherd Husky mixes hypoallergenic?
Australian Shepherds aren’t hypoallergenic. There’s no such thing as a 100 per cent hypoallergenic dog but some breeds are more hypoallergenic. This isn’t the case with an Aussie Siberian.
Australian Shepherd Husky puppies
You should avoid using generic websites or going to pet stores to find an Australian Siberian puppy.
Find a breeder online and be prepared to ask a lot of questions. You should enquire about the AKC/UKC registration of the parents, ask to see the mother with her puppy as well as documentation of health and vet checks.
Australian Shepherd Husky mix puppies can cost between £500 and £1000, although the price could vary depending on each individual pup.
Other potential costs include dog food, pet insurance, grooming, vet trips and much more. You can check out the best pet insurance options in the USA and the UK.
Australian Shepherd Huskies to follow on Instagram
The best way to learn more about Australian Shepherd Huskies is by finding Aussie Siberians on Instagram.
You’ll usually find that owners are more than happy to give prospective buyers vital information about the cross breed.
Here are some Ausky accounts that you can check out on social media.
1) Judge (@howlingupnorth)
2) Echo (@echo.the.ausky)
3) Sir Galahad (@sirgalahadthedashinglyhandsome)
4) Willow (@willow_the_service_ausky)
5) Nova Leigh (@novatheausky)
Anything else to consider?
An Ausky has an average lifespan of between 12 and 15 years.
Sometimes Mini Australian Shepherds can be bred with a Siberian Husky to yield a smaller sized Australian Husky pup.
In conclusion
Ausky Judge (Photo: Howling Up North / Instagram)
So there you have it, we’ve provided you with a brief introduction to the Australian Shepherd Husky mix.
These designer dogs have a beautiful appearance with striking eyes that will grab your attention.
An Ausky is a high energy dog that will require regular exercise and lot of mental stimulation.
However, in the right environment, they can be great family pets.
