Labrador Husky

Breed Rating

Breed Details

General

The Labrador Husky is a medium size Spitz type dog originating in Labrador region of Canada. Bred to be sled pullers, the dogs are very strong and hard working with great endurance. Unlike what the name of the breed may suggest, it was not developed from Labrador retriever and Husky dogs. This is a purebred dog that was brought to Labrador region of Canada by Inuit people who came to this area in 1300s. Once closely related to other northern breeds like Siberian Huskies, these dogs became isolated and developed on their own. Some Wolf blood was added to make the breed stronger. Later blood lines of Alaskan Malamute and German Shepherds were also introduced to make this breed larger and smarter. That is why this dog resembles Siberian Huskies but is much larger and more wolf-like.

This is a strong and large dog that stands between 20-28 inches and weighs about 60-100 lbs. A large and round head starts off this breed and leads to long and narrow muzzle. Both the head and muzzle are profusely covered with fluffy fur. Pricked ears are pointed. It has a thick but sleek body with wide and heavy boned chest. The dog's long legs, strong feet and webbed paws allow it to be swift on snow when pulling the sled. It has been living under very cold conditions successfully due to its very dense double coat that comes in black, white, black & white, red & white and grey & white.

This breed is not well known outside its region of origin and is NOT recognized by AKC or any other major kennel club.

Color

This breed comes in solid as well as combination of colours. Solid colours include solid black and solid white while combination of colours include black and white, red and white and grey and white. Two very rare colours include wolf-grey and solid grey.

Coat

The dog has a thick, fluffy and dense double coat all over the body that protects it from freezing cold temperatures of northern Canada.

Personality

Initially bred to be sled dog, the Labrador Husky is in fact a versatile working dog that is now being given search and rescue jobs as well as seen in agility competitions. It is an excellent and very hard working breed that displays immense stamina and durability. As the rarest and most unknown of the northern dog breeds, it is often a misunderstood dog with people being daunted of having this breed as family pet. It is a very adaptable dog that makes a great family pet with its very loving and affectionate nature. The Labrador Husky bonds itself strongly with its family, makes great playmate of children and excels in almost any task that is given to it. Its gentle and considerate nature as well as quiet and friendly nature makes it endearing to its family. This dog is non-aggressive and friendly with strangers and is very happy when among other dogs. It is not trustworthy around other non-canine pets due to its high prey drive. It is a well behaved breed that will excel as family companion with proper training and socialization.

Care

The thick, dense and double coat of this dog needs extensive grooming. The coat will benefit from regular thorough brushing that will remove dead hair and dirt from the coat. This dog is a heavy shedder. It has a fondness for swimming and can be bathed when it gets dirty.

Training

Training the Labrador Husky with positive reinforcement becomes fun as it is an intelligent breed that learns fast. However, this dog needs an experienced owner who can establish himself as this dogs' packleader.

Activity

As a hardworking dog, the Labrador Husky has high needs for exercising. It is not a dog for inactive family or individual. Certainly not a breed to live in an apartment, the dog would ideally suit a house with a large yard where it can play, run and let off steam. Long walks and ample exercise will go a long way towards keeping this dog calm and non-destructive.