Charming polar huskies with blue eyes are a well-promoted canine product. Husky snow dogs are recognizable, popular and in demand: famous kennels earn extra money with shows, sled rides, photo sessions and sale of young.
Selection of the species continues to this day: livestock specialists are trying to create a more versatile working animal from wayward dogs. This article discusses the “canine mix”, a delicacy of “designer selection”, a hybrid of two popular breeds: husky and Labrador retriever .
Pros and cons of Labrador mixes
The Labrador Retriever is one of the kindest animals. Hybrids of this dog breed usually have a lot of additional positive qualities:
- goodwill;
- good learning ability;
- good health;
- unpretentiousness in nutrition.
high intelligence;
Cons: Unpredictability of exterior and character. When mating with rather aggressive and wayward breeds, the offspring may inherit far from the best qualities of the parents. However, they can still be adjusted through proper education and training.
Peculiarities
Metis have 2 purebred parents, but are considered outbred animals themselves. They have neither a passport nor a pedigree. One of the advantages of these pets is that they can be purchased completely free of charge . The benefits from such a dog will be no less than from its titled parents.
In most cases, hereditary diseases do not pass to mestizos.
Their psyche is stable, and you can try to obtain their character and external characteristics by crossing a Labrador with suitable types of dogs, although the results may be unexpected.
Labrador and dachshund mix
The Dachshund and Labrador Retriever mix is a very unusual combination. Externally, the dogs are similar to representatives of the second breed. From the first they inherit short legs and a slightly sly expression on their faces.
This is interesting. A mixture of a dachshund with any breed will have short legs - this is how a mutation manifests itself, stopping the growth of limb bones.
The dachshund mix is active and playful. These dogs don't mind spending time with children, and many of them love to swim.
The Labrador dachshund is very creative. The pet will not let its owner get bored, surprising him with new tricks every day.
Keeping puppies at home
Spaniel mixes are always positive and playful, happy to have owners and small family members. They love communication and get along with almost everyone.
When it comes to caring, you need to follow a few simple rules, and then keeping such breeds will only bring you joy.
The peculiar structure of the body leads these puppies to frequent problems with the ears - otitis media and hearing loss are not uncommon phenomena here, and therefore careful care is required for the ears to avoid rubbing, scratching and swelling. You need to constantly clean your ears, wipe your ears with a cloth with a bactericidal solution or even just water, wiping them dry. The coat must be constantly washed and combed diligently - this also applies to the ears, since falling hair can get into the ears.
Dogs require frequent and long walks. Not all owners are ready for this. The musculature of these dogs requires sports, activity, constant movement and games.
Nutrition should be complete, vitamins and minerals taken into account
You need to purchase a bowl for both food and water, which should be available at all times, because both the puppy and the adult pet are always active.
It is important to visit the veterinarian promptly for routine examinations and vaccinations, as it is very important to monitor the animal’s hearing and vision.
The collar should not be chosen tight, but according to the size of the neck, since often the dog can tug on the leash out of emotion and cause inconvenience to itself: choking itself and rubbing its neck.
You can learn how to toilet train a dog by watching the video below.
Labrador and Shepherd mixes
The Labrador and German Shepherd mix is a very popular breed. These dogs grow quite large, have floppy ears and a medium-length coat. The most common color is black.
The character of a cross between a Labrador and a Shepherd is dominated by friendliness and loyalty. Animals respond well to training and quickly remember commands. They do not conflict with other pets and get along well with children.
For your information. If “Germanic” blood predominates in a mestizo, he will have to be brought up in strictness. Otherwise, the dog will try to take a leadership position.
The hybrid inherits the guard instinct from the German. He can be entrusted with the protection of property and territory.
Ideology of hybridization
Labrador mixes are endowed with a lot of positive characteristics.
- quick adaptation to a new environment;
- excellent protective functions of the body;
- flexible character;
- inquisitive mind;
- ease of training.
Mixed dachshund and toy terrier, chihuahua, shepherd dog, spaniel and others
Such animals are allowed to attend exhibitions. True, they are never awarded prizes.
Note! Mestizos are very cheap. And sometimes they can even just be given as a gift.
Labrador and Shar Pei mix
The Labrador-Shar Pei mix is extremely rare. It is slightly smaller in size than the first, but larger than the second. Dogs have skin folds on the head and front of the body.
Mestizos become very loyal. However, they need early socialization, otherwise they may become aggressive towards strangers and other four-legged animals.
For your information. Crossbreeds do not always have the protective qualities characteristic of Shar-Peis.
Interesting fact
The Akita breed was made famous throughout the world by a Japanese dog named Hachiko.
The Ina dog, which meets and sees off its owner every day on the way to work through a railway crossing, could not believe his death.
For nine years in a row, every day Hachiko ran to the train station, hoping to meet his faithful friend.
Hachiko translated into Russian means eight, since this was already the eighth pet. At the time his owner died of a heart attack, the dog was only 18 months old.
Numerous attempts by friends and acquaintances of the deceased professor to take Hachiko in were unsuccessful.
The dog persistently returned to the former owner's house and slept on the steps.
Hachiko became famous throughout the world in 1932 after the publication of the next issue of the largest Japanese newspaper with an article about a dog awaiting the return of its deceased owner 7 years after the tragic event.
Devotee Hachiko died of terminal cancer and heart filariasis. He was found on one of the Japanese streets near the station. After his death, an official day of mourning was declared in the country.
During Hachiko's lifetime, the local authorities erected a statue, which was later restored after the 2nd World War (it was used for military purposes).
Nowadays, the Hachiko monument is a symbol of love and fidelity. Millions of young men and women make appointments around him, for which it is not customary to be late.
A stuffed figure of Hachiko stands in a Japanese museum. The dog's remains are partially buried in a Tokyo cemetery.
Labrador and poodle mix
Labradoodle, or Australian Cobberdog, is the name given to a cross between a Labrador and a poodle. This is a new breed that is not yet recognized by international canine communities.
Mestizos are good-natured, sociable and intelligent, and are often used as guides and rescuers. Another advantage is hypoallergenic wool.
There are several varieties of cobberdogs:
- standard – height up to 65 cm, weight up to 42 kg;
- average – height 45-55 cm, weight 25-35 kg;
- mini – height about 35 cm, weight up to 15 kg.
This dog is an excellent partner for sports and a good nanny for children.
Famous representatives
The lack of a unique breed did not prevent many mongrels from becoming real stars. Among them were the first Soviet cosmonauts Belka and Strelka, as well as many four-legged assistants who, without hesitation, threw themselves under enemy tanks with mines on their backs and transported the wounded during the Great Patriotic War.
Military dogs
Outbred but loyal pets were also mentioned in the literature. Chekhov's Kashtanka, whose fate brought millions of people around the world to tears, was also a mongrel. Eduard Asadov dedicated a very sad poem to a red mongrel dog, and Bulgakov wrote a whole story “The Heart of a Dog” about a stray dog. Obviously, the absence of titled parents does not become a serious disadvantage for a four-legged pet. These are unique animals that are distinguished by unique health, unconditional loyalty to the owner and good intelligence.
The mongrels Belka and Strelka are the first Soviet cosmonauts
Labrador and Husky mix
The cross between a Labrador and a Husky became known as a Labsky. These are dogs with a rather difficult character. They are prone to dominance, and with a lack of upbringing they can demonstrate aggression towards people.
But in good hands, the husky hybrid shows the best qualities: playfulness, friendliness, high intelligence. Animals quickly find a common language with children and enjoy spending time with them.
This is interesting. Labski has a very good instinct. The Husky mix is used to search for drugs and explosives.
In body type, coat type and color, hybrids are more reminiscent of retrievers. However, the colors can be not only monochromatic, but also spotted.
A mixed breed of Husky and Labrador is often born with sky blue eyes, which gives the look a special expressiveness. There are frequent cases of heterochromia, when the iris of the left and right eyes are colored different colors.
Who is better to have
Both of these breeds are absolutely beautiful, but they are not for every dog lover. Due to the fact that they require a lot of time and the right approach, they are not worth getting for novice dog breeders. Experienced dog breeders can choose a breed based on their character and lifestyle.
Huskies are ideal for active people who love sports. They get along well with children, so they are also suitable for families. This is a charismatic dog for charismatic owners. You need to take into account that problems may arise if they are left at home alone; they may start howling and whining because they are bored.
If you need a calmer and more reserved dog, then the Malamute is the ideal option. Due to their nature, these dogs are quite skeptical of children, so they are better suited for adults. It is worth remembering that this breed is also a working breed, and you need to do a lot with it. They can play and have fun, just like Huskies, but they will do it in moderation.
Labrador and mongrel mix
This is a completely unpredictable hybrid. A dog can have both a lot of advantages and a lot of disadvantages.
When mating two purebred animals, you can predict what kind of character the offspring will have. In the case of a mongrel, this cannot be done because it has an unknown set of genes.
For your information. Still, many such mestizos resemble Labradors in behavior - they are friendly and active.
The appearance of crossbreeds depends on the parents - the puppies mix the characteristics of both mother and father.
How to distinguish a purebred husky puppy from a mixed breed?
Up to three months it is difficult to distinguish a purebred puppy from a husky cross. Before buying, you need to look at the entire litter and choose the most active one, who strives for freedom and shows interest in the environment. It is necessary to pay attention to the external signs of purebred:
- the ears are dense, erect, with sharp tips;
- the tail does not rise above the back;
- the skeleton is strong, does not look too light, nor rough and massive;
- scissor bite.
A purebred puppy is purchased from a specialized nursery, where they will provide metrics, pedigree and a brand. If you have any doubts about your choice, you should seek help from experienced dog handlers.
Labrador and Corgi mix
Corgi and Labrador crossbreeds are squat, elongated dogs with short legs and a dense body. The appearance contains features of both breeds, but the signs of the first are more pronounced.
The Corgi mix was loved for its character. She is active, playful, sociable and loyal. These dogs are full of optimism and always enjoy life. They are smart and love children. In rare cases, they bully their relatives, but they treat pets very well.
What will he become?
All puppies are cute and adorable. But owners, as a rule, want to imagine in advance what will grow out of the fluffy ball, whether it will fit in the apartment and whether it will obey.
Character traits
If the breed is regulated by a standard, then in the case of a random mating it is difficult to predict what specific qualities the dog will have. Even a purebred puppy’s character does not appear immediately. One individual husky may be calmer than another, and a shepherd dog may be less intelligent than its littermates, but in general their disposition will correspond to the breed norm.
However, trainers and animal psychologists confidently testify that almost any dog can be raised so that it becomes a “positive member of society.” There are exceptions: sometimes psychopaths and maniacs are also born among people. But this (pathological learning disability, innate tendency to causeless aggression) are rare cases, and it is unlikely that you will come across such a dog.
The vast majority of situations associated with antisocial behavior in dogs come from childhood, that is, they are associated with psychological trauma and improper upbringing. If you devote enough time to your pet from the very beginning, patiently raise it and train it, it is almost a guarantee that you will grow up a dog with whom you can negotiate.
Laika and Labrador are breeds with characters that do not contradict each other. So a mixture of the two will most likely be:
- curious;
- loving active recreation;
- smart and quick-witted.
You definitely shouldn’t expect her to become a reliable guard and watchman - none of the original breeds are prone to this. If your dog gets more of this from the Husky than from the Labrador, he will be more independent and wary of strangers. If the labrador genes win over the husky, it will be more trusting and friendly.
Appearance
Before the birth of mixed-breed puppies, it is difficult to predict what they will be like, but at the age of 1–2 months, the differences between the Laika and Labrador types are already visible:
- those puppies that received more from a Labrador will be larger, those from a husky will be smaller and finer-boned;
- from a husky, a child can inherit a donut-curled tail and erect triangular ears;
- a Labrador puppy's face will not be as sharp.
Color in our case is a lottery. The husky/labrador mix can be either completely white or fawn or darker. But the puppy’s coloring is visible immediately after birth - this will not come as a surprise to the owners.
Mixed Labrador and Doberman
Such hybrids make excellent guards. But if the Doberman genes become dominant, the dog can become quite aggressive.
Crossbreeds grow large. They usually look like Doberman Pinschers, but their faces are more reminiscent of Labradors.
For your information. A black Labrador mix will look more impressive - its color is not so strikingly different from a Doberman.
What is the breed standard
A dog breed standard, including a Labrador, is a set of characteristics and physical attitudes for an animal that must be preserved for the purity of the breed and the health of the breed.
The standard was approved in 1987 for two varieties of breeds - American and English Labrador. The standard includes not only the exterior, but also the characteristics of the dog’s temperament.
In dog breeding, it is customary to focus on the English standard of the Labrador breed, because it was adopted somewhat earlier than the American one.
The American breed standard is not much different from the English one, this mainly concerns the temperament of the dogs - the “Americans” are more active than the “English”.
Labrador and Dalmatian mix
Such crosses inherit positive qualities from each breed in the form of friendliness and developed intelligence. They are reasonable, balanced, charming and charismatic.
The dog will be an excellent companion, suitable for families with children. The dog will be able to protect the owner from danger, but will only bite in an emergency.
Externally, mestizos are similar to spotted Labradors, but have a lighter build and long legs.
Attitude to training
German Shepherd and Husky are breeds that are highly trainable. But you need to start from childhood.
Husky puppies are very stubborn, and the first stages of training are best spent simply walking with your pet. If the puppy resists and does not want to perform the action, you should force it to do it in any way. This way he will understand that he will still have to work and next time he will be less stubborn.
It is important for German Shepherd puppies to learn commands from childhood, starting with the simplest ones. For example, “sit”, “give me a paw” and others
It is better to start professional training with a general training course.
And in order for the puppy to learn the “place” command, it is necessary to determine for him a place where he will always rest. If it doesn’t lie where you want it, you will have to move it and at the same time repeat “place, place...”.
Before purchasing any puppy, you should weigh the pros and cons and analyze whether you can pay enough attention to it for normal development. A dog is an excellent pet for active people, it disciplines and can be an excellent helper.
The main thing to remember is that a dog is a big responsibility, and not just a friend and protector.
It is difficult to talk about which dog breed is better and which is worse. They are all good in their own way, it all depends on the lifestyle and preferences of the future pet owner. Siberian Husky dogs are excellent companions and working and sled dogs. They are able to travel long distances without getting tired and carrying loads. German Shepherds are excellent guards, watchdogs, have shown themselves to be excellent operational workers, and are also wonderful companions.
Labrador/Cane Corso mix
This is a large and strong dog with a pronounced guard instinct. Animals are distinguished by endless devotion and developed intelligence. However, the crossbreed may be prone to dominance - at the slightest concession, she will try to take a leading position in the family.
Properly socialized dogs are friendly with other animals and love children. But playing together must be done under the supervision of adults.
Mestizos will not tolerate too intrusive attention and rude treatment.
Comparison by quality
Dog breeders and dog handlers often compare the characteristics of different breeds. Dobermans are certainly strong and intelligent animals , but everything is learned in comparison.
Who is stronger than who?
Compared to the German Shepherd
Representatives of both breeds are distinguished by both strength and loyalty. It is difficult to compare them, since they serve their owner to the last drop of blood. However, German Shepherds are more irritable and aggressive compared to the Doberman Pinscher, so they are more suitable as a guard dog. In a fight, the Doberman will show agility due to its more graceful physique.
With a pit bull
In a fight, there is a high probability that the pit bull will win . They are more massive, they can crush a Doberman with their body weight, and a death grip on the throat will ensure victory for the pit bull. In addition, pit bulls are always ready to fight, while Dobermans are characterized by some restraint and loyalty.
With Stafford
In a fight, just as in the case of a pit bull, victory will most likely go to the Stafford, since both breeds, unlike the Doberman, are fighting breeds. Pronounced muscles and weight will not allow the Doberman to show its natural agility.
Labrador and shorthaired pointer mix
The shorthaired pointer, or German shorthaired pointer, is a hunting breed characterized by very high activity. It is these qualities that are manifested in mestizos.
You will have to walk and play with such a dog a lot so that it doesn’t get bored. The best place to keep it will be a spacious country house.
If the owner can provide the pet with regular intellectual and physical exercise, he will make an excellent companion. These dogs are friendly, balanced and loyal.
In order for a mixed breed to treat other animals well, it must be socialized from early childhood. A strong and strong-willed person must be involved in raising a pet, otherwise the dog may get out of control.
The crossbreed grows quite large - about 60 cm at the withers. Its build resembles that of a shorthaired pointer, its head shape and coat type resemble that of a retriever.
Nutrition
Husky puppies and adults need to eat properly. Only if this rule is observed can we talk about the health and longevity of the pet.
Initially, you need to choose food for your dog - dry or wet. Many owners choose dry food because they do not need to be prepared in advance - just pour the food into a bowl and that’s it. However, both granulated and wet food (pates, pieces in gravy) must be of high quality classes.
If you don’t want to give your pet ready-made food, you can feed your dog natural products instead. You should consider what representatives of this breed can eat:
- chicken and turkey meat;
- offal;
- cartilage;
- beef meat;
- oatmeal;
- buckwheat;
- rice;
- sea fish;
- low-fat fresh kefir;
- egg yolks;
- cabbage;
- zucchini;
- carrot;
- pumpkin.
Huskies should not be fed the following foods:
- pork;
- mutton;
- sweets;
- flour products;
- smoked meats;
- salo;
- any pickles and marinades;
- fried foods;
- spicy dishes;
- milk;
- chicken protein;
- bones;
- nuts;
- potato;
- grapes and raisins.
You should always remember that a husky spends an incredible amount of energy during the day. For this reason, dogs of this breed always need to replenish it by consuming sufficient amounts of protein-rich food.
It is very important to give your pet an exclusively balanced diet. It should contain vitamins A, E, C, D, B, K and many others
In addition, the food should contain the following elements:
- zinc;
- iodine;
- iron;
- copper;
- calcium.
Labrador and Staff mix
The Labrador and Staffordshire Terrier mix is a short, stocky dog. Its coat is of medium length, its muzzle is elongated, like a Labrador, and the size and location of its eyes are identical to the Staff.
These hybrids are not recommended for families with small children, as they can exhibit fighting qualities. But in most cases, these are peace-loving and affectionate animals that love games and walking.
Such a different bull terrier
Most people call all dogs with the characteristic pig-like muzzle Bull Terriers. Meanwhile, dog handlers usually use the term pit bull. This name covers dogs with similar physical characteristics and includes the American Staffordshire Terrier (Amstaff), Bull Terrier, American Bulldog, Dogo Argentino, Dogo Canario, Italian Cane Corso, or any mixture of these.
However, not only ordinary people who have little understanding of cynology, but also lawyers in many countries do not bother with such nuances and equate any dog with bull terriers if one of its parents belonged to the above-mentioned breeds. The fact is that the genetic similarity of these dogs visually makes it difficult to determine “who is who.” In other words, not only here, but also in other countries, dogs with a square head and a powerful body are called bull terriers.
