20 Things You Didn’t Know About the Chusky
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There are limitless possibilities for mixed dog breeds out there, but it doesn’t necessarily mean that they should be done. It’s true that some mixes are superior to others, and some mixes are purely accidental in nature. That said, we celebrate the day when the Chusky came to existence because this dog breed is probably one of the best and coolest mixed dog breeds we’ve seen in a long time. Chuskies are Chow Chow and Siberian husky mixes. They look the part, and they definitely characterize the part. If you’ve ever thought about what your next dog will be, surely you must consider a Chusky. Here are 20 things about the Chusky breed you probably didn’t know about.
1. Names
If you’ve never heard of the name Chusky before, perhaps you might’ve heard the other names this breed goes by. Some of the names we’ve heard to characterize this mix include Chow Husky, Husky Chow, Chowski, and a few others. Of course, you can get creative yourself and come up with a few names. Siberian Chow isn’t bad at all.
2. Recognition
Although the American Kennel Club (AKC) will never recognize mixed dog breeds, there are other dog organizations that recognize hybrid breeds. The Chowsky happens to be recognized by two organizations. The first is the American Canine Hybrid Club (ACHC); the second is the Dog Registry of America, Inc. (DRA); and the third organization is the International Designer Canine Registry (IDCR). The ACHC recognizes the name Chowski, while the IDCR recognizes the breed’s name to be Chusky.
3. Unknown origin
Unfortunately, the origin of the Chusky is unknown for the moment. No one has stepped forward to claim the creation of the breed. There’s a high likelihood that the breed happened by accident, but even that is difficult to determine as well. Even so, there’s a certain fascination that comes along with nature taking its own course and evolution devising its own plans. Perhaps the Chusky is a simple result of natural breeding, and we stand to just benefit from the beauty of it all.
4. Intelligence
Chusky dogs are known to be an intelligent breed. It’s not surprising considering what parent breed Chuskies come from. Siberian huskies are some of the smartest dog breeds there are. Their instincts are strong and accurate. Chow Chows, on the other hand, are just as smart as well. They are great as pets and develop deep and meaningful relationships with their humans. It’s only natural for the product of these two breeds to be a dog that’s just as smart—if not smarter.
5. Stubbornness
With intelligence often comes the quality of stubbornness. Although it doesn’t always happen with every dog breed, it does with Chuskies. This is the very reason why Chusky dogs are not ideal for novice pet owners. It’s not that they’re difficult to deal with; it’s simply because they are more set and stubborn in their ways. Dog breeds that are innately stubborn are a little bit more difficult to train. However, with patience, determination, and love, Chuskies will learn what they are taught and learn them for good. Their stubbornness will never truly go away, but it’s possible for pet and owner to find compromise.
6. Coat colors
A Chusky’s coat is one of its coolest characteristics. There’s no denying the fluffiness of a Siberian husky or a Chow Chow, and a combination of the two is even better. Chusky coats are even fluffier than its parents’, and they also come in a variety of colors. Some of the coat colors you might find on a Chusky include white, black, cream, brown, and even red. You might a solid Chusky color or a mixture of coat colors. A Chusky’s coat is a double coat, and it’s generally dense but extremely soft—especially when it’s well cared for.
7. Food
Chuskies are considered to be large dog breeds. They may require more food than their smaller peers, but be careful not to overfeed these dogs. Always consult your veterinarian for the right food amount, but generally it will be no more than 3 to 4 cups of kibbles each day. Chuskies will also be better off with the best quality dry dog food rather than other alternatives. Giving your Chusky proper food will ensure its good health, good teeth, and an overall good life.
8. Training
Unfortunately, training a Chusky will require hard work. These dogs are not easy to train. If you already have some experience with dog training, it will definitely come in handy. Otherwise, you might be better off hiring a training professional to at least get you started. It’s easy to get discouraged when your dog isn’t responding to training, and we’ve already established that Chusky dogs are some of the most stubborn pups you can find. It’s important to get training started as soon as you bring your Chusky home. Constant obedience training will be necessary to ensure your Chusky’s good behavior.
9. Exercise
It’s no surprise that Chusky dogs require a high amount of exercise. Chuskies are active creatures. Aside from their size, their high activity levels will require the owner to have enough space for these dogs to run and roam around in. Because of the parent Chow’s inclination to be more laid back, there will be times when you might have to push your Chusky to move around. However your dog’s temperament may be, your Chusky will still need a lot of physical exercise each day.
10. Weather
It’s hard to have to consider weather when looking for a pet. It’s important to consider, however, because warm weather is not good for a breed such as the Chusky. Chuskies don’t tolerate heat well at all. Heat will affect your dog tremendously and not in a good way either. It will affect even your Chusky’s coat. If you happen to live in a warmer climate with your Chusky, make sure that you can take measures to keep your dog as cool as possible.
11. Teeth
Here’s an interesting tidbit about Chuskies: some Chusky pups are born with missing teeth. It’s actually a mark of how much care Chusky teeth need, especially if the case of the missing teeth happens to your pup. Regular daily brushing is necessary to maintain the health of your Chusky’s teeth. While other breeds may get away with getting their teeth brushed once a week, that won’t work with a Chusky. They already have fewer teeth to begin with compared to other dogs, so it’s important to really care for the teeth they’ve got.
12. Protective
Much like its parents, the Chusky dog breed happens to be protective. At times, a Chusky might become overprotective of its human, but this is simply a signal of love. Because of this, Chuskies are great watchdogs. They will definitely alert you when you have an intruder or protect you when you are being threatened. If you have a family, you can rest assure that your Chusky will protect them too.
13. Barking
Even though a Chusky will alert you if you have an intruder, these dogs are pretty quiet at all other times. In fact, they are not the biggest barkers. It’s a welcomed trait by most dog owners, as barking from a large dog can get very loud—especially in an enclosed space. On the upside, you’ll surely appreciate a Chusky’s barking when it’s called for due to an intruder. You won’t miss your Chusky’s bark for sure.
14. Size
We’ve already mentioned how big Chuskies get. Specifically, a Chusky dog can reach heights from 17 to 23 inches and weights of 35 to 75 lbs. Although that can be considered as mid-sized pets, they’re definitely big enough to be called large. The Chusky’s parents are also large dogs, so you can say that size runs in the family. Because of their size, Chuskies will require a bit more of living space. It’s important that your dog gets ample space indoors and outdoors for healthy living, and it will also be good for your mental state at the end of the day.
15. Life span
It’s always difficult to think about dogs having a limited life span, but that’s the reality all dog owners have to face and consider. Chusky dogs will generally have a lifespan of 12 to 15 years. It’s about average for dogs and may actually even be longer compared to other larger dogs. Even though that’s the general life span expectation for Chuskies, there are many things you can do to help prolong the life of your pup. Proper diet, exercise, and proper care are the first steps for your dog to live longer and healthier.
16. Separation anxiety
Chuskies are known to suffer from severe separation anxiety. Because these dogs are very loyal, they get extremely attached to their human families. Because of this, they don’t do well when left alone for prolonged periods of time. There are ways you can alleviate separation anxiety in pets, but be mindful about owning a Chusky if you know that your schedule won’t be good for it. Chuskies long for constant company, and they will suffer greatly if they don’t receive the company they need.
17. Health issues
Much like other dog breeds, Chuskies are susceptible to a few hereditary health illnesses. It’s important to be aware of this in order for you to be able to keep an eye on them should symptoms start to come about. Some of these health issues include hip dysplasia, cataracts, glaucoma, stomach cancer, gastric torsion, and a few others. The Chusky’s Chow Chow parents are also considered to be brachycephalic dogs, which means that Chuskies might have a host of respiratory issues as well. Of course, you can’t forget about the dental issues.
18. Grooming
You might enjoy grooming the lavish coats of a Chusky, or you might hate it. Their coats require regular grooming and brushing—at least twice a week—in order to maintain good health and good shine. Not enough brushing will lead to matting and a coarser coat. You’ll also need to make sure that your Chusky’s ears are cleaned regularly and that its nails are trimmed as well. Regular nail trimming will prevent them from cracking and splitting.
19. Shedding
Unfortunately, Chuskies shed quite a bit. It can be a deal breaker for many, but there are ways to control it. Chuskies will shed all year round, and they will also shed their entire coats twice a year. This means that Chuskies won’t be a good option for those with severe dog allergies. If you want to control your dog’s shedding, make sure you brush regularly and gently. Giving it the best food possible will also help tremendously. Finally, never allow your Chusky to overheat. This will definitely not be good for its coat altogether.
20. Price
If you’re ready to buy a Chusky for yourself, be prepared to spend a good sum of money for them. Chusky dogs are not the most affordable breeds, as they come at a high price. The best breeders will charge anywhere from $500 to $1,000 or more per dog. Of course, that price doesn’t include the cost of maintaining your dog either. You’ll also have to consider other costs such as food, grooming, vet visits, toys, and so much more. While the price may be steep for owning a Chusky, it’s important to know that they are very much worth the price. They are loving companions that will treat you like the family you are and will be loyal to you to the end.
