20 Things You Didn’t Know About the Huskita

Designer breeds are created when two purebred dogs are bred. The aim is for the resulting dog to have positive attributes of both breeds. One example of a designer breed is the Huskita. If you are thinking about getting a Huskita, then you must find out as much as you can about this mixed breed to make an informed decision about whether it is the right dog breed for you. You need to learn if they will fit into your home, family, and lifestyle before you commit to having a dog for life. Here is a fact file of 20 things you didn’t know about the Huskita to help you make this decision.

1. One Parent is the Siberian Husky

Also known as a Siberian Akita, one of the Huskita’s parent breeds is the Siberian Husky, says Dog Time. It is an ancient breed that was first bred more than three thousand years ag in the Soviet Arctic. They lived among the Chuckchi Indians, keeping them warm, assisting with hunting, and pulling their loads. The breed made its way to North America, Canada, and Alaska, and it is now popular around the world. Siberian Huskies are a medium-large dog with a thick coat and a solid-looking head.

2. The Other Parent is the Akita Inu

The other parent breed of a Huskita is an Akita Inu, also known as an Akita, which is another ancient breed that is quite similar in appearance to the Siberian Husky. These large Spitz dogs originate from Japan, and they were originally bred for hunting bears, boar, and deer. The breed almost became extinct during World War 2, but the breed survived and is now popular across the globe.

3. The Physical Traits Do Not Vary Much

With many designer dog breeds, it is difficult to predict how a pup will look when it grows, as they have physical characteristics of both parent breeds, or look more like one than the other. Therefore, their appearance can often vary significantly, and you may not know exactly how your designer dog will look until they are fully-grown. That is not the case with Huskitas, because both parent breeds are similar in appearance. Both the Siberian Husky and the Akita Inu are sturdy dogs with muscular bodies, thick necks, pointed ears, and a long muzzle. Due to the physical similarities of the breed, it is fairly easy to predict the appearance of a Huskita.

4. Huskitas Are a Medium-Large Dog Breed

According to Dog Zone, the Huskita is a medium-large dog breed, just like its parents. This designer breed usually grows to a height of between 22 and 25-inches. In most cases, male Huskitas are taller than female Huskitas.

5. They Can Weigh Up to 75 Pounds

The weight of the average Huskita is within the range of 50 pounds and 75pounds. Males are usually heavier than females, and the dog’s height will make a difference to its weight. Some other factors that can potentially impact a dog’s weight include activity levels, diet, and general health. It is best to seek your vet’s advice regarding the healthy weight range for your dog. Your vet can offer you advice about how to help your dog maintain a healthy weight with the right diet and exercise. Make sure you do not allow your Huskita’s weight to creep up and exceed the maximum for the healthy range as obesity can lead to many health problems.

6. There Are Many Color Variations

There are many color variations of Huskitas. Some of the most common colors include various shades of black, gray, red, sable, brown, fawn, and silver. While some Huskitas are a solid color, many have two or three colors. Another feature of the Huskita is that they usually have darker coloring on their face. You may see several color variations within the same litter, so you will have a lot of choices. The color you choose is a matter of personal preference.

7. They Are Usually Loyal Dogs

Both Akitas and Huskies are loyal dogs, and this is a personality trait that is passed to the Huskita. Their loyalty means that they are protective of their human family and their home. However, not all Huskitas will inherit this trait from their Akita parent as some inherit only the personality traits of their Siberian Husky parent.

8. Most Are Affectionate

One of the personality traits that the Huskita inherits from its Siberian Husky parent is that they are very affectionate, which is why they make excellent companion dogs. If you are lucky enough to have a Huskita that has this trait, then they will make a good pet for families with older children. Despite their affectionate nature, their size and energy levels mean that they are not a great choice for families with younger children.

9. Huskitas Need Positive Reinforcement During Training

Huskitas are a highly intelligent and hard-working dog breed, which means that they excel in most areas of training. However, they are also a strong-willed breed, and this means that you will need extra patience. They will find training difficult if you try to dominate them, and training is much more successful if you use positive reinforcement to encourage them and help to build a strong bond. If you have no experience of training a dog, then it is best to take your young Huskita to training classes, as an experienced dog trainer will get the best results. For example, Huskitas are prone to hyperactivity, and an experienced trainer will know how to channel their energy for successful training.

10. They Have a Double Coat

One of the most appealing features of a Huskita is its thick, double coat. Their soft coats feel gorgeous to touch. As Huskies originated from Siberia and Akitas come from north Japan, a double coat was necessary for both breeds to survive in freezing temperatures. The coat of a Huskita is straight and not overly long.

11. Huskitas Need Lots of Grooming

As Huskitas have such a thick coat, their coats are prone to matting. Therefore, regular grooming is a necessity. According to Wag Walking, you should brush your Huskita’s coat at least once a week as this will get rid of all the hair they shed. However, you will need to double your grooming routine to at least twice a week during the hotter months, as this is when they shed the most. Although they need regular grooming to prevent matting and assist with shedding, Huskitas do not have a difficult to groom coat. You should also trim your Huskita’s nails regularly or take them to a dog groom for nail trimming if you do not want to do this task yourself.

12. They Need Daily Exercise

Although Akitas and Huskies are similar in appearance, they differ in the amount of activity they enjoy. While Akitas (https://www.pets4homes.co.uk/dog-breeds/japanese-akita-inu/) are quite lazy dogs that are not overly bothered about having long walks, Siberian Huskies are very energetic and need lots of exercise. Huskitas take after their Husky parent, and they need daily exercise. It is recommended that you take your Huskita for a 90-minute walk every day. Walking so long for so often is a big commitment in terms of your time and energy, so you should think carefully about whether it is achievable. If you do not meet the physical needs of your Huskita, they will easily become bored and frustrated. Furthermore, failing to give your Huskita enough exercise is detrimental to their physical wellbeing.

13. Mental Stimulation is Also Important

Not only is physical activity important for a Huskita, but mental stimulation is equally essential. This designer breed is highly intelligent and will quickly become bored without mental stimulation. Try to incorporate activities with your Huskita into your daily routine that will stimulate them mentally. Some examples of activities you can enjoy with your Huskita include agility training and puzzle toys.

14. They Do Not Always Get Along with Other Dogs

A vital consideration to make if you already have dogs or other pets in your home is how a new dog will slot into the situation. Some breeds are fantastic with other animals, while others are better as the only pet in the house. Huskitas do not always get along with other animals, as many like to feel dominant. However, each dog is an individual, and some can get along well with other dogs. If you want to keep several dogs, including a Huskita, you should start socialization early during training, so they become accustomed to being around other dogs. A failure to socialize them early may mean you have problems introducing them to other dogs later.

15. Huskitas Are Not a Good Breed Choice for Apartment Living

The indoor and outdoor space you have available in your home is something you need to think about when choosing the dog breed that suits your lifestyle. If you live in an apartment, then a Huskita is probably not the best choice for you due to their size and need for a high activity level. However, if you have access to outdoor space and are willing to commit to taking your dog on lengthy walks, it is still an option. Ideally, Huksitas should live in a home with a lot of outdoor space, and to owners that enjoy long walks.

16. They Prefer Cooler Conditions

Originally, both the Siberian Husky and the Akita Inu were from countries with colder climates. Therefore, Huskitas also prefer cooler conditions. In the summer months, their double coat means they can get too hot, and they will begin to shed a lot. During the hot weather, make sure there is a shaded area where they can get out of the sun, and make sure your Huskita has plenty of fresh cold water.

17. Huskitas Are Prone to Hypothyroidism

Like any dog breed, there are some health conditions to which a Huskita is prone. One of these is hypothyroidism, which is a hormonal condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroxin. Vet MD says that some of the symptoms of this condition include weight gain, fatigue, feeling cold, and a dull or thinning coat. The vet will need to conduct blood tests to diagnose this condition, and dogs with hypothyroidism are treated with medication.

18. They Are Also Prone to Hip Dysplasia

Another common condition linked to Huskitas is hip dysplasia, which is a condition where the hip socket is abnormal, and the hip slips in and out of the socket. You may first notice signs of this condition when your Huskita pup is as young as six months old. Some of the first signs include a reluctance to jump or run and an altered gait. A vet usually conducts an examination followed by an x-ray to diagnose hip dysplasia. If the condition is diagnosed early, it is possible to improve the dog’s prognosis with interventional treatments.

19. They Have a Lifespan of Up to 13 Years

Wag Walking (https://wagwalking.com/breed/huskita) says that the Huskita has a life expectancy of between 10 and 13 years. It is a similar lifespan to both parent breeds. Some factors that can impact your dog’s lifespan include their diet, activity levels, general health, and seeing a vet as necessary.

20. Huskitas Are Not Recognized by the American Kennel Club

Currently, Huskitas are not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) as they are a mixed breed. However, there are some mixed breeds now included in this organization’s register, so there is the potential that they may include Huskitas in the future. Until then, Huskitas cannot participate in any of the events or competitions organized by the American Kennel Club. The American Kennel Club recognizes both of the Huskitas parent breeds.

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