Given the huge size difference between the Chihuahua and Siberian Husky, there would really be confusion as to whether crossing them together is probable.
Breeders and pet critics alike are against the intentional mixing of the two, citing various health issues and temperament instability.
To demystify this unique mixed breed, allow me to share facts about their origin, appearance, size, health issues, maintenance, and more.
At the end of this guide, you’ll realize that the Chihuahua Husky mix is not a myth nor something that people should so gravely condemn.
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What Is a Chihuahua Husky Mix?
A Chihuahua Husky mix is created through intentionally breeding a Chihuahua to a Siberian Husky. They are also known as the Chi-Husky, Husky-Chi, Huskyhuahua, and Husky Chihuahua mix.
Their appearance greatly varies, and they aren’t suggested for novice pet owners since they have a stubborn streak.
Apart from the unpredictability of their appearance, breeders also warned that this mixed breed dog could be very independent. If you are not a dominant owner, they’ll try to outsmart you and assume the alpha role.
That being said, if you are considering the Chi-Husky as your first pet, just defer the dream of owning one until you have gained enough experience in dog handling.
Their parents are known for certain frustrating characteristics that they may very well adopt such as escaping, being hard to housebreak and train, and being aloof.
Chihuahua Husky Mix Appearance: What Does a Husky Chihuahua Look Like?
The appearance of Husky Chihuahua mix puppies is greatly influenced by the parent breed that has more dominant genes.
If it takes after the Chihuahua sire, the Chi-Husky mix will look alert, graceful, and compact. Its head would exhibit an apple dome skull that may or may not have molera.
A Chihuahua Husky mix that has dominant Chihuahua genes also has full round eyes that may be luminous ruby or dark in color. Meanwhile, their ears are large and erect.
As for their coat, it may be either smooth or long. They would also inherit the marked or splashed coat of the Chihuahuas.
If you want to see a Chihuahua Husky mix that is more Chihuahua-looking, check out the picture below:
If the Chi-Husky has more Husky dominant genes, they would have almond-shaped eyes that are brown or blue in color and ears that are set high and triangular in shape. Their nose would be black or liver and their muzzle would be of medium length.
In terms of coat, expect your Siberian Husky Chihuahua mix puppy to be well-furred. They would have a double coat that is medium in length.
You may refer to the photo below for a Chi-Husky with more dominant Siberian Husky genes:
Note that the descriptions I discussed above are not set in stone. A Chihuahua Husky mix may also have an equal combination of its parent’s physical attributes leading to a more unique appearance.
READ NEXT: Husky Eye Colors: All Eye Colors Explained (With Pictures)
Chihuahua Husky Mix Size and Weight: How Big Will a Husky Chihuahua Get When Fully Grown?
The biggest issue involving the Huskyhuahua is its size due to the massive differences between its parents.
Nonetheless, if we are going to base their standard measurements on anecdotal records, we would get a rough estimate of how big they are going to get.
Generally, a Chihuahua Husky mix weighs 7 to 15 pounds and stands at 6 to 15 inches. They’ll somehow look like a miniature version of a Husky since Chihuahuas are small dogs.
You can expect this mixed breed to reach their full-grown size when they turn 18 months.
However, they may still gain or lose a few pounds as they mature due to their food intake and the physical activities you engage them with.
Chihuahua Husky Mix Temperament: Do Husky Chihuahuas Make Good Family Dogs?
Similar to their appearance, the temperament and overall disposition of a Chihuahua Husky mix are unpredictable. No one can accurately state how they’ll behave since the combined genes of their parents are at play.
If your Huskyhuahua has inherited the temperament of its Chihuahua parent, they would probably have larger-than-life personalities.
They could show a bit of aggression towards strangers or they can be reserved. They would also be very destructive when bored so you need to engage them in various activities consistently.
Another trait evident in Chi-Huskies who have dominant Chihuahua genes is that they bond to a single person. Chihuahuas tend to devote their life to their owners, so expect that your Chi-Husky will also exhibit this trait.
This will be a problem if you live in a household with multiple housemates including very young children.
On the other hand, if your Siberian Husky Chihuahua mix manifests Husky traits, they would be very destructive. Thus, they would need expert owners who can train them with dominance.
Despite this, you won’t see this hybrid breed bark at strangers so they are not suitable as guard dogs.
READ NEXT: Male vs. Female Chihuahua: A Side-By-Side Comparison
Chihuahua Husky Mix Lifespan and Health Issues: Are Husky Chihuahua Healthy Dogs?
Chihuahua Husky mixes live for 12 to 16 years just like most mixed breeds. Of course, this is affected by certain factors like nutrition, genetics, and health status.
If you really want your Husky-Chi to live longer, you should monitor them for signs of certain health conditions common to their parent breeds.
Here is a list of Chihuahua Husky mix health issues that dog owners like you should be aware of:
- Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA): This condition happens when the Chi-Husky’s retina deteriorates. This is costly to cure and can lead to canine blindness if left untreated.
- Hip Dysplasia: This occurs when the dog’s joint and socket do not fit well. Dogs targeted by this disease would find it hard to walk or even stand. Primary treatment for hip dysplasia includes surgery.
- Zinc Deficiency: When your mixed dog suffers from zinc deficiency, they will exhibit hair loss on the lip area, chin, eyes, elbows, and feet. To alleviate symptoms, vets commonly suggest zinc supplements.
- Tracheal Collapse: Since the trachea carries air from your mouth to the lungs, its collapse can develop a cough or difficulty breathing in Chi-Huskies. To open their airways, your veterinarian may suggest steroids or cough suppressants.
- Hypoglycemia: Siberian Husky Chihuahua mixes with low blood sugar or hypoglycemia would often feel dizzy, drowsy, weak, and disoriented. This calls for a diet modification and a thorough vet assessment.
These health issues can be prevented if you provide constant vet checkups to your Husky Chihuahua mix.
Investing early on for their healthcare can save you more instead of paying for expensive treatments and surgeries as they age.
Chihuahua Husky Mix History and Origin: Can a Chihuahua Breed With a Husky Naturally?
The history of the Chihuahua Husky mix is not well-documented similar to other mixed breed dogs.
This may be due to the fact that they don’t exist naturally. There may have been attempts to intentionally breed them in the past, but these weren’t publicly known.
We know for sure that the Chihuahua Husky mix is a product of artificial insemination (AI) or in-vitro fertilization (IVF). These two processes are discussed in detail below.
Artificial Insemination (AI)
This reproductive technique mimics the natural act of mating. Sperm is harvested from the male Chihuahua and instilled in the female Husky during their most fertile time.
There are two methods in which the sperm is instilled in the female Husky:
- Intravagin*l Insemination: This method involves the use of a syringe and a catheter which is introduced to the vulva and is advanced to the vagin* of the female Husky.
- Transcervical Insemination: This process is done by instilling sem*n into the female Husky’s uterus through the cervix.
To produce a Chi-Husky successfully using AI, factors such as ovulation timing, health condition of the dam and sire, and sem*n preparation are crucial.
In-Vitro Fertilization (IVF)
Unlike AI, IVF combines the sperm of a Chihuahua and the egg of a female Husky to create an embryo. The embryo is then implanted on a host’s reproductive system.
This process is very time-sensitive since female Huskies only go into heat once or twice a year. Harvesting their egg proves to be complicated because it has to stay in their fallopian tubes to mature before they are taken out.
Right now, the efficacy of IVF in dogs is around 30% to 40%. This is the reason AI is still preferred by many rather than IVF.
One thing to note about the two processes I discussed above is that the mother is always assumed by the Husky. This can be attributed to their bigger size which can hold their possible offspring.
READ NEXT: Brown Husky: What Makes This Siberian Husky Color So Unique
Advantages and Disadvantages of Breeding Chihuahuas and Siberian Huskies Together
Before reading this guide, I bet you already have a certain impression of the Chihuahua Husky mix. Now, hold on to that thought and decide for yourself if that is justifiable.
To be objective, I made a rundown of the pros and cons of breeding the world’s smallest dog to a medium to large working canine.
Let’s start with the advantages of mixing Chihuahuas and Huskies:
- Unique Appearance: Combining the physical traits of Chihuahuas and Huskies can give you a unique-looking puppy that may either be tiny or medium-sized. You won’t see two Huskyhuahuas looking alike because of the diversity of their gene pool.
- Possibility of Fewer Health Issues: Regardless of whether you believe in hybrid vigor or not, there are instances where mixed breeds become healthier than their parents because of a careful breeding process. This means that during the selection of the dam and sire, only the healthiest are chosen.
- Combined Characteristics of Parent Breeds: Both the Chihuahua and the Siberian Husky have their fair share of great characteristics. The possibility that their offspring manifest these same traits is definite.
Here are the disadvantages of breeding Chihuahuas and Siberian Huskies together:
- Unpredictable Temperament: Just like any other crossbreed, the temperament of a Chi-Husky is not accurately predicted even by canine experts. They can be extremely aggressive to the point that they cannot be tamed.
- Risky Delivery: Even though the Husky parent of the Chi-Husky mix serves as the mother, there may still be complications that can arise during pregnancy due to the artificial reproductive method used. This would lead to not only an unsuccessful pregnancy but also a weak Husky parent afterward.
- Indefinite Adult Size: If you are after a dog that can live in your apartment, choosing this mixed breed and reserving a puppy before they are born is a bad idea. Why? It is hard to predict the full-grown size of this cross due to the differences between their parent breeds. You’re better off with a purebred if you want a dog who has predictable size.
At this point, you should have already decided if this mix is a great choice for a pet. If you feel like this isn’t for you, there’s no need to fret — there are hundreds of breeds and crosses out there that you can choose from.
How to Take Care of Your Husky Chihuahua Mix?
Maintaining a Chihuahua Husky mix is a breeze for expert pet owners since they almost have the same feeding, training, and grooming requirements as their parent breeds.
However, it may be a bit more difficult to deal with them especially during grooming and training time since they are inherently stubborn.
Here are a few tips that you have to keep in mind in taking care of your Chi-Husky mix:
Feeding and Diet
Huskyhuahuas need a high protein diet so scanning the label of food brands available in the market is a must.
You should refrain from feeding them with kibbles that are high in grains and additives as they do more harm than good for your dog’s health.
Ideally, you should feed them two to three cups of dog food a day when they are puppies and two cups as they mature. This is still subject to your veterinarian’s assessment since their size is indefinite.
Apart from their usual meals, you can also give them treats for snacks. I have listed the top 6 dog treats in a separate guide in case you don’t know what brand to buy.
Cleaning and Grooming
The grooming needs of your Chihuahua Husky mix depend on the type of coat it inherits. If it has a very thick coat just like a Husky, buy a high-quality vacuum and get ready to sweep.
Brush them every other day to remove tangles and mats. This can make their coat healthy and less unruly.
Most Chi-Huskies shed moderately especially if they have inherited the smooth coat of the Chihuahua. Nevertheless, you should still brush them to maintain the soft texture of their fur.
Other cleaning requirements that you shouldn’t skip are bathing them at least twice every month, trimming their nails, cleaning their eyes and ears, and monitoring their coat for fleas and ticks.
Training and Exercise
The Chihuahua Husky mix is a bossy lot. They need a steadfast owner who won’t give in to their whims.
During your Chihuahua Husky mix training, you should establish a daily routine to build their trust and use positive reinforcements to encourage them.
It would also help to get rid of any distractions like chew toys, but most importantly, be consistent.
As for their exercise needs, they need at least an hour of walking or running in your neighborhood, especially since they came from sled dogs.
If they have an “apple” head just like the Chihuahua, do not overexert them since they may be prone to brachycephaly that can cause breathing difficulties.
They also don’t do well with warm weather so keep them indoors during this time.
Chihuahua Husky Mix Puppy Prices & Expenses: How Much Does a Husky Chihuahua Cost?
Chihuahua Husky mix puppies are more expensive than their purebred parents. They can cost around $1,000 to $2,000 from reputable breeders in the United States.
In comparison, the price of purebred Chihuahuas only ranges from $500 to $1,500. Meanwhile, Siberian Huskies cost anywhere from $600 to $1,500.
If you are wondering why the Siberian Husky Chihuahua mix is more expensive by a few hundred dollars than their parent breeds, remember that they are created through artificial reproduction such as artificial insemination and in-vitro fertilization.
These procedures aren’t cheap, so Chi-Husky breeders would really include them in the puppy cost. You may know of a puppy mill that sells this hybrid dog at a cheaper price, but you are not assured of its quality.
Apart from the expensive investment in purchasing the puppy, you would also need to prepare $300 to $800 to buy their initial needs such as dog food, leash, collar, crate, bed, treats, etc. You can also purchase insurance for your dog for $500 annually.
READ NEXT: How Much Do Chihuahuas Cost? Puppy Price and Cost of Raising
Places to Find Chihuahua Husky Mix Puppies for Sale and Adoption
Since the Chihuahua Husky mix is a rare cross, breeders who specialize in their production are very limited and may ask for a more expensive price.
If you have set your mind that this is the hybrid for you, here are some puppy advertising sites where you can find Chi-Husky breeders:
- AKC Marketplace – Although the American Kennel Club does not recognize the Chihuahua Husky mix, you can still try to contact some Husky and Chihuahua breeders affiliated with them and look for possible litters of this mixed breed. One advantage of scanning the list of AKC is that every reputable breeder offers quality puppies regardless of the breed.
- Lancaster Puppies – Lancaster Puppies is a website that advertises dogs in Pennsylvania, New York, Indiana, Ohio, and others. They feature several Chi-Huskies with different price ranges and colors.
- Greenfield Puppies – Similar to Lancaster Puppies, this advertising website posts various Siberian Husky mixes including the Husky Chihuahua cross. They’ve been around since 2000 and they greatly condone puppy mills. Thus, they only allow licensed breeders to post on their website.
RELATED: 10 Best Chihuahua Breeders (2023): Our Top 10 Picks!
Some Chihuahua Husky mixes end up in shelters and rescues due to neglect. They are then rehabilitated by volunteers before putting them up for adoption.
Here are some Chihuahua Husky rescues that you may want to get in touch with:
- Siberian Husky Rescue – When you visit the website of this organization, you’ll get to see the contact details of regional rescues that save and rehome Huskies and their mixes. They also encourage people to build their own rescue and they are willing to guide them through the process.
- Chihuahua Rescue & Transport – This rescue is foster-based and they focus on Chihuahuas and their mixes. They’ve been around since 1999 and since then, they have already rehomed countless dogs after rehabilitation.
If you want to learn how you can ace your Chihuahua Husky adoption from these rescues, check out our ultimate dog adoption guide!
RELATED:
10 Best Siberian Husky Rescues for Adoption (2023): Our Top 10 Picks!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Chihuahua Husky Mixes Dangerous?
Chihuahua Husky mixes may exhibit aggression due to the territorial tendencies of their Chihuahua parent.
They may showcase unnecessary dominance so they aren’t fit for households with small children. Nevertheless, this behavior can be corrected through proper training and socialization.
Are Chihuahua Husky Mixes Intelligent?
Both Chihuahuas and Huskies are intelligent dogs. Thus, the Chi-Husky can prove to be smart as well.
The only downside of this characteristic is that they are observed to be more mischievous and stubborn due to their innate intelligence.
Are Husky Chihuahua Mixes High Maintenance Dogs?
The Chihuahua Husky mix may be high maintenance if it has taken after its Husky parent.
They would need constant grooming due to their double coat and they’ll also require constant attention not only through cuddling but also through giving them activities and plenty of exercises.
Final Thoughts: Is the Chihuahua Husky Mix the Right Dog for You?
The Chihuahua Husky mix is not for everyone — that’s for sure. The unpredictability of their appearance and personality makes them difficult to handle especially for novice owners.
They would need intensive obedience training and a dominant fur parent to be an ideal family companion.
If you find yourself intrigued with this mixed breed, I suggest that you equip yourself with the necessary skills to deal with them.
Chihuahua Husky mixes may look like a perfect companion dog but they are quite high maintenance. If you’re not up for this challenge, opt for other mixes in the meantime.
