Chusky

by Rachel Leavy

Published: January 29th, 2020

About Chusky

Weight

40-65 lb

Lifespan

10-13 years

Group

Not applicable

Best Suited For

Experienced dog owner, high-energy households, homes with fenced yards, watchdog

Temperament

Affectionate, loyal, protective, loving

Comparable Breeds

Chow Chow, Siberian Husky

Height

18-23 inches

Chusky Basics

Some dog lovers crave a short haired animal that won’t bring too much fur into their lives. Others seek a dog that looks like a mouth and a pair of eyes inside a mound of fluff. These people will adore having a Chusky in there lives. The Chusky is a giant fluff ball of love. Also known as Chowsky, Chow-Husky, and Husky Chow, this designer dog breed has a lot to offer to the right person. This unusual mix boasts many wonderful qualities, but that does not mean that they are a suitable pet for everyone. For example, Chuskies do well with children, but require an experienced owner. Chuskies bond very strongly with their humans and tend to be incredibly protective. They are not a good choice for first time dog owners, as they can develop various behavioural issues (due to their protectiveness and independent nature) if they are not properly trained and socialized on time. You have to be prepared for the important responsibility of raising a Chusky puppy into a distinguished adult. It will take lots of care and effort.

Additionally, seniors or people who’d prefer a couch potato furball won’t do well with this designer dog as their pet. Chuskies do best in an active home due to their high energy levels. They need a great deal of exercise to remain happy and they don’t do well with being left alone for extended periods of time. They hate being away from their humans and can get destructive without proper training. Of course, if you happen to meet the Chowsky’s specific owner requirements, you’ll be rewarded with the most loyal and loving companion. Are you intrigued? Then read on to find out if this designer dog would be a good choice for your family and what to expect when you get a Chusky. All will be revealed. Just keep your eyes glued on this page and scroll away.

Chuskies bond very strongly with their humans and tend to be incredibly protective.

Origin

Sadly, there’s no information available about the Chusky’s origin. No one knows precisely when or where the breed had its start, but that’s no real surprise either. After all, at it’s very core, the Chusky is a mixed breed dog. Since his parents are a Chow Chow and a Siberian Husky, this crossbreed is a first generation mix of two purebred dogs and there’s rarely any documentation available about the history of hybrid pups.

There might not be any official records available, but we can assume that there have been crosses of these two dogs throughout history. However, that doesn’t mean that their offspring didn’t have a special status. It is just only within the past few years that Chuskies have been recognized as a designer breed. So, if you look at it from the perspective of designer dog craze rather than the potential of the shared history of the two parental breeds, it’s highly likely that the Chusky originated in the United States. It probably happened at some point during the last 20 years since that’s when the majority of hybrids took off in popularity.

Pedigree

The Chusky is a cross between a Siberian Husky and a Chow Chow. They are large furballs and can take on the traits/coat of either breed. Some have blue or multicolored eyes and some have the husky eyebrows, while others appear more like a Chow Chow with the red coat. With hybrid dogs it’s tough to predict these things. Every puppy is a surprise and even pups from the same litter can look completely different from each other. It’s also worth noting that Chuskies are not suited for hot climates because of their long fur. They will overheat easily and that will lead to many problems.

Food/Diet

Choosing the right diet for your pet will go a long way. Feeding them quality food will inevitably support their overall health. Of course, it’s not always easy to find food that your pet likes to eat and is also good for them. Since Chuskies are a large breed dog, a nutritionally balanced diet is even more important than it would be for a tiny pooch. If they are not prevented by health issues (such as missing teeth), these dogs do best on high-quality dry food. Kibble made from premium and natural ingredients will promote shiny fur, while supporting your pet’s immune system. Choose a formula that will match your Chusky’s size, activity level, and age (puppy, adult, senior). Usually, dry food for large and active dog breeds is the perfect fit for these designer dogs.

Also, you should make sure that you’re offering the right amount of food. Don’t let their size fool you. Chuskies should not be overfed just because they are large. Stick to manufacturer’s recommendations when it comes to portion sizes (or even give your pet 70 percent of what it says on the bag). On average, these dog’s don’t need more than 3 to 4 cups of kibble per day. Consult with your veterinarian if you’re unsure about the correct doses. It’s always worth chatting with your vet before making any substantial changes to your dog’s diet. While pet blogs and pet food manufacturers provide useful feeding guidelines, all dogs are unique and often have their own personal dietary needs. Only your vet has the expertise necessary to assess the specific dietary needs of your pup. So always defer to them if you have any concerns about what to feed your pooch.

Training

It is essential to begin training the moment you bring a Chusky home. This dog requires constant training to stay happy and healthy. Without obedience training, you can expect a Chusky to become destructive, unruly, and potentially aggressive. While these dogs are remarkably lovable once properly trained, they can grow into furry monsters if don’t take your training responsibilities seriously.

Due to their loyalty to their owner, the Chowski will become overly protective without the proper instruction and guidance. They need to know that their owner is in charge and they need to work for everything. Nothing is free for the Chusky. They need to sit and stay before going outside, down stay before eating, sit for greetings, etc. All training should be done using positive reinforcement to ensure a happy hound(no pain or corrections because that is far closer to abuse than training).

As soon as one adopts a Chusky, they should begin crate training and desensitizing immediately. Make sure to handle the dog all over, focusing on their ears, feet, and mouth to ensure they will allow a groomer/vet to handle them. Get them crate trained right away to avoid separation anxiety from cropping up along with destructive behaviours that pop up due to loneliness. Chuskies love their owners so much they can’t stand to be away from them, so be sure to teach them this is okay at an early age. Those early and impressionable days are so important in any Chusky’s training process, so make sure not to let them go to waste.

As with all training, it is best used as a preventative measure rather than trying to fix a problem that’s been happening for six months. Chuskies need to be placed in an obedience and socialization class as soon as possible to prevent any unwanted behaviours from cropping up. While it’s important to take this responsibility seriously, don’t view it as a sign that these are difficult dogs. Chuskies are incredibly loving, loyal, and friendly when properly trained. Their worst tendencies only pop up when owners neglect their training responsibilities. It’s all up to you.

Weight

The Chusky weighs between 45 and 60 pounds. They are big beautiful boys.

Temperament/Behavior

While Chuskies are loving, they are also particular to their owners. They are great watch dogs, and will alert if there is ever anything even close to an intruder nearby. They are loyal pets and will do anything to protect their family, so they are not for the inexperienced. You will have to reign these pups in when their protective instincts take over.

With the right owner and the proper training, Chuskies can be wonderful and loveable dogs. They just require a lot of exercise and training. They tend to do well with kids, but again training is essential to keep them from trying to protect ‘their’ children.

Common Health Problems

The only thing that is common to Chuskies is that sometimes they aren’t born with all of their teeth, which can directly influence their diet. If the missing teeth make it hard or impossible for your dog to eat kibble, you’ll have to switch to wet food. Make sure to consult a vet for advice on portion size and supplementing to be certain your pet’s dietary needs are met.

Other than that, they don’t have any specific health concerns, but they can always inherit the health problems of either parent breed. This puts them at risk for hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, diabetes, myotonia, and eye issues. Make sure to maintain regularly scheduled checkups with your vet (especially as your dog ages) so that any health issues can be identified and treated as early as possible.

Life Expectancy

The life expectancy of a Chusky is 10 to 13 years

Exercise Requirements

The Chow-Husky mix enjoys his down time, but he still needs a fair amount of daily exercise in order to maintain physical health and fitness. An hour long walk per day will take care of his exercise needs, but the more activity he gets, the happier he will be. So make sure to keep this dog active to keep your Chusky happy.

Recognized Clubs

Because the Chusky is a cross of a Husky and a Chow Chow, this hybrid breed is not recognized by the American Kennel Club. However, it is recognized by the DRA (theDog Registry of America, Inc) and the American Canine Hybrid Club (as a Chowski).

Coat

Both the Husky and the Chow Chow have long coats, and that trait carries over to the Chusky. Their fur is long and dense, so be prepared to vacuum daily during shedding season. These dogs will also require regular grooming to keep their coat looking it’s best.

Puppies

When picking out a Chowski puppy, it is important to look past the fact that they are adorable balls of fluff and take into consideration their temperament. Look for a puppy that is bright and brave, but also one that is not bullying the other puppies in the litter. You will want a puppy that you can pick up and flop around without them getting scared or nippy (that’s a sign of problematic behaviour that could become an issue down the road). You should be able to touch the Chusky puppy’s feet, head, and ears without issue. By picking the proper puppy (especially if this is your first Chusky, or you have kids) you will set yourself up for a great relationship with your dog. Of course, you’ll still need to start a strict training and socialization regiment immediately to ensure that the puppy grows up to be a loving companion. But identifying the right puppy is an excellent start to ensuring that you bring home the dog that your family deserves.

Photo credit: simbathechowski/Instagram; Maxwell GS/ Flickr; dbvirago/Bigstock

Rachel Leavy

Rachel Leavy lives in Rochester, New York with her dog, Maria, and her gecko, Nigel. She has loved animals all her life, and has owned her own dog training and walking company for five years. When she's not playing with puppies, she can usually be found writing short stories, riding horses or out at a play.

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Training your pet is a very important task as it will shape them into a friendly, obedient dog that’s a pleasure to be around. While it does require a lot of patience and effort, training your dog on time makes your life as an owner much easier and prevents a myriad of behavior issues and other problems down the road. Of course, it goes without saying that you should start training early, while your doggo is still a puppy. That is the time when they gladly soak up all the information and eagerly learn. But when exactly is the best time to start puppy training? You can’t do it while they are still teeny-tiny, nor should you wait too long. What is the ideal middle ground? Let’s find out.When is the Best Time to Start Puppy Training?Puppies are like sponges, soaking up information from their environment and their owner, so early training can set a solid foundation for good behavior and establish obedience throughout their lives. Ideally, you can start basic training such as housebreaking, socialization, and simple commands like "sit" and "stay" when your puppy is around 8 weeks old. This is the general “golden rule” that many owners stick by. When they reach that 2-month mark, it’s considered the ideal time for them to quickly grasp the commands you teach them. If you think that this could be “too early” to start training, you are wrong. There are numerous benefits to early training, and all of them are critical for your dog’s well-being and normal behavior. Here are just a few of them:SocializationEarly socialization is so important for puppies. It allows them to learn how to properly interact with other dogs and humans and prevents aggression and behavioral problems later in life. During this period you should expose your pet to new environments, sounds, and sights.BondingTraining sessions are a great way to strengthen the bond between you and your puppy. Spending time together, teaching them new things, and rewarding good behavior builds trust and a positive relationship.Preventing Behavioral IssuesIf you spot behavior issues while your dog is still a puppy, it is easier to prevent them from becoming nasty habits. As you teach your pet proper behavior and as you set up boundaries, you will prevent many nasty issues from forming, such as excess chewing, barking, or disobedience. If you already notice chewing issues that stem from teething, make sure to redirect their attention to an appropriate chew toy and use  puppy no-chew deterrent sprays to help you shift their focus.

A New Four-Legged Robot May Soon Replace Guide Dogs

Robots aren’t only taking human jobs! Our four-legged colleagues may soon need new jobs because there’s a new AI-powered robot guide dog in town. Named RoboGuide, the four-legged robot guide dog was born and bred at the University of Glasgow. The research team that created the robotic pooch, says that RoboGuide could help blind and visually impaired people move more freely in indoor spaces. Their new design solves some of the most common problems in assistive tech.“One significant drawback of many current four-legged, two-legged, and wheeled robots is that the technology which allows them to find their way around can limit their usefulness for the visually impaired,” said Olaoluwa Popoola, the project’s principal investigator. “Robots which use GPS to navigate, for example, can perform well outdoors but often struggle in indoor settings, where signal coverage can weaken. Others, which use cameras to ‘see’, are limited by the line of sight, which makes it harder for them to safely guide people around objects or around bends.”To overcome these limitations, the RoboGuide uses a series of sensors that analyze its surroundings. Software created by the team allows the robotic pooch to find optimal routes between locations and interpret sensor data in real-time, so it can avoid hitting obstacles while guiding a blind or visually impaired person.This robotic pooch also obeys its owner. Thanks to large models, RoboGuide understands speech, and can even talk to its handler. The RoboGuide was showcased at the university’s Mazumdar-Shaw Advanced Research Center. The team working on the prototype said that the robotic pooch uses several innovative technologies and that their goal is to release a complete version in the following years.Professor Muhammad Imran, dean of graduate studies at the James Watt School of Engineering and co-investigator on the project said: “Our assistive technology project for the visually impaired embodies innovation, fostering inclusivity.”“In Glasgow, we’re pioneering world-changing technologies that hold the potential to transform lives and reshape societal norms. This achievement was made possible through collaboration with industry and charity partners and co-creating the design with the invaluable input of end users.”The prototype was tested for the first time with volunteers at the Hunterian, Scotland’s oldest museum, in December. During the trial,  the robotic pooch guided the volunteers around the museum and provided interactive speeches on six different exhibits. With an estimated 2.2 billion people in the world living with some form of vision loss, the team hopes to create a commercial product to help guide visually impaired people indoors.“Ultimately, our aim is to develop a complete system which can be adapted for use with robots of all shapes and sizes to help blind and partially sighted people in a wide range of indoor situations,” said Wasim Ahmed, who’s also a co-investigator on the study.  The RoboGuide project is backed by two leading charities. Both the Forth Valley Sensory Centre Trust (FVSC) and the Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) are supporting the development of RoboGuide. “Mobility is a big issue for the blind and partially sighted community,” said Jacquie Winning, the chief executive of FVSC. “RoboGuide is a wonderful solution to that problem, and we are delighted to help test this innovative and creative robot.”James Adams, the director of RNIB Scotland, added: “We’re delighted to be supporting the research and development of technology that could be part of making the world more accessible and empowering blind and partially sighted people to live their lives confidently.”Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

What is a Hydrolyzed Protein Diet for Dogs?

Protein is a very important part of a dog’s diet. However, some doggos might have a sensitive digestive system or even allergies. In such cases, a hydrolyzed protein diet becomes essential as it provides important nutrients without being heavy on their tummy. But what is hydrolyzed protein exactly? A hydrolyzed protein diet for dogs is a type of food that is formulated specifically for dogs that have allergies or certain food sensitivities. The protein sources in this diet are all broken down into smaller molecules, thanks to a complex process called hydrolysis. What this process does is reduce the size of the protein molecules, making them less likely to trigger an allergic reaction. So, if your doggo is a bit sensitive, this could be what’s needed!Veterinarians often recommend hydrolyzed protein for dogs that are diagnosed with intolerances or  food allergies. Thanks to this, your pet can receive all the essential nutrients without any adverse reactions being triggered. The most common sources of hydrolyzed protein in these diets are beef, chicken, salmon, or soy. So it’s just like most of the common dog foods - but in a different, better form. 

Library Accepting Cat Photos to Cover Your Fees

A library in Massachusetts is waiving certain fees in exchange for cat photos.

These Are the States With the Most Spoiled Doggos in 2023

With the holiday season fast approaching, it is the time for presents, cuddling, yummy meals and, to be honest, spoiling the one you love, including your four-legged bestie. But are there some pet parents that take it a bit too far, and if so, do we know in which states they live? If you are one of those owners who like to pamper their furry friend and spoil them to no end, stick around to find out who’s guilty of overindulging their doggo just like you!An interesting  Forbes Advisor survey estimates that around 22.2% of dog owners in the USA, or one in five, admit to having spent more money on  Christmas gifts for their dogs, rather than gifts for friends and family. This means that there are certainly some pampered and spoiled doggos to be found across the nation, but what is more interesting is that dog owners in certain states tend to spoil dogs more than in others. Now, after a nationwide survey, the results are in!With a score of 100 out of 100, Florida definitely wins as the state with the most spoiled dogs! The Sunshine State is reported to have around 66.5% of owners who spend more money on their dog’s health, grooming, and gifts, than on their own. They are also more likely to pamper dogs by perfuming them, pushing them in strollers, buying them clothes and gifts, or taking them to restaurants. Interestingly, the second place, and right behind Florida, is Alaska, with a score of 98.69 out of 100. Nearly half of all dog owners in this northerly state admit to regularly throwing birthday parties for their pooches, purchasing them special outfits, and even putting cologne on them. They too will spend more money on their pets than on themselves.Behind Florida and Alaska in places 1 and 2 respectively, are the following states:3. Washington - 91.82 out of 1004. Colorado - 82.04 out of 1005. California - 77.96 out of 1006. New Jersey - 77.52 out of 1007. Illinois - 77.23 out of 1008. Texas - 70.80 out of 1009. Delaware - 69.93 out of 10010. Virginia - 69.34 out of 100The survey also offered some indicators and activities that might suggest that you are spoiling your dog. If you regularly do some of these activities, you might be pampering your pooch as well!Taking family photos with the dog Ordering the dog a special treat at a restaurant Bringing the dog on vacationPushing the dog in a strollerSpending more money on the dog’s health and grooming than on their own Buying the dog outfits and accessoriesSo, what’s the result? Are you too on the list of owners who spoil their pets? Let us know!

How Much Does It Cost to Feed Your Dog Around the World?

There is no denying the fact that pet ownership can be expensive. From the expected costs of vaccinations and high-quality dog food to the increased fees associated with traveling with your dog by your side, it adds up fast! But exactly how much does it cost to feed your dog? How do these costs stack up compared to dog parents in other areas? If this question has been on your mind, you’re in luck. A recent study by CashNetUSA compares the cost of feeding a dog in 97 countries, and the findings are surprising.Let’s start with the most exciting news for American pet parents. While the cost of feeding a dog in the US didn’t make the list of the least expensive countries, it did rank as one of the most affordable countries when assessing the annual cost versus the national net income per capita. Other countries that made this list include Ireland, France, Sweden, Netherlands, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Slovenia, and Denmark. Of course, this value can vary depending on the quality of dog food you are feeding and the size of your dog (therefore, the amount of food they consume daily). The study collected data based on the cost of feeding a medium-sized dog 540 grams of kibble daily using the cheapest dry food available in local supermarkets. If a country didn’t have available comparable food, the price was calculated using an international supermarket that would ship to the country. The least expensive country to feed a dog was Botswana, at a cost of $163.59 USD annually. This was closely followed by Lesotho ($201.29) and Hungary ($246.38). On the other end of the spectrum, the most expensive country was Japan, with dog food costs reaching a staggering $2,056.88 USD annually. The top 3 most costly countries also included Andorra ($1854.71) and Estonia ($1518.98). What causes such a variation in cost? In addition to the living costs and average income for each country, food quality should also be considered. Countries with exceptionally low annual prices often fed dogs a diet that failed to meet their nutritional needs. “Most retail brands in Botswana and around Africa use basic formulae often resulting in dogs suffering from inflamed skin and increased scratching caused by (an) imbalance in levels of Omera 3 and 6 along with insufficient levels of essential fatty acids like DHA and FPA,” a local entrepreneur told the National Post. If you are struggling with pet food's growing cost, you’re not alone. Many pet parents are seeking ways to keep the costs down without sacrificing the quality of their dog’s diet. Here are a few tips to help keep the costs down: Bake Your Own Dog Treats Dog treats are one of the bigger costs that many dog parents spend on. After all, there are so many incredible treat options available on the shelves of our local pet stores. How do you not want to spoil your furry best friend? Making your treats is not only budget-friendly but also a great way to control the quality of what your dog is eating. Buy in Bulk If your budget allows, purchase a larger bag of dog food or buy your dog’s food in bulk. These products are designed to last surprisingly well on the shelf over time. By buying larger quantities at once, you may spend more in the moment, but the cost per meal drops considerably. If your local pet store doesn’t have a bulk discount, consider asking about purchasing a bulk order and how it could impact the price. Join Loyalty Programs or Subscriptions Many pet stores and online pet retailers offer loyalty programs or subscriptions that help reduce your costs if you continue purchasing from one location. This could mean a lower price per bag with a pre-scheduled subscription order or a loyalty points program where you are rewarded with a free bag after buying a certain number of dog food bags. Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

How Do I Manage My Dog's Separation Anxiety When I'm At Work?

No one likes to be separated from their cherished pet for too long. But going to work is unavoidable for most of us, and, inevitably, our pets have to stay home alone. It might not seem like a big deal to you, knowing you’ll be back after a few hours, but it is definitely a big deal for your dog. In fact, most pet dogs are affected by this separation so much that they can experience anxiety and stress, ranging from mild discomfort to severe panic. Needless to say, this is traumatic for your pet (and can result in destroyed valuables, too) so it’s important to learn how to help them manage anxiety when you’re away. Here are some tips to help you navigate your pet’s separation anxiety while you’re at the office. 6 Ways To Prevent Dog Separation Anxiety When You’re At WorkGoing off to work and leaving their pet behind is a challenge for many pet owners around the world, especially those who live alone. When you're at the office, you need to make sure your pet is safe and taken care of until you come back. But even when you organize everything, your pet might feel stressed out on their own - even when it’s for a few hours, your dog won’t know why you left or even if you are coming back which can be a trigger for a panic attack for some canines. Some, especially  velcro dogs, get so nervous and stressed that they develop a separation anxiety disorder. But even so, there are many ways to help your pet cope when you're at work, regardless of the severity of their anxiety – here are 6 ways to reduce stress for your four-legged bestie.Create a Consistent Routine:Dogs thrive when they have a routine. Establish a consistent daily schedule for feeding, walks, and playtime. This helps them know what to expect and when. You can create their schedule around your work hours, so your pet will not find it odd that you are not there when they know what to expect before and after your shift (e.g. walk and mealtime).Gradual Departures and Arrivals:Don't make a big fuss when leaving or returning home. Keep your arrivals and departures low-key to reduce anxiety. This helps normalize the process. Make it seem like you just popped out for a few minutes. If you help your dog understand it is not a big deal, they might pick up on your relaxed energy and stay calm when you depart.Offer Interactive Toys: 

Camping Available at Best Friend's Animal Sanctuary

Are you searching for a pet-friendly camping solution for the upcoming travel season? If so, you’re in luck! Located in Kanab, Utah, the Best Friends Sanctuary offers a beautiful getaway for animal lovers.The location offers hiking trails, children’s activities, the Sanctuary store, the Angel Village café, and, of course, the animal sanctuary. Whether you plan on staying for a night or more, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy your trip while making a difference for the most vulnerable.Located on 3,700 acres, it is home to up to 1,600 animals on any given day. The animals in their care include cats, dogs, birds, bunnies, horses, pigs, and others.There are 18 RV sites with 30—and 50-amp power, septic, and water hookups. Free Wi-Fi is also available to visitors. While the sites can accommodate larger RVs and trailers, any over 21 feet may have difficulty navigating the roads within the sanctuary, and it is recommended that these guests have a separate vehicle to get around during their stay.If you don’t have an RV, cottages and cabins are also available on-site. The most significant differences between these two options are the guest capacity and location. Cottages can accommodate groups of up to six, while cabins are designed for only one or two people. Unlike the cabins, which share a group patio area, each cottage has its own dedicated patio or deck.Visitors can reserve a tour of the sanctuary to see the beautiful views and the incredible work the organization is doing or sign up to volunteer. It’s the perfect opportunity for those who want to give back, dedicating a small portion of your vacation to helping around the sanctuary and leaving you with the good feeling of knowing you made a difference.You can schedule a volunteer shift up to a year in advance with tasks including:Walking the animalsPreparing and serving foodQuality time playing with or petting the animalsCleaning (dishes, mopping, etc.)Making toys or treatsGeneral maintenance and upkeep on the groundsThe minimum age for volunteering depends on the task, with the Bunny House and Parrot Garden accepting volunteers as young as eight.If camping isn’t your travel style, no problem. Five minutes down the road, you will find the Best Friends Roadhouse and Mercantile, a boutique pet-centric hotel. The location offers 40 rooms and suites, a complimentary vegan continental breakfast, an on-site pet grooming facility, and a dog park complete with a seasonal splash pad.With an allowed maximum of four pets per room and no pet fee, the hotel takes “pet-friendly” to a whole new level!Are you traveling without your pet and need to get your “fix” of cuddles and playtime? You can also host a sleepover with a dog or cat from the sanctuary at the hotel. Simply contact the hotel in advance to arrange for a furry sleepover guest.Of course, if you fall in love with an adoptable animal during your stay, you can always apply to add that furry (or feathered) friend to your family before leaving.Make your reservation to stay at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary on their website today!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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