The Husky Bulldog mix (Buskdoggy) is a powerful designer breed—the result of cross-breeding between the sledder Siberian Husky and the working American Bulldog.
Not much is known about its origin, but like other designer breeds, it is more recent than pure breeds.
Despite having popular parents, this hybrid is a bit rare in the United States.
This could be a good thing, especially for those who want a pet that’s out of the ordinary.
People who want the best of both Arctic and Western worlds will be interested in the Buskdoggy. However, as we’ll soon see, this isn’t a breed for every family.
It has the same basic needs other dogs have, alongside some setbacks.
Do not make the mistake of getting this mix without appropriate information, even if you’ve had experience with one of the parents.
In this article, we’ll provide you with these pieces of information, plus some tips on buying and maintaining this hybrid.
Buskdoggy Mixed Breed Information
| Height | 20 to 28 inches |
| Weight | 35 to 120 pounds |
| Lifespan | 8 to 15 years |
| Coat | Long, thick or short, flat |
| Colors | Black and White, Gray and White, Red, Brindle, Fawn |
| Temperament | Intelligent, outgoing, stubborn, impatient |
| Ideal For | Active families, experienced owners |
| Puppy Price | $1,000 – $3,000 |
Buskdoggy Characteristics
| Health | High |
| Grooming | Medium |
| Friendliness | High |
| Energy | High |
| Trainability | Medium |
The Parent Breed
Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky got mainstream attention with the popularity of the TV series Game of Thrones.
As the dire wolves on the TV screen interested viewers, so did the demand for these artic dogs.
Before the limelight, they were used to pulling sleds along the snow. Consequently, they have a thick double coat that protects them from the weather.
Their pointing ears and long canines give them a wolf-like look, which further draws in enthusiasts of the wild.
They weigh between 35 to 60 pounds with a height of 20 to 24 inches.
They don’t like being left alone and fare better in a pack. Also, they are friendly pooches.
Although they have the severe looks that can scare an intruder, Huskies are poor watchdogs and guard dogs.
They have no reservation against strangers and would rather get acquainted than attack.
Their independent spirit may make them test your authority sometimes, even after you’ve established yourself as leader of the pack. Training is for the firm, experienced leader.
The Siberian Husky was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1930.
American Bulldog
The American Bulldog is widely different from the Siberian Husky in every way.
One may wonder why breeders opted to mix these dogs, though the crossing did produce intriguing offspring.
This breed originated in the United States and is descendants of the Old English Bulldog.
Unfortunately, it has a fighting past as it was used in the bloody sports of bull-baiting.
After the Second World War, this breed almost got extinct. It was saved by some breeders and is now a popular feature in many homes.
This bulldog is stockier than the Husky with shorter legs and a thicker head.
Unlike the Husky’s pointed ears, bulldogs have shorter ones. They also have a shorter, single coat.
They weigh 60 to 120 pounds with a height of 20 to 28 inches.
This dog breed makes a good companion because of its friendly nature and affection towards family members.
It doesn’t share the love for strangers of the Husky, making it a better watchdog.
The American Bulldog was added to the American Kennel Club’s Foundation Stock Service in 2019.
Important Facts About Husky Bulldog Mix You Should Know
1. The Bulldog was the 5th most popular dog in 2020
According to the American Kennel Club’s 2020 popular dog rankings, the American Bulldog was placed in 5th place.
It is common in many American families and has made its way to popular shows, including the character Spike in Tom and Jerry.
This popularity isn’t all good news, however.
Popular dogs like the American Bulldog get poorly bred, so it is more likely to get one with health problems and behavioral issues.
You just be extra diligent when getting a Bulldog or any Bulldog mix.
2. Huskies once saved a town
Besides having popular parents, our designer doggy friend also has a heroic parent.
The Siberian Husky once played a vital role in the survival of an Alaskan town named Nome.
This happened in 1925, during a diphtheria outbreak that threatened the people in Nome, especially children.
With air transport being impossible, sled dogs were used to deliver serum to the town.
Amongst these sled dogs, there was Togo, who was praised for traveling 264 miles.
3. The hybrid dogs won’t look or act the same
Due to the differences of the parents, how a mix will look like and behave is more of a lottery.
There are no uniform standards for appearance, size, or temperament. The best way to know how is to observe the parents.
Some of these designer dogs will look and act like the Bulldog, others will favor the Husky.
The third group will rest on the fence and blend traits.
4. The mixed breed is energetic and love space
Regardless of which parent dominates more in a particular offspring, it has energy and needs regular exercise to be okay.
The Bulldog needs less than the Husky, so the hybrid may fall in between.
This also means it does better in a house that has a yard. While this breed can relax indoors after an exercise, it is not a good choice for apartment dwellers.
5. It is scarce
The Husky Bulldog mix is not easily found, and it is not the first option people will look out for when they want either a Husky mix or a Bulldog mix.
It takes some work to locate one of these dogs.
Husky Bulldog Mix Appearance
General Appearance
Like we’ve mentioned, do not expect a standard appearance for this mix.
You should be ready to see many differences in look, even from puppies of the same litter.
This is good if you like uniqueness, but not if you can’t handle people asking ‘what breed is that?’
The best way to make a calculated guess for the appearance of the mixed breed is to look at the parents.
The hybrid can either be with slim legs and long ears like the Husky or have the stocky build of the Bulldog.
Usually, you may find a combination of both, giving you a dog with the looks of a Husky but the body of a Bulldog.
Size
Like appearance, size is also determined by the parents. Usually, the mixed breed’s weight and height fall somewhere in between.
This makes it a medium to a large-sized dog breed, and some of these dogs will be bigger than others.
This is a major reason why you need a wide space to own this mix.
Apartment dwellers will do better with a smaller, calmer pooch.
Colors and Coat Type
The wide difference between the parents is also evident in the coat type.
Huskies have a coat that’s good for cold climates while Bulldogs are suited for warmer weather.
There may be no middle ground in coat type, so a mix may have a thick double coat or a lighter single coat.
They have a potpourri of colors to choose from. These include black and white, brindle, fawn, gray and white, red.
Temperament, Behavior & Intelligence
The temperament and behavior of this breed are entirely dependent on the parent and genetic lottery.
Having parents free of behavioral problems will give the offspring a better chance of being a well-mannered puppy.
To ascertain traits your particular mixed dog will have, understand the personality of the parents.
Let’s look into friendliness. The Siberian Husky is notably friendlier than the Bulldog, even extending it towards strangers.
Bulldogs have a guard dog wariness towards strangers and may be territorial in their bid to protect their families.
The mix may either be accepting or reserved for strangers. With good socialization, you shouldn’t have a problem either way.
Both parents are courageous, which means this trait wouldn’t pass the offspring by.
The courage makes them brave, but do not let your pet get into a fight with another canine. That would be encouraging aggressive behavior.
In addition, the designer breed may be stubborn and sometimes show independent thinking. This is common in both parent breeds.
It may be challenging during training, but shouldn’t be a cause for frustration.
That said, you need to be a veteran pet parent to handle this breed.
Overall, this breed makes a valuable companion. Regardless of what traits it gets from its parents, it turns out to be a good pet and worker when well trained.
Are Husky Bulldog Mix Good Family Dogs?
The Husky Bulldog has parents who have both proven themselves as good family dogs, so it has a good path to follow.
A good buddy of adults and a playmate of kids, this mix integrate well into household settings.
Nonetheless, it doesn’t fit in every family. The environment, lifestyle, and experience of the owners influence the choice of this crossbreed.
Are They Good With Other Dogs & Pets?
The relationship of this mixed breed with other dogs is complex.
While the Husky parent is a pack dog who enjoys canine company, the Bulldog is territorial and may even get aggressive towards dogs.
Introduce the mix slowly to other dogs and gauge its reaction.
Its high prey drive may make it a poor choice for homes with cats and other smaller pets.
How Much Does Husky Bulldog Mix Puppies Cost?
There’s no easier way to say this, but it must be said. The Husky Bulldog Mix has overly expensive parents.
A bulldog can cost more than $3,000. The Husky is slightly cheaper ($1,000), but it is a costly breed.
Because you’re more likely to see this mix with a breeder who sells Huskies or Bulldogs, the price may fall in between.
Thus, the average cost of a Husky Bulldog mix puppy may be $2,000. It isn’t certain, though, so do your homework before making a budget.
While you research, make sure the breeder has a good reputation for his/her name.
It is common to find ill-bred Huskies and Bulldogs, a situation you should avoid if you don’t want future veterinarian bills.
A reputable breeder should be able to provide every information you need on the mix and its parents.
You could also opt for adoption at rescue shelters. It so happens that a disgruntled pet parent may abandon a Husky Bulldog mix at a shelter.
Adopting is a cheaper option and is considered a service to give an abandoned pooch a home.
Caring for a Husky and Bulldog Mix
Food & Nutrition
There isn’t much information on any specific feeding requirement of this mixed breed.
Consequently, you may need the services of a veterinarian or a nutritionist to establish a suitable feeding plan.
That said, you can determine its dietary needs by looking at the parents.
Siberian Huskies are picky eaters and not prone to obesity. 1.5 to 2 cups a day is enough to satisfy them.
The American Bulldog consumes bigger than the Siberian Husky and is more likely to gain weight, especially if you let it free feed.
Its diet should be fit for a large dog, one that’s energetic.
For both breeds, protein is a core nutrient. Animals like chicken and beef are excellent sources of protein.
This nutrient should not be lacking in your mixed breed’s diet too. Some other important nutrients are omega-3 fatty acids and minerals.
Factors you should consider before feeding your pooch are age, size, and level of activity.
Related:
Best Dog Food For Huskies
Exercise
Like the energetic parents, the Husky Bulldog mix needs a lot of exercise.
While it is not a hyperactive breed, it is a worker who needs to let out energy.
Do not deprive your pet of exercise, especially if it is a companion and not for show.
We recommend a minimum of 40 minutes of exercise for this breed.
Once your dog shows signs of tiredness, know that it has exhausted its energy for the day and can remain calm for the rest of that day.
For puppies, 10 minutes is a good start. Slowly increase the duration as the pup grows older, as well as the intensity of the exercise.
The puppy will do well with a stroll around the neighborhood and some yard play. Once it grows older, more will be required.
If you decide to stick to walking your pooch, you’ll need to cover the distance.
Keep it on a leash because the Husky parent of this mixed breed is a doggy escape artist.
Alternatively, you can go for morning or night jogs with your pet as a companion.
Huskies are known for speed and your mix may inherit that. Even if it doesn’t, running is another good physical exercise for this dog breed.
Besides physical activities, endeavor to challenge your pet’s intellect.
Training this mix is both easy and hard. The easy part is due to its intelligence.
It will grasp lessons with ease and learn commands without you having to repeat them over and over. This makes them trainable.
The tough part is overcoming the breed’s stubbornness. Having independent parents, it may be tempted to do things its way and not listen to you.
The best way to work around this tough-headed nature is to start early training.
A pup is easier to mold than an adult. Also, when your pet recognizes you as the leader, it is less likely to cross lines.
Housetraining is important for this breed to avoid unwanted accidents in the house.
You can also take it on crate training to avoid separation anxiety. Obedience training and socialization are important too.
Use treats and other forms of reward to encourage your pooch to behave well.
Grooming Needs
Grooming largely depends on what coat type your designer breed leans towards.
If it gets the double coat of the Siberian Husky, grooming may be slightly harder than if it gets the short coat of the Bulldog.
Either way, brush your pet regularly. A minimum of once a week is enough, but it should be increased during shedding season to remove dead hair.
Bath it too, when it is dirty. A dog doesn’t need bathing as much as humans, so if your pet is clean, do not bathe it. Use a shampoo that’s fit for its skin.
In addition to these, dental care is important. Brush your dog’s teeth once a day to avoid toothache and tooth decay.
Get a dental kit with approved toothpaste and a good toothbrush.
Also, take care of the nails and ears. A dog’s nails should be trimmed before it gets too long and the ears have to be wiped off of wax.
Also, observe for any abnormal signs that may signal an infection.
Health and Conditions
The last aspect of the care we would look into is good health. This mix is a healthy breed with healthy parents. It can live up to 15 years, which is long.
With enough caution from you, visits to the vet would be limited to perfunctory checkups.
That said, here are some illnesses this breed may be susceptible to.
A couple of them are inherited, others are gotten through many factors.
Hip dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is one of the most common canine illnesses. It is caused by a deficiency in the hip joint, leading to other problems like lameness and arthritis.
Cataract
A cataract is more common with the Husky. It happens when a cloudy substance grows over a dog’s lens. Without treatment, it can completely blind the affected dog.
Breathing problems
Because of their short snouts, American Bulldogs may have difficulty breathing. This can easily become a problem with the mix.
What is a Husky and Bulldog Mix called?
The Husky and Bulldog Mix has as parents the Siberian Husky and American Bulldog. It is often called the Husky Bulldog mix or the Buskdoggy.
How big do Husky and Bulldog Mix get?
This mix could either be medium-sized like the Husky or large like the American Bulldog. Its weight range is between 35 to 120 pounds and it grows as tall as 20 to 28 inches.
Wrap Up
The Husky and Bulldog mix is an ideal companion for the active and the experienced.
It is not a breed for everyone but promises years of loyalty, affection, and friendship to the owner who can cater for it.
Like other dog breeds, the Husky Bulldog requires commitment, patience, firmness, and care from you.
