The Husky Golden Retriever mix is often referred to as a Goberian, and this hybrid is a cross between the Siberian Husky and the Golden Retriever. These medium to large dogs end up being very active, but they are also known for being extremely friendly as social as well. If you are considering one of these hybrids for your family, you’ll want to know more about the dog’s origins, appearance, grooming needs, temperament, and health. Here is a closer look at all the information you need to decide if this designer dog will be a great addition to your life.
Origin and History
A look at the origins of the Husky Golden Retriever mix shows that these dogs have only been around for about the last decade. They are still fairly uncommon today. It’s thought that breeders who have crossed the two breeds were probably doing so to combine the lovely golden coat of the Golden with the stunning blue eyes of the Siberian Husky. There’s not a lot known about exactly when and where these dogs were originally bred, but looking at the breeds involved in the hybrid can help you to learn more about the hybrid’s origins and history.
The entire history of the Siberian Husky isn’t known, although it’s thought to be one of the oldest breeds of dogs. It’s though that the breed has its origins among a tribe known as Chukchi, who were Siberian nomads. These dogs were used to pull sleds, but they were also family dogs and did very well with children. During the gold rush, these dogs were imported to Alaska and used to pull dog sleds. In 1930, the AKC recognized the breed.
Golden Retrievers were specifically bred to be excellent waterfowl retrievers, and they were bred to be loyal and even tempered as well. The original breeders bred the dog to be great at hunting while still being excellent companions for the whole family. It was not until 1920 that the breed became officially known as the Golden Retriever.
Appearance
A medium to large dog, the Husky Golden Retriever mix generally weighs between 35 and 80 pounds, and they measure in between 20 and 24 inches tall. In many cases, the hybrid has the blues eyes of a Husky, although some end up with the soulful brown eyes of a Golden Retriever. These dogs have a rounded, well proportioned head, and their ears generally hang down. The body usually looks like that of a Golden Retriever, although the legs and the tail usually look like a Husky’s does. The coat is a double coat, with a straight to wavy, long outer coat and a dense, soft inner coat. Some of the common coat colors of the Husky Golden Retriever mix include brown, golden, gray, black, cream, and white.
Husky Golden Retriever Mix Temperament
You’ll find that the Golden Retriever Husky mix is social and friendly, and these dogs love being around people. While they are very gentle like the Golden, they have more drive and energy, which comes from the Husky. These dogs are extremely intelligent and they can be somewhat independent. Owners appreciate that they are affectionate and loyal to the family, yet they are alert enough to be great watchdogs. You can rest assured that the hybrid is great with both children and other pets. They are very eager to please, which makes training fairly easy.
Since these dogs are very active and full of energy, they need daily exercise to ensure they are healthy, happy, and well behaved. The Golden Retriever Husky mix enjoys activities that allow them to come along, such as hiking, cycling, walking, and jogging. Play time and at least an hour a day of exercise is needed. Without enough exercise, these dogs may become destructive.
Grooming
The Golden Retriever Husky mix does have a double coat, so it is important to brush these dogs several times a week. This helps prevent mats and keeps the coat looking healthy. They do not need to be bathed often, so it’s usually best to only bathe these dogs as needed. Teeth should be brushed several times a week and it’s essential to check an clean their ears weekly. If they do not wear down their nails naturally, they may need to be trimmed occasionally. However, since they have nerves in the lower area of the nails, you may want to leave this job to a professional groomer.
Working Roles
Both the Siberian Husky and the Golden Retriever are excellent in several working roles, so it’s no surprise that the Golden Retriever Husky mix does well in many working roles. These dogs perform well in guarding, hunting, sighting, sledding, search and rescue, and as service dogs for individuals with disabilities.
Health
The life span of a Golden Retriever Husky mix is expected to be between 10 and 15 years. This mix is susceptible to potential health concerns of both the Golden Retriever and the Siberian Husky breeds, which may include:
- Insulinoma
- Pericardial effusion
- Skin disorders
- Various forms of cancer
- Hip dysplasia
- Hypothyroidism
- Hypopigmentation
- Subaortic stenosis
- Elbow dysplasia
- Cataracts
- Myasthenia gravis
- Muscular dystrophy
- Progressive retinal atrophy
- Obesity
- Epilepsy
- Osteochondritis dessecans
- Oral eosinophilic granuloma
- Von Willebrand disease
- Nasal depigmentation
- Crystalline corneal opacity