Born from breeding Dalmatian and Siberian Husky breeds, the Dalmatian Husky Mix is an extraordinary crossbreed that also goes by the names Husky Dalmatian mix and Dalusky.
Just like his parents, the Husky Mix is medium-sized with a playful, active, and intelligent nature. If you’re interested in finding out more about this hybrid, scroll down as we discuss his physical attributes, temperament, and health.
Let’s get started.
Origin of the Dalmatian Husky Mix
Although his parents are widely recognized, nothing is certain yet about when and where the Dalmatian Husky mix originated.
Yet, we can look back at the history of the parent breeds to better understand the disposition of this new kind of crossbreed.
History of the Dalmatian
Dalmatians got their name from their first definite home: the coastal region of Dalmatia in Croatia. Their exact origin is unknown, but we know for a fact that they’re a pretty old breed.
History has them documented in various cultures worldwide. The most common example is the presence of dalmatians in Andrea di Bonaiuto’s fresco painting (1365–1367).
Throughout the years, Dalmatians have served as shepherds, hunters, retrievers, and performers. Yet, their most prominent role has been their strong affinity for horses. These horses have even served as escorts for nobles and gypsies.
Then, in recent times, Dalmatians have had a strong affiliation with firefighters. They’re trained to bark at bystanders and pedestrians, warning them of the fire wagon’s emergency route. As heavy smoke and ash filled the air, the Dalmatians kept the horses calm and guarded them against thieves while the firefighters battled the fire.
Nowadays, they’ve become one of the country’s most beloved pets.
Dalmatians were recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1881. Then, in 1905, they were registered with the Dalmatian Club of America (DCA).
History of the Siberian Husky
Siberian Huskies are one of the most popular dog breeds. They were originally bred in Siberia by the Chukchi people, who kept them as companions and sled dogs for hundreds of years.
Arriving in Alaska in 1909, the first batch of Huskies competed in the All Alaska Sweepstakes Race and won. From then on, more and more Huskies were imported and bagged titles in that same competition year after year.
Their popularity boomed even more following the height of the diphtheria epidemic in Nomes, Alaska. The Huskies battled against blizzards and harsh conditions to deliver food and life-saving serum to sick people in the area.
In 1930, Siberian Huskies were recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) followed by the International Canine Federation in 1966.
Interesting Facts About Dalmatian Husky Mix
Here are some facts you should know about the Dalmatian Husky mix.
- They’re Born With No Spots
Those dark spots are the Dalmatians’ calling card, but did you know they’re born without them? It’s true and their crossbreeds will likely experience this as well.
Whether the Dalusky is born white or brown, his spots won’t appear until he’s about two weeks old. They first appear as a light shade of gray or brown before they begin to darken.
- They Have Piercing Blue Eyes
The parent Siberian Huskies have dominant blue eyes and the Dalmatian Husky mix can potentially inherit this. For many other dog breeds, this eye color is indicative of eye and hearing issues, but that’s not the case with Huskies.
On top of this, a Dalusky can also have heterochromia or bi-colored eyes, just as is the case with some Huskies.
- Each Dalusky Has A Unique Print
Like Dalmatians, no two Daluskies have an identical pattern of spots on their coat. ‘Each pooch has his own set of spots, a bit like our unique fingerprints.
- They’re Quiet at Times
Rarely do the parent breed bark, but you might hear them howl at times. This is also the same with Daluskies. They tend to be quiet. Hence, owners can sleep peacefully.
Temperament of the Dalmatian Husky Mix
The temperament of the Dalmatian Husky mix is mostly taken from their parent breeds. Yet, this can vary depending on the environment, training, and socialization they receive.
Active and Energetic
A Dalusky is quite playful and energetic. He’s not generally aggressive, so he can perfectly match the hyper nature of his owners.
Given his playful disposition, it’s better to supervise him when he’s with small kids, since he may bump into them unintentionally.
Loyal, Loving, and Intelligent
Both the Husky and Dalmatians are pretty affectionate with their human friends. With this, we can expect the Dalusky to treat everyone he knows with love and care.
This breed is also highly intelligent and can easily handle training and basic commands.
Stubborn and Reckless
Owners love Daluskies for their active and sweet dispositions, but they’re also known to have a stubborn streak.
They may rely on their own decision and may not be obedient, especially if you’re not firm from when they’re young.
Apart from that, they can also be destructive and reckless. These traits come from the Husky side who has quite a record of savagely chewing a door apart.
To prevent these negative traits from manifesting in your hybrid, challenge him with plenty of mental and physical stimulation, and don’t leave him alone for too long.
A Dalusky may also enjoy digging. Yet, instead of cutting him off from this habit, experts recommend that you train him to dig in a designated area.
Physical Characteristics of Dalmatian Husky Mix
Since the Dalmatian Husky mix is a crossbreed, they don’t have a single defining physical trait. They can come in a variety of looks depending on the most dominant parent genes they possess.
Color and Coat
Huskies have double-layer coats: a soft, dense undercoat and a straight, smooth outer coat. They can appear in different hues, from white to black and sable to red.
Dalmatians are characterized by their short, dark-spotted white coats. However, some purebreds may have liver-colored patchy spots. Their round and well-defined spots are pleasingly and evenly distributed.
Hence, given the coat type and color of the parent breeds, we can expect that their crossbreed will display any combination of these traits.
Some Dalmatian Husky mixes have a wolf-like appearance with patchy or dotted marks over their white or brown fur. On the other hand, other dogs have a solid color with markings or spots on their heads.
Size and Weight
Huskies and Dalmatians are both medium-sized dogs, so their crossbreed will also be the same. To give you quite an estimate of Dalusky’s size and weight, here’s a comparison of his parents.
The Dalmatians can stand 19–24 inches tall, which is pretty close to the 20–24 inches height of Siberian Huskies.
Moreover, Dalmatians weigh 45–70 pounds whereas Huskies weigh 35–60 pounds.
Life Expectancy of the Dalmatian Husky Mix
Huskies have a recorded life expectancy of 12–14 years, while Dalmatians can live for 11–13 years. Therefore, Dalmatian Husky mixes can live an average life of 11–14 years, which is plenty of time to spend with this adorable and loving hybrid.
Health Issues of the Dalmatian Husky Mix
Just like all other crossbreeds, Dalmatian Husky mixes aren’t exempt from having health issues. While nothing is certain yet about their specific illness, they can potentially inherit one from their parent breeds.
Dalusky can potentially get hypothyroidism and hip dysplasia, which are common to Huskies. Regardless of their eye color, they may also develop eye issues such as cataracts, corneal dystrophy, and Progressive Retinal Atrophy.
Since Dalmatians are prone to deafness and urinary stones, Dalusky can also inherit this health problem. They may also be susceptible to minor health issues such as allergies, seizures, and Iris sphincter dysplasia.
To find out if your Dalmatian Husky mix has health concerns, you can ask a veterinarian to run hearing, eyes, thyroid, and/or hip exams. You can also purchase a Dog DNA test to detect any genetic diseases your Dalusky may have.
Caring for a Dalmatian Husky Mix
To ensure that your Dalmatian will live happily under your care, you need to know the basics of caring for this unique hybrid.
Grooming
Huskies and Dalmatians don’t need to be bathed regularly, which is also the same for their offspring, the Dalmatian Husky mix. The reason is to keep their skin free from rashes and irritations while preventing excess oils from drying out their skin.
Unless your dog loves rolling around in mud puddles, bathing once a month or once every two months will be enough to keep him clean. Just make sure to use dog shampoos that are tailored to his type of coat.
Whether your Dalusky takes after the thick coat of a Husky or the short hair of a Dalmatian, make a habit of brushing their coats at least 2–3 times a week. You can also purchase a de-shedding tool since his coat may shed extensively, especially if he takes after the parent Husky.
Food and Diet
While other canines enjoy eating generic dog food, it may not be suitable for some Dalmatians.
If your Dalusky takes more of the parent Dalmatian genes, you have to be careful with the food you’re going to serve him. Avoid feeding him food that contains high levels of purine. This compound is found in certain red meat, poultry, yeast, and other colorful food products.
As with the amount of food to serve, you’ll have to consider his age and daily activities. In general, it’s best to serve dog food that’s low in purine. You can also ask your vet about the type of food to serve and how much.
Also, encourage your pooch to drink regularly to keep him well-hydrated and prevent various health issues.
Training
The Dalmatian Huskies are intelligent dogs, a trait they get from both parents. As such, they’re fairly easy to train.
However, Daluskies can also be stubborn. Thus, it’s crucial to show them you’re the alpha by being firm with your commands. You’ll also need to be patient and offer rewards in the form of treats and praise every time they obey you.
You should socialize your Dalusky with other people and pets. This prevents him from exhibiting unwanted and destructive behavior.
Attending training classes might also be a good idea, especially if you’re a novice dog owner. This will equip you with the knowledge of how to properly deal with dogs and will prepare you to successfully train your Dalusky.
Exercise
A Dalmatian Husky mix tends to be super active and so giving him exercise is vital to keep him physically and mentally healthy. With the amount of energy he has, a few minutes of playtime won’t be enough.
You should let him exercise for about an hour. Take him on long walks or jogs and allow him to run around or play fetch.
Ideally, he should be raised in a fenced-in yard where he has the freedom to run and play.
Cost of Owning a Dalmatian Husky Mix
The price of owning a Dalusky depends on the location, age, and reputation of the breeder. Usually, you can expect to pay around $500–$1000.
Note that it isn’t the final cost of owning this hybrid. You’ll also be spending on vaccinations, insurance, grooming materials, food, and healthcare.
Where to Buy a Dalmatian Husky Mix
You can find some breeders online and purchase a Dalusky from them. You can also ask for recommendations from veterinarians or trusted friends. Contacting local breed clubs or attending professional dog shows may also help you find one.
When purchasing this hybrid, make sure you deal with a reputable breeder. It’s wise to meet him first and ask about the breeder’s registration and the dog’s medical history and pedigree.
Aside from buying from a breeder, you can also adopt one from your local rescue center. It may be hard to find a Dalusky, especially puppies, since adults are more commonly available in shelters.
Nonetheless, it may be worth it to test your luck. Besides, it feels wonderful to provide a new home to a dog who longs for one. One way to increase the likelihood of getting a Dalusky from rescue shelters, you can start with those devoted to Dalmatians and Huskies.