Dusky

24-53 lbs
10-20"
​United States
Dachshund
Siberian Husky

A Dusky is a hybrid breed and is made up of a cross between a Dachshund and a Siberian Husky. It will depend on which parent breed is more dominant because a Dachshund is a small dog weighing between 16 and 33 pounds and a Siberian Husky is a medium-sized dog weighing on average 35 to 60 pounds. Colors for a Dusky are likely to include black, black and tan, chocolate, cream, blue, white, silver, copper, brown, agouti, sable, and grey. A Siberian Husky has a thick coat with a dense undercoat and a longer topcoat of short, straight guard hairs while a Dachshund can have smooth or wiry and rough coat. Both parent breeds are intelligent and affectionate dogs but if you have young children in the family it will be a good idea to take the dog for socialization and training while still young. Both parent breeds are quite easy to train and need moderate maintenance so a Dusky is likely to be the same.

purpose Purpose
​Companion
history Date of Origin
Unknown
ancestry Ancestry
Dachshund, Siberian Husky

Dusky Health

Average Size
Male Dusky size stats
Height: 11-21 inches Weight: 25-55 lbs
Female Dusky size stats
Height: 10-20 inches Weight: 24-53 lbs
Major Concerns
  • Patellar Luxation
  • Hip Dysplasia
  • Eye Diseases and Disorders
Minor Concerns
  • Epilepsy
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Heart Disease
  • Urinary Stones
Occasional Diagnoses
  • Allergies
  • Tumors
  • Diabetes
Occasional Tests
  • X-Rays
  • MRI
  • CT Scan
  • Physical Examination
  • Urinalysis
  • Complete Blood Work
  • Serum Chemistry
  • Neurologic Exam
  • Ophthalmic Examination

Dusky Breed History

A Dusky is a hybrid breed and a mix between a purebred Siberian Husky and a purebred Dachshund. The Siberian Husky originated in north-eastern Siberia where they were bred by the Chukchi, a tribe of Siberian nomads, who used them for transport and as family dogs. The breed belongs to the Spitz genetic family and is recognizable by its thickly furred double coat and erect triangular ears. In 1908 they were imported to Alaska as sled dogs by a Russian fur trader named William Goosak. They were reportedly referred to as "Siberian Rats" because of their size compared to the Malamute. A team of Siberian Huskies won the 400-mile All-Alaska Sweepstakes in 1910, a 408-mile dogsled race, and continue to be an active competitor in the Sweepstakes even today. The Siberian Club of America was founded in 1938 and the Siberian Husky was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1930 and the Canadian Kennel Club in 1939. Dachshunds date to the 15th century and were developed in Germany to hunt badgers.The name "Dachshund" means "badger dog," from Dachs ("badger") and Hund ("hound, dog"). Small but mighty, the Dachshund was bred to have strong legs that could dig into burrows and dens. After their hunting days in Germany, many were transported to England where they became companion animals and were popular in royal courts around Europe. Often called weiner dogs and sausage dogs as a reference to their shape, they arrived in America in the 1800s and were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1885. 

Dusky Breed Appearance

Dusky dogs are small to medium dogs who will vary depending on which of the parent breeds they most look like. Dachshunds come in three sizes: toy, miniature and standard so the size of your pet may vary as well and it is likely to be bigger with the Siberian Husky side to it. Colors for a Dusky are likely to include black, black and tan, chocolate, cream, blue, white, silver, copper, brown, agouti, sable and grey. A Siberian Husky has a thick coat with a dense undercoat and a longer topcoat of short, straight guard hairs while a Dachshund can have smooth or wiry and rough coat. A Siberian Husky can have blue eyes, brown eyes, eyes that are a little of both, or one of each color while a Dachshund has dark, round eyes. Depending on the parent breed a Dusky could have erect or droopy ears and a medium length muzzle.

Eye Color Possibilities
blue Dusky eyes
Blue
brown Dusky eyes
Brown
Nose Color Possibilities
black Dusky nose
Black
Coat Color Possibilities
gray Dusky coat
Gray
sable Dusky coat
Sable
silver Dusky coat
Silver
white Dusky coat
White
blue Dusky coat
Blue
cream Dusky coat
Cream
brown Dusky coat
Brown
black Dusky coat
Black
Coat Length
coat
Short Medium Long
Coat Density
coat density
pin
Sparse Normal Dense
Coat Texture
coat texture
Dusky wiry coat texture
Straight Wiry Wavy Curly Corded

Dusky Breed Maintenance

A Dusky is likely to shed and will need moderate maintenance like the parent breeds. Wirehaired Dachshunds need more regular brushing to keep their coats free from mats and debris compared to the smooth-coated variety. They also need more baths. Siberian Huskies shed more and throughout the year but much like a cat, take time to clean themselves so don’t need many baths. A Dachshund's ears can be prone to infection, so check them often and clean out any dirt. Try to brush your pet’s teeth two to three times a week to prevent any dental problems forming. Check the nails regularly and get them clipped if they get too long.

Brushes for Dusky
Pin Brush
Pin Brush
Slicker Brush
Slicker Brush
Dematter
Dematter
Nail Clipper
Nail Clipper
Brushing Frequency
fur daily fur weekly fur monthly
Dusky requires weekly brushing
Daily Weekly Monthly

Dusky Temperament

A Dusky is likely to take after the parent breeds and be a friendly, energetic companion. A Dachshund loves nothing more than to be the center of attention and won’t mind being an only dog as long as he is showered with affection. They are alert little dogs who are prone to barking and can be quite possessive over their toys unlike the bigger Siberian Husky who is not regarded as a good guard dog as he is too agreeable and friendly with strangers. They do howl from time to time. The Siberian Husky is eager to please but can become more aloof as he gets older. Both breeds can be quite stubborn but are fairly easy to train and both will be suitable for first time pet owners so a Dusky will to. Small children are not recommended with either parent breed but both are fine with other dogs although Siberians have a strong predatory streak so may chase other dogs and cats.

Dusky Activity Requirements

The amount of exercise a Dusky will need will depend on which parent breed he most takes after as a Siberian Husky will need quite a bit more than a Dachshund. But it is important to walk your Dachshund as the breed is prone to pick up weight so it will keep him strong and healthy. Siberian Huskies have a reputation for being escape artists so they need to have an environment in which they can’t escape. An apartment is not the best place for a Siberian Husky but they can live in one provided they are taken out daily and walked as well as having play sessions. They enjoy digging as well so best to keep them happy and content so they don’t become destructive. It will be best to keep your Dusky on a lead when out in public as with both parent breeds having hunting instincts he may take off and not return when called.

Activity Level
low activity medium activity high activity
Low Medium High
Rec. Walk Mileage Per Week
9 miles
walk mileage
Minutes of Activity Per Day
60 minutes
activity minutes

Dusky Food Consumption

Cups Per Day
3 cups
cup per day cost cup per day cost cup per day cost
Daily Cost
$1.00 - $1.40
food bowls daily cost
Monthly Cost
$34.00 - $45.00
food bag monthly cost

Dusky Owner Experiences

Kiki
7 Years
5 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
She is a princess. Kiki knows she's pretty and will decide on her own time what she wants to do. She's a lover not a protector. She barely makes any noise except for the occasional yawn, a howl may come out rarely if she believes she requires more attention when we come home for the day. Keep food out of reach! She's been known to move dining chairs to get to the food on the table. You'll know because she wont greet you the next time she sees you. So guilty and still one of the sweetest dogs I've ever known. Kiki looks like a over fluffy sized (not over weight) dachshund 25 pounds. Her dad was a Long Hair Dachshund (standard) and her mother was the Siberian Husky.
6 years, 11 months ago
Journey
4 Months
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
she is really sweet withe everyone but she is starting to dig everywhere
4 years, 6 months ago
Beast
8 Weeks
3 People
House & Yard
Health
Grooming
Friendliness
Energy
Trainability
Pastimes
Fetch
I love my dusky,he’s so sweet and smart
4 years, 4 months ago
Book me a walkiee?
Pweeeze!
Sketch of smiling australian shepherd