35-55 lbs
20-25"
United States
The Sharberian Husky is a designer dog and is a mix between a Shar-Pei and a Siberian Husky. They are intelligent, affectionate dogs who make great family pets. They can be quite stubborn and wilful and are recommended for people with some experience of dogs. They are also better suited to families with older children but can get on well with other dogs, especially if they are socialized early. They do need a firm hand when it comes to training but will respond to praise and positive reinforcement. They are quite wary of strangers and can look quite imposing so make excellent watch dogs. Common colors include cream, tan, brown, white and black and their coats are short to medium in length.
The Sharberian Husky is a hybrid breed that is the offspring of a Siberian Husky and Chinese Shar-Pei. With their striking wolf-like looks and piercing eyes, the Siberian Husky was bred as a sled dog and is known for its incredible endurance. Believed to have originated among the Chukchi, a tribe of Siberian nomads, the Siberian Husky is among the oldest of dog breeds. The breed is part of the Spitz family and shares a close genetic relationship with the Alaskan Malamute and the Alaskan Husky. When they first arrived in Alaska in 1908, they were used as sled dogs during the gold rush. They later took part in the All-Alaska Sweepstakes, a 408-mile dogsled race, which they still excel in today. They were hailed in 1925 when 150 sled dogs transported a lifesaving antitoxin 674 miles across Alaska in a record-breaking five and a half days. It was for a diphtheria epidemic in Nome in Alaska and their heroic journey was later dubbed the “Great Race of Mercy”. A statue of the lead dog Balto was erected in New York City’s Central Park. The Siberian Club of America was formed in 1938 and the Siberian Husky was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1930. The Shar-Pei is believed to have existed in China since ancient times where they were used as guard dogs and later fighting dogs. With their deep wrinkles and a blue-black tongue, the Shar-Pei is unmistakeable. Statues that look like them have been dated to the Han Dynasty (200 B.C.). The breed was nearly wiped out following the creation of the People's Republic of China. Owning a dog was regarded as a "decadent bourgeois luxury" and dog breeding was banned. Those who had dogs had to pay a hefty tax which only the very wealthy could afford. Matgo Law, of Down-Homes Kennels in Hong Kong, is credited with saving the breed after appealing to breeders in America to take some of the dogs. They agreed and in 1973 a number of Shar-Peis arrived in the United States. The breed was accepted in the American Kennel Club Miscellaneous Class in 1988, and recognized by the AKC in 1991.
The Sharberian Husky is a large hybrid breed and is a mix between a Shar-Pei and a Siberian Husky. Common colors include cream, tan, brown, white and black. They weigh between 40 and 60 pounds with a height of up to 27 inches. Sharberian Huskies can have a short to medium length coat depending on which parent breed they most take after. The Siberian Husky has a medium length, very thick double coat while the Chinese Shar Pei’s is short and coarse. Both parent breeds have other distinctive characteristics such as the deep wrinkles of the Shar-Pei and its blue-black tongue or the piercing blue eyes of the Siberian Husky. A Sharberian Husky has pointy ears that can stand up or fold at the tips.
Regular brushing will be needed for a Sharberian Husky to remove any loose hair as they are known to shed quite a bit. But other than that your pet won’t need much grooming. If it has the thick double coat of a Siberian Husky it should not be cut as the coat provides natural insulation in winter and summer. The short, coarse coat of the Chinese Shar Pei doesn’t need much grooming apart from brushing once a week. They are naturally clean dogs who won’t need regular bathing. These dogs can develop skin problems so only use recommended veterinary shampoos. Try to brush your dog’s teeth daily to prevent dental problems and clip the nails if they don’t wear down naturally.
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Sharberian Huskies are intelligent, affectionate and active family dogs who are best suited to people who are experienced dog owners. They can be quite independent and wilful so will need a confident handler who is prepared to commit to a dog like this. They are best suited to families with older children. Those with multi-dog households will need ensure the Sharberian Husky gets early socialization and training. They can be a little aggressive with other dogs but can also be taught to play with them. Although their size and looks can be a bit intimidating, they are not suspicious of strangers but are alert watchdogs. The Siberian Husky’s exuberance is tempered by the Shar-Pei’s calmer nature. They can be excellent escape artists so make sure your garden is surrounded by a solid fence. Depending on which parent breed your pet most takes after will determine whether they cope with being home alone. The Siberian Husky needs a lot of attention and can howl if it is not forthcoming whereas the Shar-Pei can be left for short periods without too much damage.
The Sharberian Husky is an active playful dog who will need quite a bit of exercise to keep fit. Long walks are recommended but be careful if your dog has the short-nosed shape of the Shar-Pei which can lead to breathing difficulties. These dogs snore a lot and can get overheated so exercise them in shorter stretches and when it is cooler. A Sharberian Husky is not suited for those living in an apartment and will do best in a house with a fenced in garden and plenty of activities otherwise they can become very destructive. Being intelligent, they will love challenging activities like sledding and other dog sports.
Written by a Jack Russell lover Helen Bamford
Published: 12/06/2017, edited: 01/24/2022
More articles by Helen Bamford
I want to take my Shar Pei Siberian Husky mix breed out for a walk but it’s cold outside, like 12-16 degrees out. He’s active and needs to get out. Can I safely walk him?!
