Husky mixes inherit the Siberian Husky's blue eyes, restless feet and thick coat in varying amounts. The heat and the fence are the two things we plan around.
Size against the Siberian Husky
The American Kennel Club lists the Siberian Husky at 20 to 23.5 inches and 35 to 60 pounds, with males heavier. A Husky and Shepherd mix may weigh 70 pounds or more. An Economy kennel suits a husky mix under about 45 pounds; Business Class at $59 suits most others, and a tall one benefits from First Class at $72.
The double coat and the bath chart
The Siberian Husky has a double coat with a dense undercoat that blows out in clumps. On the bath chart effective January 1, 2024, the double-coated column for a 51 to 75 pound dog is $65, and $55 for 26 to 50 pounds. If the mix has a shorter coat, the medium column is $50 or $45. Please ask to confirm. A bath before pick-up takes a surprising amount of loose undercoat out of the car.
Heat is the real issue
Huskies were bred for cold work, and a thick coat is a burden in a Dixon summer, where a normal year has about 100 days at 90 degrees or higher. The runs are air-conditioned in summer, and your dog can choose inside or out. If your dog pants hard at drop-off, tell the staff.
The escape artist
Husky types dig, jump and test fences. Each dog stays in its own run in the fenced kennel. A mix that howls is not unusual. Remove any metal pinch (prong) collar before check-in; a flat collar and tags are all that is needed.
Before you drop off
Bring the current vaccine records or upload them to your account before the first day, since the canine influenza shot needs a booster 3 to 4 weeks after the first dose. A husky mix that has never boarded can start with a short stay, or a day of day care at $38, so the first night is not also the first time away from you.