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Australian Cattle Dog Husky Mix (Ausky): Owner’s Guide

Australian Cattle Dog Husky Mix - Ausky - Owner's Guide
Australian Cattle Dog Husky Mix aka Ausky Owner’s Guide

The Australian Cattle Dog Husky Mix aka Ausky, a mix between the Siberian Husky and the Australian Cattle dog, is an intelligent, extremely active, and playful mixed breed that is sure to keep you busy.

Even though you’ll be busy with this breed, they sure are a lot of fun, especially if you like to be active! They love to play, work, and run, and they love to be with their owners even more. 

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Key Questions Answered

What is an Australian Cattle Dog Husky Mix called?

An Australian Cattle Dog Husky Mix is called an Ausky. They can also be called a Blue Heeler Husky Mix if crossed with the blue heeler, or a Red Heeler Husky Mix if crossed with a red heeler. But both the red heeler husky mix and the blue heeler husky mix are generally known as Australian Cattle Dog Husky Mixes.

How much is an Australian Cattle Dog Husky Mix?

An Australian Cattle Dog Husky Mix is will most likely cost $400 to $1,500 from a breeder.

Where to buy an Australian Cattle Dog Husky Mix?

You can buy an Australian Cattle Dog Husky Mix from LancasterPuppies.com. Other options include Googling ‘Australian Cattle Dog Mix for sale’ or ‘Ausky for sale’.

Australian Cattle Dog Husky Mix Traits & Characteristics 

  • Loyal 
  • Outgoing 
  • Tenacious
  • Mischievous
  • Intelligent  

Traits Summary Table

TraitsAustralian Cattle Dog Husky Mix
Eye ColorBlue, brown or a mix!
Coat ColorBlue, gray or red specklng, white, brown, black, tan, sable, agouti, or red with piebald or saddle-back markings.
SheddingHigh amounts of shedding
Height18 to 22 inches tall
Weight35 to 55 pounds
TemperamentVery loyal and outgoing
Lifespan12 to 16 years
IntelligenceVery intelligent
Physical ActivityHighly active
Good With Kids?Yes, but only with proper training and socialization.
OriginDesigner dog breed originating in the 90s.
Price$400 to $1500
PROSLoyal, intelligent and loves to play.
CONSCan be destructive when bored, escape artists and may be wary of strangers.

Appearance 

Most Auskies are the perfect mix between the Australian Cattle Dog and the Siberian Husky. The parent breeds are quite similar in size and body structure. An Ausky will have straight triangular ears like both parents and a long, straight tail. 

Color

An Ausky will likely have some of both parents’ coloring. For example, though Australian Cattle Dogs are born with an all-white coat, they eventually develop various mottling or speckling of blue-gray or red patterns.

Siberian Huskies are born with their coat color already developed, which can be various colors of white, brown, black, tan, sable, agouti, and red in piebald markings or saddle-back markings.

From the Siberian Husky side, an Ausky could inherit the blue or brown eyes of the Husky or the brown eyes of the Australian Cattle Dog. Or, thanks to the Husky side, an Ausky could have one of each. 

Australian Cattle Dog Husky Mix Colors
Look at those cool colors! 😮 Image from @winstontheausky

Coat & Shedding 

An Ausky will most likely have a double coat, thanks to both of its parents. However, it may develop a shorter coat like the Australian Cattle Dog or a longer coat like the Siberian Husky.

Either way, an Ausky will absolutely shed, especially during the changing of the seasons, so be prepared to commit to regular brushing to keep your house clean!

Size

The average Australian Cattle dog stands between 18 and 20 inches if male and between 17 and 19 inches if female. Both males and females tend to weigh somewhere between 35 and 50 pounds.

The male Siberian Husky stands between 21 and 23.5 inches in height and weighs between 45 and 60 pounds. The female Siberian Husky can be expected to be a bit smaller, standing at 20 to 22 inches and weighing between 35 and 50 pounds.

Based on this, the Ausky will likely fall somewhere between the two parent breeds in terms of size. An Ausky could be between 18 and 22 inches in height and weigh between 35 and 55 pounds. 

Australian Cattle Dog Husky Mix Size
This is Aspen, a beautiful Ausky getting her pose on! 😍 Image from @aspen.the.ausky

Temperament & Personality 

An Ausky is an incredibly loyal dog to its family and owner.

From the Australian Cattle Dog side, the Ausky may be a bit wary or suspicious of strangers upon first approach, but with leadership and guidance from the owner will become anybody’s friend.

But from the Siberian Husky side, the Ausky may inherit the parent’s eager and friendly disposition. An Ausky will also always be ready to work or play. 

Lifespan 

The average life expectancy of an Australian Cattle Dog is between 12 and 16 years. A Husky’s average life expectancy is between 12 and 14 years.

Both breeds are relatively hardy and healthy dogs which contributes to their long life expectancy. As such, an Ausky can be expected to have a life expectancy of 12 to 16 years.

Regular visits to a veterinarian for preventative care as well as regular exercise and a high-quality diet, are all essential factors in their health and longevity. 

Must read: How old is my Husky in humans years? 

Australian Cattle Dog Husky Mix Lifespan
If cuter dogs lived longer, this Ausky would live forever! 😍 Image from @tammy.blaze.photography.yoga

Intelligence

Both parent breeds are considered to be smart dogs. The Australian Cattle Dog, especially, is well-revered for its intelligence. They can easily be taught new tricks and tasks quickly.

Australian Cattle Dogs also have a high level of instinctive intelligence, which they are already born with and don’t have to learn. Many of them know exactly how to push livestock and herd them in various directions. All they need is an owner or trainer to tell them where to move the livestock!

Similarly, the Husky is also quite smart, though it is known for not always being quite as eager as the Australian Cattle Dog. They can have a bit of a stubborn or obstinate streak in them.

An Ausky will likely inherit the intelligence of both parent breeds with just a bit of the Husky’s stubbornness to keep things extra interesting. 

Activity Level 

Auskies are always incredibly active and high-energy dogs. A good starting point for the breed would be at least two hours of exercise or activity every day.

They really thrive when they have a job to do. Of course, not everyone needs a cattle dog to herd cattle or a Husky to pull sleds for them, but there are still other ways to provide work for these busy dogs!

Examples of jobs you can give your Australian Cattle Dog Husky Mix:

  • When going for a walk, try having the dog carry its own water bottle and spare poop bags in a backpack!
  • Or consider setting up a do-it-yourself agility course in the backyard.
  • Another option would be to make up your own scent games, like having your dog find their bone in a pile of dirty laundry.

Anything to get their brain stimulated and their feet moving will be essential in keeping these dogs happy and healthy. 

Australian Cattle Dog Husky Mix Physical Activity
Just have a rest after playing in the snow! ❄️ Image from @jasper_western

Are Australian Cattle Dog Husky Mixes Good With Kids?

Ausky mixes can be wonderful family dogs and companions for kids when provided with training and proper socialization.

Due to their herding instincts, they are known for trying to herd or push children and other animals to the areas where they want them to go. Sometimes they resort to nipping or biting at people’s heels to get them to move.

They also may not be the most patient mixed breed with loud, grabby children. In these cases, it will be important for the owner to teach both children and the Ausky to respect each other’s space! 

Speed, Strength & Endurance 

Auskies are athletic working dogs who are always up for any challenge.

The Husky breed is known for its ability to run for long distances while pulling sleds, and the Australian Cattle Dog is known for being quick-footed and fast when rounding up livestock.

They have what can often seem like an endless amount of energy which can contribute to their athleticism. 

Behavior

With plenty of exercise, socialization, and training, an Ausky will be a perfectly well-behaved dog. However, because they have so much energy, they can sometimes turn to bad behaviors.

Additionally, since they are so loyal to their families, they tend not to do well when left alone for too long. Crate training will be the best solution to protect your house and furniture. 

Visit our Siberian Husky Behavior hub to learn more.

Australian Cattle Dog Husky Mix Behavior
This Ausky must take after their Siberian Husky parent’s love for weird sleeping positions! 😂 Image from @bumitheausky

History of the Australian Cattle Dog Husky Mix

Siberian Husky

The Siberian Husky breed is a descendant of the dogs originally bred in northern Siberia by the nomadic hunter-gatherer Chukchi people. The history of these dogs is believed to go as far back as 4,000 years.

The Chukchi people used their dogs to help them with their way of life. On cold nights, the dogs would cuddle up in their families’ tents with the family and the whole pack to keep each other warm. And when it was time to move camp or travel, the dogs would help pull the sleds with supplies. 

Australian Cattle Dog

The Australian Cattle Dog originated in the early 1800s when Anglo-Australians moving inland from the coast to start cattle operations realized that they would need a hardier dog than the Smithfield breed they had originally brought with them.

They needed a dog that could excel in high temperatures, cover long distances of acreages, and handle the rough terrain. Over time, the Smithfields were crossed with Dingos, a feral breed of dog already on the Australian continent.

Eventually, other breeds like the Scottish Highland Collie, the Kelpie, and even Dalmatians were added to the mix to create the perfect hard-working and durable herding dog. 

The Siberian Husky and the Australian Cattle Dog were likely mixed together as a designer dog breed sometime in the 90’s. Although it’s possible they were part of an accidental litter before then.

Australian Cattle Dog Husky Mix

Separately, the Australian Cattle Dog and the Siberian Husky are both quite popular breeds. It has only been in more recent years, though, that the two have been mixed together, so Auskies still aren’t all that common.

However, some breeders who love both breeds will breed them together. They can also be found in accidental litters when family pets or strays who haven’t been spayed or neutered get together. They can sometimes be found in rescues and shelters, too. 

Australian Cattle Dog Husky Mix History
This is Floki, the Ausky, live his best life! 😀 Image from @floki_the_ausky

How to Take Care of an Australian Cattle Dog Husky Mix 

Nutrition 

A healthy diet will be vital to ensuring the health of an Ausky. They often do best with dog food high in protein, moderately high in fat, and low in carbs.

A typical starting point is 2 to 3 cups of food per day, but this, of course, can depend on the dog’s size and activity level. 

Visit our Siberian Husky Nutrition hub to learn more. 

Exercise 

Auskies are a breed of dog that needs plenty of exercise every single day. In most cases, running around the backyard by themselves just won’t cut it. Many will need at least one full hour of vigorous exercise plus even more time for stimulating activities every day.

Exercise could include:

  • Multiple walks each day
  • Jogging
  • Biking
  • Rollerblading
  • Hiking
  • Running
  • Swimming

Games, which can be another form of physical activity include:

  • Fetch
  • Tug-of-war
  • Playfighting with other dogs

Other activity options include:

  • Doggie daycare
  • Agility classes

All of the above can help keep an Ausky in good shape.

Must read: How much exercise does a Husky need?

Husky Australian Cattle Dog Mix Exercise
Best exercise session ever! 🏂 Image from @floki_the_ausky

Grooming 

While Auskies don’t need haircuts or frequent baths, they do still require a bit of grooming. With their thick, dense undercoat, they’ll require, at the very minimum, weekly brushing.

The best brushes for Auskies will depend on whether the pup inherits the shorter coat of the Australian Cattle dog or the longer fur of the Husky.

For shorter coats, a rubber curry brush, a soft bristle brush, or a deshedding rake or comb will work wonders. For longer coats, a metal comb will help prevent and break up light matting and pick up loose fur.

Other options that work well include slicker brushes, undercoat rakes, and de-matting combs or brushes. They’ll also need regular nail trims and regular ear cleaning. 

Training

Training will always be a number one priority for any owner of the Ausky breed. Huskies are hard-working and have endless energy, and without training, they can cause quite a lot of chaos. It will be important to start training early on in a dog’s life to set them up for success.

It’s much easier to teach a dog what it needs to know before any bad or undesirable behaviors become habits. That being said, though, old dogs can still learn new tricks, too!

So if you are getting an older dog or have a dog that is already set in its ways, not all is lost. It may just take a bit more time and dedication. 

Visit our Siberian Husky Training hub to learn more.

Husky Australian Cattle Dog Mix Training
Training time for these Ausky siblings! 🦆 🤤 Image from @va.spacebat

Ausky Puppies 

Ausky puppies are certainly a handful, but they are a lot of fun, too! They are energetic and a bit chaotic, so early training will be extremely important for these pups to grow into well-rounded dogs.

Start with crate training and potty training and work on setting boundaries with puppies, such as teaching them commands like down, leave it, and come. 

General Health 

As mentioned earlier, Auskies are typically healthy dogs with a long life expectancy. However, there are a few health concerns that they may be more likely to develop or inherit than other breeds.

For example, Australian Cattle Dogs have a greater risk of inheriting deafness than other breeds. Siberian Huskies are prone to hip and elbow dysplasia.

Overall, some common health concerns that Auskies may face include:

  • Deafness
  • Hip and elbow dysplasia
  • Progressive retinal atrophy
  • Corneal dystrophy
  • Zinc deficiency
  • Arthritis

While not all diseases are preventable, there are things you can do to help our dogs be as healthy as possible, including regular exercise and a healthy dog food diet

Visit our Siberian Husky Health hub to learn more.

Husky Australian Cattle Dog Mix Health
Happy and healthy Ausky pup! 😍 Image from @emiliajeppsson

Australian Cattle Dog Husky Mix Price

Because they aren’t bred together commonly, it is a bit tricky to estimate an average price for Auskies. We can, however, look at what the parent breeds tend to cost.

A Siberian Husky puppy can be bought or adopted for somewhere around $600 to $1,500, depending on the breeder. Australian Cattle Dogs can cost anywhere from $400 to $1,500.

An Australian Cattle Dog Husky Mix will likely cost $400 to $1,500 dollars.

Adopting an Ausky from a shelter or rescue is also often an option where the price may be a bit less. Most puppies in shelters go for somewhere between $350 and $500, while adults cost between $200 and $300. 

Visit our Siberian Husky Price hub to learn about the maintenance cost of Huskies.

Pros & Cons 

Pros: Loyal, intelligent and loves to play 

Cons: Can be destructive when bored, escape artists and may be wary of strangers

Australia Cattle Dog Husky Mix Alternatives

Here are some great Husky mix breed alternatives:

Recommendation 

Auskies are a Husky mix that are always energetic and fun-loving. They can sometimes be hard-headed and mischievous when they want to be. Most likely, you won’t ever meet a dog as loyal as the Australian Cattle Dog Husky mix! 

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Author
Max Jacobs
Max Jacobs is the owner and lead author of Husky Gifts. He loves spending time with his family, who have two huskies. Max loves to write and is passionate about creating interesting and engaging content. To learn more, visit the team section of the about page.

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