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The Wheaten Terrier Husky mix combines the Soft-Haired Wheaten Terrier with the Siberian Husky. Both breeds are known for being loyal and loving and have a playful side. Owners should provide a lot of daily exercise and mental stimulation and be prepared for a dog with an independent streak.
Breed Overview
Colors:
White, tan, brown, black
Suitable for:
Active families who want a loving but independent companion
Temperament:
Loyal, loving, affectionate, playful, independent
The Husky Wheaten is an uncommon hybrid that crosses the Soft-Haired Wheaten Terrier with the Husky. Both breeds share some similar traits, such as their lively nature and need for plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation. They can also be independent and stubborn.
They might not be ideal for first-time owners since they require a lot of training, and even with consistent training, the Wheaten Husky is likely to have moments of being a difficult dog. However, they are loyal, loving, playful and intelligent.
Wheaten Terrier Husky Mix Characteristics
Wheaten Terrier Husky Mix Breed Puppies
The Wheaten Terrier Husky is a rare hybrid of two beloved breeds. The Husky is a popular breed, but the Wheaten Terrier is much less common. Your best bet to find one of these hybrids is to check online, although you can also check with local breeders of each of the parent breeds.
Whether you find a breeder online or in your local phone book, do your research before agreeing to take one of the puppies. Visit the breeder and ask for a tour of the facilities. The puppies should be bright and alert, and the mother should look healthy and be well-socialized. Puppies look to their mothers for early social cues, so if the mother is friendly, there is a good chance this will pass on to the puppy.
You can also check local rescues to see if they have puppies available for adoption, including Husky and Wheaten rescues. If you rescue a puppy, you won’t have access to as much information about the dog’s history or lineage, but you will be providing a second chance for a dog who needs a home.
Both parent breeds are known to be sociable animals, but while the Terrier can be easily trained, training a Husky can be a challenge. Therefore, you should start training as soon as you get your puppy home. Although they are friendly dogs, you should also start socializing them as early as possible.
Wheaten Terrier Husky Mix Origin & History
The Wheaten Terrier Husky Mix is a rare cross, and there are unlikely to be many intentional breeding programs. However, while there isn’t much information on their history, both parents have reasonably well-known backgrounds.
The Husky is one of the oldest breeds, originating from the Chukchi tribe of Siberia. The dogs were used primarily for transport but were also kept as family companions. They are friendly dogs because they have slept close to their owners, keeping them warm in freezing conditions. Huskies made their way to the U.S. at the turn of the 20th Century when they were used as sled dogs to pull loads of gold.
The Soft Coated Wheaten Terrier is not as old as the Husky but still has an interesting history. They were kept as farm dogs because only the elite classes of Ireland were allowed to keep Hounds. Wheatens were introduced to the U.S. at the end of World War II when they were shipped over from Belfast to Boston.
Temperament & Intelligence of the Wheaten Terrier Husky Mix
The Wheaten Husky could be closer to one or other parents or include traits of both breeds. The Wheaten Terrier was bred to hunt vermin and perform other farm and household tasks. They worked closely with humans and became loving and loyal companions.
The Husky was bred to pull sleds and used for transport. They also worked beside humans for several years and slept with them in frigid environments to keep them warm. So, like the Wheaten, the Husky is an affectionate and loyal dog.
The Husky is independent, however, and has some odd character quirks. Huskies, for example, are known to like climbing on top of things, and they will look for ways to get outside, even when you don’t want them to. The most famous of the Husky’s quirks is their tendency to talk. You won’t be able to stop a Husky from howling and yowling, so you must be prepared for it, as it may come out in the Wheaten Husky mix.
Whichever breed the Wheaten Husky leans toward, they should be friendly, playful, and loyal. If they retain more Terrier traits, they’ll be easier to train. If they are more like the Husky, they will be more independent.
Are These Dogs Good for Families? 👪
The Wheaten Terrier Husky Mix is likely to make a good family dog. They enjoy playtime with children, especially outdoor games. They can be very playful and may try to run away with children’s toys, so you will need to teach your Wheaten Husky to leave them alone.
They can also be quite energetic and bouncy, which means they might not be the best pets for very young children; accidents can happen and cause injuries.
Does This Breed Get Along With Other Pets? 🐶 😽
The Husky is a pack animal bred as part of a large sledding group. They get along with other dogs, and having a canine companion in the home keeps them happy and entertained.
The Wheaten Terrier also gets along with other dogs and can happily live with other pets, although you will need to take time introducing a Wheaten to cats. The Wheaten Terrier Husky Mix should get along with other animals, but they might have a prey drive for smaller animals, and you should keep them on a leash when walking outside in the woods.
Things to Know When Owning a Wheaten Terrier Husky Mix
The Wheaten Terrier Husky is a loyal companion that makes a good addition to the family, but they aren’t the ideal pet for all families.
Food & Diet Requirements 🦴
The amount of food you give your pet pup depends on their size, age, and the type of food you serve. If you give wet or canned food, follow the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding the feeding amount.
If you serve dry food, expect to feed between 2 and 3 cups a day. Always split your dog’s daily food allowance over two or three meals a day. If you provide treats, they should only account for 10% of your dog’s daily calories. The Wheaten Husky is an energetic dog, and it’s best to find a high-protein formula suitable for working dogs. Your vet can provide brand recommendations and feeding advice.
Exercise 🐕
The parents are energetic dogs, and the resulting Wheaten Husky will need a lot of daily exercise. You must provide around 2 hours of exercise a day, which can include long walks but should also include other types of intense exercise.
They can be trained to pull sleds and compete in dry sledding events. They also excel in agility, flyball, and dock diving.
Training 🎾
The Wheaten Terrier is considered a good dog for training. They’re intelligent and respond well to commands. The Husky is an intelligent dog, but they’re more independent and stubborn. It’s best to start training your hybrid pup as early as possible.
Try to keep training sessions short and fun initially and build up to the more advanced sessions over time. Use fair but firm training and try to end training sessions on a positive note. Puppy classes are a good idea for young dogs.
They teach basic commands, and they also show you how to train your dog while providing them with the opportunity to socialize with other dogs.
Socialization is an integral part of canine development, and it will make life easier and better for both of you as your dog ages. You won’t be apprehensive when out walking, and your dog can make friends with others in the park or the neighborhood.
Grooming ✂️
The Terrier doesn’t shed much, but the Husky’s double coat will leave a lot of hair around. Their offspring can inherit a coat that resembles either parent’s fur or a combination of both.
However, you should brush at least twice weekly, with daily brushing required during shedding season. You can trim their nails when they get long enough to make clicking noises on hard floors. Check inside the ears for signs of parasites and infections, especially if your dog likes to run around outside or enjoys jumping in the water.
Also, it’s vital to brush their teeth at least three times a week: Dental treats alone will not prevent plaque and dental disease—you will need to lend a hand.
Health and Conditions ❤️
The Wheaten Husky is likely to be a hardy and generally healthy dog. However, dysplasia and eye conditions are more common in Huskies, and the Wheaten Terrier is somewhat prone to similar conditions.
Minor Conditions
- Addison’s disease
- Eye conditions
- Skin allergies
- Joint issues
Serious Conditions
- Elbow dysplasia
- Hip dysplasia
- Protein wasting disease
Male vs Female
Generally, males are bigger and stronger than female dogs, and this goes for both parents, so you can expect it from the Wheaten Terrier Husky Mix, too. Females tend to be more independent, which is already a factor when considering the Husky, but they are less likely to challenge your dominance.
Males can be more affectionate and playful with their owners, while females are more reserved and not as demanding. However, individual character, socialization, and training are more likely to determine a dog’s temperament than their sex.
3 Little-Known Facts About the Wheaten Terrier Husky Mix
1. Wheaten Terriers Were Kept by Peasants
The Wheaten Terrier was considered the peasant’s dog in Ireland. Hounds could only be kept by the upper class, which meant Terriers were reserved for the working classes, and the Wheaten Terrier was a popular option.
2. Huskies Often Have Different Colored Eyes
Heterochromia is a genetic condition that causes the eyes to be different colors. It is present in a small number of humans and can also be seen in some dogs. Huskies commonly have this condition, which typically means they have one blue eye and one brown.
3. They Have a Lot of Stamina
Huskies were bred to pull sleds over very long distances, while Wheaten Terriers were bred to chase and hunt vermin. Both these roles require a lot of energy and stamina, which means that the Wheaten Terrier Husky has a lot of energy and stamina, hence the need to give them a lot of daily exercise.
Final Thoughts
The Wheaten Terrier Husky Mix is energetic, loving, and loyal. Although they’re less common than other hybrids, they make excellent pets for families with older children. However, they aren’t suitable for novice dog owners. They require a few hours of daily exercise and extensive training to become well-behaved pups.
Patient training from a young age will help ensure that the independent-natured dog follows commands and knows how to behave, but potential owners should still expect some of the famous Husky quirks.
Featured Image Credit: (L) Wirestock Creators, Shutterstock | (R) Anciens Huang, Shutterstock
