A cross between a husky and a malamute: characteristics of mestizo and their content
Today, all over the world there are more than 18 Siberian Husky mestizos obtained as a result of crossing with a variety of dog breeds. Depending on the breed, they differ in size, appearance and, of course, individual character traits. Despite the fact that there are many crosses of husky with other representatives of the canine world, none of them had official recognition. In particular, one of the most popular mestizo is a cross between a husky and an Alaskan malamute.
External features
A cross between a husky and a malamute is one of the most successful crosses of the Siberian husky. Both the one and the other breed belongs to the northern sled dogs. Initially, they were used in a team to transport a variety of goods and people. Over time, thanks to their friendly nature and their devotion, these breeds began to be kept as pets. Thus, this breed migrated to warm climates and won the hearts of many dog lovers around the globe.
Not everyone can tell the difference between these two dog breeds, although each has individual distinctive characteristics, both physical and psychological. For example, malamute It is distinguished by a larger physique, a dense coat, massive paws, and an imposing gait.
On his face there is a characteristic mask that resembles a heart, while for a husky this pattern resembles a top of a tree with branches diverging in different directions. Another interesting feature of this breed is their interesting way of communication: they never bark, but make sounds close to grumbling, which differ in tonality.
Husky, in turn, is smaller in size, although it also belongs to large breeds of dogs. Their coat is not as thick and long as that of the Malamute. Also, the husky does not have the characteristic doggy smell. He is more agile and free in movement, while the Malamute is much more enduring, but does not differ in high speed. The color of the eyes can be brown or blue, heterochromia is also inherent in this breed, that is, the eyes can be of different colors. In contrast to the Malamute, where brown eyes are one of the signs of a purebred dog.
Therefore, with a mixture of these two breeds, the puppies have the color of the coat, the physique and the color of the eyes of the husky, but the size, dense coat and stubbornness are obtained from the malamute.
Features of his character
Any mestizo should combine the striking character traits of both breeds, both positive and negative.... Since both huskies and malamutes are sled dogs, they are hardy, active and strong. However, if the husky is more nimble and frisky, then the malamute is inherent in slowness, but it is stronger and more resilient.
When these breeds are crossed, mestizo are something in between - they are calmer than huskies, but not as imposing as malamutes.
Mestizos have many positive traits that are inherent in both one and the other dog breeds:
- lack of hostility towards people;
- wonderful "nannies" for children;
- friendly character;
- absolute devotion to the owner;
- playfulness;
- high intelligence;
- good team learning.
The Husky, crossed with a Malamute, is a lively, energetic dog that requires constant attention. She is great for families with children, as she loves to play and frolic, which helps to keep both of them busy for a long time. This dog is active throughout its life, especially at a young age.
During this period, you should be especially vigilant, as the puppy shows interest in all the things in the house that he needs not only to sniff, but also to taste. Therefore, the owner should be able to switch the attention of the young dog to other useful activities, for example, physical activity, walking in the fresh air, playing with his toys.
When raising a mestizo husky and a malamute, it will quite fray your nerves, because this breed of dog is stubborn. Such a dog knows his own worth and will in many ways resist the owner, therefore it is better to start them by people who have sufficient experience in raising dogs. But with regular exercise and contact with the animal, such problems will not arise.
Like any other pet, Husky and Malamute mestizos require constant attention and communication. If this does not happen, the dog will switch to the things around him, and in this case the owner may suffer some material damage in the form of torn shoes, wires and gnawed furniture.
Proper maintenance of the dog
Any dog, both purebred, and a cross or a mongrel, for normal life, must eat properly and fully. If necessary, in addition to the main foods in the dog's diet vitamin complexes and dietary supplements should be includedhowever, this should only be done when prescribed by a veterinarian.
Diet of mestizo husky and malamute can consist of both conventional products and special dog food, but of good quality. It is best to dwell on one method of feeding - any ready-made feed, or natural products. In the first case, it is necessary to give preference to premium and luxury dry food.
First, you should know the metabolic characteristics of a dog - mestizo huskies and malamutes have a good metabolism, therefore they do not have a tendency to obesity, such as Labradors. They know how to control their appetite, although the size of the portion still needs to be regulated by the owner.
From common foods, you can include in the diet:
- rabbit meat, beef, chicken, various offal - liver, lungs, heart, trimmings (meat should occupy more than 60% of the dog's diet), lean fish;
- vegetables (raw and boiled) - carrots, cabbage, zucchini, pumpkin, etc.;
- various cereals (10-15% of the total diet) - buckwheat, rice;
- dairy products - kefir, cottage cheese, fermented baked milk;
- a small amount of fruit, eg apples, pears.
Due to the physiological characteristics of the mestizo do not require a large amount of food, the size of the portions directly depends on the physical activity of the dog.
Such foods must be excluded from the diet.:
- bakery and confectionery products;
- fatty meat (pork and lamb);
- spices;
- smoked products;
- tubular bones.
It is best to train your dog to have a specific feeding schedule, which will make it much easier for both the owner and the pet.
When it comes to grooming a mestizo, it does not differ from the standard grooming of any other dog. Regular deworming (once every three months), vaccinations, bathing and combing the hair is required. It is also important to carry out flea prevention in spring and summer.
In the next video, you can watch the behavior of a half-breed husky and a malamute while walking in the forest.