If you have a Husky or a Sheltie, you probably already know how great they are! These dogs are not only adorable and friendly but also energetic, loving, and loyal! What would happen if you were to mix these two unique breeds into one dog?
Not a lot of people have heard of or seen a Sheltie Husky mix, but believe me, they’re out there! Even though they are very rare, this mixed dog has all of the special characteristics and traits that make both of these breeds so great.
If you are interested in learning more about the unique characteristics of this mixed breed, then keep reading!
What is a Sheltie Husky Mix? / What are they called?
Not a lot of people have heard of a Sheltie Husky mix. When thinking about it, mixing the two is a very interesting combination.
A sheltie husky mix is a cross between a Shetland sheepdog and a Siberian husky sometimes called a Sheltsky. These dogs are often used as working dogs, as they have a lot of energy and intelligence. They can be very friendly, but may also be very independent. They need a lot of exercise and stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
If you come across one of these mixed pups, you may notice they possess certain traits from both breeds.
The Shetland sheepdog is a breed of dog that originated in the Shetland Islands of Scotland. These dogs were originally bred to herd sheep and protect them from predators. They are still used for these purposes today, but they have also become popular pets.
What is the difference between a Siberian husky and a shetland sheepdog?
The main difference between a Siberian husky and a shetland sheepdog is their size. Siberian huskies are much larger dogs, while shetland sheepdogs are more medium-sized. Both breeds are intelligent and active, but Siberian huskies are more independent while shetland sheepdogs are more people-oriented.
History of the Shetland Sheepdog and Siberian Husky Mix
People who own a Shelty Husky Mix are sometimes unaware of where their dog originally came from.
Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. We only recommend high-quality products that are used and recommended by real owners. If you use these links to buy something we earn a small commission.
Most likely a mix between these two breeds is a result from an accidental litter. Sometimes owners who have both a Shetland Sheepdog and a Husky will end up with a litter if their dogs are not spayed or neutered and the dogs mate.
Note: It’s important to understand that with mixed breeds the mother should always be the larger of the two breeds and the father should be the smaller so with this mix the father should be the Sheltie and the mother the Husky. The other way around could cause puppies that are too large for the mother to carry and could result in death of the puppies and or the mother.
Both of these dogs originate from interesting backgrounds and were previously used for many different tasks or even for their symbolic purposes.
The Shetland sheepdog is a breed of dog that originated in the Shetland Islands of Scotland. These dogs were originally bred to herd sheep and protect them from predators. They are still used for these purposes today, but they have also become popular pets.
The Husky is more of a working dog compared to the Sheltie. They originated in Siberia and were used for many tasks such as transporting food, pulling sleds, and accompanying hunters.
The Siberian Husky is a direct descendant of the Chukchi, a native tribe from Siberia. These dogs were bred to pull sleds and help with hunting. They were also used as watchdogs and companions. In 1909, the first Huskies were brought to Alaska to compete in the All-Alaska Sweepstakes, a dogsled race.
The Husky became popular in the United States in the 1930s, when many were brought over from Siberia. During World War II, they were used as sled dogs to deliver supplies to troops in Alaska and Greenland.
After the war, they became popular as pets and working dogs. Today, they are still used as sled dogs in many parts of the world, as well as for search and rescue, tracking, and other working dog duties.
A Sheltie Husky mix is extra unique seeing as these two breeds were very different in their history! A Sheltie Husky mix may be more of a watchdog than a guard dog or the other way around, depending on which traits from each breed they possess more of!
What does a Sheltsky look like?
Mixing a Sheltie and a Husky can make an interesting-looking dog; however, you will never know what they will look or act like until they are born!
By mixing these two breeds, the result may be a dog that is more like a Sheltie, more like a Husky, or a perfect combination of both! You may have a pup that resembles a larger Sheltie, or a smaller Husky!
Sheltie and Huskies can have similar color patterns that include white, black, and copper/tan; they can also have a mix of colors! One of the most common color patterns in both Sheltie and Huskies is tan gray and white. They also both have a double coat that is very soft!
A lot of Sheltskies will look similar to a smaller husky with long fluffy fur. They may have longer noses like a Sheltie. They will often possess the striking eyes of a Husky as well, seeing as their eyes are a very dominant trait.
It is a guessing game when it comes to what a Sheltie Husky mix will look like as it grows. They could end up looking a lot like a Husky with a few minor Sheltie characteristics, or they could look like a Sheltie with slight Husky characteristics, there are so many possibilities!
How tall is a Sheltie Husky / how much do they weigh?
Seeing as a Sheltie Husky could inherit from either breed, there is a wide range of height and weight that a Sheltsky mix might be.
A Sheltsky will typically grow anywhere between 15 – 22 inches tall and can range between 20–50 pounds.
A sheltie is a sleek and slender herding dog that will be quite a bit smaller than a Husky. The average height for a sheltie is between 13 and 16 inches tall at the shoulder, and the average weight for a sheltie is between 15 and 25 pounds.
The Husky is a solidly built dog. They are very muscular and compact, typically longer than tall. They normally range between 20–24 inches tall and weigh between 25–60 pounds. Their wolf-like appearance is very unique with eyes vibrant in blue, brown, or oftentimes bi-colored! They also have triangular ears and bushy tails!
Sheltie Husky Mix Temperament
Huskies are strong, energetic dogs that need plenty of exercise. They are also very intelligent and can be willful if not given enough attention.
They are generally good with children and other animals but may be too rambunctious for very small children. Huskies are escape artists and may wander off if not given enough space to run.
They also tend to bark and howl more than most other dog breeds.
Shelties make great family dogs. They are intelligent, playful, and loyal dogs that make great companions. Shelties are generally good with other pets, but they may try to herd them if they are not properly trained. Similar to Huskies they will need to get plenty of exercise and stimulation.
Note: As with any mixed breed it is impossible to predict the temperament of the puppies. Generally knowing what the temperament of the parents is will be a good indicator of how the puppies will behave.
Huskies are already known for their great ability to escape enclosed spaces, pair that with Sheltie playfulness and smaller size, and you might be met with a dog who loves escaping from the backyard!
Both breeds also tend to have tons of energy. Huskies especially require a lot of exercise; this along with separation anxiety may become an issue if you have to leave your pup alone for long periods of time.
Here are some other temperament characteristics of Sheltie and Huskies:
Sheltie | Husky |
Happy | Friendly |
Trusting | Alert |
Enthusiastic | Gentle |
Energetic | Intelligent |
Attentive | Outgoing |
As you can see from the chart, both of these breeds have similar temperaments. This is great when considering a Sheltie Husky mix, you can have a mixture of all the great personality traits that make both Sheltie and Huskies so unique!
Sheltsky Pros & Cons
Like most other dogs, the Sheltsky has both positive and negative traits.
Thankfully, the Sheltie and Husky both share a lot of the same traits so there won’t be any crazy surprises when faced with the negative traits of this mixed dog.
Here are some of the positives and negatives that owners of Sheltie Huskies are faced with:
Pros:
- Long life
- Good with humans
- Loyal
- Loving
- Beautiful fur coloring
- Don’t tend to get into too much trouble
- Independent
Cons:
- Prone to separation anxiety
- High shedding/High maintenance grooming
- High energy, needs a lot of stimulation
- Need a job to do
- Overheat easily in certain weather
- Expert at escaping closed spaces
Do Sheltskies have health problems?
A lot of people who are interested in Sheltie Huskies wonder if they are prone to any health issues.
Both Sheltie and Huskies have certain health complications that are popular among their breeds. This can become a problem when mixing the two breeds because then the pup could be faced with complications coming from both sides.
Health problems that a Sheltie often suffers from are:
- Collie Eye Anomaly
- Hip dysplasia
- Patent ductus arteriosus
- Phosphofructokinase deficiency
- Von Willebrand’s disease.
Collie Eye Anomaly is a genetic disorder that affects the eyesight of affected dogs. It can range from mild to severe, and in some cases may eventually lead to blindness.
Hip dysplasia is a condition that can cause pain and lameness in the affected dog. It is caused by a malformation of the hip joint, and is more common in larger breeds of dogs.
Patent ductus arteriosus is a congenital heart defect that can be serious or even life-threatening. It occurs when a blood vessel that is supposed to close after birth fails to do so.
Phosphofructokinase deficiency is a rare genetic disorder that can cause anemia and muscle weakness.
Von Willebrand’s disease is a bleeding disorder that can cause problems with blood clotting. It is caused by a deficiency of a protein called von Willebrand factor.
Huskies on the other hand are most at risk for issues such as:
- Diabetes
- Cancer
- Genetic diseases such as “follicular dysplasia” which can cause major hair loss.
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye problems such as progressive retinal atrophy and glaucoma
- Thyroid problems
Both breeds share the risk of the same health issues such as eye disease, and hip problems. A Sheltie Husky mix may run an even higher risk of developing these troubles because they would be getting it from both sides.
Thankfully, both breeds tend to live long lives. A Sheltie’s average life span is between 12–14 years and Huskie’s average life span is between 12–15 years. As long as your pup is taken care of properly, and not at risk for certain health problems, they should be around for a long time!
There are certain steps you can take to ensure that your Sheltie Husky stays in good health. One major step is to ensure that your pup receives a high-quality diet, specifically with meat protein which can help their overall health and lessen their risk for hip problems.
Tip: Beware to not overfeed your Sheltie Husky. Causing them to become overweight may heighten their risk for hip problems.
How to train a Sheltie Husky Mix
Both Sheltie and Huskies are known for being difficult to train. As long as you start them early, there should be a lesser chance of them not being trained successfully.
Multiple training methods can be used for a Sheltie Husky mix. People like to use different methods to get certain results from their pup. Some training methods include crate training, clicker training, and positive reinforcement training (where the dog is rewarded for good behavior).
Huskies are known for being very strong-willed, independent, and even stubborn when it comes to training, it may be even harder to train a Sheltie Husky mix. Shelties are often eager to please but can sometimes be too smart for their own good.
One of the most important first steps in training is to potty train!
Tip: Try training your pup in shorter sessions, this will prevent them from getting bored and giving up.
Huskies specifically are known to become destructive when left alone for long periods of time. Training them can be very beneficial to avoid any unwanted messes or broken belongings.
It is also a good idea to train your pup for social situations. This is typically easy for a Sheltie Husky because they are so friendly and love to meet people! Like other breeds, it is important to introduce your pup to socializing early, this can help any anxiety they may feel when put into social situations.
Giving praise and reward is important when training your Sheltie Husky. Like any other dog, they are more likely to behave and train well if they know they will be receiving a reward for their efforts.
How to Groom a Sheltie Husky Mix
Both Sheltie and Huskies have double coats and thick fur. Whether your mixed dog possesses Sheltie fur (longer hair), or Husky fur (shorter hair), they will require medium to high grooming either way.
To groom a Sheltie Husky, you will want to have products that work for your pup and their specific fur type, along with specific tools (brushes, trimmers, etc.).
The Sheltie Husky does shed a lot, it is important to brush them consistently to make sure no tangles occur. It is typically a good idea to brush them at least 1–2 times a week or 3 times a week if they have longer fur.
Like all other dog breeds, it is also important to keep a Sheltie Huskies ears, teeth, and nails in good condition to ensure they are happy and healthy!
What is the price of a Sheltsky?
In most cases, pure-bred dogs are more expensive than mixed dogs. However, since the Sheltie Husky mix can be very difficult to find, especially if you are seeking out a breeder to create a special litter, it will likely be more expensive.
Normally Sheltie puppies can cost anywhere between $600-$1200, Huskies are less common and typically pricier and can cost between $500–$3,000. Expect to pay on the high end for a mix unless you can find it at a rescue or shelter.
Where to find a Sheltie Husky mix puppy for sale?
Finding this mixed breed is very difficult. Most often when you find these two breeds mixed it is from an accidental litter. As mixed breeds are becoming more and more popular however it is getting somewhat easier to find them.
The best way to find a Sheltie Husky mix is to find a breeder that breeds both and request the mixed breed litter. Some breeders may be willing, some may not. This mixed breed is not one that is desired by many people so it will most likely never become as popular as a mixed breed like the Maltipoo or the Huskypomeranian.
A Special Story from an owner who had a Sheltie Husky Mix.
Life was different almost 17 years ago, for me and in general. I live in Canada, Minni came from the east coast (where I lived at the time). She came from northern New Brunswick which is a lot of farmland.
Her mom was a husky and her dad was a sheltie. They didn’t think they would breed with the size difference. They had an accidental litter.
She was 6 weeks old when I got her (again, I didn’t know what I know now then). I paid $200, she was vet checked with a health record, one Vax, dewormed and came with two groomings. She came from a local place (life was different then, especially back east).
Minni definitely had some sheltie traits. She would “herd” me at the door when she would get excited and know we would be leaving for an adventure.
Minni was incredibly smart, too smart really, she always knew what I wanted and what was going to happen by reading my body language, she always “knew” what was expected of her with minimal training.
Minni did have a bit of an independent streak like a husky, yet if she knew I was getting ready to leave, she’d be right there, ready for any and all adventures.
Minni was not vocal at all, she didn’t really bark or howl, only if I got her going and enticed her to do it.
Minni was very agile and energetic. We use to hike, go to beaches, swim, walking, cross country skiing, canoeing, camping, all kinds of activities, she was never tired, except when she reached the age of 15-16, she did slow down quite a bit.
Minni had the kindest heart, she never met an animal or person she didn’t get along with. We have shared our home with two other dogs at various points, we have fostered and rescued lots of different animals, Minni was always gentle, kind, and sweet towards them.
Minni has left behind her cat brother, Marty who missed her so very much. Minni was well-traveled. We moved from the east coast of Canada to the west coast, then the west coast, then back east, eventually moving to the center of Canada. When Minni was 13 her and I drove out to BC, we hiked, went to beaches, and had the absolute best vacation together.
This article is a special detication to Minni Mouse Skye
March 14, 2005 to March 11, 2022
Minni, her ears had a life all of their own. Minni also had the best smile! She loved to catch sticks, especially at the beach, in the water.
While we strive to give the most accurate and helpful information about your pet’s health that we can, this article is meant to be informational only and not medical advice. Never disregard, avoid or delay in obtaining medical advice from your veterinarian or other qualified veterinary health care provider regardless of what you have read on this site or elsewhere.