Full name: Labrador Husky Dog
Type: large dog
Alias: Labradorian Sleddog (obsolete)
Height :20-28 inches (51-71 cm)
English name: Labrador Husky
Country of Origin: Canada (Labrador)
Weight :60-100 pounds (27-45 kg)
Hair length: Shorthair
Function: Working dogs
Life: About 10-13 years
History
Husky is the umbrella term for breeds of dogs generally utilized to pull sledges. The term husky is a corruption of Eskie, a derogatory term for the Esquimaux. Esquimaux is the indigenous tribes that inhabit the polar regions of Greenland, Canada, Alaska and Siberia. The Siberian Husky, Alaskan Husky, Greenland Husky are only some of the most recognized breeds of sledge pullers. Not many people are aware that another breed of husky exists. The breed that calls Coastal Labrador home is the Labrador Husky. This breed has a somewhat confusing name. The name would give the impression that it is a Labrador Retriever and a husky mix. The Labrador Husky though is a purebred. This breed has the typical appearance of a husky, but the breed mainly resembles a Siberian Husky.
Labrador, an area in the most easterly province of Canada, is famous for the semi-precious stone labradorite. Natives of Labrador believe that the stone has mystical powers. Labrador is also the home of the Labrador Husky. This sledge pulling breed is considered to be the workhorse in this northern region. The Labrador Husky is a well-utilized breed given that winters in Labrador usually start from early November and last till late April. This very handsome animal is relatively unknown outside its country of origin. Still, it can never be denied that this breed has played an essential role in the shaping of Labrador’s history.
The Labrador Husky is an ancient breed. This sledge pulling breed is believed to have arrived in the area with the Thule Inuit people around 1300 AD. This breed is closely related to the other northern breeds. Still, because of the geographical location of Labrador, ancestors of the Labrador Husky were cut off from the other northern breeds. The strength, stamina, vigour and other outstanding qualities of the breed have to be maintained. Thus, it had been the practice of the Thule Inuit people to breed the dogs with wolves. Present-day Labrador Huskies are noted to exhibit some of the characteristics of wolves. In spite of the wolf ancestry, the Labrador Husky is not a wolf-dog. It was also believed that Alaskan Malamutes and Alsatians were introduced to this breed by the Labradorian people. This crossing has resulted to a much larger, more wolf-like breed that has a striking resemblance with the Siberian Husky.
General Description
The Labrador Husky is often thought of as a mixed breed dog, but that is not the case. This breed is purebred. This breed resembles Siberian Huskies as well as many other Nordic breeds. Their round head is covered in plenty of fluffy furs and leads to their long narrow muzzles. Their body is aerodynamic so that they can be speedy sledge dogs. Fluffy fur covers their large bodies and is double coated to protect them from cold weather. Coat colours vary from white, black, red and white, or black and white.
Body type
Ideal size Height: 20-28 inches (51-71 cm) Weight: 60-100 pounds (27-45 kg)
Temperament
The Labrador Husky has a similar temperament to other Northern breeds which means that they can often be unfriendly or even aggressive with strangers. However, they can be useful if socialized, and they often do well with children. Being with other dogs always makes them happy, because they are bred to work well in a pack, and many people believe they should be bought in pairs. Small animals do not usually do well with Nordic dogs, but if they are raised together, it should be fine. Training is easy and fun for them because they naturally learn things well. However, sometimes stubbornness will prevent them from learning silly tricks or other useless commands. Intelligence can be their gift but can be your nightmare if they are bored.
Care
The Labrador Husky is a rare breed, but if you do find one, you will want to socialize them exceptionally well, especially with people. To keep them in a pack environment, their home should have other Northern breeds that have similar requirements. Grooming is something to consider when getting this breed because of their thick double coat. Exercise is another thing to think about, especially if you are not an active family. Cold climates are best for this breed, as well as large yards.
The Labrador Husky probably needs plenty of brushing as any double coated breed would. Plus, they shed once a year and during that time they should be brushed every day to make sure the loose hair gets cleaned from their coat. Exercise is, of course, essential to this sledge dog. A large yard to run in and long walks will help keep them calm. However, they should also have some work to do, such as agility or fly ball, which will keep them relaxed and happy.
The Labrador Husky is relatively unknown, so not much information is available about genetic disorders or their life expectancy. However, special care has been taken in their breeding which could suggest that few health problems exist.
