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Dusky Information & Dog Breed Facts

Collection of all the general dog breed info about Dusky so you can get to know the breed more.

Group Designer Dogs
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OriginGermany flagGermany Russia flagRussia
Breed Type
What type of dog breed is it?
Cross Breed Dachshund and Siberian Husky mix

Dusky Size and Weight

Size
Is a Dusky small, medium or large dog?

How big do Dusky get?

What is the average size of a Dusky?

SmallMedium
Weight
How much does the Dusky weigh? How much should a Dusky weight? What is the normal weight of a Dusky? How much does a full-grown Dusky weight?
25-50 pounds (11–23 kg)
Average Weight
What is the average weight of a Dusky?
37.5 pounds (17 kg)
Height
How tall is the Dusky? Dusky height:
10-20 inces (25-51 cm)
Average Height
What is the average height of a Dusky?
15 inches (39 cm)

Dusky Price and Availability

Price
How much does the Dusky puppy cost? What is the price range of this puppy? What is the average price of a Dusky in the United States? How much money is a Dusky?

Where to buy a Dusky with a good pedigree?

$500-$700
If you choose to purchase the Dusky, you should know that the mentioned amount of money is an average of the collected data from breeders’ sites and puppy finder places. If you have a Dusky for sale, please advertise it on a reliable website to make sure the Dusky gets to a happy place.
Availability
How easy is it to get a Dusky? How many Dusky are there in the world?
Very frequent: The Dusky is quite easy to get. There is a risk of overbreeding, as it is an extremely popular breed.

Inbreeding is common because of its popularity. A new study suggests that inbreeding contributes to the incidence of disease and health problems.

So be careful, buy from a trustworthy place or kennel and seek the help of an experienced person, a professional, to make the right decision.

Dusky Trainability and Intelligence

Intelligent Rank
How smart is the Dusky? Is the Dusky breed dumb or smart?
Average: It takes patience to teach this breed any tricks or commands, but the effort is worth it. They understand and remember new commands after an average of 25-40 repetitions.

The Dusky ranks average in the intelligence ranking of dogs.

Trainability
Are Dusky dogs easy to train? Do they go well on dog training? How hard is it to train a Dusky?
Dusky dogs are quite easy to train. Sometimes they can be challenging, but if you're consistent in teaching new commands they will obey for sure.
Watchdog Ability
Is Dusky good as a watchdog? Are they alert at night?
Dusky dogs are not the best watchdogs. They aren't very territorial and protective about their property, so they probably won't alert you if they sense something different.
Guarding Behavior / Territorial
Do Dusky dogs have aggressive behavior to protect their home/house/territory? Do they have guarding instincts?
Dusky dogs are not the best to protect their territory. Better to have the protection of your house and property supervised by others.

Dusky Personality and Temperament

Temperament
What kind of personality does the Dusky have? What characteristics or traits does the breed have?
PlayfulStubbornAlertCourageousIntelligentFriendlyOutgoingDevotedLivelyGentleClever
Sensitivity Level
How sensitive are they? Dusky sensitivity:
They are a little bit more sensitive than other dog breeds. Soft punishment affects them emotionally. Dusky dogs don't tolerate irregular daily routines, noisy households, and frequent guest visits really well.

They are receptive to their owner's emotions and make wonderful family companions.

Affection Level
How affectionate are they? Is a Dusky a good family dog?
High: Dusky dogs are genuinely loyal, soft and gentle, loving, and affectionate dogs toward their handlers. They enjoy quality time with their owners despite the activity and are considered great therapy dogs for those in need. This breed responds strongly to their handler's emotions because they bond closely. Their happiness is your happiness.
Social Needs
How much social interaction does the Dusky need? Dusky social needs:
Dusky dogs are a social breed. They enjoy being around people or other animals. This breed doesn't tolerate being left alone.
Impulse to Wander or Roam
How likely is the Dusky to run away? Does this breed explore or wander a lot? Does Dusky roam?
Dusky dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world. Safer to walk them on a leash unless you teach them how to get back to you on command. This breed is also able to cause damage to your fence.
Prey Drive
Do this canine have a strong prey drive? Does Dusky have high prey drive?
Dusky dogs have a higher impulse to chase and catch something than other dog breeds. Cats or any other small animals might be in danger. It's a natural instinct, doesn't necessarily mean that Dusky dogs are aggressive. Better to keep this breed on a leash.

Dusky Activity and Playfulness

Playfulness
How playful is this breed?
The Dusky is a playful breed. Excited barking and sometimes nipping will alert you to play.
Barking
Do Dusky dogs bark a lot? Are they barkers/noisy? Why does my Dusky bark?
Average to High: The Dusky is a vocal breed. Not the best choice if you prefer a quiet breed. They often bark loudly and howl sometimes. They can change their barks depending on their emotional level and what they're trying to say. Different barks could mean the same and the same barks could have different meanings.

Top reasons for barking: protection, alarm, fear, boredom, attention-seeking, greeting, separation anxiety, compulsive barking.

Apartment Friendly
Is Dusky good as an apartment dog? Can they live in a flat? Can you have a Dusky in an apartment?
It is not the best choice if you want to keep them indoors, however, with careful exercise and several walks a day, they will tolerate the indoor environment, so it is possible to keep Dusky indoors.

Dusky Adaptability and Independence

Adaptability
Are they adaptable and easy-going?
Dusky dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments. They don't mind moving from one place to another with their owner.
Tolerates Being Left Alone
How long can a Dusky be left alone? How long can you leave a Dusky alone?
Dusky dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.

Dusky Bite Characteristics

Bite Force PSI
Does the Dusky has a hard bite? What is the bite force of a Dusky? How much bite force does a Dusky have? How strong is a Dusky bite?

Between 200 and 400 PSI

Dusky bite force: Ordinary. Bite force Dusky measurements typically fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. The bite force of a Dusky is considered ordinary when compared to other dog breeds, but it is still quite powerful. This Dusky bite force PSI can cause bite wounds. Dusky bite PSI is not something that should be feared if the dog is well-trained and managed. To avoid any issues, it's essential to learn how to train a Dusky puppy not to bite from an early age.

The Dusky, and many others, have a fearsome presence because they have significant jaw strength, so it is important not to anger the dog and have it around strangers until it is fully trained.

However, they are usually quite calm and good companions, they work well in families and are easy to care for.

In conclusion, while the Dusky bite force is certainly an interesting aspect of the breed, it is important not to let it overshadow the many other reasons why these dogs are so loved and respected. With proper training and socialization, a Dusky can be a loyal and protective companion for your family.

Biting Potential
Do Dusky bite humans? How likely are you to get bitten from the Dusky? What are the odds of getting bitten by a Dusky? Why do dog bites happen?

Low 🔽

The Dusky has a low chance of biting somebody. Top reasons for dog bite: protection, pain, excitement, herding instinct, being provoked. (Data based on the available online bite statistics.)
Mouthiness
How much mouthing/nipping/play biting does the Dusky do?
Dusky dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people. It's a common habit during puppyhood, not aggressive behavior. These "bites" don't hurt, but Dusky dogs need to be taught a good attitude.

Dusky Health and Lifespan

Health Issues
Is it a healthy or unhealthy breed? Do Dusky dogs have health problems or genetic diseases?
The Dusky is a healthy breed, but there are certain health issues that you should check with your vet regularly.
Health Problems
What genetic/health problems does the Dusky breed have? What are the health issues and concerns of the Dusky breed? Most common health risks of Dusky:
CataractsLegg-perthes DiseaseCancerProgressive retinal atrophy (PRA)BloatEpilepsyDeafnessIntervertebral Disk DiseaseElbow DysplasiaDemodectic MangeMitral Valve DiseaseCorneal DystrophyCushing's SyndromeAcanthosis NigricansBaldnessCanine Diabetes MellitusLymphocytic ThyroiditisNarcolepsy
Veterinarian Visits
How often does the Dusky breed need to go to the vet? How often should you take your dog to the vet? How often should the Dusky see the vet?
Average
The Dusky should have a complete physical check-up at least once per year. If your dog shows any symptoms, call your veterinarian.
Life Expectancy
How long do Dusky dogs live? How old can a Dusky be? What is the age limit of the Dusky? How many years can the oldest Dusky live?

What is the average life expectancy / lifespan of a Dusky?

How long is the lifespan of a Dusky?

11-15 years
The average lifespan of Dusky: 13 years
Weather and Climate
Which weather condition is preferred by this dog? Can they tolerate hot or cold weather and climate?
Prefers warm weather
Dogs that prefer warm weather conditions are typically breeds that were originally bred in warmer climates.

Dusky Energy and Activity

Energy Level
How much energy does the Dusky have? What is the activity level of the Dusky?
Dusky dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn't the perfect choice for you.
Activity Requirement / Exercise Need
How much exercise does a Dusky need? How much exercise do Dusky dogs require per day?

Do Dusky dogs need a lot of exercises?

Dusky dogs need quite a lot of exercise. Daily walks should be on schedule. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.
Sleeping Need
How much sleep does the Dusky breed need?
Dusky dogs are quite energetic dogs and they don't spend too much time with sleeping. If you live an active life, this breed can be a good choice for you.

Dusky Diet and Weight Management

Average daily food consumption
How much food does a Dusky need? What dog products should I buy? How much food does a Dusky breed eat per day? What is good dog food for Dusky? How much food should I feed my Dusky?
Recommended daily amount: 2.5 to 3 cups of high-quality dry food a day, divided into two meals.
Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity
How easy to gain weight for this dog? Dusky risk for obesity:
Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Dusky's weight, he can easily gain weight. More than one daily walk should be on schedule. To make your dog happy and fit, feed him with quality dry dog food and live an active life together. Try to find the happy medium between exercise and feeding.

If you notice any weight gain, consult your veterinarian and make a diet plan. Reduce unhealthy food and snacks, and measure the Dusky weight regularly.

Dusky Allergies and Grooming

Coat / Hair Types
What type of coat does the Dusky have? What does this canine coat/fur look like?
FineFluffy
Colors
What color is the breed's coat? What color are proper Dusky coats?
BlackGrayTan Red Blue White SilverBrownSableAgouti
Grooming
How to groom the Dusky and how often? How often should I take my Dusky to the groomer?
Average: The Dusky requires average grooming effort. Cutting the dog's hair by a professional groomer isn't essential.

Brushing the dog's coat is useful to reduce shedding. Ears and eyes should be cleaned regularly to avoid infections.

Don't skip the seasonal flea treatment too. Dog nail trimming and dog bath can be helpful sometimes.

Check the local pet store for dog grooming supplies and find the best dog shampoo to keep its coat healthy and give your dog a pleasant experience of a dog bath.

If you don't have the time, skill, or money to take care of your Dusky, search for a dog groomer or clipping service in your area and book an appointment.

Maybe you're lucky to have a dog boarding service that includes grooming or walk-in dog bath places nearby.

Shedding Level
How much do Dusky dogs shed? How to control, reduce and prevent the shedding of the Dusky? Do Dusky dogs shed a lot?
Dusky dogs shed moderately. It's a natural process of the hair growth cycle. Regular brushing reduces the amount of hair that sheds. It mostly depends on their health status and breed type.
Bath Time / Bathing Frequency
How often does the Dusky need a bath? How often should you give a Dusky a bath? Can I bathe my Dusky every day?
3-4 weeks
More often than average. These dog coats tend to be longer, softer, and oilier than short-haired breeds. While a good bath every now and then is a great way to keep your buddy from becoming overly smelly, be mindful about overbathing.

Bathing will wash away your dog’s natural oils, while a simple brushing every few days should keep them clean.

Hypoallergenic
Is the Dusky breed hypoallergenic?
No
Dusky dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions. Some dog breeds are even considered to higher possibility of an allergic response. Coat type isn't necessarily relevant, because most people are allergic to dander (flakes on the dog's skin) or saliva, not actually to dog hair.
Stinkiness
How stinky is this dog? Why does it smell bad and how to get rid of the smell?

Low 🔽

The Dusky has a low chance of bad smell. Top reasons for dog stinkiness: infection of bad tooth/ear/skin folds, gas attacks.
Drooling Tendency
Does the Dusky drool?
The Dusky is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency. If you dislike being covered by slobber spots on your clothes, the Dusky could be a good choice for you. Drooling is the unintentional saliva flowing outside of the mouth. It can be completely normal or a sign of a health problem. Certain dog breeds drool less than others, just like the Dusky.

If you notice any change in your dog's drooling habit, you should contact a vet as soon as possible.

Dusky Good With

Pet Friendly
Are they pet-friendly dogs? How well do Dusky dogs get along with other pets? Are Dusky dogs good with pets? What is this canine temperament with other pets?
Dusky dogs usually don’t get on well with other pets.
Stranger Friendly
Are they aggressive or friendly towards/with strangers? Dusky temperament with other people:
Dusky dogs are average friendly towards strangers.
Child Friendly
Are Dusky dogs kid-friendly? Are they good with young children? Dusky temperament with children:
Dusky dogs are average friendly dogs towards children.
Cat Friendly
How well do Dusky dogs get along with cats? Are they good with kittens? What is this fido's temperament with cats? Can they be good with cats? Can the Dusky breed live with a cat?
Dusky dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
Dog Friendly
Is Dusky good with other dogs? Are they dog-friendly dogs? How well do Dusky dogs get along with other dogs?
Dusky dogs are dog-friendly dogs. If you want more dogs in your family or you'd like to join dog meetups, the Dusky can be a great choice.
Good For First Time Owners
Is Dusky breed good for first-time owners? Do they make a good dog for novice owners? Is Dusky breed suitable for first-time owners?
Yes
Dusky dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
Office Friendly
Are Dusky dogs good office canines? Do Dusky dogs make good office-friendly pets? Can they be office dogs?
No
Dusky is not the best dog breed for office environment.
Senior Citizens Friendly
Are they senior citizens friendly dogs? How well do Dusky dogs get along with the elderly people? What is the Dusky temperament with senior people? Are Dusky dogs good for elderly owners?
Duskys are commonly okay with elderly people.

Dusky As a Working Dog

Service Dog
Are they good as service dogs? Can Dusky be a guide dog? Are they used as seeing-eye dogs?

Not really

This breed generally not used as a service dog. A service dog is a term used in the USA to refer to any type of assistance dog specifically trained to help people who have disabilities, such as visual impairment, hearing impairments, mental disorders, seizures, mobility impairment, and diabetes. Service dogs are protected under the ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act).

Dusky is not the best breed for service purposes.

Therapy Dog
Are they good as therapy dogs? Can Dusky be a therapy dog? Are they good anxiety dogs? Can a Dusky be an emotional support animal?

Yes

This breed makes a perfect therapy dog. A therapy dog is a dog that might be trained to provide affection, comfort, and love to people in hospitals, retirement homes, nursing homes, schools, hospices, disaster areas, and people with anxiety disorders or autism.

Dusky breed is a good choice for therapeutic purposes.

Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog
Are they good as detection dogs? Can Dusky be a sniffer dog?

Yes

After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work. A detection dog or sniffer dog is a dog that is trained to use its senses (mostly its smell) to detect substances such as explosives, illegal drugs, wildlife scat, currency, blood, and contraband electronics such as illicit mobile phones.

Dusky breed is a good choice for detection purposes.

Search and Rescue Dog (SAR)
Are they good as SAR dogs? Can Dusky be a search and rescue dog?

Not really

This dog breed is not typically used as a search and rescue dog. The use of dogs in search and rescue (SAR) is a valuable component in wilderness tracking, natural disasters, mass casualty events, and locating missing people.

The Dusky is not the best breed for SAR purposes.

Boat and Sailor Dog
Are they good as boat dogs? Can Dusky be a boat dog?

Not really

Dusky breed usually doesn't like being on a boat.

Boat dogs were typically bred for their strength, stamina, and water resistance, as they were often required to perform tasks such as pulling in fishing nets, and jumping into the water to retrieve ropes or lines, or helping to move cargo.

Sailor dog is a type of dog that was bred to accompany sailors on their voyages. They were typically used for three purposes: as a working dog, a watchdog, and as a companion. A boat dog is a term used to describe a type of dog that was traditionally bred and used as a working dog on boats.

Cart Pulling or Drafting Dog
Are they good as cart pulling dogs? Can Dusky be a drafting dog?

Not really

A drafting dog or draft dog is a dog bred and used for cart pulling. Dogs bred for this work have strong builds and qualities that are needed, strength and determination.

Dusky is not the best breed for drafting purposes.

Fighting Dog / Military Dog
Where Dusky dogs used as fighting / military dogs in history?

Not really

In history, this breed was not really used for combat dog.

Dusky Reproducibility

Gestation Length
How long is a Dusky pregnant?How long does it take to have puppies? How to tell if the Dusky breed is pregnant?

60-64 days

Reproductive cycle of the female Dusky: The first period called Proestrus lasts for about 9 days.

During this time the females start to attract males. You can notice by swelling vulva and bloody discharge.

The second part is the Estrus when the female is receptive for the male. It lasts for about 3 to 11 days.

The sign of the proestrus part is the soft and enlarged vulva. The discharge decreases and lightens in color.

The third part is the Diestrus. Normally, it occurs around day 14. In this period the female’s discharge changes for vivid red and coming to its end. The vulva returns to average, and she will no longer permit mating.

The fourth part called the Anestrus. The time frame between heat periods normally lasts about six months.

Litter Frequency

Once a year.

More frequent breeding is not healthy. It is very important not to buy a dog from a puppy mill, where the needs of the pups and their mothers are ignored. It's an inhumane high-volume dog breeding facility, where puppies born several times a year.
Litter Size
How many puppies can the Dusky have in a litter? How many puppies can the Dusky breed have for the first time? How many puppies does a Dusky have? How many puppies can a Dusky give birth to?
4-8 puppies

Dusky Recognition

AKC Group
Is Dusky recognized by the American Kennel Club?
Not recognized by the American Kennel Club.
FCI Group
Is Dusky recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI)?
Not recognized by FCI.

Dusky Pros and Cons

Pros
  • Drooling Tendency: The Dusky is a perfect example of a low drooling tendency.
  • Stinkiness: The Dusky has a low chance of bad smell.
  • Adaptability: Dusky dogs adapt very well to lifestyle changes and basically all living environments.
  • Dog Friendly: Dusky dogs are dog-friendly dogs.
  • Good For First Time Owners: Dusky dogs are good for novice owners, due to their easy-going personality.
  • Therapy Dog: This breed makes a perfect therapy dog.
  • Detection Dog or Sniffer Dog: After proper training, they can excel at this kind of work.
Cons
  • Hypoallergenic: Dusky dogs don't do well with allergy sufferers by causing allergic reactions.
  • Weight Gain Potential / Prone to Obesity: Average to High: If you don't pay attention to the Dusky's weight, he can easily gain weight.
  • Watchdog Ability: Dusky dogs are not the best watchdogs.
  • Mouthiness: Dusky dogs have a higher than average tendency to nip, chew, playbite, or herd people.
  • Impulse to Wander or Roam: Dusky dogs have high wanderlust potential, which means that this breed has a strong desire for exploring the world.
  • Tolerates Being Left Alone: Dusky dogs do best when a family member is at home during the day or if their workplace is dog-friendly so they can take the dog at work.
  • Cat Friendly: Dusky dogs are not the most cat-friendly dogs.
  • Office Friendly: Dusky is not the best dog breed for office environment.

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