If you’ve never heard of a Belusky, get ready to meet an energetic and fascinating hybrid. A Belusky is a Belgian Malinois and Husky mix. In other words, a unique cross between a Belgian Malinois and a Siberian Husky.
This mix combines the fearless, hardworking nature of the Belgian Malinois with the friendly, adventurous spirit of the Husky. The result is a medium-to-large dog that’s packed with energy, intelligence, and loyalty. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about the Belusky.
Belusky Appearance
When it comes to looks, the Belusky often inherits an eye-catching blend of its parent breeds’ features.
Both the Belgian Malinois and the Siberian Husky are considered medium to large dogs, so a Belusky (Belgian Malinois Husky mix) will also be medium-to-large in size.
Typically, an adult Belusky stands about 20–26 inches tall at the shoulder and weighs around 35–80 pounds, with males on the larger end and females a bit smaller. They have a lean athletic build with well-defined muscles.
Facial Features & Ears
Most Beluskies sport perky, triangular ears and a slender face, giving them an alert and wolfish expression. Their snout is usually tapered (like a Malinois) and they may have the distinct black face mask common in Malinois.
In many cases, the ears stand upright (both parent breeds have erect ears), so your Belgian Malinois Husky mix puppy will likely grow into ears that are pricked and expressive.
Coat & Colors
Beluskies have a double coat. It means that they combine the Husky’s dense undercoat with the Malinois’ shorter coat.
The coat length can vary. Some Belusky pups end up with a medium-length, slightly fluffy coat (resembling a Belgian Tervuren, a close cousin of the Malinois), while others have a shorter coat like a typical Malinois.
Coat color is one of the most exciting grab-bags with this mix. Because Siberian Huskies come in many colors and patterns (black and white, red and white, gray and white, sable, agouti, even pure white) and Belgian Malinois are often fawn, mahogany, or sable with black markings, a Belusky’s coat can be a wide range of colors.
You might see combinations like sable with white markings, black and tan, gray and white, or even a solid fawn or black coat.
Some Beluskies might inherit the Husky’s striking patterns (like a face mask or piebald spots), whereas others look more solid-colored like Malinois.
It’s not unheard of for a Belusky to be mostly white if the Husky genes are strong. In fact, an all-white Belusky might remind you of a White German Shepherd in appearance.
Eyes
One of the most mesmerizing traits in a Belgian Malinois and Husky mix is the eyes. Huskies famously have bright blue eyes or even mismatched eye colors (heterochromia), whereas Malinois typically have brown eyes.
Tail
A pure Husky often has a plumed tail that curls over the back, while a Malinois has a straighter, low-set tail. In a Belusky, the tail can vary: some have a slightly curved, fluffy Husky-style tail, and others a straighter tail with a bit less fluff.
See our detailed article on Belgian Malinois jumping to get an idea of the Malinois’ athletic ability. You’ll understand why a Belusky might be able to leap and bound with such ease!
Belgian Malinois Husky Mix Temperament
The Belgian Malinois Husky mix temperament can be described in one word: energetic. Beluskies are spirited dogs with lots of energy and a zest for life. Don’t expect a couch potato here – this mix will keep you on your toes!
They thrive on activity and love having a job to do or a game to play. Here are some key temperament traits and what they mean for you as an owner:
Intelligent & Trainable
Thanks to two very smart parent breeds, Beluskies are highly intelligent. Malinois are known for their trainability and eagerness to please, and Huskies are clever (sometimes too clever) dogs. The Belusky often inherits a mix of these qualities. On the plus side, they can learn commands and tasks quickly.
Loyal & Protective
The Belgian Malinois is a vigilant guard dog, and many Beluskies inherit a protective instinct. They tend to be loyal to their family and will watch over their home. Don’t be surprised if your Belgian Malinois and Husky mix alerts you with a bark or a howl when someone’s at the door.
They’re naturally watchful and will let the family know when a stranger is near. This makes them excellent watchdogs. They can be a bit wary of strangers at first (a trait from the Malinois side), but with proper socialization they usually warm up.
Playful & Affectionate
While Beluskies are hardworking and intense in many ways, they also have a playful, goofy streak, thanks to the Husky’s fun-loving nature. They enjoy playtime with their humans. Whether it’s a game of fetch, a hike, or just clowning around in the yard.
Many owners say their Belusky keeps them laughing with silly antics. And when the day’s adventure is done, a well-exercised Belusky can be quite cuddly and loving. They often form strong bonds and will happily curl up at your feet (or on your lap if you’ll let them!) for some affection. For the right family, a Belusky can be a rewarding and loving pet that wants to be involved in all family activities.
Good with Families
Beluskies can make great family dogs, generally good with kids and very loyal to their “pack”. They often have a friendly, affectionate side from the Husky that loves kids and family life. However, there are a couple of caveats.
First, these dogs can be high-spirited and rambunctious, especially when young – they might accidentally knock over small children in their excitement.
Supervision and teaching both dog and kids how to interact is important. Second, Beluskies have strong herding instincts and prey drive.
It’s possible for them to instinctively try to herd running children (nipping at heels) or chase small animals if not trained otherwise.
Early training and socialization can curb these tendencies. With proper guidance, a Belgian Malinois Husky mix can be awesome with kids – playful and protective – but they do best with somewhat older kids who won’t be easily bowled over, or with toddlers only under close supervision.
Training and Exercise for a Belusky
Given this breed’s intelligence and energy, proper training and ample exercise will make the difference between a happy, well-behaved Belusky and a whirlwind of mischief. The good news is that Beluskies are highly trainable and love having tasks to do.
Start Early – Puppy Training
If you get a Belgian Malinois Husky mix puppy, be prepared to start training and socialization from day one. These pups are adorable fluffballs of energy, and early training will harness that energy in positive ways. Begin with the basics: potty training and crate training to instill good habits. Establish a routine, as consistency helps a Belusky puppy understand the household rules.
Obedience & Consistency
Both Malinois and Huskies can be headstrong in different ways – Malinois are intense and want to work, Huskies are stubborn and easily distracted.
With a Belusky, use positive reinforcement training methods (treats, praise, play rewards) to keep them engaged.
Mental Stimulation
A bored Belusky is a recipe for trouble. Alongside formal training sessions, give them mental exercises. Puzzle toys, treat-dispensing toys, hide-and-seek games, or learning names of their toys can tire out that big brain.
Exercise Requirements
This mix has lots of stamina and will happily join you for long runs, hikes, or play sessions. Plan on a minimum of 60-90 minutes of vigorous exercise daily for an adult Belusky. That can be broken up into a morning run and an evening play session, for example.
Huskies are natural runners and Malinois love to sprint and chase, so activities like fetch, frisbee, or running alongside a bike (once the dog is old enough and trained for it) are fantastic. If you’re a runner or cyclist, a Belusky can be a great training partner.
Leash Training & Harness
One particular training aspect to focus on early is leash manners. Huskies are known to pull (after all, they were bred to pull sleds), and a Malinois is strong enough to tow you if it wants. So, teach your Belusky puppy not to pull on the leash. You might find that a no-pull harness works wonders for walking this strong dog.
In fact, using a sturdy harness is recommended for Beluskies. It distributes the dog’s pulling force across the body instead of just the neck, reducing the risk of injury and giving you better control.
We offer a range of high-quality Belgian Malinois harnesses in our store designed for strong, active dogs like the Belusky – they can make your walks much more comfortable for both you and your pup. With a proper harness and consistent training, you can harness (no pun intended) the strength of this breed in a safe way.
For those interested in other unique hybrids and working dogs, you might enjoy our guide on the German Shepherd Wolf Mix – the ultimate wolfdog hybrid guide.
Belgian Malinois Husky Mix Price
If you’re interested in adding a Belusky to your family, you’re probably wondering about the Belgian Malinois Husky mix price. Because this hybrid isn’t very common, the price can vary depending on availability and the breeder. On average, Belusky puppies tend to cost around $800 to $1,500 USD.
Lifespan of a Belgian Malinois Husky Mix
One of the great things about mixed-breed dogs is that they often benefit from the genetic diversity of two breeds, and the Belusky is no exception. The Belgian Malinois Husky mix lifespan is generally quite robust.
You can expect a Belusky to live around 12 to 15 years, on average. In fact, both parent breeds are known for their relatively long lifespans for medium-large dogs, so a healthy Belusky might even reach up to the mid-teens in age.
For reference, a Siberian Husky’s typical lifespan is about 12 to 14 years and a Belgian Malinois is often around 14 to 16 years. Given that, it’s reasonable to see Beluskies living roughly 12 to 16 years as well. Of course, there are always exceptions – some may live a bit shorter, around 10 or 11, especially if health issues arise, and some might surprise you and go beyond 16 with excellent care and a bit of luck.
Health Issues and Potential Problems
Beluskies are quite healthy dogs, benefiting from generally sturdy parent breeds. However, like any breed (or mix of breeds), there are some health problems they can be prone to. A Belgian Malinois and Husky mix can potentially inherit health issues from either side of the family. Here are some conditions to be aware of:
Hip and Elbow Dysplasia
This is a common concern in many medium-to-large breeds, including both Malinois and Huskies. Dysplasia is a malformation of the joint that can lead to arthritis and pain. A Belusky could inherit a tendency for hip dysplasia or elbow dysplasia from its parents. Responsible breeders will often have the parents’ hips and elbows X-rayed and certified (through organizations like OFA).
Eye Conditions
Both Huskies and Malinois can have certain eye issues. One noted problem is PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy), a genetic condition where the dog gradually loses vision over time. Huskies are known to be prone to cataracts as well, and Belgian Malinois can sometimes develop a condition called pannus (chronic superficial keratitis) which affects the cornea. Your Belusky might never have any eye issues, but it’s good to be aware. Watch for symptoms like cloudy eyes, bumping into objects, or hesitancy in low light, and have an eye exam done by your vet if you’re concerned. The good news is not all Beluskies will get these issues – just something to keep in mind.
Skin and Coat Problems
Siberian Huskies can have a peculiar issue known as zinc-responsive dermatitis, basically a kind of zinc deficiency that leads to skin problems. They can also have allergies (food or environmental) that cause skin itching.
Belgian Malinois can sometimes have allergies as well. So your Belgian Malinois Husky mix might have sensitive skin or be prone to hot spots or rashes. Usually, this is manageable with diet (some dogs might need a higher zinc content or a supplement, especially if you notice skin crusting issues around the mouth or eyes), or medications for allergies. Regular grooming and keeping an eye on their skin under all that fur is a good practice.
Endocrine Issues (Hypothyroidism)
Huskies and many other breeds can develop hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone) as they get older, which can cause symptoms like weight gain, lethargy, and skin/coat changes. It’s a treatable condition (with daily medication).
If your adult Belusky starts slowing down abnormally or packing on pounds without a diet change, a thyroid check might be in order.
Epilepsy
Seizures can occur in both Huskies and Malinois. Idiopathic epilepsy (seizures with no identifiable cause) is something that can appear in otherwise healthy dogs and is often hereditary.
If your Belusky were to have epilepsy, it usually becomes evident in young adulthood. While it’s scary, many dogs with epilepsy live normal lives with the help of medication. Not every Belusky will have this issue, but it’s listed as a known concern in breed info.
Is the Belusky Right for You?
Bringing a Belusky into your life means signing up for years of adventure, activity, and unconditional love. This Belgian Malinois and Husky mix is not a dog for the sedentary or the overly busy. They need your time, training, and energy. But if you’re an active person or family looking for a loyal, intelligent companion to join you on hikes, runs, and everyday fun, the Belusky could be a perfect match. They’ll challenge you but they’ll also reward you with goofy Husky smiles, Malinois-style devotion, and probably some hilarious howls and antics along the way.
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