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Goberian: The Owner’s Guide to the Husky Golden Retriever Mix

Both Siberian Huskies and Golden Retrievers are renowned for being family dogs. Mix them together and you’ve got a Goberian, a breed that compounds some of the best traits of each into one (often golden) package.

Lively and intelligent, the Golden Retriever Siberian Husky mix is quickly growing in popularity among dog lovers around the world. Whether you’re just curious or want to be a proud Goberian owner, you’ll find the answers here to all your questions about their temperament, appearance, health, and more!

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Goberian Basic Profile

Friendliness: Golden Retrievers are some of the friendliest dogs in the world, and the Goberian is no exception. These sociable dogs love being around people and other dogs. In fact, they’re the best versions of themselves with lots of social interactions.

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Trainability: Depending on which side your Goberian takes more from, they can be extremely easy to train or slightly stubborn in obedience. Still, Goberians are generally easy to deal with. They’re intelligent dogs and don’t like disappointing their owners.

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Grooming: Grooming the Husky Golden Retriever mix is not as difficult as you think. Yes, Huskies shed a lot, but not necessarily with a Goberian. Occasional brushing of the coat and teeth are highly recommended. Grooming also includes bathing once a month and nail trimming when necessary.

DifficultEasy

Adaptability: Because of the husky side, these dogs won’t enjoy living in scorching hot climate. Their double coat will be a problem. In addition, small enclosures may drive a Goberian nuts. Make sure you have plenty of room for your Goberian to run freely for a happy dog.

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Activity: Goberians need a good amount of daily exercise, but nowhere close to some dogs of the same size. Huskies are hyperactive by nature but it’s not always true with a Goberian. At least 30 minutes of physical activity is recommended each day for a healthy dog.

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<strong>Goberian - Vital Stats</strong>
  • Height: 20 – 24 inches
  • Weight: 45 – 65 pounds
  • Life Expectancy: 10 – 15 years
  • Dog Breed Group: Mixed breed

Meet The Parents

The Golden Retriever is a family dog most known for excellent temperaments.

Golden Retriever

Golden Retrievers are the poster boy of dog breeds. Odds are you’ve seen their likeness in a film, on a bag of puppy chow, or on a billboard at some point in your life. They are a favorite anywhere you go.

And for good reason. Golden Retrievers are loyal and consistent dogs. Their accolades extend beyond being a pretty face. Their calm and stable temperaments make them great seeing-eye or emotional support dogs.

Though it gets its name from retrieving birds during hunts, this dog is just as happy at home with a peaceful, less outdoorsy family. Gentle and loving, they are great around children and adults alike.

Highly intelligent and obedient, Golden Retrievers are able to learn commands very quickly. It’ll take them just a few attempts to learn something new!

The Siberian Husky is the first component of the Pitsky breed.

Siberian Husky

Part trickster, part loyal friend, all energy, the Siberian Husky is a breed that has long been a favorite as well. Their striking looks and lively temperament have established them as a unique breed.

However, they are not for the faint of heart. Training a Husky takes time, dedication, and scores of patience. The reward is often worth the effort though. Their continued popularity can attest to that.

Some people love the heavy fur coat of a Husky, others are put off by the heavy shedders year-round. But while owning a Husky might not be for everyone, few can disagree about how downright cool they look.

If you are up to the task, owning a Husky can make for a rewarding experience, and you’ll end up with a companion whose playfulness and boundless energy will bring a sense of adventure to your life!

RECOMMENDED: 30 Best Husky Jokes of the Internet

A Goberian’s Appearance

A Goberian can have the fluffy coat of a Golden Retriever with the unique eyes of a Husky.
Credit to Vaughn, the Goberian. More pictures here!

Both Golden Retrievers and Siberian Huskies are about the same size, so there won’t be much variation to how big a Goberian will grow. 

However, as with any mixed breed, there will be some variation to their looks. Some puppies will take after their Husky parent more, while others will have looks more reminiscent of a Golden Retriever.

The Goberian Size

In terms of height, a full-grown Goberian will stand somewhere in the range of 20 – 24”. But that’s just body size, depending on the amount of fluff of their coat, they might look an inch or two taller than they actually are!

Their weight will also be pretty consistent, with and adult clocking in between 45 and 65 pounds. With this breed, males tend to be somewhat heavier than females. So, that should be kept in mind when gauging a healthy weight range for this dog.

The proportions will vary from dog to dog. If they take after their Husky parent, you can expect a leaner dog (albeit hidden beneath a serious layer of fluff!).

The Golden Retriever side tends to be a bit heavier, so if they show more traits from this parent, don’t be surprised if they pack on a few extra pounds.

Unique Features

This is where a Goberian really stands out. The facial structure and ears of Golden Retrievers and Siberian Huskies are almost on opposite ends of the spectrum.

Golden Retrievers have a gentle, relaxed look to them, while a Husky has a wolf-like alertness to their features.

In a mix, you can get some truly unique combinations of the two. One dog might have the narrow, tapering snout of a Husky, but the lazy, floppy ears of a Golden Retriever.

And another would be reversed, with a Golden Retriever’s almost smiling jowls, but a Husky’s erect and pointed ears.

And then there is the chance (from the Husky side) of inheriting ice-blue eyes, a feature that many find both striking and beautiful at once.

Or a Goberian might even have one eye brown and another blue, a genetic trait known as heterochromia iridum.

But, be warned, if you are looking to purchase a blue-eyed Goberian, be prepared to shell out some extra cash. The look is highly popular, and one that is in high demand.

Goberian Coat

Yes, the Husky Golden Retriever mix has a thick double coat. And yes, it will be big, and it will be fluffy. If you have pet allergies…you have been warned.

For sensitive owners, I’d suggest checking out these 55 hypoallergenic dog breeds as an alternative.

That being said, a Goberian can be gorgeous. Though the range of what its coat might actually look is wide, almost every variation is remarkable.

There will be hues in browns and golds, blacks and grays, with all sorts of room for combination and patterns.

While the thickness of a Goberian’s coat is a guarantee, the length and texture can vary. Some will have the wavier coat characteristic of a Golden Retriever, while others might have the shorter, straighter hair of a Husky.

This can make for some unique combinations, such as a bright gold coat of short Husky fur, or a darker coat with the wavy, lighter highlights of a Retriever.

Almost every combination has its own appeal, so with all the variation there is bound to be a mix that you’ll find utterly perfect.

The Goberian’s Temperament

With both it’s parents tending to be loyal to the owners, you can be sure a Goberian will be similar. However, there are some personality traits where it might take after it’s Husky parent more and be a bit on the mischievous side.

Then again, it might just as well take after the calm demeanor of a Golden Retriever. There’s no way to be certain until you meet the dog, but here are a few things to know about a Goberian’s temperament.

Training a Golden Retriever Husky Mix

Each experience with training a Goberian will be different from case to case. Some owners will find it a breeze, with their dog being obedient right from the start.

Others might find it to be a time and energy-consuming process.

It all depends on which parent the dog takes after. Golden Retrievers are intelligent dogs, and, to the joy of Retriever-owners worldwide, this is paired with an eagerness to please.

They hate to disappoint their owners, and so they will work diligently toward following their commands and will respond well to any sort of training, whether it be basic obedience training or more complex tasks.

The Husky side…well, while they are far from impossible to train, they have gained a reputation over the years for mischief.

They are strong-willed and can have a stubborn streak in them, which can get them into trouble and lead them to performing an escape act or two.

However, even a stubborn temperament can be curbed with patience and a firm, consistent effort in their training.

Living With a Goberian

These dogs love families. Basically, the more the merrier. And they are great with all ages as well, especially if they take after their Golden Retriever parent more.

Whether they are around kids or grandparents, they are equally sociable and love attention.

But, it is also this high sociability that can leave them uncomfortable if they are home alone for long stretches of time.

They bond extremely well with their owners, which lets them fit into home life easily. However, it also means that when no one is around, they might feel anxiety.

Also worth knowing is that they need space. Being on the larger side, they might start to feel cooped up in an apartment. So, they do much better in households that have a yard.

But make sure there is a high (at least 6-foot) fence around the yard. If their Husky side comes out, they might be tempted to leap over it and go exploring without telling their owners first! And trust me, Huskies have been known to “defy gravity.”

Exercise and Diet

Both Golden Retrievers and Siberian Huskies are dogs bred for outdoor tasks. As such, they will require time each day to get some solid exercise and a diet to match. Look elsewhere if you’d like a giant lap dog with a calm demeanor. 

Daily Exercise For A Goberian

Though they require less exercise than some similar-sized breeds, Goberians will relish any opportunity to play and exercise.

They might be content to nuzzle up next to you after a long day of work, but they’ll appreciate it so much more if you take the time to do something active with them.

Physical Stimulation

Golden Retriever Siberian Husky mixes are built for physical activity, and will need a good amount in order to stay healthy, both mentally and physically.

To keep them in peak condition, Goberians will need at least half an hour of physical exercise each day. Don’t be afraid to go over that amount. A Goberian won’t complain if those 30 minutes turn into an hour or more.

It might seem like quite a commitment, but this is yet another reason why Goberians do so well in families.

Different family members can be responsible for the dog’s exercise on different days. Thus, spreading out the responsibility and making it more manageable.

In addition to walks or runs, it is a good idea to stop by a dog park once a week or so. Not only will it allow them more freedom in exercise, but will give them an opportunity to meet other dogs and people.

As mentioned, Goberians are highly sociable and will love getting attention from other dog owners and their canine companions as well. They thrive when interacting with other creatures. 

And it is worth keeping in mind that, similar to Australian Shepherds, Golden Retrievers are known to enjoy a good swim.

So, if you live near any lakes or hiking paths with calm streams, your Goberian would likely love to go on excursions out there with you.

Mental Stimulation

Both Huskies and Golden Retrievers are known to be very clever, intelligent breeds. This can be great if properly stimulated, but can lead to behavioral trouble if it is neglected.

To help keep a Goberian focused and prevent them from getting bored, about 15 minutes of daily mental exercise is suggested. This can be disguised as obedience training.

Training can be combined with physical exercise, or even simply be done as training to perform tasks. There are also plenty of dog games that can help keep a Goberian’s mind sharp and stimulated.

Without proper mental exercise, this breed can get somewhat restless, which might end up with them trying to satiate their curiosity in problematic ways like going through trash, or digging up holes in the yard.

Diet Requirements

Size and exercise variation will mostly determine how many calories a Goberian should get each day, but a good average figure is between 1400-1600 calories per day.

In general, dogs of this size usually need about 30 calories per pound each day. So, for example, if you have a smaller, 40-pound dog, her average caloric intake will be closer to 1200 per day. Heavier, larger dogs will need significantly higher amounts.

But be sure not to overdo it. It is important to match the number of calories not only with their current weight, but with how much exercise they are getting. More active dogs will require a higher intake of calories than ones that see less action.

In addition to keeping an eye on calories, keeping a Goberian well-fed with protein is important. These dogs can expend large amounts of energy and will need protein to replenish what they lost and to keep their bodies strong. About 20% of their daily nutritional intake should be protein.

When shopping for dog food, look for foods labeled as ‘complete and balanced.’ According to the FDA, these foods meet the standards for a nutritious diet.

Grooming a Gobrian

Though a Goberian will inherit a thick double coat from both its parents, it might turn out to be less of a hassle than expected. There will be shedding, sure, but surprisingly less than you might think.

Brushing the Coat

Considering Siberian Huskies are known to shed all over, Goberian’s coats are relatively tame. Their shedding is usually kept to a minimum, considering how thick it is.

However, this does not relieve you of brushing duties! Although, it will take considerably less time. About two quick brushes per week should do the trick, about five minutes per brushing session.

Even though they are lower shedders, brushing still helps keep their thick coat healthy and tangle-free, especially if they have the longer hair of a Golden Retriever.

And, like all dogs with a double coat, do not shave them. It might look goofy, but can create all sorts of complications, some of them leading to serious skin conditions and ultimately trips to the vet.

Basic Dog Hygiene

It’s no secret that Golden Retrievers enjoy water and swimming. So while you may only need to give a Goberian a good bath once a month, they likely won’t say no to additional water time, especially in the summer when their thick coats might be leaving them feeling hot.

Teeth hygiene is also going to be important. Be ready to give their teeth a solid brushing at least once a week! Or at least a teeth care doggy dental treat if they don’t take well to a toothbrush.

Owners should also be aware of their nails. If you keep your Goberian indoors, they won’t be able to “naturally” trim their nails on concrete flooring. Each dog is different but be aware and trim when necessary.

Health and Medical Needs

Though a hybrid, Goberians can still have a chance of developing a few different medical conditions. Proper hygiene and diet can go a long way toward preventing most issues.

Also, purchasing a puppy from a respectable breeder can go a long way toward ensuring a clean bill of health. It’s much more difficult finding a reputable mixed breeder, but they exist. 

Though they might come with a higher price tag, properly bred and cared for dogs will likely be healthier, which will be better for everyone. That means less veterinarian bills, and a happier dog.

Ear Infections

This dog has some furry ears. And while this fur offers protection, it can also result in accumulating dirt and grit that might lead to infection.

To keep those perky ears healthy, be sure to regularly clean them out, and watch for any early signs of infection such as redness or scratching.

Cancer

Unfortunately, both Golden Retrievers and Siberian Huskies are susceptible to cancer, with lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma occurring in Golden Retrievers especially.

Though there are no sure cures or perfect ways to prevent contracting this illness, a healthy lifestyle will keep a Goberian’s body strong. This means daily exercise and high quality food. 

The research is far from conclusive, but antioxidants may be helpful in keeping free radical damage to a minimum, which can be a step in the right direction. Some dog-safe treats that provide antioxidants include blueberries and cherries.

Heart Problems

This one comes from both sides. While nothing can guarantee a perfect heart all lifelong, the two magic words (diet and exercise) will do wonders toward prevention.

Also, don’t go salting your dog’s food. A low-sodium diet is essential to keeping the circulatory system healthy and functional. That leftover slice of pizza your Goberian is eyeing? Don’t give in to those puppy eyes. 

Eye Conditions

The Goberian can potentially be vulnerable to several eye conditions such as corneal dystrophy, juvenile cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy.

Treatment for these conditions is still imperfect, so the best bet for now is to work towards prevention by sticking to a high-nutrition diet with vegetables like carrots and broccoli included.

Joint Dysplasia

Both Golden Retrievers and Siberian Huskies have a chance at developing either hip or elbow dysplasia, especially in mid-to-late life.

Improper development in the joints can lead to them becoming loose and unstable, which can lead to impaired movement and pain.

Though there is no foolproof way to prevent joint dysplasia, keeping your dog’s weight in a healthy range is important, as obesity can cause and worsen the issue.

Also, a diet that includes glucosamine and chondroitin might help decrease any inflammation and repair worn tissue. If this is difficult, there are supplements made for dogs. Consult with your vet for more information.

Lifespan of a Goberian

Sturdy, like most hybrids, Goberians can have a life expectancy of about 10-15 years, about the average for dogs of this size.

And thanks to being a mixed breed, they are less susceptible to genetic disorders than purebreds would be.

If purchased from a reliable breeder, you can expect a Goberian to live an overall healthy and long life. Always ask questions and inspect the parents of your Goberian pup if possible. 

Is a Goberian Right for You?

If you live in a desert, a Goberian is not likely to enjoy your hometown. However, if you live somewhere with mild summers and chilly to cold winters, that might be a much better fit. Their thick double coats will keep them warm and insulated just fine.

Big family? Perfect. Not only are Goberians extremely friendly and good around all ages, but more family members can help share the responsibility for exercise and proper care.

One room apartments or studios won’t keep a Goberian happy. They’ll do best in a house that has easy access to a yard where they can run about. Just keep those fences high!

Get ready to run. This breed is quite active and matches well with owners who are the same. If you like to go on weekend hikes or morning runs, a Goberian will be happy to accompany you.

They’ve got smarts. And they like to use them. For the most part easily trained, Goberians can be some of the most obedient dogs while still putting their intelligence to work completing tasks or learning tricks.

Smart, loyal, friendly, and gentle, the Goberian is a mixed breed that has some of the best attributes of its two parents. While they are active, they won’t demand hour after hour of exercise day after day.

If you are looking for a sweet dog with a sharp mind, then look no further than this Husky Golden Retriever mix.

How Much Do Goberians Cost?

Goberians have one of the wider price ranges on the market, with some going for as little as $250 while others can run you a whopping $1500.

While part of this has to do with breeding and reputation, the price tag can also change depending on the dog’s eye color.

Blue eyes, inherited from the Husky side, are a less common gene, but one that is highly sought after. Accordingly, if you are set on a blue-eyed Goberian, be ready to pay up!

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All About Husky

Thursday 15th of September 2022

Goberians are extremely energetic and super active. They will make excellent guard dogs.

Ian

Friday 8th of July 2022

I loved my Husky/retriever so much. He LOVED to play with the kids, and would watch over them closely. He would get so sad if he heard them out playing and couldn’t be with them! He was very smart - but not much for doing “tricks”. He had a strong pack instinct but was welcoming of those I know and trust. He did love to escape though, and go on adventures on his own! He would regularly jump the fix for fence. He’d bring back dead things he had found. He once brought me back a full pork chop - he hadn’t even taken a bite out of it for himself. I think he thought I was an idiot and was ungrateful when I threw it in the trash. He loved to hunt small animals, and would mercilessly chase cats and kill skunks and wood chucks, but was so gentle with our rabbit and our cat. He was so happy when we got our kitten, I think thought we had gotten her just for him. He hated fireworks, gun shots, and thunderstorms - they scared him to death, yet he’d think nothing of taking on multiple dogs who wanted to fight him when we went on walks out in the fields (he fought off three dogs that would always rush us as we walked by their property). After that they would come out to bark but they never attempted to attack my wife and kids, or myself or him again. I could walk him off leash. He’d go up the playground equipment at the park with kids, and go on the merry go round with them.

Rest In Peace Puck. You are missed and loved.

Michael

Saturday 27th of June 2020

My dog is very similar, she is mostly golden but a mix we have not able to identify, we thought Aussie for awhile but some have mentioned husky given her pointy ears. Wish I could post a pic of her to get opinions.

Liz Landry

Monday 25th of November 2019

I saw the first picture you have posted and thought that was my dog. I had to take another look to make sure he wasn't. He is a beautiful boy.

M. Hastings

Sunday 17th of November 2019

I want a blue eyed Goberian so bad, but you aren't kidding about being ready to pay up. My first car cost less than the amount I've seen some people asking for a blue eyed Goberian...

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