Miniature Husky: All The Important Info About This Unique Dog 

Do you love Huskies? How about small dog breeds? Then a Miniature Husky is for you!

Siberian Huskies are great family pets that are loved worldwide, but especially in colder climates. However, due to their size, they are not suitable for apartment living, which greatly limits the number of people who can own them. 

If only there was a dog that looked just like a Husky but never grew large…

The good news is – there is! Here comes the Miniature Husky!

But, are these pups the real deal, or are they just another scam? Let’s find out!

Are Miniature Siberian Huskies Real?

Miniature Huskies are, indeed, real. These pups were bred to be smaller versions of Siberian Huskies, so they can be more suitable for people who live in apartments. 

When creating these adorable puppies, the goal was to preserve most Husky characteristics, such as blue eyes, wolf-like appearance, and fluffy coats. 

At the same time, the breeders did their best to keep the Huskies’ well-known temperaments, from their somewhat stubborn character to their playful and outgoing nature. 

By doing this, they have allowed people who live in small homes to experience all the joys of owning a Siberian Husky.

However, it’s important to note that this dog breed isn’t recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) or any other major kennel club.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that there’s something wrong with your pup. You simply won’t be able to take your Miniature Huskies to participate in conformation shows.

Breed History 

These tiny pups originate from, of course, purebred Huskies, which are large dogs designed for pulling sleds and able to withstand colder temperatures than many other breeds. 

Over time, however, Huskies found their way into our homes. Nowadays, most people own Huskies as family pets and not as working dogs. 

Due to their large size, many dog owners consider keeping Huskies in small apartments a cruel practice. As a result, breeders agreed that creating a smaller Husky variety is the best way to go.

They started breeding the smallest dogs in the litter with each other to ensure smaller puppies. This typically included breeding runts of the litter with different parents to create a small Husky.

Over time, they have created a dog that can be up to 40% smaller than a standard Siberian Husky. 

Something similar happened with Miniature Rottweilers, which were bred so that people in small apartments could have a guard dog suitable for their living space.

The first attempts at creating smaller Huskies go way back, and the first mention of such practices was in the early 20th century. 

While this might seem like a long time ago, if we look at the long history of the Siberian Husky breed, we can see how these are some of the newest varieties of a husky breed. 

Huskies have existed for thousands of years, and they are some of the most loyal pups in history. Everyone knows about Togo and Balto! It’s no wonder so many Husky fans wanted this dog for themselves. 

Now, thanks to the appearance of Miniature Huskies, many more people can know what it’s like to have a Husky as a pet.

Physical Appearance 

As mentioned before, Miniature Huskies look just like regular Huskies, but in smaller sizes. This includes a thick coat with distinctive white markings and striking blue eyes. Some pups even have odd-colored eyes (also known as heterochromia).

Most of these pups will have brown or gray coats, but the shade can vary slightly, just like in their larger counterparts.

They’ll have tall, erect ears, long muzzles, and somewhat bulky bodies.  

These dogs bear a striking resemblance to wolves, which is one of the reasons pet owners find them so beautiful.

Considering how these little dogs are small in size, their wolf-like appearance only adds to their charm.

 Miniature Husky Size

As there is a lack of breed standards, it can be a challenge to say just how small Miniature Huskies can get. 

Standard Siberian Huskies typically reach a height of 20 to 24 inches, and they weigh around 35 to 60 pounds. One thing that is certain is that Miniature Huskies must be smaller than that. 

Fortunately, the average size can be calculated if we take into consideration many Miniature Huskies that have been bred so far. 

Female Miniature Huskies are slightly smaller than males. They tend to reach a height of 13 to 16 inches and weigh no more than 30 pounds. 

Males, on the other hand, typically reach a height of up to 17 inches, and their average weight is between 25 and 35 pounds.

While the largest Miniature Huskies can be considered medium-sized dogs, they are still significantly smaller than regular Huskies you can see on the streets! 

Temperament

The temperament of these doggies shouldn’t be too different from the temperament of purebred Huskies. These two share the same genes, after all.

This is one of the sassiest dogs you can find. They behave as if they own the world! 

They can also be quite mischievous. They love getting into trouble, and there’s no true way you can stop them. No obedience training can help you keep them out of the mess!

If there is poop in your backyard, this pooch will roll in it. There’s a squirrel on the other side of the park? No worries, your Mini Husky will have to go chase it! Did you leave your pup alone for too long? Congratulations, now all your pillows are on the floor!

Huskies are dominant dogs that love to be the leaders of the pack. They like to boss you around and show you who’s really in charge. They love to get attention, and they’ll let you know it if they think you’re not spending enough time with them.

Unfortunately, this also means these seemingly strong and independent dogs are prone to separation anxiety, so make sure to get them used to spending some time alone.

At the same time, they are incredibly loyal and will love you for as long as they live. There are numerous reports about Miniature Huskies remembering their owners after a year-long service!

Due to their affectionate nature, they can be true lap dogs that will love to spend every minute possible with you. Thankfully, their small size allows them to sit on you all day without being too large of a bother. 

Also, these are vocal dogs that rarely bark, but will let you know whenever something is not up to their desires by whining as loud as they can. This can annoy your neighbors, so make sure you have taught them to stay silent.

Are They Good Family Dogs?

Miniature Huskies can make wonderful family pets as long as you spend enough time on obedience training and socialization to control their dominant nature.

Families with small children can make good homes for these doggies, as they are very playful and active, so they can match their energy. They’ll play around all day until both are tired, which is always a good thing for the adult part of the household.

In fact, having a large family is always a good thing when owning Miniature Huskies, as this means these pups won’t get lonely that easily.

However, as they can be loud when they shouldn’t, this can be troublesome if you have young babies that need lots of sleep. 

Are They Good With Other Pets?

 If you own other dogs or even small animals, don’t worry. Mini Huskies can make great companions for any species of animal out there. 

They do have a high prey drive, but if you’ve socialized them properly, they can learn to be friendly with small animals. However, I would suggest never leaving them unattended with small pets, such as chickens, hamsters, and parrots. 

While dominant, they are rarely aggressive. Still, you should always make sure all the dogs in your home are fixed just to stay on the safe side. 

With proper training, these dogs can live in groups without any problems.

Care Guide

Of course, when owning a Miniature Husky, you need to think about their care needs and provide them with the best life possible. 

All dogs need a certain amount of exercise, grooming, and love. And let’s not forget proper diet and regular vet visits!

Here’s how you can take care of your Miniature Huskies:

Exercise Needs

These are high-energy dogs that need plenty of exercise to stay happy. Sure, they might need less exercise than standard Huskies, but they still need to have long daily walks and extensive exercise sessions a few times a day.

They are a good option for active people who would like to have a pet they can take to hiking sessions. 

While they are designed to be dogs for apartments, they do the best in houses with yards. A small yard might not be suited for their high activity levels.

If you do end up keeping these pups in a house with a backyard, keep in mind that these doggies are escape artists. Make sure you have a high fence and that your male dogs are fixed so they don’t go running after females in heat.

Running might be the best option when it comes to various activities you can do to help deplete their energy levels.

Despite the selective breeding, these pups were wolves once, and their not-so-distant ancestors used to pull sleds. Running will help them activate the same muscle groups, and it will keep them in touch with their wild instincts.

Training

Training is the key to keeping your pup not just obedient but also safe. If your dog doesn’t listen to you, he will easily get into dangerous situations. 

Huskies are intelligent dogs that are able to learn new tricks rather quickly – but they’ll rarely want to do so. 

These are some of the most stubborn animals you’ll ever run into, especially in the dog world . If they don’t feel like doing something, there’s almost no way you’ll make them. 

This is a bad thing, as they are also playful and love to run away if they see something interesting. Leash training is probably the most important thing you need to complete with your Miniature Husky puppies if you want to ensure their safety. 

Also, as they need so much exercise, it’s a good idea to train them after a mild activity, as this will help them keep their focus on you and not on things around them.

While dog owners might have plenty of headaches with training their Husky puppies, this will all be worth it once you see how gentle they are when they are cooperating. 

So, if your Miniature Husky is giving you a hard time, give him a second chance. These pups truly deserve it. 

Just remember – they might be too much of a challenge for novice owners who are not used to dealing with such hard-willing dogs. 

Grooming

Grooming can be a true nightmare. Due to their medium-length double coats that can come in various colors, these pups are huge shedders. This is common for most northern breeds needing thick coats to stay warm. 

They shed just as much as standard Siberian Huskies, but the good side is that, as they’re smaller, this will result in less loose hairs. It’s not like you’re going to feel much relief about this, though. They still require daily brushing sessions.

The shedding is going to increase during the shedding season, so brace yourself with patience and some good dog brushes. 

You’ll also need to give them baths every few months or when they get dirty (and this can happen often). And don’t forget about nail clipping, teeth brushing, and ear cleaning. 

Feeding

Proper diet is the key to keeping your dog healthy. These energetic dogs need plenty of protein to keep them running. 

They need at least two cups of dry kibble per day and a minimum of 1000 calories. 

Make sure that the dog food of your choice has protein listed as the first ingredient. This can be any meat, from beef and poultry to fish. 

Also, if you give your doggie treats, make sure they don’t make more than 10% of the daily calorie intake. 

Common Health Issues 

Unfortunately, just like any miniature or teacup breeds, these pups are prone to some health issues. 

This includes:

• Progressive retinal atrophy (PRA)
• Hip dysplasia
• Hypothyroidism 

Luckily, these health conditions are rarely life-threatening, and your pup can still live long and healthy lives. The average lifespan of a Miniature Husky is 12 to 15 years, which is quite a lot.

Proper diet, the right amount of exercise, and regular vet visits are the key to keeping your pup healthy.

Dogs That Look Like Miniature Huskies 

There are also a few recognized breeds that might look just like Miniature Huskies, and many people confuse these pups with one another.

This includes:

Alaskan Klee Kai

Alaskan Klee Kai is probably the most popular dog breed, and it looks just like a tiny Husky. Many people even consider these pups teacup Huskies due to the similarities between the two.

However, they are an entirely different breed that isn’t related to Huskies in any way. 

Keeshond

Keeshond isn’t as tiny as a Klee Kai, but it’s still much smaller than a purebred Husky. 

This fluffy dog is related to German Spitzes and not Huskies, but you’d never guess that just by looking at it. Their color distribution makes them look just like long-coated Huskies that are getting ready for the winter. 

Pomsky 

Pomskies are not purebred dogs but rather a crossbreed between a Pomeranian and a Husky. However, they look so much like Miniature Huskies that I just had to mention them!

There are even Teacup Pomskies that are even smaller than the regular ones!

Unfortunately, Pomskies are also not recognized by major kennel clubs, so there are many bad breeding practices surrounding them. Still, if you manage to get them from a reputable breeder, you will end with a small pet that will be with you for many years to come.

Controversy

While cute, Miniature Huskies are the topic of many controversies. Many breed organizations and dog lovers are against the intentional breeding of dogs that come in different sizes than their purebred counterparts. 

Smaller forms are especially controversial, as they are often the result of breeding runts of the litter, which are known to be more sickly. A striking example of this is teacup Chihuahuas, which are known to be prone to many health concerns. 

Fortunately, other than some bone and eye problems, Miniature Huskies are fairly healthy. 

Still, as there is no breed standard that would control their appearance and temperaments, Mini Husky breeders often don’t follow any regulations or good breeding terms and rules, which is another reason why health concerns are so prominent in toy and mini breeds. 

It’s important to purchase from reputable breeders who follow good breeding practices and who can give you the best information about caring for these adorable doggies. 

Miniature Huskies are a lot of work, but they are easier to manage than standard Siberian Huskies. If you have the patience to deal with their attitude and constant shedding, they will make wonderful companions.