So you think Siberian Huskies are cute? Wait until you see the miniature Husky! Yes, they exist and you have probably never seen a more adorable pup!
The miniature Husky is relatively new dog breed that is very similar to the world’s most famous sled dog — the Siberian Husky.
In fact, the miniature Husky is officially called the smaller version of the standard Siberian Husky.
But, don’t let its small size fool you! The miniature Husky’s personality is over the roof! I guess it is true what they say — small dog, big personality.
If you are searching for a Siberian Husky dog but don’t have enough room to keep it, then the miniature Husky is your new dream dog.
Let’s say a thing or two about the miniature Husky dog breed that will steal your heart!
Is There A Miniature Husky Breed?
Photo from: @appa_theminihusky
There is such a thing as a miniature Husky. In fact, this mini dog breed is labeled as a miniature version of the Siberian Husky.
The miniature Husky dog was created as a smaller version of the Siberian Husky dog because of aspiring dog owners who wanted a Husky but thought it was too big for them.
During the whole miniature Husky breeding process, the goal was to keep the purebred Siberian Huskies’ appearance and astonishing blue eyes, as well as high energy levels combined with a fun-loving and outgoing temperament.
Through several breeding programs, mini Husky breeders succeeded in shrinking the standard Siberian Husky. And so, the smaller size of a Husky was born.
Are Miniature Huskies Rare?
Photo from: @appa_theminihusky
Mini Huskies are a relatively recent addition to the dog world, but they are becoming more popular with each passing day.
In fact, miniature Huskies are close to their standard counterparts that are ranked 15th on the American Kennel Club’s list of the most popular breeds in 2019.
Depending on where you are located, mini Huskies can be either rare or extremely popular — nothing in between.
With an average litter size of nine to eleven puppies, miniature Huskies are commonly bred by standard Siberian Husky breeders.
When Were Miniature Huskies Discovered?
Photo from: @appa_theminihusky
The origin of miniature Huskies dates back to the year 1990 when a Husky breeder, Bree Normandin, decided to combine smaller size Siberian Huskies.
Long story short, through several Siberian Husky generations and thoughtful selective breeding, Bree Normandin successfully shrunk the standard Siberian Husky, developing the miniature Husky breed.
Selective Breeding Of Standard Siberian Huskies
At the very beginning of the breeding program, the tiniest Husky puppies from litters of various sizes were used to breed miniature Huskies.
The Husky runts of the subsequent generation were then crossed with other runts until the progeny were all noticeably smaller.
During the time when mini Huskies were slowly becoming popular, teacup dog breeds started showing up.
Breeders were in awe of mini Huskies and wanted to make more puppies that are smaller versions of their standard purebred parents.
This is when teacup Pomeranians were developed. Additionally, breeders started crossing Pomeranian and Siberian Husky runts to get an interesting designer dog that is called the teacup Pomsky.
Keep in mind that the mini Husky breed is not a teacup size Husky. Teacup Huskies are even smaller!
Adding Another Breed To The Mix
Most miniature dog breeds derive from mixing a smaller dog with a purebred parent. For example, crossing a Corgi with a Siberian Husky results in a Corgsky that is not a purebred dog.
Just because a purebred Siberian Husky has been crossed with a small Chihuahua doesn’t mean that it makes it a “miniature Husky”. You see where I am going with this?
Real miniature Husky dogs are basically purebred. They maintain all the personality and appearance traits from purebred Siberian Husky parent breeds.
Even breeders mix similar dog breeds like the Alaskan Klee Kai, which is still a Siberian Husky mix rather than the purebred miniature Husky.
Don’t get me wrong, Siberian Husky mixes are some of the most beautiful dogs that I have ever seen. But, we’re talking about a miniature Husky here, not a Husky mix!
What Two Breeds Make A Mini Husky?
Well, there’s only one dog breed involved in the development of a miniature Husky and that’s the Siberian Husky. So, you just need a male and a female Siberian Husky to create the mini Husky dog breed. But, it’s not as simple as it sounds.
To create miniature Husky dogs, breeders chose the tiniest Siberian Husky runts of the standard-sized litter. The process of shrinking the standard Siberian Husky took a while.
When you think about it, their small size makes mini Huskies great lap dogs, right? Even though miniature Huskies were bred to be more of companion dogs, they are technically mini working dogs.
Are Miniature Huskies Siberian Huskies?
Yes they are!
Mini Huskies were originally developed by crossing standard-sized Siberian Huskies when breeders took runts from litters and continued breeding these small dogs.
Most dog lovers are confused thinking that the Alaskan Klee Kai is a miniature Husky because these two breeds look alike.
In reality, the Alaskan Klee Kai is a small dog that originates from crossing the Alaskan Husky and the Alaskan Eskimo Dog (nothing to do with the Siberian Husky)
So basically the miniature Husky is a Siberian Husky that is down-sized.
What Do Miniature Huskies Look Like?
Photo from: @appa_theminihusky
The miniature Husky resembles the Siberian Husky in size thanks to its thick, fluffy coat and mesmerizing blue eyes.
In addition to inheriting a fluffy coat, mini Huskies are known for their iconic fluffy sickle tail.
Mini Huskies typically inherit brown or black just like their paw pads. The physical characteristics of a mini Husky are identical to those of a Siberian Husky.
When you take a closer look at the Mini Husky, you can notice that they resemble wolf-like dog breeds.
Their wolf-like appearance mixed with small size makes mini Huskies even more adorable! I mean, erect ears, fluffy coats, piercing blue eyes, wolf-like coat patterns, we’re talking about a mini wolf-dog!
How Big Do Miniature Huskies Get?
Photo from: @appa_theminihusky
I think it’s better to ask “How small dog miniature Huskies get?” Well just like between standard male and female Siberian Huskies there is a difference in height and weight.
Having said that, male miniature Husky dogs grow bigger and a bit taller than their female counterparts. So, once fully grown, the male miniature Husky weighs 25 to 35 pounds and stands 14 to 17 inches tall on average.
On the other hand, female miniature Husky dogs usually weigh a few pounds less, between 20 and 30 pounds to be precise. The female miniature Husky reaches 13 to 16 inches in height, which is pretty short for a Husky!
What Is The Miniature Husky’s Coat Like?
Photo from: @appa_theminihusky
Here comes my favorite part — talking about the miniature Husky’s coat type!
Okay so, we all know standard Huskies are notorious for their thick and fluffy coats that make them everything but low-maintenance dogs.
The miniature Husky inherits the same coat type as its bigger blue-eyed counterparts. Due to the fact that these sled dogs originate from cold Siberia and were brought to Alaska, their coats have become accustomed to the harsh and cold climate.
So, in addition to all the fluff, miniature Siberian Huskies inherited the double coat from their standard parents.
When it comes to length, the miniature Husky inherits a medium coat that is a bit harsh on the outside, but very soft when you get to the undercoat.
There are three different coat lengths of the miniature Siberian Husky:
• Short
• Plush
• Wooly
In the official Siberian Husky breed standard, the American Kennel Club (AKC) states that wooly Siberian Huskies and those with short coats are not acceptable.
In case you are wondering, the standard wooly Siberian Husky inherits a longer and fluffier coat which basically conceals the dog’s shape! And yes, that means that the miniature Husky can inherit this coat type!
Everything is acceptable with the miniature Husky because this breed has no official breed standards!
How Many Miniature Husky Colors Are There?
My second favorite part of the whole miniature Husky story is its coat colors! I don’t know about you, but I love looking at all the beautiful Husky colors that are so wild, yet so comforting.
By now we know that the miniature Husky has two purebred Siberian Husky parents, which means that this small dog will inherit any of their coat colors and patterns.
If both parents are brown Huskies, chances are that the mini Husky will also come in shades of brown. But, brown is not the most common color within the miniature Husky breed.
Miniature Husky is a small dog that often comes in following color combinations:
• White and black
• Red
• Brown
• Sable
• Gray and white
• Merle
• Agouti
Some of these mini Husky color combinations are very rare and you probably won’t get to see many merle or agouti Husky variations.
It is not uncommon for mini Huskies to inherit unique markings or patterns on their face and body.
Miniature Husky Shedding Amount
Let me just tell you that the miniature Husky will shed just as much as its standard counterpart — and that’s a lot!
Siberian Husky shedding is one of those characteristics that make this breed popular. Everyone knows that these sled dogs come with a lot of fur and loose hairs.
Due to the fact that the miniature Husky inherits the same coat type as the standard Siberian Husky, its shedding amount is going to be pretty much the same.
Miniature Huskies inherit a straight outercoat that moderately sheds all year round. But the outercoat is not an issue here.
The undercoat of a miniature Husky is what I want to talk about! These small dogs shed their undercoat seasonally. So, you can expect the mini Husky to “blow” its undercoat at least once a year (or twice).
Miniature Husky coat blowing may take up to five weeks! So, prepare your best Husky brush or better yet, take your mini Husky to a professional groomer!
Are Miniature Husky Dogs Hypoallergenic?
A hypoallergenic dog is simply one who is less likely to cause an allergic reaction. However, it does not imply that the dog is completely allergy-free.
Small dogs with fine coats are known to cause little to no reaction to allergy sufferers, which makes them “hypoallergenic”.
We have just talked about the miniature Husky being a heavy shedder. So, I’m afraid that I have some bad news — mini Huskies are not hypoallergenic.
So, if you are looking for a small hypoallergenic dog, then I would recommend the Yorkshire Terrier or the Bichon Frise.
But, if you are looking for a hypoallergenic dog that resembles the Siberian Husky, you can search for a Husky Poodle mix that has a high chance of inheriting Poodle’s hypoallergenic coat.
Miniature Husky Eye Colors
Let’s get lost in miniature Husky’s mesmerizing eye colors! This small breed of dog inherits the beautiful eye colors of the standard Siberian Husky.
It is safe to say that the miniature Husky’s eyes are its most distinctive feature.
The piercing eyes of a miniature Husky normally come in blue or brown colors. However, other eye color combinations such as green are possible, but very rare.
Miniature Huskies with Heterochromia inherit bi- or parti-colored eyes that make these small dogs really stand out!
There is a popular belief that dog breeds with blue eyes such as our miniature Husky inherit health problems like canine deafness.
The unusual and abnormal eye color of a mini Husky is red, which could be a sign of health issues. Take your mini Husky to the vet if you’re certain that he has red eyes.
Miniature Husky Personality Traits
Photo from: @appa_theminihusky
Never let a small dog deceive you; the miniature Husky still possesses the same personality and vigor as your average Siberian Husky.
Let’s start off by saying that the miniature Siberian Husky is truly an affectionate and good-natured little fella’.
Miniature Huskies are naturally friendly and free-spirited around people. These small sled dogs move quickly, are very playful, and exceptionally athletic.
Besides miniature Siberian Huskies being friendly and extremely intelligent, they can be stubborn and independent to the extent of becoming escape artists. Yes, miniature Siberian Huskies are professional escape artists that love jumping fences!
Mini Huskies enjoy being outside (especially during winter) and need a lot of exercise every day. If they get bored, mini Huskies become destructive, anxious, and annoying.
Similar to their standard counterparts, mini Huskies are very vocal (barking is their passion). While this may be a troublesome personality trait, it makes mini Huskies pawesome small guard dogs!
Are Miniature Huskies Good Pets?
Most aspiring mini Husky owners wonder “Is the miniature Husky a good family dog?” Let’s answer that real quick!
Mini Huskies get along well with children and quickly become best friends with them. But, due to the fact that this Husky is miniature, it is not wise to leave it unattended with young children.
Another positive personality trait is that mini Siberian Huskies usually get along well with all family members as well as other dogs. However, its high prey drive might not let the miniature Husky get along with your cat or hamster.
Other than that, mini Huskies are amazing family dogs with so much personality!
The miniature Husky is a very outgoing and pack-oriented small dog that enjoys being a part of the family.
Having said that, the miniature Husky inherits a kind temperament with high energy levels! Be prepared for mini Husky zoomies that can’t be stopped! I guess that’s what makes the mini Husky a child’s best friend.
Miniature Husky Health Problems
The selective breeding of the miniature Husky comes with its ups and downs. Even though in this case the ups outweigh the downs, there are several downs (health problems) of this small breed that we want to discuss.
Even though most reputable Siberian Husky breeders do their best to eradicate congenital health issues, there are still some that lurk behind the Siberian Husky genes.
1. Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)
Progressive Retinal Atrophy or PRA for short is a health issue that is associated with eye problems in mini Husky dogs that affect the retina and cause progressive blindness.
PRA is often seen within the Siberian Husky breed, so mini Huskies are also prone to it. Other breeds that are known to suffer from Progressive Retinal Atrophy are Labrador Retrievers, Dachshunds, mini Poodles, and Yorkies.
Sadly, there is currently no treatment for PRA but it can be prevented by selectively breeding Huskies that are free from this congenital disease.
2. Hip Dysplasia
While it is unquestionably more prevalent in large and giant breed dogs, some miniature Huskies are prone to elbow and hip dysplasia.
A ball and socket joint makes up the hip joint of a mini Husky. Both the head of the thigh bone, and the socket in the pelvis must develop equally as they grow.
Mini Huskies with hip dysplasia develop a growth-related deformity of the hip which causes pain and trouble moving.
3. Cataracts
Another congenital eye problem of the mini Husky breed. While some canine cataracts appear to be age-related and occur spontaneously, others are caused by eye injuries and diabetes.
In the miniature Husky breed, diabetic cataracts develop faster than non-diabetic cataracts, sometimes appearing overnight.
Unfortunately, there are no known treatments that can stop the formation of a canine cataract. In the majority of cases, surgery is the only option for miniature Huskies that suffer from cataracts.
4. Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a common thyroid gland abnormality in small dogs that causes a decrease in the metabolic state of the dog.
Miniature Huskies that suffer from hypothyroidism experience hair loss on their back, tail and hindlimbs. Additionally, the rest of their coat is thin and dull, while their skin is flaky but not itchy or red.
Miniature Huskies with canine hypothyroidism have a good prognosis and a normal life expectancy because this health issue is treatable.
5. Follicular Dysplasia
Follicular dysplasia in miniature Husky dogs is brought on by an anomaly in the hair follicle. Over the course of your miniature Huskies lifetime, follicular dysplasia typically shows up as progressive hair loss or abnormal hair growth.
Due to the fact that miniature Huskies usually have most of their coats colored in black, they are prone to a specific form of follicular dysplasia that is called black hair follicular dysplasia.
Miniature Siberian Huskies show signs of hair loss over the trunk, undercoat crimping, and reddish discoloration that can begin at 3-4 months of age.
Follicular dysplasia is frequently diagnosed based on breed and symptoms alone, but a skin biopsy is strongly advised for a definitive diagnosis.
What Is The Lifespan Of A Miniature Husky?
Photo from: @appa_theminihusky
While most standard Siberian Huskies live between 12 to 15 years, their miniature versions may outlive them. In fact, it is widely known that small dogs live longer, so we can assume that’s the case with the miniature Husky. Or is it?
The lifespan of a miniature Husky can be between 12 and 17 years, depending on how much care is put into the dog’s health and overall lifestyle.
Here are some very important factors that have an impact on a miniature Husky lifespan:
• Genetics and breeding: it all starts with a reputable mini Husky breeder whose main task is to provide his/her puppies with the best start in life.
• Proper diet: the most important thing is to feed your mini Husky high-quality dog food that is packed with nutrients that support healthy growth.
• Exercise: miniature Huskies are high-energy dogs that thrive when they are physically active. The key to mini Husky longevity is happiness which comes from chasing butterflies on the field!
• Suitable veterinary and medical care: your veterinarian is on a mission to help maintain and treat your miniature Husky if health issues occur.
• Environmental elements: miniature Huskies have their roots set in cold Siberia. It is not humane to keep these mini sled dogs in regions with hot climates.
Are Miniature Husky Dogs Recognized By AKC?
Due to the fact that they do not adhere to the breed standard, the American Kennel Club does not currently recognize the miniature Husky.
It is simply because they are shorter than the required minimum height of 20 inches and weigh less than required 35 pounds.
Additionally, some “miniature Huskies” are a mixture of two different dog breeds such as the purebred Siberian Husky and the Pomeranian which results in a designer dog that is not recognized by the AKC.
How Much Are Miniature Huskies?
The case with most mini Husky breeders is that they put higher price tags on pups that have particularly eye-catching markings. This means that you can find a mini Husky puppy for $500, but also for $3000 (which is quite a lot!).
The cost of a miniature Husky ranges depending on your location and the quality of the breeding program.
If you are thinking about purchasing a mini Husky, you should have about $1500 in your budget to be on the safe side.
Remember, you are also paying for mini Husky puppy’s dog supplies, vet checks, accessories, and so on.
Due to the fact that miniature Husky dogs are not all that common yet, it is important to do your research on reputable breeders and rescues.
Where Can I Get A Miniature Husky Puppy?
Photo from: @appa_theminihusky
Most people call miniature Huskies small Siberian Huskies which is true. But, there are many different Husky mixes that are also labeled as “miniature Huskies”.
So, if you want a real miniature Husky, you should be on the lookout for reputable miniature Husky breeders.
There is little chance that you will stumble upon a miniature Husky in a dog rescue center, but you can try searching for one.
If you are unsure about any miniature Husky breeders nearby, you can search for standard Siberian Husky breeders who may have information on breeding miniature Huskies.
There are other breeders that specialize in breeding Husky mixes, such as Pomskies and French Bullskies, but chances are that they don’t breed purebred mini Huskies.
Conclusion
The miniature Husky is a smaller breed of dog that makes it perfect for paw lovers who are looking for an apartment dog. However, the mini Husky is a thick-coated dog breed that isn’t suitable for warm places.
Outside of their shedding season, mini Huskies shed quite a bit all year long and will require weekly brushing.
Miniature Siberian Huskies rarely bathe because they constantly scald themselves (as when they shed the dirt falls off as well).
It is not a rare sight to see your mini Siberian Husky rolling on dead animals or poop!
Oh, there is never a dull moment with these small sled dogs!
The miniature Husky is a high energy dog that needs daily exercise and mental stimulation. With proper training and early socialization, the miniature Husky is going to be the best dog that you have ever owned!
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