If you love Northern dogs but don’t have enough space for larger breeds, consider miniature Siberian husky dogs as a pet, which is a great shrunk-down alternative. Mini huskies are cute and playful, and their size is apartment-friendly.
This dog breed is very similar to the Alaskan Klee Kai canine. The difference is that miniature husky dogs have yet to be officially recognized by multiple kennel clubs.
| Origin | North America |
| Other names | Mini huskies, similar to Klee Kai |
| Breed group | Spitz-type dog breed |
| Size | Small |
| Height | 13-17 inches |
| Weight | 20-35 pounds |
| Colors | Black, brown, white, grey, red |
| Life expectancy | 12-15 years |
| Coat | Double coat |
| Shedding | two annual shedding periods |
| Barking tendency | Moderate |
| Temperament | Friendly, social, outgoing |
| Cost | $1500-$2500 |
Brief Overview
Mini huskies can be your paw-perfect companion, especially if you’re not a first-time dog owner. These cuties are affectionate and energetic. They love spending time with their owners and can be raised in an apartment if you take them out for daily walks.
Physical Traits
Despite their smaller size, these dogs have many physical traits similar to Siberian huskies. Their faces have wolf-like features, their eyes are striking, and they have thick double coats. You’ll see numerous dual-colored puppies in this breed: white and black, white and brown, etc.
They also have cute face markings and erect ears. Their body is quite bulky, and their muzzles are pretty long. This breed is the smaller version of your regular husky dog.
Average Weight & Height
Male mini huskies weigh 25 to 35 pounds, while their female peers weigh 20-30 pounds. In terms of height, male dogs are 14-17 inches, whereas female miniature pups are 13-16 inches.
Coat and Fur
Like larger huskies, the mini version dogs also shed a lot, especially during spring and fall. They have two coat layers: a softer undercoat and a thicker and coarser topcoat.
This breed’s most common fur colors are black and white, red and white, silver grey, sable, and others.
Personality Traits
The temperament of mini husky dogs is quite similar to that of purebred huskies. It’s in their genes to be sassy and mischievous at times. So, don’t be surprised if you see your dog rolling around in dirt or even poop. They might do that to our dismay.
These mini doggos love to be part of a larger pack, socializing, chasing squirrels, and trying to dominate everyone around them. They love being the center of attention. Hence, you should avoid letting them alone for a more extended period. Otherwise, they might experience separation anxiety.
Potential Health Issues
Most mini huskies are generally healthy. Still, this dog breed is prone to specific health problems:
- Epilepsy;
- Cataract;
- Hypothyroidism;
- Heart conditions;
- High blood pressure;
- Inflammatory bowel disease;
- Hip dysplasia;
- Autoimmune skin disease, etc.
You should take your pet to the vet for annual visits to prevent these issues. Also, ensure your dog moves and exercises a lot during the day. Finally, feed him more frequently and in smaller portions during the day. This will maintain its metabolism functioning properly.
Average Lifespan
As long as you take good care of your husky, with regular vet trips, engaging activities, and proper food, you could enjoy its company for up to 12-15 years.
For a mini husky to live a happy and long life, you must also ensure plenty of human contact, enough running and playing space, and, since they are furry dogs, a living environment that’s not too hot.
Trainability
These dogs are intelligent, but training them might sometimes become a challenge. That’s because they’re independent-minded. In other words, they prefer to follow their own instincts rather than your commands.
Also, choose the training environment carefully because your mini husky will lose its focus as soon as something more interesting appears around it. You should try mentally stimulating training games that keep your pet engaged.
Treats and praise might do the trick when standard commands seem to fail.
Nutrition
The proper diet for a miniature husky is a mix of wet and dry food that keeps your pet happy and healthy. They are energetic, so you must include plenty of protein in their daily diet. The necessary minimum amount of food consists of two dry kibble cups per day.
The first ingredient on the list should be protein sourced from fish, poultry, or beef. Moderate amounts of doggie treats are also recommended. A well-balanced diet must also include raw food in addition to commercial dog food.
Grooming and Maintenance
Brushing and raking your dog’s fur regularly is essential for his well-being. During abundant shedding in spring and fall, you should brush and remove loose hair daily.
It would be best if you started brushing your miniature husky when he was a puppy so that he could get used to it. It’s a way to help him relax and enjoy the grooming process. Never clip your dog’s whiskers; use a special clipper for your pooch’s nails.
Mini huskies’ fur doesn’t have excess oils. Hence, you don’t need to bathe them too often. Once a month or even less is more than enough.
FAQs – Miniature Siberian Husky Dogs
Are Miniature Huskies Good Pets?
They’re excellent companions for both adults and children. These dogs are always up for exciting playtime, fun, and games of fetch. Still, special attention might be necessary, considering that mini huskies have slightly more fragile bodies than their larger cousins, the regular-sized huskies.
Can Miniature Huskies Stay at Home, Alone?
They are ok for a couple of hours, but not longer. Instead, they require plenty of human contact, affection, attention, love, and socialization. Before going out for an hour or two and leaving your dogs at home, you should take them out for a longer walk and provide them with numerous toys to tackle their endless energy.
Do Miniature Huskies Like Cuddling?
Yes, they love to cuddle with their owners. They’re affectionate dogs that appreciate closeness and human contact. However, each pet is unique and has a different personality, so pay attention to your dog’s preferences and needs.
Final Bark
As adorable as they can be, miniature husky dogs aren’t for busy individuals who are away from home or their pets too often. These doggos must spend as much time as possible with their owners.
Some say that mini huskies can be a lot of hassle and work, but I think they’re easier to manage than Siberian huskies. All you need is patience regarding their constant shedding and independent attitude.
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