Always wanted a Siberian Husky, but looking for something a little smaller? Your perfect companion could be a Miniature Husky. Yes, Miniature Huskies do exist. These little dogs look very similar to their full-size counterparts, just with more compact measurements.
In our Miniature Husky breed guide, we will tell you all about what it is like to have a Mini Husky as a pet. We'll go over grooming, exercise needs, personalities, and more. But first, let's take a look at the basic characteristics of these dogs and learn a little more about their history and appearance.
Mini Husky Traits
| Height | 13-17 inches |
| Weight | 20-35 pounds |
| Life Span | 12-14 years |
| Good with | Children, other pets |
| Temperament | Curious, affectionate, loyal, stubborn |
| Intelligence | High |
| Shedding amount | High |
| Grooming | Normal |
| Exercise needs | High |
| Energy level | High |
| Barking level | High (howling) |
| Drool amount | Normal |
| Coat length/texture | Thick double coat |
| Colors | White, red, black, gray, sable, agouti |
How Small are Miniature Huskies?
One of the first questions you probably have about Miniature Huskies is how they compare in size to Siberian Huskies. Siberian Huskies are usually 20 to 23.5 inches tall. Mini Huskies are just 13-17 inches tall. So, even the tallest Miniature Huskies are shorter than the shortest Siberian Huskies.
Mini Huskies also weigh quite a bit less than Siberian Huskies. They are typically just 20-35 pounds, compared to the 30-60 pounds typical for Siberian Huskies.
Note that there are a couple types of dogs that Miniature Huskies can easily be mixed up with. These include Alaskan Klee Kai dogs and Pomskies.
The American Kennel Club recognizes Siberian Huskies but does not recognize Mini Huskies.Is a Mini Husky the Same as an Alaskan Klee Kai?
The Miniature Husky and the Alaskan Klee Kai are different types of dogs.
Miniature Huskies are Huskies. They are not considered to be a separate breed—rather they are simply Huskies that were bred for their small stature through careful selection of the parents. Basically, if you breed two smallish Huskies together, you may get small dogs in the litter.
The breeder who pioneered Mini Huskies was Bree Normandin, who did so in the US in 1990.
Sometimes dogs sold as Miniature Huskies were bred from Huskies that were not simply small but actually considered dwarfs. Genetically, these dogs may not be as healthy as others.
Also, you might sometimes see “Mini Huskies” for sale that are mixes, not pure Huskies.
What about Alaskan Klee Kai dogs? These similar-looking dogs resulted from cross-breeding in the 1970s by Linda Spurlin. The American Rare Breed Association (ARBA) and the United Kennel Club (UKC) recognize the Alaskan Klee Kai as an individual breed.
The Alaskan Klee Kai is even smaller than the Mini Husky, weighing around 10-25 pounds.
Mini Husky vs. Regular Husky
Now that you know what a Miniature Husky is and how it differs from an Alaskan Klee Kai, let's compare Mini Huskies to full-size Siberian Huskies.
Both Siberian Huskies and Miniature Huskies can live for 12-14 years on average. That said, Mini Huskies that were bred from dogs with dwarfism could have a shorter average lifespan.
The overall appearance of the Siberian Husky and Miniature Husky is much the same. Like their larger counterparts, Mini Huskies look a lot like wolves. They have long muzzles, upright ears, and a mixture of white and other colors for the fluffy fur. The dogs' personalities are also similar: affectionate, loyal, and stubborn.
Fun Facts About Mini Huskies
Miniature Husky Appearance and Genetics
You already know about the height and weight of the Mini Husky, so let’s talk about other aspects of this dog’s appearance.
As we mentioned, the face looks similar to that of a wolf. The nose is usually brown or black, and the fur is white around the muzzle and above the eyes. The white hair continues down the chest, stomach, and front legs.
The rest of the fluffy double coat is usually black or sometimes gray, red, sable, or agouti. The tail has a distinctive sickle shape and is also fluffy.
What is the Temperament of Mini Huskies?
Miniature Huskies share the same charming personalities as Siberian Huskies. Affectionate and sociable, they are loyal pets that sometimes have a stubborn streak. They are highly intelligent and can also be very curious.
Because of that stubbornness, it is best to train your Mini Husky as early as possible. Another recommendation is to opt for shorter sessions, as your pet may lose focus during longer sessions (likely becoming interested in something else).
Environment Needs
Image: instagram/calitheminihusky
To figure out whether a Miniature Husky will be a good fit for your household, let's now go over their needs concerning space and other household members. You'll be happy to discover that Mini Huskies can fit in just about anywhere!
Space
Since Miniature Huskies are relatively small, they do not need much indoor space. They will do fine even in a small house or apartment.
They require plenty of exercises, so ideally, you should have a fenced-in backyard where they can play. If you do not, you will need to take them out for regular walks to get them the fresh air and exercise they need.
Do Mini Huskies Get Along With Children?
Miniature Huskies are very affectionate and love making friends with children. With younger kids, supervision is suggested, as usual—but yes, Mini Huskies are great family pets.
Do Mini Huskies Get Along With Other Pets?
Generally, Miniature Huskies do get along with other pets. But you need to handle the introductions carefully. If possible, try to socialize your dog early with other household animals to develop positive bonds.
Are Miniature Huskies Loud Pets?
Mini Huskies can be loud, though not in a typical way. They are not heavy barkers, but they do love to howl.
Miniature Husky Care
[Image: instagram/minihuskymoomba]
Are Miniature Huskies easy to care for? Let's explore their exercise, grooming, diet and nutrition, and health needs.
Exercise
We have seen a wide range suggested for daily exercise for Mini Huskies—everything from 30 minutes to two hours. You will probably want to aim for an hour a day and raise or lower it as it fits your pet.
Grooming
Miniature Huskies are heavy shedders, especially in spring and autumn. When they are actively shedding, you might need to groom them daily. But during winter and summer, once or twice a week, grooming is generally sufficient.
What about bathing? Thankfully, you get a break in this department. Mini Huskies are fastidious about staying clean. As a result, they love to bathe themselves, similar to how cats do. That means you may only need to wash your Miniature Husky now and again, perhaps when he gets filthy.
As is the standard advice with any breed of dog, make sure to clean your Mini Husky's ears and teeth regularly.
Diet and Nutrition
Your first thought might be to feed your Miniature Husky about the same amount of food you would another small dog breed. But actually, they need to be eating more than this.
That does not mean they should eat as much as their Siberian Husky full-sized counterparts. But the ideal amount is closer than what you would give another type of small dog.
Two cups of kibble per day are generally sufficient between morning and evening. Go with a formula for active dogs, so your energetic pet gets everything he needs for exercise and play.
Health Conditions
Assuming your Mini Husky was bred properly without someone deliberately choosing parent dogs with dwarfism, he should not be susceptible to additional health concerns beyond those affecting full-size Huskies.
Some possible health conditions include eye problems, follicular dysplasia and other skin problems, and hypothyroidism. Proper home care and regular vet trips can help prevent and treat health conditions.
Does a Miniature Husky Cost More Than a Siberian Husky?
The typical price range for a Miniature Husky puppy is $600-1,500. This is roughly the exact cost you would pay for a regular full-size Siberian Husky puppy. So, no, Mini Huskies do not cost more because of their small size.
Where to Adopt or Buy a Miniature Husky
[Image: instagram/minihuskymoomba]
Ready to bring home a Mini Husky of your own? There are two options for getting a Mini Husky: purchasing one or adopting one.
Mini Huskies may not always be readily available at shelters, so buying one from a breeder is often easiest. It is vital to make sure you choose a reputable breeder for this type of dog.
As we mentioned previously, some less-than-ethical breeders may choose to deliberately breed Mini Huskies with dwarfism. Dwarfism has profound health implications for a dog and can reduce a Mini Husky's lifespan to five years or less.
You also want to watch out for breeders trying to pass off mixes or other dog breeds like Mini Huskies.
Here are some breeders we recommend based on our research (but you should always do your research before you buy).
It may be challenging if you prefer rescuing and adopting a Miniature Husky rather than buying from breeders. If you call a random local shelter, your odds of finding one are pretty remote.
But you are not necessarily totally out of luck. Here are a few ideas:
Siberian Husky Rescue has a useful searchable map that shows where Huskies are available to adopt.
Remember that, unlike the breeders we mentioned, these shelters are not explicitly dedicated to Miniature Huskies. Many of the pets they have for adoption will be full-size Huskies.
If you cannot find a Miniature Husky, do not despair. Consider adopting or buying an Alaskan Klee Kai or a Pomsky. You might find either of these more easily than a Mini Husky.
Pros of Miniature Huskies:
Cons of Mini Huskies:
Summary
Some people wonder whether Miniature Huskies exist. It may seem hard to believe that you can get everything you love in a Siberian Husky in a small, adorable package. But Mini Huskies are real, and their small statures are suitable even for smaller homes.
If you choose one of these little active Huskies to join your household, you will have a loyal, energetic companion who will lavish you with affection. These dogs might be small, but their love for their owners is enormous, as are the rewards you will get from having one in your life.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Mini Huskies hypoallergenic?
No, Miniature Huskies are not hypoallergenic dogs. The reason is that they are pretty heavy shedders, especially in spring and fall. During those times, you will need to groom them extra to prevent your allergies from acting up.
Do Mini Huskies stay small?
Yes, Miniature Huskies stay small even after becoming mature adult dogs. They do not outgrow their small stature as full-size Siberian Huskies do. They max out at the height of 13-17 inches. These are simply the genetics they are bred to display.
Do Mini Huskies get along with cats?
Siberian Huskies can get along with cats, but it comes down to the personality of the dog and cat in question. Unfortunately, if a full-size Husky does not hit it off with a cat, there is a chance the dog will display aggression toward the cat.
The good news is that this is less likely to be a problem with a Mini Husky since they are smaller. They do not have as much of an advantage on a cat, and are thus less likely to attack your felines. Still, you should handle introductions cautiously and ensure that your existing pets will be safe with your Mini Husky around.
You also should keep smaller pets (i.e., hamsters) away from your Miniature Husky. These dogs love to hunt like their larger counterparts and may think your small pets are their prey.
Featured image: instagram/miniaturehuskymillieseri