What is a Miniature Husky, and why does everyone want one?

Last Updated on April 28, 2023

Huskies are the darlings of the dog world! Everyone’s obsessed with their wolf-like appearance. But, not everyone can deal with how big they are. Luckily, the Miniature Husky exists!

Smaller doesn’t mean easier to handle, though. Miniature Huskies have the same good looks and temperament, and while people get them as companions, they are still high-energy working dogs.

Ready to learn more about this lovable variation of the Siberian Husky?

How was the Miniature Husky created?

It’s Bree Normandin who we have to thank for with regards to creating this cute pooch.

She wanted to make a companion-sized version of the Standard Siberian Husky by breeding together the smallest Huskies of the litter, and she succeeded.

There are many ways to make miniature dogs. Some mix a smaller breed with a standard one, like the Miniature Labradoodle, which is a designer dog by crossing a Mini Poodle with a Labrador Retriever.

Others use achondroplasia or introducing the dwarfism gene, but it can bring certain health conditions, like IVDD or Intervertebral Disc Disease.

So breeding runts may also have its downside because they are more prone to infections because of their weaker immune system, but they can grow up as healthy as their littermates.

Selectively breeding them together is more likely to get healthier pups.

The Miniature Husky may be relatively new as it only started in the early 90s, but it’s the same as the Standard Siberian Husky. It’s only a smaller version but with the same genes as the famous sled dogs.

Are they related to the Alaskan Klee Kai?

The Alaskan Klee Kai (AKK) is also referred to as Mini Huskies, but before you get confused, know that they’re not related, and they’re not the same breed.

Despite having the same handsome features, erect ears, and proud profile, between the two, only the Alaskan Klee Kai has a breed standard.

Their name means “little dog,” which is from an Eskimo or Alaskan Athabaskan dialect, as they’re created in Wasilla, Alaska, in the late 1970s. Their creator, Linda Spurlin, dedicated 20 years to achieve the companion dog she wanted.

Through selective breeding, she used 4 breeds to produce the Alaskan Klee Kai – the American Eskimo, Schipperke, Siberian Husky, and Alaskan Husky.

In 1997, this small dog was recognized as a purebred by The American Rare Breed Association (ARBA) and United Kennel Club (UKC).

And unlike the Miniature Husky, only the Alaskan Klee Kai can enroll in the Canine Partners program of the American Kennel Club (AKC). Just recently, they were accepted into their Foundation Stock Service, too.

This fido also comes in three sizes: standard, miniature, and toy.

Standard AKKs have a height of 15 inches to 17.5 inches (38 to 44.5 cm) and a weight of 16 to 25 pounds (7 to 11 kg).

Miniature ones stand 13 to 15 inches (33 to 38 cm) tall and weigh 10 to 18 pounds (4.5 to 8 kg), and the smallest or Toy Alaskan Klee Kais have a height of 13 inches (33 cm) and under and a weight 6 to 12 pounds (3 to 5 kg).

AKKs also have a double coat, but there are only three acceptable coat colors for this pooch – red & white, gray & white, and black & white.

Now let’s move to temperament. Compared to the Miniature Siberian Husky, Alaskan Klee Kais are better guard dogs because they’re more alert and cautious.

With that said, they can be reserved with unfamiliar situations and people.

They’re also known for their strong prey drive. Their hunting instinct would kick in if they saw small animals moving around.

But one of the best things about AKKs is that they’re more intelligent and easier to train. They excel in many training, classes, and dog sports.

When it comes to their health, Alaskan Klee Kais are believed to be mostly free of genetic illnesses.

Still, they can be predisposed to a few health problems like thyroid diseases, cardiac issues, factor VII deficiency, liver disease, and juvenile cataracts.

They have an average lifespan of 10 to 13 years, while some say their AKK reached 16 years of age.

Do Miniature Huskies also have blue eyes?

Yes, they do! They have the same wolf-like appearance as the Siberian Husky breed but in a smaller package. They have erect ears, almond-shaped, icy blue eyes, an adorable curly tail, and fluffy fur.

But they can also have heterochromia or eyes with two different colors. Sometimes you’ll even have two colors in one eye.

They also have the same double coat that protects them from harsh weather conditions. It’s made of a long topcoat with straight, short hair and a dense undercoat.

Miniature Siberian Huskies exhibit the same Husky colors and patterns, like red & white and black & white. Some also have agouti, copper, or grey.

And they exhibit the same markings, spectacles, and masks.

How big do miniature Huskies get?

Since they have no regulated dog breed standard, their size can vary quite a bit. They can weigh from 15 to 35 pounds (7 to 16 kg) and stand between 12 to 17 inches (30.5 to 43 cm) tall.

This makes them roughly 42% smaller than a regular-sized Husky.

Because of its small size, this petite fido is a great apartment dog, as long as it gets the exercise it requires.

If you do have a backyard, ensure that it’s safely enclosed. It can make your pooch happy to release all her pent-up energy on her own, but all Huskies are excellent escape artists.

Temperament: Do Mini Huskies make good pets?

This miniature version of the Siberian Husky also has an outgoing and playful personality. It’s a great family pet to have because it’s a friendly canine that loves attention.

Are they clingy? Not really, but they’re more affectionate than other working dogs. You can expect slobbery kisses from your little pooch all the time.

Worried about bringing home a Mini Husky puppy because you already have other pets?

Some may chase cats due to their prey drive, but as long as they’re raised together, and your pup starts socialization as early as possible, it won’t be much of an issue.

And having other dogs is also good for this dog breed. They need a lot of distraction, so besides leaving them a lot of toys when going out, they’d thrive on having a companion, too.

Just look at this Mini Husky owner having a chill time with its pup:

But for every desirable quality, Miniature Huskies have their quirks, too. If you want to get a Miniature Husky, it’s best if you have experience with strong-willed dogs.

If not, this petite fido might not be for you. They’re intelligent, but their stubbornness makes them difficult to train.

They need a pack leader with a firm and confident attitude while using positive reinforcement to get the best out of them.

Do training sessions in short periods instead of long stretches. Training should also be dynamic, so it will be easier to teach them before they get testy.

Why not make these little workaholics busy by letting them help around the house, like pulling a small cart filled with a few grocery items or dirty laundry.

You won’t have to worry about them being aggressive either, but they can be rambunctious, so no matter how good they are with kids, make sure to supervise interactions all the time.

And you probably hear how vocal these little dogs are. Instead of barking, they mostly howl, especially when they’re feeling stubborn or bored.

Is it challenging to take care of a Miniature Husky?

Don’t let this doggo’s size fool you. It might make them lower maintenance compared to the large Siberian Husky, but there are times where they can be quite a handful.

Before we get more into that, Miniature Huskies are outdoor canines and can withstand extreme weather conditions because of their double coat. Still, they should live indoors with their humans once playtime is over.

They’ll thrive from plenty of play and running

Don’t mistake this miniature husky breed as lap dogs, either, because these pups can wear you out. They have high energy levels and would require 1 hour to 90 minutes of daily exercise. 

They need physical and mental stimulation, so you can break the activities throughout the day.

Walking around the block wouldn’t cut it, so take your Miniature Husky puppy on a bicycle ride, jogging, or hiking.

Being the smaller size version of the Siberian Husky also makes them more agile and lighter, so use that athleticism in dog sports, like agility courses.

While we’re talking about outdoor activities, you should know that it’s best not to leave your pooch unattended.

Whenever you’re going out with her, always keep her on a leash. And if you’re going to let her play in the yard, it should have a fence that’s tall and sturdy to keep her from digging under or jumping over it.

But as long as your small breed Husky is physically and mentally stimulated, behavioral problems wouldn’t develop.

How much does a Miniature Husky shed?

If you can deal with the Husky temperament, you should also be able to deal with its grooming needs.

Dog owners of this breed, even the standard-sized ones, will agree that all Huskies are heavy shedders.

But since it serves a purpose to protect the dog’s skin and help them regulate their body temperature, it’s not a good idea to shave that double coat.

If you want to minimize shedding and keep your fur baby’s hair mat-free, it’s best to brush it twice a week. And more frequently during spring and fall, where they’ll shed more of their coat.

And active dogs usually wear their nails down naturally, but if your canine friend doesn’t, give her nails a trim every month or so to keep them from curling and breaking, which is painful and can lead to health issues.

The right food for your mini buddy

The recommended daily amount of food to feed a Miniature Husky is around 2 cups of high-quality dry kibbles.

Dog owners who prefer feeding their pets based on daily caloric intake should aim for 800 to 1,000 calories per day.

Dry dog food has its advantages and disadvantages, but so do other types of dog food, like canned or raw.

What’s important is that the amount and type of food you feed your Mini Husky are based on her activity level, weight, age, and breed size. If she has health problems, consider that, as well.

Remember that they still have the DNA of the sled dogs from Siberia, so choose a recipe formulated for small, active canines.

And steer clear of free-feeding, overfeeding, or giving your pup table scraps to keep her from gaining too much weight, which often leads to obesity.

Health problems that your Miniature Husky may have

Mini Huskies generally have a lifespan of 12 to 14 years.

But their life expectancy can be affected due to extreme selective breeding that might make them more predisposed to illnesses like breathing problems, ocular diseases, dwarfism, intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), and dystocia.

They can also suffer from genetic disorders, such as:

Hypothyroidism

A thyroid condition that will leave your Miniature Husky lethargic. It will also make them disinterested in exercising.

Usually, she would be intolerant to the cold as well. It’s best to have your dog every two years to prevent it from developing.

Follicular dysplasia

This particular disease causes hair loss or scaly skin. When brushing her hair, pay close attention to the state of their skin. If you notice any flakiness or hair loss, see a vet immediately to prevent further damage.

Eye disorders

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA), cataracts, glaucoma, corneal dystrophy, and Vogt‐Koyanagi‐Harada-like syndrome can cause blindness. Check your dog’s eye regularly for any signs of cloudiness or secretion.

Laryngeal paralysis

This is a problem with the larynx, which causes breathing difficulties. The good news is that it usually only develops after 10 years old. This condition progresses so slowly that patients usually outlive it.

Canine hip dysplasia is another grave and expensive disorder, but Siberian Huskies aren’t as affected as other breeds.

How much does a Mini Husky cost?

Mini Huskies are relatively new in the Dogdom, but they’re also quite rare, where the average litter size is around 9 to 11 puppies.

Some consider them a luxury breed and have to be carefully bred, so they don’t pop up everywhere. If you find a Miniature Husky puppy, its price range is somewhere between $1,200 and $2,000.

If they were bred from champion lines, it could even cost up to $2,500.

Miniature Husky breeders

Buying “miniature” or “teacup” dogs is risky. There are usually no official standards because AKC doesn’t recognize them. Teacups are mainly produced and marketed for profit because who doesn’t want a forever puppy?

But how do you find a good breeder? They won’t shy away from showing you their kennels or breeding stock. So be wary of breeders who cannot show you both parents.

Also, make sure you don’t fall for a scam. Some unethical breeders will claim their dogs are pure Huskies. The truth is that they might be crossed with a different breed, just like the Pomsky or Pomeranian & Husky mix.

The Kolu Husky – also marketed as a Mini Husky – is an American Eskimo and Samoyed mix.

There are also instances of breeders lying about the age of their puppies. This results in shocked owners whose Mini Huskies turn out to be Standard Huskies!

It’s up to you to do your research and find a breeder you’re comfortable with.

Take a look at these sites for their Miniature Husky puppies for sale:

• Miniature Siberian Huskies (Hendersonville, NC)
• Canine Corral (Huntington Station, NY)

You can also check out the Facebook page of Miniature Siberian Huskies.

Miniature Husky for adoption: Save an unwanted pup

Since Huskies are so popular, some inevitably get left at shelters. As previously mentioned, it’s primarily due to first-time owners who didn’t realize how much work owning one entails.

Two good things about getting a rescue – a homeless pet gets a home, and you know exactly what you’re getting. Adopting is also more affordable as fees are usually from $250 to $350.

Currently, no rescues specialize in Miniature Huskies because they are so rare. You can search for them in shelters for sled dogs or Siberian Huskies instead:

• Northern California Sled Dog Rescue (Walnut Creek, CA)
• Tails of the Tundra Siberian Husky Rescue (Horsham, PA)
• Free Spirit Siberian Rescue (Harvard, IL)
• Texas Husky Rescue (Carrollton, TX)
• Husky House (Matawan, NJ)

Is the Miniature Husky for you?

We want to clarify that the Miniature Husky is only a name. It’s NOT a recognized breed by the AKC or Siberian Husky Club of America Inc.

So if you’re not interested in joining dog shows, then getting this smaller Husky is an excellent option for active couples and families with little ones who know how to approach and handle a pet.

They may be stubborn, highly active, headache-inducing escape artists, and mischievous fidos, but their pros outnumber their cons.

Miniature Huskies are lighter on their feet and more agile, can still carry small loads as sled dogs, more adaptable to homes and situations but in a more compact package.

What have you decided? Are you getting a Miniature Husky or maybe another Siberian Husky mix? Tell us your thoughts by leaving a comment below.

Reference

• https://www.petmd.com/dog/conditions/Musculoskeletal/c_dg_osteochondrodysplasia
• https://s3.amazonaws.com/cdn-origin-etr.akc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/25104849/Alaskan_Klee_Kai_Standard_AKCFSS6_LS.pdf
• https://www.hillspet.com/dog-care/behavior-appearance/heterochromia-in-dogs#:~:text=In%20dogs%20with%20heterochromia%2C%20the,health%20condition%2C%20points%20out%20Dogster.
• https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4952489