MINIATURE SIBERIAN HUSKY

Miniature Siberian huskies breed are also known as mini huskies. They share similar qualities with the Alaskan Klee Kai. These dogs grow up to 16 inches and weigh 35 pounds when they turn adult. They are smaller than the standard Siberian husky in size but possess the same personality as the regular husky. They are very active and playful.

HISTORY of Miniature Siberian Husky

A breeder named Bree Normandin developed the miniature husky in 1990s.Her motive was to achieve a small version of Siberian husky. As the name implies the Siberian husky originates in Siberia. In study it is believe that the Chukchi people bred these dogs for thousands of years. They possess ability in travelling long distances and are widely recognized as the fastest and lightest sled dogs. They (Siberian husky) became famous in the year 1925 when team of dogs pulled a sled for over 600 miles. History has it that they were conveying medicine to an Alaskan town which suffers from a diphtheria epidemic. In the American Kennel Club’s (AKC) the husky ranks 12^th of the popular breeds list.

APPEARANCE

They look much like wolf, with erected ears, fluffy coat which have a wide range of colors and patterns. Their wolf like appearance is a part of the appeal of the miniature husky dog. They look like the standard version of the breed though smaller!

In size the breed standard shows that the males are ideally between 20 to 24 inches tall and weigh 35 to 65 pounds. The female breed are smaller than the males, they grow between 19 to 23 inches tall, with 30 to 60 pounds of weighing. Due to their small size the people of Nome referred to them as Siberian rats.

BEHAVIOR/TEMPERAMENT

Miniature husky is an intelligent and curious dog, just like the large specimen of the breed. They are often known as escape artists, they tend to find ways to get over or under the tallest fences. They possess high energy levels; therefore it requires plenty of physical and mental exercise to keep it under control. Huskies develop behaviors like barking, chewing or digging when they become bored. They do well with other dogs or pets.

They possess and display several behaviors similar to their ancestor known as the wolf. They howl instead of barking. When well trained they makes a great family pet due to their loyal and affectionate character. They get along with children and not aggressive to other breed of dogs. They are also athletic and agile.

FOOD/DIET

Miniature Siberian husky develops different dietary needs throughout their lifespan. Feeding this mini husky with a formulated food for active dogs should be considered since there is an active and energetic breed. A nutritious raw food, wet food, home cooked, kibble or combination is convenient for their diet. Don’t feed them much as they need small amount of food. Overfeeding can cause obesity which is a big issue for the breeders they tend to gain weight which may result to myriad of health problem. They required a monitored diet and don’t let them feed their self to enjoy a healthy lives. Hence always consult your vet to know their feeding plan they deserve.

Feed these husky dogs two hours before exercise. Three times daily is the ideal type a puppy should be given food as adult stick to two meals a day. These dogs avoid eating when they are not hungry. Food like calcium, phosphorus, gluten and lactose free, DHA, plant protein, calorie based foods, omega-3s, fat and meats such as beef, fish, lamb and chicken should be fed to husky dogs.

TRAINING

These dogs are very intelligent breed, but very hard or difficult to train. They are highly difficult as stubbornness runs in the husky bloodline. These dogs need an experienced dog owner and are not suitable for a first time owners or beginners.

To be able to succeed in the training of these husky dogs, you need to be confident, with a strong attitude, coupled with positive reinforcement methods. They prefer their training in a dynamic nature and it a lot easier and better if you teach them while you have the time and attention. Playing games and running daily is required and necessary.

HEALTH

Since they are of smaller size to Siberian husky, they possess the same health issues as the larger breed. Some of the common problem includes genetic conditions like progressive retinal atrophy, seizures, laryngeal paralysis, and glaucoma. Unlike Rottweiler and other breeds this dog has a very low risk for hip dysplasia.

Some of the major health concerns to note are;

Eye diseases – the like of corneal dystrophy affects both eyes and can lead to blindness depending on it sever nature. Vogt-Koyanagi-Harada-Like-Syndrome and the retinal atrophy also cause blindness. Medical test like the Optigen test is needed to identify dogs that possess the gene.
Skin problems – they possess a genetic problem called follicular dysplasia which leads to hair loss, abnormality in hair growth, and scaly infected skin. Lack of zinc also causes hair loss and itching. This is treatable.
Hypothyroidism – symptoms of this thyroid problem include lethargy, weight gain and patchy bald spots found on their coat. This disease can develop at any given times, which require all breeding Siberians be tested of thyroid disease. The adult should be tested at least every 2 years.
Cataracts – according to breeders the blue eyed huskies is prone to develop the disorder. Percent of about 8 and 10 of Miniature Siberian huskies have these heredity cataracts.

Miniature Siberian husky average life expectancy is between 12 and 14 years, the average size for these dogs.

CARE FOR MINIATURE HUSKY

Feeding them a high quality of food is needed. To determine the amount depend on the size of your mini husky. Also avoid overfeeding as it can lead to obesity.
Choose a responsible breeder; firstly you will be allowed to see and meet the puppy’s parents. They will know their health and welfare issues surrounding miniature dog. They welcome discussion and questions.
Because of their hairy nature, huskies need grooming at least two times a week. Also expect lot of shedding during the spring when they blow their coats.
Avoid bad breeders especially when searching or looking for mini husky breed as you might see breeders who are not reliable and respectable. Note puppies from bad breeders are often cheap than those from a reputable and responsible breeders.
Brush their teeth at least two to three times a week which help to remove tartar buildup. Though you can commit to daily brushing to avoid gum disease and bad breath.
Choose a quality dog shampoo when bathing, this shampoo keeps natural oils in the dog’s skin.
Trim husky nails to prevent painful tears and other issues

PRICE OF MINIATURE SIBERIAN HUSKY

To buy Mini Husky Puppy you need to pass a limited steps, you can get them yourself if you have time, or can be delivered through commercial passenger airlines which attract some charges. But normally the price you can pay for this breed is $950 to $1450. Mini husky breeding is limited; these make them very exclusive and are on the wait list.

Therefore purchasing miniature Siberian husky is not cheap and the prices will remain high until the breeding stock increases.