Miniature Husky: Facts, Size, Price, Comparison & More

Miniature Huskies are smaller versions of the oh-so-loveable Husky. Besides being a bit more fun-sized, they are not much different than a typical Siberian Husky.

This pup has the same mischievous personality, energy and is just as loveable. He is a high energy pup that enjoys being near his family and is sure to mush his way into your heart.

Mini Huskies are everything you would expect. Yet some people think this dog is a mixed breed. This isn’t true. Keep reading to learn how they are bred and what makes them miniature. We also share how big they grow and what they are like to own.

Are Miniature Huskies Real?

The miniature Husky does in fact exist. This breed is the mini version of a typical Siberian Husky. It was originally bred as a smaller counterpart for owners who wanted a Husky, but thought it was a bit too big for them. The goal was to keep the Huskies appearance, energy and temperament, just in a slightly smaller package.

Do not be fooled by a smaller dog, they still have the same personality and energy as a typical Husky.

The mini Husky was once standard sized. They have been selectively bred from naturally smaller Huskies over generations to produce a miniature breed. This is exactly how teacup Pomeranians were bred.

Miniature Husky dogs were first bred by taking the smallest puppies from standard-sized litters and breeding them together. This produced smaller offspring.

Then, the next generation’s smallest puppies were bred with other runts until the offspring was all considerably smaller.

Selective breeding over many generations gradually made the miniature Husky smaller.

While this breed is not the size of a teacup, it is still significantly smaller than a typical Siberian Husky. Although there is some variation, they are on average 20 pounds less and approximately seven inches shorter.

The other known “miniature” Husky is a result of the dwarfism gene. This is not a true miniature, as it is the result of a genetic health condition, rather than selective breeding.

Parents of dogs with dwarfism may not show any signs as it is a recessive trait and only becomes visible when a puppy has inherited recessive traits from both parents. Dwarfism is a genetic disorder associated with many dangerous health problems, it also impacts growth and development and causes malformed and bent legs.

There are also breeds that look like a mini Husky, but are not. Good examples include the Alaskan Klee Kai, and Pomsky (a Pomeranian x Husky mix).

Miniature Husky Breed Overview

For people that love the idea of having a Husky, but do not love the idea of having large dogs, the miniature Husky is perfect. This pup takes up less space, but is just as energetic and needs just as much exercise and play.

The miniature Husky is not currently recognized by the American Kennel Club as they do not meet the breed standard. This is due to the fact that they are smaller than the minimum height requirement of 20 inches. They are also below the weight requirement of 35 pounds.

However, that does not make them any less loveable. This adorable pup is sure to mush its way into your heart.

Origin

The miniature Husky originated in the United States and was first bred by breeder Bree Normandin in 1990. But, their genetics date back to the same Siberian huskies that were bred as working sled dogs.

Bree selectively chose smaller Siberian Huskies in order to breed smaller and smaller sized puppies. Bree has since retired, but selective breeding has been practiced elsewhere since. Isaac Ramirez and Ashley Robinson also breed the mini Husky.

Although they do exist, there are situations where unethical breeding may take place.

Some miniature Huskies are the result of breeding dogs with dwarfism or mixed breeds. These puppies are not from a reputable source. Dogs with dwarfism are associated with multiple health problems and a decreased lifespan. They often have shorter, stockier limbs, a longer abdomen and a head slightly too large.

Be sure to do your research on potential breeders to ensure you are purchasing from a reputable source. It is even more important for miniature Huskies to have reputable breeders to avoid dogs with dwarfism.

Ensure your puppy comes from a home where parents are health-tested. This includes health screening and making sure the breeder is not producing more than one litter per year per dam. Ensuring that parents are tested for conditions such as dwarfism, cataracts and hip dysplasia is a good way to make sure your puppy will be healthy.

How Big Do Miniature Huskies Get?

When full-grown, the miniature Husky reaches approximately 13 to 17 inches tall and weighs between 20 and 35 pounds. Although there is some variation, they on average weigh 20 pounds less and are approximately seven inches shorter.

The standard Siberian Husky reaches 20 to 23.5 inches tall compared to 13 to 17 inches tall for a mini. A miniature’s maximum height is three inches shorter than the minimum height of a standard Husky:

Males tend to be a bit larger than females in both breeds, with the average difference being about 10 pounds. It is possible for a smaller female Siberian to actually weigh the same as a larger male miniature Husky. It is unlikely though, since there is a significant size difference between the two breeds, but it is a possibility.

However, sometimes it can be difficult to know if you have a miniature Husky, or just a smaller husky.

Many owners think the miniature would be a more compact version of the standard Siberian with stouter bodies, however, they actually have the same proportions. They do not have a shorter or stouter body, like Corgis or Dachshunds. Instead, they truly are just a miniature version. They have long legs, a fluffy tail, and sharp, pointed ears atop a head with a long muzzle.

What Does A Miniature Husky Look Like?

With pointed ears, a long fluffy tail, and a thick coat, these dogs closely resemble wild wolves. The miniature Husky has an almost small wolf-like appearance.

They are smaller in size to a standard Siberian, but otherwise have an identical appearance.

Huskies have a double coat that allows them to stay warm in frigid weather. Common color variations include a combination of white and red, black, or gray. Agouti, sable and white Huskies are not uncommon to see either.

Normally they have either blue or brown eyes. However, this breed can also have a heterochromia. This means they can have two different colored eyes. Sometimes, one eye can be split into two colors too. Heterochromia has not been known to cause any health issues, so it is not something to worry about.

Miniature Huskies can be mistaken for other breeds like the Pomsky or the Alaskan Klee Kai.

Pomskies are a mixed breed of half Pomeranian and half Husky. This means they have a similar appearance, but their personality and size, as well as possible colors differ greatly. The Pomsky coat is normally a patchwork of white, silver, and black.

Personality

Huskies are loyal, mischievous, and outgoing. Their popularity and personality are sure to carry onto the miniature version, considering they have been bred to keep the same traits. The goal of miniature breeders is to keep those desirable personality traits.

There are no differences between a miniature Husky and a standard’s personality.

Miniature Huskies are similar in many ways to their larger siblings, they have just as much of a loud personality! They are a very vocal breed that will let you know when they want something, or if the squirrel outside is taunting them.

They are typically described as dramatic dogs, and use their voice whenever possible. It is not uncommon to see videos of them “talking” to their owners.

Although their distant sled-dog relatives were considered to be good guard dogs, these pups do not have the same personality. They can be a bit unsure of new people, but they tend to be investigative rather than aloof and standoffish. Once they know the new person is no harm, they have no problem befriending them.

Mini Huskies are smart and investigative but can be a bit stubborn. They are driven and like to do things their way. This may include adventuring beyond your yard if your fencing is inadequate to keep them in, especially if there is a squirrel taunting them on the other side.

Huskies have a fairly high prey drive, so it is not uncommon for them to want to chase after smaller animals. Because of this, it is recommended not to keep them around smaller animals like cats.

Having a high fence and keeping them on leash when going outside will help with reducing your chance of having a runaway. Although they have been known to find themselves in trouble; whether it be stealing food off of the counter or escaping.

Leaving these mischief makers unattended for long periods of time is not the best idea.

Training when they are young can help reduce behaviors like these, but be prepared for a pup that looks for trouble sometimes.

Lifespan and Health

The typical lifespan of a miniature Husky is very similar to that of a standard Husky. They both live for approximately 12 to 14 years. Typically smaller dogs have a longer lifespan than larger dogs, but this is not true for the Husky. They have a long lifespan in comparison to other large breeds.

Some “miniature” breeds are a result of the dwarfism gene, such as the miniature Labrador. While that is not supposed to be the case with miniature Huskies, it does still happen.

Bad breeding practices include purposefully breeding dogs that carry the dwarfism gene or inbreeding to the point that the dogs are guaranteed to pass on health issues.

Dwarfism is an autosomal recessive trait. This means that dogs carrying it may not appear any different than a normal dog, but if they have puppies with a dog that also carries the gene, offspring can inherit dwarfism. Dwarfism in Huskies often presents itself as shorter, stouter dogs. They sometimes will have a shorter back or neck, and feet that turn outwards.

Although this puppy-like appearance is quite adorable, it comes with many health issues.

Health issues associated with pituitary dwarfism may include bone deformities, heart problems, and low functioning adrenal glands. This can result in a shorter lifespan, possibly only 4 to 5 years, if they do not have supportive care.

Miniature Husky vs. Husky Difference Comparison

The obvious difference between a Miniature Husky and Siberian Husky is the size. Miniatures are 20 to 35 pounds vs. a full size at 30 to 60 pounds. They also stand seven inches shorter at 13 to 17 inches. However, there are some differences other than just size between the two breeds.

Pricing of these pups differs quite a bit.

The price of a miniature is between $1,000 and $2,500 vs approximately $1,000 for a standard Husky. Litter sizes for miniatures range from 4 to 9 puppies, which is slightly larger than a typical Siberian Husky litter, which averages 4 to 6 puppies.

Miniature Huskies live approximately the same as standards, with an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years. But, Huskies that have dwarfism can have a lifespan of just four to five years.

Both breeds are high energy, talkative dogs that enjoy their people. They have nearly identical personalities and temperaments as breeders wanted to keep the loyal, mischievous, and outgoing traits. This means their suitability changes very little, besides having a preference for a smaller dog.

Miniatures are technically a working breed, and their high energy drive and temperament makes that clear. They love having a job to do, and won’t back down from a challenge.

If you are interested in a miniature, be sure that you have lots of time and the ability to give them a job. This dog really needs to be active, so if you just want to walk around the neighborhood a couple times, this may not be the right match for you. The Alaskan Klee Kai would be a better choice.

These puppies will be a handful, with lots of energy and mouths that tend to get them into trouble. Be sure you have lots of time to spend with them to ensure they learn what good behavior is.

Responsible Breeding

The miniature Husky established itself as a dog breed during the 1990s. However, there are some unethical breeders who breed dogs with dwarfism. Miniature Huskies should be bred using selective breeding.

Selective breeding is breeding for a specific trait, in this case, its smaller size. The miniature husky is just one example of selective breeding. A good example is the blue German Shepherd that has been bred for its navy-blue coat.

Good breeders are open about the health and breeding practices of their dogs. They will not hide health papers and pedigrees from a buyer. A reputable breeder will inform buyers of all possible health concerns and be there as a resource for you.

Some breeders will also provide a sale contract for their puppies and references from previous buyers.

The best breeders also use a “stud book” to purposefully outcross and increase genetic diversity. This is to ensure healthy puppies that are not inbred. The mini Husky, while still a newly established breed, still requires outcrossing to ensure healthy puppies.

Breeders to avoid are secretive and typically do not provide veterinary papers, health records or certificates of veterinary inspections. They may breed multiple litters in a short period of time and do not care for the health and welfare of their breeding dogs.

These breeders are more likely to be participating in bad breeding practices.

Breeding dogs with dwarfism or inbreeding should not be supported. Make sure that you are only supporting breeders that have healthy dogs and care about the homes their puppies are going to.

Miniature Huskies should be bred with the clear goal of creating a healthy dog, that maintains the energetic, outgoing, and mischievous temperament of a typical Husky. They should just be more fun-sized!

Summary

Miniature Huskies are a small bundle of fun! These mini racers will absolutely make their way into your heart if given the chance.

This loveable breed is perfect for anyone that likes to stay active and have a loud pup. They love to “talk” to their owners and howl when a fire truck goes by. They are not afraid to tell you what their opinion is!

Unfortunately, they can be a bit stubborn and like to cause a bit of trouble when left unsupervised, but this is all part of their mischievous personality.

As long as their energy is able to be let out properly, and you do not mind a bit of mischief, the miniature Husky is a great companion.

Just remember that real miniature Huskies are selectively bred from naturally smaller Huskies over generations to produce a miniature breed. Miniatures with dwarfism are not a true miniature. Instead, these dogs are subject to health problems and a shorter lifespan.

So, is the tiny version of a Siberian Husky to one for you? Let us know in the comments below!

Learn More About Miniature Breeds

Miniature German Shepherd: Everything You Need To Know
Mini Blue Heeler Breed Guide