Miniature Siberian Husky
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| Miniature Siberian Husky | ||
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| Country of origin | ||
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| Classification and breed standards |
The Miniature Siberian Husky is often mistaken for the Alaskan Klee Kai, with whom it shares similar qualities. However, the Alaskan Klee Kai was bred from the Alaskan Husky, Schipperke, and American Eskimo. The Miniature Siberian Husky is still extremely rare, but its popularity and the population is steadily rising as people discover these beautiful little sled dogs. Miniature Siberian Huskies are smaller versions of Siberian Huskies, the popular sled dogs. They share the same basic genetics and temperament.
Many folks make the mistaken assumption that Miniature Siberian Huskies are a separate breed from the standard sized Siberian Huskies, but they are not.
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[edit] History
Smaller husky-type dogs are not a new phenomenon. In fact the smaller variety has been around in all likelihood at least as long as the huskies themselves if not longer. It seems that very small husky-type dogs lived alongside the larger sled dogs in many tribal Siberian communities. These dogs, technically classified as the "Tungus Spitz" by early explorers, were often described as being "the size of a fox". These dogs were commonly used as hunting dogs.
The modern Miniature Siberian Husky was first bred in the mountains of Hendersonville, North Carolina. The dogs were developed by Bree Hefner MayThe Elusive Miniature HuskyBy FluffyDogs.Com, 2001 along with the help with a few devoted Siberian husky fans in order to offer an alternative to potential husky owners, as the standard-sized dogs were often too much for novice owners to handle. Development of these dogs continues under the supervision of Bree Hefner May. The Elusive Miniature Husky By FluffyDogs.Com, 2001
[edit] Appearance
Currently, Miniature Siberian Huskies can reach a maximum weight of 16–18 pounds (7–8 kilograms) and reach a height of 12–14 inches (30–35 centimeters) at the withers. Their coat lengths and colors, and eye colors, offer the same range of variety seen in standard sized Siberian Huskies.
[edit] Temperament
Miniature Siberian Huskies exhibit temperaments and behaviors that are extremely similar to that of their larger counterparts. However, their smaller size can make them easier for a novice owner to handle.
Like their larger counterparts, Miniature Huskies are noted howlers. If this behavior becomes problematic or an irritation, owners can minimize it by making sure that the dog receives adequate attention from humans or other dogs. Huskies are pack animals and highly social; they can suffer from boredom and loneliness if left continually to their own devices.
They are quite friendly with everyone and at times can be stubborn. The dogs should never be trusted off leash, and do have a propensity for digging, just like standard sized siberian huskies.
[edit] Health Issues
Miniature Siberian Huskies have very few health issues, like their larger counterparts. The major health issues in the breed are eye troubles (cataracts, glaucoma, and corneal dystrophy, among others), allergies, and cancer in older animals. Hip dysplasia is a possible risk in all huskies, both miniature and standard. Obesity must be guarded against as well, as the dogs were originally bred to subsist on smaller quantities of food than dogs of a similar size.
[edit] References
Small huskies and husky-type dogs in Siberia and Northern Canada-Melissa Pinol 2004
"The Siberian Husky" by Raymond M. Thompson and Louise Foley 1962, Washington
The Siberian Husky Breed Standard http://www.akc.org/breeds/siberian_husky/index.cfm
