Miniature Siberian Husky
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 Miniature Siberian Husky Puppy |
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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. Miniature Siberian Huskies are smaller versions of Siberian Huskies. They share the same basic genetics and temperament, and are not yet considered a separate breed.
[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. Huskies also can inherit epilepsy from parents and inbreeding. Before buying the dog ask for the breeders phone number to see the parents and look at their pedigrees and ask about health issues from past generations.
[edit] History
Smaller versions of the sled dog, 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. As well as, they followed near by Alaskan sled dogs.
The modern Miniature Siberian Husky was first bred in the mountains of Hendersonville, North Carolina. The dogs were developed by Bree Hefner May[citation needed] along with the help from 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.
[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
