Seppala Siberian Sleddog vs Miniature Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison

Miniature Siberian Huskies – also known as mini huskies – are your regular Siberian husky bred to be that much smaller than what the breed standard dictates.

They’re sought after by those who love the regular sized Siberian Husky but who find the larger dog too large and boisterous. They come complete with the looks and the temperament of the Siberian Husky but they are smaller.

The origins of these gorgeous Mini huskies is conflicting though as some believe they originated in the USA. The name of Bree Normandin is bandied about when talking of the breed’s origin while other refer to Linda S. Spurlin from Alaska. She became interested in them when her full-sized husky became pregnant by a small dog.

Spurlin used Siberian and Alaskan Huskies as well as small Schipperkes and American Eskimo Dogs to bring about the mini version. They’ve got the same pedigree as the Siberian Husky, but it has been selectively bred for its smaller size, also coming from the Spitz family of dogs.

The Miniature Husky is genetically the same as the larger Siberian Husky and the AKC doesn’t recognize it as a separate breed, but sees it as a different size variation of the working-group Siberian Husky.

This is a rare working dog breed whose job it has been to pull sleds. The Seppala Siberian Sleddog hails from Canada and was regarded as the same dog breed as the Siberian Husky.There is the International Seppala Siberian Sleddog Club which works to preserve this amazing dog as a working breed.

It was during the 1990s that the breed was recognized as a new breed. In 2002 the Seppala Siberian Sleddog lines found their way to the USA .

Known also as the Alaskan Klee Klai,the Miniature Siberian Husky stands at 33-39cm in height and weighs between 8 - 11kg.

These mini huskies are like the larger huskies and can also come in a range of color variations such as grey and white, black and white or red and white for instance. In typical Spitz dog fashion they have the erect ears and long bushy tail. A striking feature of these dogs is the beautiful eyes – they can be brown but also a mesmerising blue.

Temperament:

This Miniature Siberian Husky is an intelligent dog and you’re not going to have any trouble with him teaching him some basic commands such as sit, lie-down and stay.

You need to know that these dogs aren’t going to be content lying around all day and that they want to be kept busy almost around the clock. They have always been working dogs so he will need plenty of mental – and physical exercise to keep him content. A bored, frustrated Mini Husky will just develop problem behavior through no fault of his own. People who buy high energy dogs have a responsibility towards them to keep them busy and well exercised.

These dogs are similar to their genetic ancestor, the wolf, and instead of barking, you may find him trying to communicate with a howl. One thing is sure, they make great family pets, and their gentle nature allows them to get on well with children and also not to show aggression with other dogs. They’re loyal, outgoing and charming.

The Seppala Siberian Sleddog is a medium-sized dog that stands at between 56 to 58cm in height and weighs between 18 to 23kg.

It’s a beautiful wolf-like looking dog that used to be the same breed as the Siberian Husky, but it is now considered a separate breed.

The legs of this dog are longer, and they’re slightly more slender and lighter. The ears too, are taller and held very erect. The bushy tail is held high, curving over the back when alert.

The thick coat is medium length and there is also a thick undercoat. Coat colors vary and are wolf-like too - white, cream, grey, black and some reddish rusty colors. Eyes can be blue or brown or the dog can even have one brown eye and one blue.

Temperament:

Because this is an active working breed, he will need some robust exercise. Neglecting this side of him will result in a bored dog that howls a lot.

He is a high energy dog breed and won’t be content with a walk every day. When you go cycling or jogging, you can definitely count him in as he will like nothing more than to run beside you. If you are lucky to live near the beach, a tennis racquet to send the ball flying across the sand will please him no end.

He will need training and socialization of course, and you won’t have trouble training him as he is an intelligent dog. He isn’t the kind of dog that slots easily into life in the city, and will ideally suit a property with large grounds where he can run and play.

Your cuddly Mini Siberian Husky is such an intelligent dog, active and social and guaranteed to make you a splendid pet.

Being somewhat wary and aloof with strangers, they also make good watchdogs. They do well with children who have been taught to be kind and gentle with animals.

With good care your dog can reach up to 15 years of age, providing you with many years of superb friendship.

The Seppala Siberian Sleddog has always been a working dog so he will need lots of varied forms of exercise. He makes a splendid family pet as he isn’t an aggressive dog.

He does however make a good watchdog and will bark and warn you of strangers approaching.These beautiful wolf-like dogs are guaranteed to make you a loving, loyal pet, and they love nothing more than to be close to all his human family.

Treat him as a member of the family and you’ll be rewarded by having his fantastic friendship.

Your Miniature Siberian Husky is a healthy dog and you won’t have to spend too much money on him at the vet. However, just like with any other dog, he can battle with some of the common dog diseases -

Cataracts:

This eye problem affects about 10% of all Siberian Huskies and its not limited to old dogs. Juvenile cataracts can affect young dogs too. Luckily the problem isn’t painful for the dog.

Skin problems:

Skin problems can be a concern for the Mini Siberian Husky, especially as one is used to seeing these dogs with thick coats. Follicular dysplasia is a genetic condition that causes patchy hair loss as well as a scaly, infected skin.

Check out that your dog is receiving nutritious food with vitamins and minerals as a zinc deficiency for instance can cause hair loss as well as skin problems.

The Seppala Siberian Sleddog, just like most other dogs, can suffer from any one of the common dog ailments there are. These illnesses are cancer, hip dysplasia and eye disease.

You are more than likely not to see any of these illnesses with your pet, but it’s being a responsible dog owner to be aware of them and to get your pet to the vet if necessary.

Eye Disease - Cataracts:

Cataracts are an imperfection in the lens of the dog’s eye. The lens should be clear, but a cataract can start off small and then grow much larger, causing blindness in the dog. Cataracts happen when the cells are damaged, and diabetes can cause cataracts as can exposure to ultraviolet light. It is also an hereditary disease.

Most times dogs with cataracts can still see, but in the event of mature cataracts, your canine friend can undergo surgery to remove them.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is another common dog disease. It can be painful for dogs, with either one or both hips being affected. Hip dysplasia can affect both young and old dogs. It can be sad seeing your active pet becoming reluctant to play. He may also have difficulty getting up from a lying down position.

There is treatment for hip dysplasia, and you will want to make sure your pet is as mobile and pain free as possible.

Exercise:

The Miniature Husky is an active and energetic breed that is going to require a lot of exercise. He is able to adapt to life in the city or the countryside but wherever you keep him as a pet, he will require regular daily exercise.

Don't Allow him to Overheat:

These dogs are used to cold climates so make sure your Mini Siberian Husky doesn’t overheat. Make sure that when he’s outdoors, there is shade for him and a water bowl. You’ll be doing him a real favor if you provide him with a small paddling pool to dip into on a hot day.

Grooming:

These are clean, odorless dogs that actually require little human help to be groomed. You can give your dog a good brush twice a week.

Diet:

Mini Siberian Huskies, like the larger breed, have a high metabolism, so small amounts of highly nutritious food will do well with them. If you intend feeding your one commercially manufactured food, make sure its the high quality food that comes with plenty of minerals and vitamins. Try and avoid the low quality brands that come packed with unhealthy preservatives and colorants.

Dogs do well on simple, nutritious diets, so some boiled chicken, brown rice and raw and cooked vegetables such as carrots, potatoes and spinach added into the dry kibble from time to time will do him wonders.

Also try and include some raw meat into the kibble from time to time. That's it, as simple as that- no exotic, spicy foods and foods which we humans eat such as nuts, chips and chocolate – all can be toxic for your pet and just give him an upset stomach.

Make sure fresh, cool water is constantly available.

Grooming:

The thick coat of the Seppala Siberian Sleddog will need to be brushed at least twice a week. The coat sheds heavily a couple of times a year and brushing may even be necessary once a day during this heavier shedding period.

Diet:

Just like human beings, you can enhance your dog’s health and longevity by giving him the best food there is. Commercially manufactured dog foods, when carefully selected, can be a good, choice and they’re convenient too.

It is advised to try and go for the high quality ones known for their natural, quality ingredients. Always read the labels because you'll be surprised to see how some of the inferior dog brands pack their foods with toxic ingredients.

To provide your Seppala with just a bit of variety in his diet, give him some home-made food. It can be added into the dry kibble about twice a week as a treat. Boil brown rice and chicken in a pot and add in sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach. Chop all this up and give it to your dog in small portions.

To avoid skin infections, try to include some raw meat into his diet occasionally. Never leave your pet without a constant source of fresh, cool water