The Husky is a dog that many of us dream of having. It's a dog with great elegance, a unique physique, and high intelligence. But it's also a dog that requires a lot of physical activity, attention, and consistent training.
So the Husky remains a dog that many French people dream of having, knowing that they don't have the suitable environment or time to care for it properly.
In this article, we will explore if there are any alternatives to the Husky, smaller-sized dogs that require less physical activity but still resemble a Husky in appearance.
Indeed, there are different breeds and crossbreeds that resemble a miniature Husky! These include the Alaskan Klee Kai, the Pomsky, and the Pomklee.
In addition, some Russian breeders have reportedly managed to reduce the size of the Husky and have created true miniature Huskies.
A Miniature Husky: The Alaskan Klee Kai.
This is a dog that comes from North America, specifically Alaska. It's a small dog that closely resembles a miniature Husky in both physical appearance and character traits.
Physically, the Alaskan Klee Kai measures between 33 and 44 cm at the withers and generally weighs between 4 and 10 kg. Due to its small size, the Alaskan Klee Kai is well-suited for apartment living and urban environments.
Also physically, the Husky and the Alaskan Klee Kai bear a strong resemblance! They have almond-shaped eyes, straight and triangular ears, short fur, and a pointed muzzle. And like the Husky, the Alaskan Klee Kai also has the famous "flower of life" mask that is characteristic of the Husky.
So, the Alaskan Klee Kai is a small dog with a slender appearance, and the colors of its coat are similar to those of the Husky: gray & white, black & white, and chocolate & white.
Like the Husky, the Alaskan Klee Kai is an active dog that needs regular exercise. It's lively, intelligent, curious, and stubborn. It can adapt well to family life with children as long as its needs are met.
However, like many primitive and northern breed dogs, the Alaskan Klee Kai can be independent and have a tendency to wander.
Therefore, it's important to have a securely fenced yard. Additionally, the Alaskan Klee Kai has a strong prey drive and is an excellent hunter, so early socialization with other pets is necessary.
Finally, the Alaskan Klee Kai is naturally wary and cautious around strangers.
The Alaskan Klee Kai is a recognized breed, but it remains rare to find in France. The prices for purchasing a puppy vary from 2500 to 4500 euros depending on the sex, size, and eye color.
To learn more about the Alaskan Klee Kai: Alaskan klee kai: character and education - Ooreka
The Pomsky: A Miniature Husky!
Unlike the Alaskan Klee Kai, the Pomsky is a crossbreed between two existing breeds, the Siberian Husky and the Spitz! The Pomsky is a crossbreed of two primitive breeds, with the goal of reducing the size of the Husky while also softening its character. As a result, the Pomsky is an affectionate dog that is well-suited for urban living.
The first Pomskies were created in the United States in the 2000s, and today they are found in many countries, including the United States, Russia, England, France, Belgium, Switzerland, and more. More and more breeders are starting to work with this breed, although it is still difficult to find them in France and more widely in Europe at the moment.
Physical characteristics of the Mini Husky:
Physically, there is a great variety of Pomskies. The primary goal was to obtain a dog that strongly resembles a Husky, with a flower-like mask, pointed ears, a elongated snout, all with the touch of a soft and woolly Spitz coat, and a curved tail.
It's this teddy bear-like appearance that has made the Pomsky famous. Videos of this dog quickly went viral before spreading across social media networks.
Pomsky Character
The second goal of this mix was to soften the temperament of the Husky. Although many families are very happy and create a wonderful bond with their Huskies, they remain primitive working dogs that need a lot of exercise. The intervention of the Spitz helps to temper this primitive temperament, and the Pomsky is more suited to a family life.
In fact, the Pomsky has a temperament that is very appealing to families. It is an affectionate and clingy dog that loves to be close to its owner. It generally does not bark excessively and gets along well with children and other animals. It is a playful little dog that will make you smile!
However, it can be a dog that doesn't like to be alone and has a strong-willed character. Clever and cunning, it knows how to push the boundaries and make its opinions known when it disagrees. The Pomsky may have a tendency to escape if the yard is not properly fenced. It is also a sensitive dog that does not tolerate solitude well.
To learn more about the morphology, size, and temperament of the Pomsky, I have attached another article: All about the Pomsky - Royaume Des Galopins
Pomsky
Generations of Pomskies:
The Pomsky is still a relatively new crossbreed that emerged less than 20 years ago. It is therefore important to take the time to learn about the different generations of Pomskies in order to choose the right companion.
There are different generations of Pomskies.
Ranging from F1 to F5:
- F1 Pomsky: This is the first-generation Pomsky, resulting from a cross between a Husky and a Spitz. In terms of its DNA, it will be 50% Husky and 50% Spitz.
- F2 Pomsky: This is the second-generation Pomsky, resulting from a cross between two F1 Pomskies. In terms of its DNA, it will be 50% Spitz and 50% Husky.
- F3 Pomsky: This is the third-generation Pomsky, resulting from a cross between two F2 Pomskies. It will also be 50% Husky and 50% Spitz.
The goal of advancing through the generations is to achieve physical and behavioral stability.
Generations A and B:
ou may also come across F1b and F2b Pomskies. These Pomskies are the result of crosses between a Husky and a Spitz. In terms of DNA, your Pomsky will be 75% Husky and 25% Spitz. It will therefore have a physical appearance and temperament that is closer to the Husky, independent, stubborn, active, and energetic.
It is important to consider if you have the skills and time to manage an F1b Pomsky.
The Pomsky F1a and F2a are the result of a crossbreeding between a Spitz and a Pomsky. They will therefore have 75% Spitz blood and 25% Husky blood. Their morphology and character will be very similar to that of the Spitz.
It is important to know if this is what you are looking for.
Size of The Pomsky
The Pomsky - mini Husky, is a small to medium-size dog. Depending on the generation and lineage you choose, your Pomsky can weigh between 5 and 20kg. It is important to do your research and consult with your breeder to choose the right size.
It is difficult to predict the size of a Pomsky because within the same litter, the weight of the puppies can vary greatly. Nevertheless, a breeder who knows their lines well can guide and advise you.
Despite what has been said, a Pomsky F3 or F4 will not necessarily be smaller than a Pomsky F2. It all depends on the selection made by the breeder. Therefore, it is interesting to inquire about the weight of the parents rather than their generations.
Price of a Miniature Husky
The prices of Pomsky vary greatly and depend on various factors:
- Generation
- Morphology
- Eye Color
- Country of purchase
On average, in France, the price of a Pomsky ranges from 3000 to 6500 euros. This budget is justified by the cost of purchasing the breeding dogs, health tests, the difficulty of reproduction, and also by supply and demand.
As you have seen in this article, it is possible to have a miniature Husky in an apartment and with an urban lifestyle.