What could be cuter than a Siberian Husky? A teacup Husky. These miniature Huskies are absolutely adorable. Like other teacup dogs, they are highly desired by many pet owners. However, there are some things you should know before getting a teacup Husky.
Teacup Husky Facts
The teacup Husky is a smaller-sized Siberian Husky. They are genetically the same breed as the Husky. They were created by breeding the smallest Huskies until they reached the desired small size.
The Siberian Husky was recognized by the AKC in 1930, but the teacup Husky can’t be registered. They don’t meet the breed standard for the Husky, because of their smaller size, and the AKC hasn’t declared them a separate breed.
Does the Teacup Husky Exist?
First, let’s get the bad news out of the way. Teacup Huskies don’t exist. Teacup dogs are typically tiny. Most weigh 4 pounds, and reach 17 inches in length.
Huskies simply can’t be bred to this tiny size. Their genetics are not designed to allow them to be this small. So, teacup Huskies aren’t a thing.
The good news is, miniature Huskies do exist. They are relatively easy to find these days, thanks to the current designer trend of creating smaller versions of favorite breeds. When someone mentions a teacup Husky, they typically mean a miniature Husky. Throughout this article, we will use the terms teacup and miniature interchangeably.
There’s also another possibility if you are looking for a teacup Husky. You can choose a very similar breed, the Alaskan Klee Kai.
Teacup Husky vs. the Alaskan Klee Kai
The Klee Kai is smaller than a standard Husky, and typically has more white in its coat. Unless you are very well versed in dog breeds, you wouldn’t be able to tell the difference between the Klee Kai and the miniature Husky.
The Klee Kai is a spitz. They are energetic like the Husky, but they are reserved with strangers, while the Husky seems to lvoe everyone. Huskies are not effective guard dogs, but the Klee Kai is.
Huskies are wonderful with children. A Klee Kai may be uncomfortable with young children, particularly if they weren’t socialized with them at an early age.
A miniature Husky will be the size of a miniature or standard Klee Kai. However, you can also find a toy Klee Kai, which is less than 14 inches tall.
If you find a teacup sized Husky, it may actually be a toy Klee Kai instead. Both dogs make great pets, but it’s important to understand the dog you are getting.
Teacup Husky Appearance
Teacup Huskies look just like their larger counterparts in everything but size. They have a plush double coat, erect ears, and a bushy tail. Their eyes are blue or brown.
It’s common for a Husky to have an eye of each color, which is known as heterechroma.
They can come in a wide range of colors. These include white, black, gray, and red. More exotic colors include agouti, which consists of a dark undercoat. The topcoat of agouti begins as a dark shade and gets lighter towards the tip of the hair. Agouti is often known as wild or wolf coloring, because it looks very similar to a wolf’s coat.
Generally, a teacup Husky will have a coat with white patches or areas, along with another color. Gray and white is the most common. Their coat is often a different color from their topcoat. This adds many shades within the colors. For example, there are 3 recognized shades of gray Husky.
Teacup Husky Price
Teacup Huskies can be more expensive than standard Huskies. The average price for a standard Husky is $1,000 with prices ranging from $1,000 to $3,000 for a registered pup. Unregistered Huskies can cost between $400 to $800.
Teacup Huskies range from $1,000 to $4,500. These puppies can’t be registered, so you’ll need to do your research on the breeder before you buy.
Teacup Husky Rarity
Teacup Huskies are becoming more common. Miniature Huskies aren’t as common as standard Huskies, but they are pretty easy to find.
Their look alike, the Alaskan Klee Kai, is very rare. It’s estimated there are less than a 1,000 of these in existence.
Teacup Husky Life expectancy
Teacup Huskies have a similar lifespan to full size Huskies. Standard Huskies live from 12 to 14 years, while teacup Huskies can live for 12 to 15 years.
Lifespan is ultimately determined by genetics. However, a healthy diet, proper exercise, and routine veterinary care can help your Husky live their best and longest life.
Teacup Husky Size and weight
Teacup Huskies are a small breed, while full size Huskies are a medium sized breed.
Miniature Huskies can reach 13-17 inches tall, and weigh 20 to 35 pounds. While they don’t qualify as a teacup-sized dog, they are significantly smaller than standard Huskies.
Standard Huskies grow to 20-24 inches tall, and weigh 35-60 pounds.
Teacup Husky Health
Teacup Huskies are genetically similar to full size Huskies, so they are at risk of the same health issues. The Siberian Husky is considered a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can develop health issues.
Eye Conditions
Progressive retinal atrophy is one vision condition that can affect teacup Huskies. The condition causes the dog to go blind, usually at 2 to 3 years of age.
They can also develop cataracts. Cataracts cause a film to form over the eye. This isn’t painful, but it does affect their vision. Cataracts typically occur in older dogs. However, Huskies can develop juvenile cataracts, which affects younger dogs.
Joint Conditions
Teacup Huskies can develop two common joint conditions. Hip dysplasia occurs when the hip joint doesn’t form correctly. This allows the joint to slip out of place easily.
Hip dysplasia can cause pain and movement difficulty. It is genetic, but a healthy weight and exercise can reduce the risk of developing the condition.
Arthritis can also affect your teacup Husky. Arthritis causes the joint to swell, which causes pain and stiffness. This also affects their mobility. Arthritis can’t be cured, but medications can help.
Epilepsy
Epilepsy can also affect miniature Huskies. When a dog has a seizure, they lose muscle control. This can cause them to fall over, kick their legs, and drool. They may also lose control of their bladder and bowels.
Primary epilepsy typically begins at 6 months to 3 years old. Medication can help manage the condition.
Teacup Health Concerns
Miniature Huskies are not considered to be at a higher risk of health problems than other Huskies. However, if they are truly teacup size, there are health concerns.
These include low blood sugar, low body temperature which makes them more susceptible to hypothermia, and weak bones. When attempting to create a true teacup Husky, these problems could arise.
Teacup Husky Behavior/Characteristics
Teacup Huskies have the big personality of their larger counterparts. They are extremely friendly and energetic. They typically get along with everyone, including other dogs and strangers. They are loyal companions.
Teacup Huskies are pack oriented. This means that they are very social. They need plenty of time with their families, as well as other dogs, to meet their needs.
They also need an alpha. An owner who is calm but firm will let them know their place in the pack.
Teacup Husky Behavioral Concerns
If a teacup Husky doesn’t get their exercise and socialization needs met, they may develop behavioral issues. If they don’t get enough exercise, they will become bored or hyperactive. This can cause them to be destructive.
If they don’t get enough social interaction, they may become lonely or depressed. This can cause them to be lethargic, or uninterested in activities. They may also bark frequently, or lick themselves often.
How to care for a Teacup Husky
Teacup Huskies are smaller, but they have the same basic needs as the standard Husky. They can be a lot of work, but they are well worth the effort.
Exercise
Huskies need at least 1, and preferably 2, hours of exercise each day. Another way to put it is that they need to walk or run 3 to 5 miles at least 4 days a week.
Standard Huskies can run at 30 mph, and travel 150 miles in a day. Teacup Huskies are also highly athletic.
A fenced in yard is beneficial for a teacup Husky. This gives them an area to be active. Many owners find that having two Huskies is easier than having one, because they can play with each other.
Even if your Husky has access to a yard or playmate, you should still be sure to exercise them each day.
Grooming
Huskies are a double coated breed, which means they need regular grooming. You’ll need to brush their coat at least twice a week. Begin by combing any tangles out of their hair. Then, use a paddle brush to remove shed hair and dirt from their coat. Start with their undercoat, and then brush their topcoat.
Huskies are also heavy shedders in the spring and fall. When they are shedding, you’ll need to brush them daily. This will help speed the process, and reduce the amount of Husky hair you have everywhere.
Training
All dogs need training, and your miniature Husky is no exception. Huskies are intelligent. However, they are also independent, which makes training them a challenge.
They were originally bred as sled dogs. When pulling a sled, the dog must make quick decisions, often without owner input. These conditions make independence a must for Huskies.
Of course, it also means that they don’t take orders very well. It’s best to use positive reinforcement during training. If you aren’t experienced with strong willed breeds, consider an obedience course. This will help you train your teacup Husky properly.
Socialization
Huskies need lots of socialization. Many breeds need socialization to prevent them from becoming wary or aggressive towards strangers or other animals.
The teacup Husky, on the other hand, simply needs lots of social interaction. They need to spend plenty of time with their loved ones. Before choosing a teacup Husky, be sure that you have the time to devote to them.
How do you buy a Teacup Husky?
When buying a teacup Husky, you should take the time to be sure your breeder is reputable. Unethical breeding is a problem, particularly when it comes to designer or trendy breeds.
Know What You are Looking For
First, you should know what you are looking for. Do you want a pure bred Miniautre Husky? Do you love the pint size of the Klee Kai? You should decide which breed you want before beginning your search.
How to Find a Teacup Husky Breeder
You can find a teacup Husky breeder with an internet search. You’ll find both miniature Huskies and Alaskan Klee Kai’s, so pay attention to exactly what the breeder is selling.
Determining if the Breeder is Ethical
Normally, I recommend purchasing a registered dog. This typically weeds out unethical breeders, due to the requirements of registration. However, this isn’t an option when you want a teacup Husky, because they can’t be registered.
One way to see if the breeder is ethical is by asking questions. Ask them how they determine breeding pairs, and how they ensure the health of their pups.
Ethical breeders will always put the health and well being of the dogs first. Unethical breeders will focus on profits, with little concern for the dog’s well being.
You should also expect the breeder to ask you some questions. Ethical breeders want to make sure their dogs go to a good home. They may ask about your intentions with the dog, and what their living conditions will be like.
Another way to be sure you have an ethical breeder is to visit them. You can meet the breeder, the parents, and the puppies. You can also see the conditions the dogs have. Poor living conditions are a sign that the breeder is unethical.