Polish Hunting Dog 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.

The Polish Hunting Dog originates from Poland and is a purebred scenthound. Hunting with scent hounds goes right back to the 13th century, being highly esteemed by Polish nobility.

The famous Polish cynologist, Jozef Pawuslewicz hunted with Polish scent hounds and was part of the development of breeding this dog.

He wrote the first breed standard and the dog was officially registered by the Polish Cynological Association.

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 Polish Hunting Dog is a large, strong dog standing between 50 – 66cm in height and weighing between 20 to 32kg. He is very similar to a Doberman Pinscher or a Rottweiler in looks.

The dog’s coat is short and the color is usually black and tan. He is a deep chested dog with a well-proportioned head, with longish muzzle and floppy ears. The tail is long.

Temperament:

Well balanced and gentle, the Polish Hound is a courageous, intelligent dog, easy to train and socialize. It isn’t an aggressive dog but is wary of strangers.

He loves playing with children and is loving and kind to them. He never tires of their games. He is alert and protective and makes a great watchdog.

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.

Your Polish Hunting Dog is a great choice of dog as a family pet. Used as a hunting dog he will be thrilled if he lands up with a family who are active and outdoorsy types.

You can always count him in when it comes to going for walks, hiking, cycling or running next to you when you go horse-riding.

The Polish Hunting dog is a stable, gentle dog and he has a whole lot of other wonderful attributes to his name. He is loving, loyal, courageous, friendly, social and companionable. And he's good looking. What a great pet this low maintenance dog makes.

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.

They are generally a robust breed and can easily reach up to 14 years of age with good care. There are always some common dog illnesses that you can benefit from knowing about because then you can get your pet to the vet if he appears to be under the weather.

Parasites:

Active dogs are always going to be exposed to parasites, whether they be ticks, fleas or worms. Right from word go, puppies are treated for worms, but it is important to treat your dog regularly for parasites. Speak to your vet about the best products.

Heat Stroke:

Heatstroke is always a risk for dogs even in areas where the weather isn’t particularly hot. People think on overcast days they can leave their dog in the car while they go in to the shops. A temperature that seems mild to a human can be like an oven to a dog. Excess heat is deadly to a dog. Signs of heatstroke include drooling, panting, anxiety, collapsing and then death.

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.

Exercise:

The Polish Hunting Dog has always had an acute sense of smell, and with his long legs he has always been able to track his prey for many miles. This hunting has made him a dog that wants lots exercise and activities.

As a pet, this dog will require a lot of exercise, being better suited to active, outdoor type of owners. He is therefore better suited to life in the country and large open spaces as opposed to living in the city.

Grooming:

Apart from brushing your pets coat twice a week, check him over for ticks if you want to avoid the spread of tick-borne diseases.

Check his ears, inside and out. Check inside his mouth for bad teeth. This is because your dog can’t tell you if he has pain, and toothache can be terrible for your pet and bad teeth can affect other body organs such as the heart and the kidneys.

Make sure your pets nails are trimmed.

Make sure your pet receives excellent food. If you’re going to be feeding your dog commercially manufactured dog food, make sure it is the best quality ones. Some of the other foods have ingredients in them which can cause your dog to get sick.

Try and give your dog some wholesome, home-made food. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, carrots, sweet potato and spinach chopped up and added to the kibble will have your pet wagging his tail with delight. It will also be to his benefit to get some raw meat in from time to time.

Never leave your pet without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.