Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Miniature Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison

Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Miniature Siberian Husky - Breed ComparisonMiniature Siberian Husky is originated from United States but Rafeiro do Alentejo is originated from Portugal. Miniature Siberian Husky may grow 36 cm / 14 inches shorter than Rafeiro do Alentejo. Miniature Siberian Husky may weigh 49 kg / 108 pounds lesser than Rafeiro do Alentejo. Both Miniature Siberian Husky and Rafeiro do Alentejo has almost same life span. Both Miniature Siberian Husky and Rafeiro do Alentejo has almost same litter size. Both Miniature Siberian Husky and Rafeiro do Alentejo requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
undefined
United States
Portugal
Height Male:
33 - 39 cm
12 - 16 inches
64 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
Height Female:
33 - 39 cm
12 - 16 inches
64 - 75 cm
25 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
8 - 11 kg
17 - 25 pounds
45 - 60 kg
99 - 133 pounds
Weight Female:
8 - 11 kg
17 - 25 pounds
45 - 60 kg
99 - 133 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 9
4 - 10
Size:
Small
Large
Other Names:
Alaskan Klee Klai
Portuguese Mastiff
Colors Available:
Red and White, Grey and White, Black and White
Fawn, cream and black. , white, a wolf grey
Coat:
Thick, medium length, double-coated
Short to medium length, dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

miniature siberian huskyMiniature 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.

rafeiro do alentejoKnown also as the Portuguese Mastiff, the Rafeiro do Alentejo comes from Portugal and has always been used as guardian for livestock. Their numbers declined quite a bit when there was no longer a need for this kind of job.Today it is essentially a companion dog.

The official standard of the Rafeiro do Alentejo was established in 1953. The dog is is recognized as a breed by the Portuguese Caniculture Club as well as the Federation Cynologique Interationale.

Description

miniature siberian husky puppy - descriptionKnown 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.

rafeiro do alentejo puppy - descriptionThe Alentejo is a large dog standing at between 64 and 75cm in height and weighing 45 to 60kg. He is a powerful dog with a deep chest, dark eyes, floppy ears. His coat is short to medium length, thick and straight. The color of the coat is a mix of fawn, a wolf grey, white, cream and black.

Temperament:

This is a serious dog with a calm demeanour about him. It doesn’t matter how calm he is though, as every dog will require training ad socialization if you want to enjoy having an obedient, well mannered dog around you. This is particularly important with a large, independent, self-confident, territorial dog like this.

He isn’t an aggressive dog but he is protective, wanting to guard and look out for his human family. They are dogs that get on well with children and other pets in the home, being wary of strangers.

They’re not recommended for life in small properties in the city as he requires a large garden at least.

Characteristics

miniature siberian husky dog - characteristicsYour 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.

rafeiro do alentejo dog - characteristicsThe Rafeiro do Alentejo is a quiet dog, but intelligent and strong-willed. Training and socialization will make him easy to get on with.

He will become an excellent companion, and can come indoors because he is well mannered and considerate. He was bred to be a guard dog, and the responsibilities he had taking care of livestock has been transferred to looking out for- and protecting his human family.

He makes a wonderful pet and companion, even with children and other pets, more so when brought up correctly by loving, firm, consistent dog owners.

Health Problems

miniature siberian husky puppies - health problemsYour 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.

rafeiro do alentejo puppies - health problemsThe Rafeiro do Alentejo is a generally healthy dog breed, and with good care can get to 11, 12 or 13 years of age.

Of course with a large dog like this, it is always a good idea to be aware of canine hip dysplasia, particularly because this is a large dog with a deep chest.

This makes him also vulnerable to bloat, a condition where the stomach swells with gas and which can be life threatening. Other things to watch for are ear infections and parasites.

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

miniature siberian husky dogs - caringThe 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:

rafeiro do alentejo dogs - caringMake your grooming time with this serious, calm canine friend of yours a special bonding time. His coat simply requires a brush twice a week to keep it healthy and shiny.

While bushing him, run your hands over him to make sure there aren’t any unusual lumps. Check inside the floppy ears to make sure they’re not red which could be the start of a painful ear infection.

Look a his nails and trim them if they’ve become too long. Check inside his mouth and make sure there aren’t any black, rotten teeth as this can seriously impact the health of your pet.

Exercise:

Options for exercise will include long walks and a chance to run off his leash. In the back yard it will be to his benefit to throw balls for him to fetch. You can even bring him indoors and play some calm games with him. He should have exercise every single day.

Diet:

Good food is needed for good health. It is always convenient to make use of the commercially manufactured dog foods there are on the market.

You don’t want to feed this to your dog day after day so provide your pet with some tasty home-made food too. Dogs want simplicity and consistency with their diets so they don’t battle with upset stomachs and an unnecessary trip to the vet.

Some home-cooked food twice a week and added to the dry kibble can keep him healthy and happy. Boiled chicken, sweet potatoes, brown rice or pasta, carrots and spinach will be perfect for him. Chop the food up finely and add it into the dry kibble once or twice a week.

Some people even cook it in bulk, refrigerate it and warm up small portions to add to the kibble. Raw meat added in occasionally can also be a good treat. Make sure your pet is never without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Miniature Siberian Husky vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Miniature Siberian Husky vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Miniature Siberian Husky vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Miniature Siberian Husky vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Miniature Siberian Husky vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Miniature Siberian Husky vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Miniature Siberian Husky vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Miniature Siberian Husky vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Miniature Siberian Husky vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Miniature Siberian Husky vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Miniature Siberian Husky vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Miniature Siberian Husky vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Miniature Siberian Husky vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Miniature Siberian Husky vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Miniature Siberian Husky vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Miniature Siberian Husky vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Miniature Siberian Husky vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Miniature Siberian Husky vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Miniature Siberian Husky vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Miniature Siberian Husky vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Miniature Siberian Husky vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Miniature Siberian Husky vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Miniature Siberian Husky vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Miniature Siberian Husky vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Miniature Siberian Husky vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison