Pugalier 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 Pugalier is a designer dog which dates to the 1980s and 1990s. Being a fairly new dog breed, it doesn’t have a long or detailed history.

It is thought that they were first bred in the United States. There was a purpose behind the crossing of the Pug and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel. Dog enthusiasts were looking for a dog that would have less breathing problems with a longer nose.

There are a few dog breed registries that recognize the Pugalier as a designer dog breed, one of which is the American Canine Hybrid Club.

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 Pugalier looks fairly similar to a pug but with a slightly longer nose and longer ears. The tail isn’t as coifed as with the Pug, but is longer and straighter, sometimes curling slightly over the back.

As with any crossbreed, the dog’s appearance can vary between the two dogs. They can be small to medium sized, usually standing at between 30 and 35cm in height and weigh between 6-10kg.

Pugaliers mostly have a fairly short coat but there are some which have longer hair because of the Cavalier's influence. The coat can be an apricot color, white, brown or even tri-color - white, black & tan.

Temperament:

Friendly, social ad loving, the Pugalier makes a splendid pet. He will easily adapt to life in the city or the countryside and he also gets along well with children and other dogs. They can also be amusing and entertaining, while being intelligent too.

You’ll find your Pugalier easy to train as he is intelligent and then he becomes a splendid pet with training and socialization, being obedient and well mannered wherever he is.

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 Pugalier gets his characteristics from both the popular parent breeds he comes from – the Pug and the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.

Both these dog breeds are immensely popular, friendly, loving and amusingly entertaining. He is an excellent dog choice for the first time dog owner.

The Pugalier is an intelligent dog breed and easy to train too. When you bring such a sweet dog into your home, you open the doors to a deep, meaningful friendship and loyalty from your canine pet.

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.

Less wrinkles and a longer snout make the Pugalier a healthier dog than the purebred Pug. The dog, when well cared for, can still reach a good age of 14 or so years.

Eye problems can still be a problem as both the Pug and the Cavalier have protruding eyes.

Patellar Luxation is another health issue to watch for. The patella or the kneecap is dislocated and the dog will have difficulty with putting weight on the leg. Your vet may perform surgery on your dog and the prognosis is very good if arthritis hasn’t already developed.

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:

Your Pugalier will require daily exercise, and he will just love a walk. The Pug part of him will tell you to go slowly with exercise and to ensure it isn’t too strenuous.

The Spaniel part of him will love a robust ball game or running backwards and forwards between two people throwing a frisbee. Watch the Pugalier during exercise and don’t allow him to get overly hot and bothered.

Grooming:

Pugaliers do shed hair and you will need to brush him twice a week. Check his eyes and inside his ears and make sure all is as it should be.

Trim his nails and look inside his mouth for bad teeth. Dog’s can’t tell you they’re in pain and bad teeth can cause terrible pain and a lot of health issues throughout the entire body.

Diet:

Every dog needs an excellent diet if he is to ward off illness and live a long life.

There are some excellent commercially manufactured dog foods on the market so read the packaging carefully and avoid those ones with low quality ingredients like colorants, lots of preservatives and fillers.

High quality dry kibble can be made more inviting when you add in some home-cooked food twice a week. Boiled chicken, sweet potatoes, brown rice or pasta, carrots and spinach will be excellent for him – it is simple and nutritious.

Chop the food up finely and add it into the dry kibble. Also, your little pet will thrive on some raw meat occasionally too as this keeps the coat shiny and and the skin free of infections. Make sure he is never without a constant supply of fresh, cool water.