Why is My Siberian Husky So Small?


Tiny Siberian Husky puppy out in the snow

What I’ve learned most about humans throughout this entire dog blogging process is that you guys are both impatient and rather rude when it comes to your Google searches.

Nevertheless, Jax Boy is here to please the public. Keep reading. I’ll answer your judgmental questions.

So, you would like to know why your husky is so small?

Like humans, a Siberian husky’s size is heavily reliant on genetics and nutrition. Female huskies also have a tendency to be smaller compared to their male counterparts. An adult female Siberian husky averages 21 inches in height and weighs in at 55 pounds. A fully grown male Siberian husky typically stands 24 inches tall and weighs 60 pounds.

Disclaimer: The Can My Dog articles contain information based on the individual research and opinions of the author of the site – who just so happens to be a dog. How you utilize the information given is completely up to you. Proceed at your own risk.

Husky Size Questionnaire

I think we need to start with the basics.

Run through the following questions in your head to get a general idea of why your husky may be on the smaller side. From here I’ll dive a bit deeper into the nuances of each area.

  1. Is your husky a boy or a girl?
  2. What does your husky’s dog parents look like? Are they small, average, or large?
  3. Are you feeding your husky enough for their current weight and energy levels?

The last one is tough to hone in on. That’s why I spent an entire day writing out a comprehensive guide with images and tables and everything in between. If you have a minute, click this link to make sure your dog is properly fed based on their current weight.

Average Husky Size

The best place to start any comparative analysis is from the general norm. In other words, what does the average look like and then we can better gauge from there, right?

The average female husky stops growing around 1-1.5 years old. At that point, most are around 55 pounds and 20-22 inches tall.

The average male husky stops growing around the same age and by then weighs roughly +60 pounds and stands about 2 feet tall.

Now, with that being said, is your husky small in comparison?

I used to think my sister Callie was a small husky until I started my research for this article. Turns out she’s fairly normal. Not bad for being the runt of her litter!

She’s a little on the short side, but aren’t we all in some capacity?

The Growth Graph

Female Siberian Husky

AgeHeightWeight
8-16 weeks10-12 inches10-25 lbs
4-6 months12-14 inches25-38 lbs
6-8 months14-16 inches38-46 lbs
8-10 months16-18 inches46-50 lbs
10-12 months18-20 inches50-55 lbs
1 yr +20-22 inches+55 lbs

Male Siberian Husky

AgeHeightWeight
8-16 weeks10-12 inches10-25 lbs
4-6 months12-15 inches25-40 lbs
6-8 months15-19 inches40-50 lbs
8-10 months19-22 inches50-55 lbs
10-12 months22-24 inches55-60 lbs
1 yr ++24 inches+60 lbs

As you can see from the tables above, a male husky generally begins to surpass the female husky in girth around the 6 month mark.

Genetics and a Husky’s Size

As mentioned in previous context, genetics can play a dominant role in the size of your adult husky.

Listen, if you’re worried about your husky being pint sized, find out who their biological parents are pre-adoption to get a sense of how your pup will fill out.

But if you base your adoption decision on husky size alone, then I don’t have any respect for you and you should click on off my pro husky at any size article.

I’m done with you.

However, if you have medical concerns and feel like your husky isn’t growing normally, then I commend you for your observant dog-parent engagement. Also, go see a vet. Now.

Let us continue..

How deep do you want to go here?

We could dive into evolution and how the domestic dogs we call family today descended from the gray wolf over 15,000 years ago.

But gray wolves are all relatively the same size – so what gives?

In short, humans and a genetically enhanced need to evolve over a 300 year time span. Well, that and IGF (Insulin-Like Growth Factor). By domesticating dogs over hundreds of years, humans have been a primary factor in the sizing discrepancy and various breed creation.

IGF determines size in humans and mice, so the same might be said of a dog’s breed and height.

If you are feeding your husky the proper nutrition required of their breed and size, while simultaneously giving them the best chances at prospering into their adult years and your pup is still on the small side – then change his name to DeVito and accept the short fella for who he is!

Speaking of feeding…

Husky Health and General Wellness

Don’t make me say it.

I feel like I need to say it though.

I’m going to say it…

You are what you eat.

There. I said it.

I’m not a fan of overused clichés, but sometimes they’re presented as a necessary evil and this is one of those times.

Your dog’s nutrition is just important as your nutrition. Also, if you’re fat and eat Ding Dongs from the plastic wrapper on the couch every night before bed, perhaps it would be best if you Googled some dog nutrition tips before anything else.

Actually, let me make it easier on you. Read this blog I wrote on cooking for your dog. It’s a great place to start.

Disclaimer: I’m not judging your for eating Ding Dongs. I can’t have them because of the chocolate but they do look delicious.

You need to ensure that you’re feeding your husky based on their current body weight. Too much food, and like humans, they’ll get fat. Too little food, and like you, they’ll lose weight.

It’s important to remember that husky’s are a high energy dog breed. They need lots of physical activity to engage mental stimulation which in turn will help them in the behavioral department.

A tired husky is a good husky.

Huskies need on average 30 minutes of exercise every single day. Physical activity goes in hand with nutrition. I’ll link my other blog on calories per pound of pup weight down here again so you don’t have to scroll back up.

Yeah, you’re welcome.

Husky Size Conclusion

Look, all huskies aren’t a one-size-fits-most type of deal.

As a matter of fact, huskies come in all shapes, sizes, and attitudes.

If you can rule out undernourishment and any other underlying vet approved issues, then chalk your husky’s small stature up to luck.

Let’s be honest, the smaller they are, the less hair they have to shed…technically…right?

Huskies are wonderful creatures. They’re strange – but wonderful nonetheless.

I hope this helped ease your mind on the size of your husky. Take it easy on yourselves, humans. It’s ruff out there!

And as always, continue to Live, Love, Laugh, and Scratch our bellies often!

Love you guys,

JTB

P.S. If you’re new to this world, you may want to check out my Ultimate Guide for First Time Dog Parents. It’s a great reference to get you started on this journey.

Related Questions

Will a Husky Protect It’s Owner?

If you need your husky to be a guard dog or protect you from danger, I can see why the size of your husky could be problematic.

Also, if you need a personal guard dog, a husky might not be the best option for you. Nevertheless, a Siberian Husky will have a handful of protective traits for their owner.

  • An increased sense of security
  • Alerts for potential danger

I covered this topic extensively in the article, Will a Siberian Husky Protect It’s Owner?

Click on over if you want to dive a little deeper in on the subject.

Can Huskies Live in Apartments?

Huskies have a tendency to be high energy dogs who need lots of room to run and play during the day. This may pose a problem if you live in an apartment, right?

Not necessarily.

As long as you give your husky the recommended daily physical activities (at least 30 minutes), give them stimulating toys to play with while you’re gone, and train them consistently, you’ll have a well behaved husky that can live in some of the smallest apartments on the market today.

Husky’s are highly adaptable and intelligent dogs. Don’t underestimate their ability to modify their lifestyle to fit yours.

Read the full article on a husky’s ability to live in an apartment right here.

This article has been reviewed by our Editorial Board and has been approved for publication in accordance with our Editorial Policies.

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