Alaskan Klee Kai

The Alaskan Klee Kai is certainly an attention-getter. This breed looks every bit like a Husky but weighs only 10-15 pounds. They are social creatures with a high amount of energy despite their size. Unlike the Husky, these dogs were bred to be companions and family pets.

• About the Alaskan Klee Kai

  The Alaskan Klee Kai is a small, spirited, spitz-type dog that will surely grab the attention of onlookers. They look like miniature Siberian Huskies, but differ in personality. The breed originated in Alaska during the 1970’s. They were developed by a woman named Linda Spurlin who bred Alaskan and Siberian Huskies to Schipperkes and American Eskimo Dogs to make a small, Husky-looking dog. In fact, Klee Kai literally translates to “little dog” in Eskimo. The Alaskan Klee Kai is a high-energy, intelligent, and social dog. These dogs will certainly shed. They make wonderful companions and family pets so long as they are socialized properly. Klee Kai are still considered a rare breed. The breed is not yet officially recognized by the AKC, but is recognized by the United Kennel Club. Klee Kai can enroll in AKC Canine Partners programs and compete in AKC Companion events.  

• Physical characteristics and temperament

  The Alaskan Klee Kai is known for their “facemask,” a distinct pigmented marking on their face, according to the AKC. Siberian Huskies also have this face marking. There is a range of sizes found in the breed including toy, miniature, and standard. These various sizes can result in a dog weighing from 5 to 22 pounds with a height of 13 to 17 inches. Klee Kai are highly entertaining dogs to live with. Be cautious when letting them off leash in an unfenced area because they are prone to running off.  In general, they’re an affectionate breed and loving family pet. They are often nervous around small kids and strangers, so it’s important to socialize your Alaskan Klee Kai from an early age. They are loyal and great watchdogs. These pups have a double coat, a dense undercoat covered by longer hairs on top. This keeps the dog protected from both hot and cold temperatures. There are many coat color varieties, all of which are considered breed standard except for solid white  

• Playtime

  This breed is very smart and fast to pick up agility training. Check out this AKC article about a Klee Kai who competes in agility contests. Agility training is a great way to burn off a lot of the energy that your Alaskan Klee Kai has. You may consider building a homemade agility course in your backyard. You could also go for a run or hike with your dog to stay active. After exercising, your Alaskan Klee Kai will be happy to spend the rest of the day cuddling on the couch.  Klei Kai don't really bark, but they do produce what’s lovingly known as a “woo-woo” when they are happy and scream when they are not.  

• Grooming

  The Alaskan Klee Kai is a particularly clean breed. They keep themselves very well-groomed and only shed a little. They will “blow their coat” about twice a year; this is when they lose all of their undercoat fur which will come out in clumps. The best way to groom these dogs is with regular brushing every one to two days.  

  An Embark Dog DNA Test looks at the following health conditions in Alaskan Klee Kai:

   

• Health Conditions

  Factor VII Deficiency

  Blood F7 Exon 5

  Degenerative Myelopathy, DM

  Brain and Spinal Cord SOD1A

  Uncover health risks with Embark

  

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