Is An Alaskan Klee Kai The Breed For You?
Kudos to you for looking at this page to start (or continue) your research!
Buying a puppy is a lifetime commitment, if not for your life, then absolutely for the lifetime of the animal you choose to bring into your home. We encourage anyone that is looking for any puppy (Alaskan Klee Kai or otherwise) to find a breed that is right for you and to build a relationship with the breeder you choose to work with. Don’t be afraid to ask questions and know that a good breeder has the best interests of both you and your new puppy in mind.
If you want a dog that is…
- small in size, with a double coat requiring minimal maintenance;
- a good watchdog, but certainly not a guardian;
- goofy and happy to be with family, will even sing you songs to tell you all about their day;
- an independent thinking, and highly intelligent companion that responds well with positive training methods.
An Alaskan Klee Kai might be for you!
If you DON’T want a dog that…
- sheds…a lot – yes it can come out in clumps at times;
- is occasionally loud – they are a talkative breed;
- is very attached to you – separation anxiety can be an issue for some dogs;
- requires a serious commitment of time to training and socializing.
The Alaskan Klee Kai might NOT be the breed for you.
History
The Alaskan Klee Kai was developed in Alaska by Linda Spurlin and her family, to be a companion-sized version of a type of dog referred to as the Alaskan Husky. From the early 1970’s through 1988, the Spurlins carefully selected dogs who met their high standards for appearance and soundness. In 1988, they made the Alaskan Klee Kai available to others. Mrs. Spurlin originally called her new breed the “Klee Kai”, but in 1995 it was changed to “Alaskan Klee Kai”.*
The Alaskan Klee Kai was recognized by the United Kennel Club January 1, 1997.
*https://www.ukcdogs.com/alaskan-klee-kai
Appearance
The Alaskan Klee Kai is a small version of an Alaskan Husky, with a wedge-shaped head featuring a striking masked face, prick ears, and a double coat. The length of body is just slightly longer than the height. The tail is well-furred and curls over the back or to either side when the dog is alert or moving.
Klee Kai come in a variety of sizes: Toy: Up to and including 13 inches, Miniature: Over 13 inches and up to and including 15 inches, Standard: Over 15 inches up to and including 17 inches. Weight should be proportionate to their height. Younger Klee Kai tend to stay quite skinny for some time and we often see them “fill out” after two years of age.
Colours include black and white, grey and white, as well as red and white. Some Klee Kai may be solid white but these dogs, while they make excellent pets and are striking, do not conform to the breed standard and are not utilized within a breeding program.
Eye colour varies from shades of brown, green and blue or any combination of these colours (bi-eyed) or even a mixture of colours within a single eye (parti-eyed).
It is important to note that size, coat colour, and eye colour cannot be predicted when looking at the puppy’s parents. While we will know their coat and eye colour before they go home, what size they will grow to be will only be a “best guess”.
Characteristics and Temperament
The Alaskan Klee Kai are a very curious, active, quick, and agile breed of dog. While affectionate with family members, Klee Kai are not typically known for being overly friendly or cuddly and are often considered aloof or indifferent; they can even be quite fearful if not properly socialized.
They are absolutely considered a “flight risk” in our eyes and should never be trusted off leash in an uncontrolled area.
Klee Kai are highly intelligent and love to learn. They do very well in a number of different performance disciplines that challenge them physically as well as mentally. Your puppy can start training the day he comes home to you. While he will have a good head start here with us, we hope that you continue to train and learn with your dog. Klee Kai can be excellent little workers and we recommend checking out your local, positive, training facilities to explore what you and your Klee Kai can do together.
Alaskan Klee Kai are a double coated breed – meaning they posses a soft undercoat that works as insulation against heat and cold as well as a coarser top coat that shields them from water and dirt.
A joke within the Klee Kai community is that their AKK shed two times per year – January 1st to June 30 and July 1 to December 31. While a joke, not completely inaccurate. While shedding can occur all the time, Klee Kai do “blow coat” typically twice a year. What this means is that all of their undercoat will naturally shed and come out in tufts, you will feel like you’re living in a fur factory. This can be easily managed however; with brushing weekly, graduating to daily during times of heavy shedding makes things a bit more manageable (and a good vacuum never hurts). While Klee Kai do not need to be bathed often, during a heavy shed, giving them a bath and blow dry in the back yard will more effectively rid you of lots of that unwanted hair.
Alaskan Klee Kai have an interesting voice. They typically do not bark, but they certainly are a chatty breed and some can be quite loud. They have a very unique, sometimes high pitched voice. Klee Kai will often express themselves with their voice whether its telling you know about their day when you come home from work, or their displeasure with something.
We encourage you to come out and meet the breed and would be more than happy to introduce you to our pack.
Dara Realta Alaskan Klee Kai 