The Alaskan Klee Kai is a newer breed that was developed to be a smaller version of the Alaskan Husky. Despite being introduced to the purebred dog community in the 1970s, they have quickly become popular due to their small size, active nature, and high intelligence. While they may look like the Alaskan Husky, they are better suited as companions rather than working dogs.
These dogs can adapt well to apartment living as long as they have enough space to run around and play. Although they may be cautious around strangers, they are vocal about expressing their emotions, which can include fear, happiness, or sadness. Overall, the Alaskan Klee Kai is a lively and intelligent breed that can make a great companion for those who can provide them with the exercise and mental stimulation they need.
Ahead, we look at Alaskan Klee Kai dog breed, its history, personality, pros and cons of owning an Alaskan Klee Kai, characteristics, and must-know facts. We will also examine how to care for this breed and more. Prepare for a tail-wagging adventure into the world of Alaskan Klee Kais!
| Dog Breed | Alaskan Klee Kai |
| Size | Medium |
| Weight | 8-23 lbs (average) |
| Height | 10-17″ (average) |
| Location | Alaska |
| Ancestry | Alaskan Husky, Siberian Husky |
| Date of Origin | 1970s |
| Group | Companion |
| Life Expectancy | 11-15 years |
| Price | $1000 – $1500 |
| Family | Canidae |
| Scientific Name | Canis Lupus Familiaris |
📖 Breed History
The Alaskan Klee Kai was accidentally created when an Alaskan Husky bred with a smaller dog in Oklahoma. The resulting litter produced puppies that looked like smaller versions of their Alaskan Husky parent. Linda Spurlin, an Alaskan native, fell in love with one of these puppies named Curious and brought him back to Alaska. She then set out to recreate the breeding process, but faced challenges as nobody knew what the smaller breed was. In Oklahoma, Spurlin’s brother-in-law owned the Alaskan Husky that produced Curious and also attempted to recreate the breeding, but with limited success.
Both Spurlin and her brother-in-law traced the history of Curious and his littermates. However, her brother-in-law eventually lost interest and sold his breeding kennel to Spurlin. With each litter, careful evaluation was conducted, and puppies that did not meet the desired characteristics were spayed or neutered and placed in family homes. Once Spurlin successfully bred litters that embodied the ideal traits, a breed standard was established. This standard played a crucial role in developing the Alaskan Klee Kai, ensuring that the breed’s appearance and temperament were properly cultivated. The breed standard focused on three key factors: composition, temperament, and health.
After refining the breed, Spurlin began offering the Alaskan Klee Kai to the public under strict contracts. Dogs that displayed unfavorable characteristics, health issues, or personality defects had to be spayed or neutered. Those interested in breeding the Alaskan Klee Kai were expected to adhere to rigorous breeding standards. Eventually, Spurlin handed over her breeding operation to Eileen Gregory, who made significant contributions to the development of the Alaskan Klee Kai Association of America.
🐕 Alaskan Klee Kai Appearance
The Alaskan Klee Kai resembles his bigger ancestor, the Alaskan Husky, nearly exactly. He comes in every hue save plain white. He has an inquisitive appearance due to his unusual facial mask. He does have a double coat, and it will shed continuously all year round. His undercoat is softer and lighter in color than his topcoat, which is straight, rough to the touch, and weather resistant. Although he occasionally has amber or blue eyes, he has round, dark brown eyes. His dark, broad nose with open nostrils. The Alaskan Klee Kai is available in toy, miniature, or normal sizes. The toy variant is less than ten pounds and can reach a height of up to 13 inches at the shoulder. The small type weighs between 10 and 15 pounds and is over 13 inches tall but no taller than 15 inches at the shoulder. The typical Alaskan Klee Kai weighs between 15 and 23 pounds and measures between 16 and 17 inches at the shoulder.
| 👀 Eye Color | Blue |
| 🐽 Nose Color | Black |
| 🐕 Coat Color | Black, Sable, Silver, Red, Brown, Gray |
⚡ Fun Fact: Alaskan Klee Kai dogs need a lot of social interaction. They desire to always be with someone or around people. This breed hates being left alone.
🐶 Traits & Temperament of Alaskan Klee Kai
Although the Alaskan Klee Kai is a direct descendant of the Siberian and Alaskan Husky, he was not developed as a working dog. He was only ever intended to be a companion animal. He avoids strangers whenever possible since he is naturally reserved around them. He is frequently described as being jittery. He is incredibly dedicated to his family and serves as a great house watchdog. The Alaskan Klee Kai is an extremely loud dog who expresses his desires vocally. Even though his little stature makes him ideal for apartment life, if his family ignores him for the majority of the day, he may start to bother the neighbors with his barks and whines. He does need regular walks and family time to bond. He can play and run about best in a fenced-in area, but he can also handle regular long walks. To prevent his shyness from developing into something more problematic and to help him fit in with the family, training and socializing must begin at a young age.
🤝 Are Alaskan Klee Kais Friendly or Aggressive?
Alaskan Klee Kai dogs typically get along well with other pets and are generally friendly towards strangers. They are also considered kid-friendly, making them a good choice for families with children. While they may not be overly affectionate towards cats and other dogs, they generally have an average level of friendliness towards them. Additionally, Alaskan Klee Kai dogs are often recommended for elderly individuals, possibly due to their manageable size and temperament.
This breed is known for being:
- Active
- Curious
- Agile
- Intelligent
- Loyal
- Territorial
- Quick
🐩 Alaskan Klee Kai Care & Maintenance
A hypoallergenic breed is not the Alaskan Klee Kai. He constantly sheds because of his thick double coat. He sheds significantly twice a year and is a seasonal shedder. When a dog sheds heavily, a lot of hair, even for a little dog, comes off of him. His grooming requirements are often low; use a comb, slicker brush, and pin brush to remove any stray hairs once a week. When he is heavily shedding, he will need to be brushed every day, and warm baths will assist to loosen the coat and speed up the shedding process. Avoid over-washing your Alaskan Klee Kai; he doesn’t have a strong dog smell and should only require bathing twice a year or only after becoming dirty in mud or other unpleasant things. However, because he is an active dog, his toenails could naturally wear down over time; examine them at least every two weeks to see whether they need a fast cut. To keep good dental health, have his teeth professionally cleaned once a year.
Alaskan Klee Kai dogs are known for their low to non-existent shedding. This makes them a great option for people who are concerned about their furniture or car being covered in dog hair. If you have a puppy from this breed, you can rest assured that you won’t have to constantly deal with excessive shedding. Additionally, Alaskan Klee Kai dogs typically only require bathing every 6-8 weeks, making grooming maintenance easier compared to other breeds.
🍖 Food: We recommend 1 cups daily, costing you about $0.90 – $1.00 daily, or roughly $25.00 – $30.00 a month.
🐾 Exercise: Alaskan Klee Kai dogs have an average exercise need. This breed is satisfied with short walks every weekday and a long ones on weekends.
This dog breed requires to be walked for roughly 10 miles per week, which equates to about 45 minutes of physical activity daily. This consistent moderate exercise regimen will help maintain their physical wellness and significantly contribute to their mental stimulation. Consciously setting aside this time for your furry friend can dramatically enhance their life quality, helping them stay energetic, healthy, and mentally alert.
Did you know: Alaskan Klee Kai dogs have a higher energy level than other dog breeds. If you want a dog for snuggling on the couch, this breed isn’t the perfect choice for you.
❤️🩹 Alaskan Klee Kai Health & Issues
Some of the major concerns for Alaskan Klee Kai Dog Breed can be:
- Patellar Luxation
While minor concerns include:
- Bleeding Disorder
🤧 Important: Is Alaskan Klee Kai hypoallergenic? No.
✨ Bonus: Check out cool, creative, and funny names for Alaskan Klee Kai.
⚡ Alaskan Klee Kai Dog Breed Facts
What makes the Alaskan Klee Kai a great choice for families with young children?
The Alaskan Klee Kai is a great choice for families with young children because they are small, energetic, and very smart. They can provide endless entertainment and playtime for children while also being gentle and affectionate.
Is the Alaskan Klee Kai breed considered a suitable breed for apartment living?
Yes, the Alaskan Klee Kai breed is considered a suitable breed for apartment living. Although they are energetic, they can adjust well to apartment living as long as they are given ample opportunity to exercise and play. Daily walks and a fenced yard are recommended for their exercise needs.
How much exercise does a Alaskan Klee Kai require compared to other breeds?
The Alaskan Klee Kai requires moderate exercise compared to other breeds. Daily walks and playtime are essential for their physical and mental well-being. They are not as high-energy as some working breeds, but still require regular exercise to prevent boredom and behavioral issues.
Is the Alaskan Klee Kai breed known for being good with other pets?
The Alaskan Klee Kai breed can be good with other pets if properly socialized from a young age. However, their natural shyness around strangers may extend to other animals, so early and positive socialization is important to ensure they get along well with other pets in the household.
What are other low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Alaskan Klee Kai?
Some low-maintenance dog breeds similar to the Alaskan Klee Kai include the Shiba Inu and the Basenji. These breeds also have similar size and energy levels, making them suitable for individuals or families with limited time for grooming and exercise.
What are the common health issues that Alaskan Klee Kais are prone to?
Like many small dog breeds, Alaskan Klee Kais are generally healthy, but they are prone to certain health issues. These may include luxating patellas, cardiac issues, and autoimmune diseases. Regular vet check-ups and a healthy diet can help prevent or manage these potential health problems.
Are Alaskan Klee Kais known to be easy to train compared to other breeds?
Alaskan Klee Kais are generally intelligent and eager to please, which can make them relatively easy to train compared to some other breeds. However, their natural skittishness may require patient and positive reinforcement training methods to build their confidence and prevent any potential behavioral issues.
Are Alaskan Klee Kais more prone to separation anxiety compared to other breeds?
Alaskan Klee Kais can be prone to separation anxiety, especially if not properly trained and socialized from a young age. They are very devoted to their families and may become anxious or distressed when left alone for long periods. Early training and gradually increasing alone time can help prevent separation anxiety in this breed.
Are there any dog breeds similar to the Alaskan Klee Kai that are suitable for people with allergies?
Some dog breeds similar to the Alaskan Klee Kai that are suitable for people with allergies include the Bichon Frise, the Maltese, and the Portuguese Water Dog. These breeds have hypoallergenic coats that produce less dander, making them more suitable for individuals with allergies.
What sizes of dogs similar to the Alaskan Klee Kai are best for individuals or families with limited space?
For individuals or families with limited space, smaller dogs similar to the Alaskan Klee Kai are best. Breeds such as the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, the French Bulldog, and the Boston Terrier are popular choices for those living in apartments or smaller homes.
Is the Alaskan Klee Kai breed known to be good with children with special needs?
The Alaskan Klee Kai breed can be good with children with special needs, but it is important to ensure proper socialization and supervision. Their small size and gentle nature make them a potential good match for children with special needs, but each dog’s temperament should be considered on an individual basis.
How does the grooming and shedding needs of the Alaskan Klee Kai?
The grooming and shedding needs of the Alaskan Klee Kai are relatively low compared to some other breeds. They have a double coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting and shedding. However, they are not heavy shedders and do not require extensive grooming like some long-haired breeds.
We use reliable and publicly available data and resources such as AKC and American Canine Registry to ensure that Alaskan Klee Kai dog breed information is accurate and up to date. If you spot an error, please don’t hesitate to bring it to our attention.
