Breed Characteristics: Klee Kai de Alaska

Adaptability

All Around Friendliness

Health and Grooming

Trainability

Exercise Needs

Overview of the Alaskan Klee Kai Dog Breed

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a relatively new breed of dog that was developed in the 1970s in Alaska by Linda Spurlin. It is a small to medium-sized dog that resembles a miniature version of the Alaskan Husky, hence its name which means small dog in Inuit.

History

The Alaskan Klee Kai was developed by crossing Alaskan Huskies with smaller dog breeds such as the Siberian Husky, Schipperke, and American Eskimo Dog. The purpose of this breeding was to create a smaller version of the Alaskan Husky that would be suitable as a companion dog for families living in smaller homes or apartments.

The breed was officially recognized by the American Rare Breed Association (ARBA) in 1995 and later by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1997. The Alaskan Klee Kai is still considered a rare breed and is not recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC).

Physical Characteristics

The Alaskan Klee Kai comes in three different sizes – toy, miniature, and standard. Toy Alaskan Klee Kais weigh up to 10 pounds, miniature Alaskan Klee Kais weigh 10 to 15 pounds, and standard Alaskan Klee Kais weigh 15 to 23 pounds.

They have a double coat with a soft, fluffy undercoat and a longer, coarser top coat. The coat can be a variety of colors including black, white, gray, and red, with different combinations of markings such as masks, spectacles, and socks.

Alaskan Klee Kais have erect ears, almond-shaped eyes, and a curled tail that is carried over their back. They have a wolf-like appearance and are often mistaken for Siberian Huskies or Alaskan Huskies.

Temperament

Alaskan Klee Kais are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and independent nature. They are friendly and affectionate with their families but can be wary of strangers. They are good with children and other pets when properly socialized from a young age.

They have a high prey drive and should be kept on a leash when outdoors to prevent them from chasing after small animals. They are also known to be escape artists and should be kept in a secure and fenced-in yard.

Alaskan Klee Kais are energetic and require regular exercise to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They enjoy activities such as agility, obedience training, and hiking. They are also known to be vocal and will bark to alert their owners of any potential threat.

Health

Alaskan Klee Kais are generally a healthy breed with a lifespan of 12 to 16 years. However, like all dog breeds, they are prone to certain health issues such as patellar luxation, cardiac issues, and thyroid problems.

Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and proper exercise are important to ensure the health and well-being of an Alaskan Klee Kai. They should also be kept up to date on vaccinations and flea and tick prevention.

Grooming

Alaskan Klee Kais have a medium to high grooming requirement due to their double coat. They shed year-round and require regular brushing to prevent mats and tangles. They should be bathed as needed and their nails trimmed regularly to prevent overgrowth and discomfort.

It is important to regularly check their ears for dirt and debris and their teeth for tartar buildup. Dental hygiene is crucial to prevent periodontal disease and maintain overall health.

Conclusion

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a wonderful companion dog for individuals and families looking for a loyal, intelligent, and energetic pet. They require commitment and dedication to properly care for their needs, but the love and companionship they provide make it all worthwhile.

Before bringing an Alaskan Klee Kai into your home, be sure to do thorough research on the breed and consider factors such as size, energy level, grooming requirements, and temperament. With the proper care and attention, an Alaskan Klee Kai can bring joy and happiness to your life for many years to come.