Alaskan Klee Kai

The Alaskan Klee Kai is named for its lineage. It shares ancestry with the intelligent and hardworking Alaskan Husky, known for tracking, hunting, and sled pulling.

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Alaskan Klee Kai Appearance

According to Sherry Holloway, president and historian of the Alaskan Klee Kai Association of America (AKKAOA), the mere fact that the Alaskan Klee Kai initially resembles a tiny version of an Alaskan or Siberian husky is one of the reasons it is so popular. An Alaskan Klee Kai and a husky differ primarily in size. Although all tiny, Alaskan Klee Kais are available in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard.

Toy Alaskan Klee Kai: 6–12 pounds in weight, less than 13 inches tall.
Tiny Alaskan Klee Kai: 10–18 pounds in weight, 13–15 inches tall.
The typical Alaskan Klee Kai is 16–25 pounds in weight and 15–17.5 inches tall.

The markings on their faces also set Alaskan Klee Kais apart from huskies. Their double coats, composed of a medium-length, straight outer coat and a soft, dense undercoat, contrast dark and light colors. White is frequently combined with tones of black, grey, or red. Their eyes can be any combination of colors and are just as striking as huskies'. Like huskies, Alaskan Klee Kais can have heterochromia, in which one or both eyes are different colors.

Alaskan Klee Kai Personality

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a smaller, cuter version of a husky with a lively, playful personality. These curious canines enjoy playing games with loved ones and solving puzzles to keep their minds active. They are energetic and in need of constant supervision. Still, they pick things up quickly and frequently do well in various sports and activities.

Regarding their families, Alaskan Klee Kais are devoted and loving, but they can be cautious around strangers. They should be socialized from a young age to help them become accustomed to new situations and people, even though some may never feel comfortable around people who aren't family. They won't be hostile but will let you know if something bothers them. Their vocal tendencies, combined with their protective and alert nature, make them excellent watchdogs.

Due to their tendency toward separation anxiety, this breed does best in a family environment. More people guarantee that they receive the company and exercise required to maintain their happiness and well-being. Generally speaking, Alaskan Klee Kais get along well with other dogs and are unafraid of larger breeds. They adore playing games, especially chase games, in the park. Having a second dog can be a great way to keep them occupied and avoid boredom when you're not home.

Other animals might also not get along with the Klee Kai. Due to their strong prey drive, they may chase and annoy smaller animals like cats, guinea pigs, and birds. Nonetheless, they are socialized appropriately from an early age. In that case, they can learn to live harmoniously with other animals and develop lifelong friendships.

Alaskan Klee Kai Living Needs

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a versatile breed that gets along well in various environments, including big farms, suburban houses, and urban apartments. Their happiness stems from exercising and spending quality time with their family. You must closely monitor your Klee Kai when they are outside, regardless of where you live. Due to their curiosity and speed, these dogs are frequently tempted to chase after birds, squirrels, and other small animals. Never leave them outside unattended; always keep them in a safe, fenced area or on a leash.  Dog parks and doggie daycare are suitable for safe off-leash play because they can help with their endless energy.

Alaskan Klee Kais require a high-quality diet specific to their growth stage. Usually, adult Klee Kais consumes two cups of food a day, split between two meals. Due to their higher caloric requirements, puppies typically need more frequent feedings. Discussing your dog's diet with your veterinarian will enable you to design the ideal diet for your dog.

Alaskan Klee Kai Care

The energetic and outgoing Alaskan Klee Kai requires frequent grooming, plenty of exercise, and socialization. Despite their heavy shedding, their two coats keep them warm. 
Brushing or combing your hair once a week is recommended to manage shedding and keep fur out of your house. During shedding seasons, during fall and spring, when dogs lose their undercoats, you might need to brush them more frequently. Luckily, their coats resist dirt and don't emit an unpleasant "doggie odor," so regular washing isn't required. Dogs also need regular ear exams, dental cleanings, and nail trims.

Alaskan Klee Kai Health

The typical lifespan of an Alaskan Klee Kai is 13–16 years, and the genetic well-being of the Alaskan Klee Kai breed is still up for debate. At first, the breed was believed to be largely genetically sound. Worries have been raised that breeding for more diminutive stature could lead to a higher incidence of hydrocephalus in puppies. Alaskan Klee Kais are frequently observed to have health issues such as patellar luxation, juvenile cataracts, and stomach issues. Ensure your breeder does all required health tests and screenings before purchasing an Alaskan Klee Kai puppy to ensure you bring home a healthy dog.

Alaskan Klee Kai Exercise Requirements

Alaskan Klee Kais need much daily exercise because of their high energy and activity levels. Although they can adjust to living in an apartment, they still need regular playtime and a long daily walk to release their energy. 

Despite their small size, Alaskan Klee Kais are highly versatile and ideal for active families. They enjoy hiking and sitting in a kayak on the lake. They are very athletic and eager to participate in any activity. They excel at agility. The best place for them to run, chase, and play fetch is a fenced-in yard.

Alaskan Klee Kai Training

The Alaskan Klee Kai are known for their intelligence, which can be a valuable asset during training. Nonetheless, their owners must exercise knowledge and discipline because of their independent spirits to maintain cooperation, obedience, and focus. Obtaining expert training support is strongly advised. They pick up training fast and quickly pick up tricks if you approach them right.

Like most dogs, Klee Kai is sensitive and reacts favorably to food rewards and positive reinforcement. They must receive early and continuous training and socialization. They should have fun, short training sessions because they are naturally curious and daring. It's critical to monitor their potty training closely to minimize distractions outside. Cate training also benefits housebreaking and teaches them to feel at ease in their company.

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Alaskan Klee Kai History 

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a Spitz breed developed in the 1970s as a scaled-down version of the Alaskan Husky, mainly for companion use. Linda Spurlin developed the first Alaskan Klee Kai by crossing Alaskan Huskies with Siberian Huskies and American Eskimo Dogs. The American Rare Breed Association first recognized the breed in 1995, and the United Kennel Club followed suit in 1997, following the breed's release to the public in 1988. Even with these formal acknowledgments, the American Kennel Club (AKC) has not officially recognized the breed.

Alaskan Klee Kai Fun Facts

Some well-known people have taken an interest in Alaskan Klee Kais: musician Joe Jonas and Game of Thrones actress Sophie Turner are proud owners of these adorable animals. The New England Patriots' general manager, Bill Belichick, is also an AKK owner.

With 377,000 followers on Instagram, two AKKs, Creature and Ripley, have become internet celebrities.

The American Kennel Club's Foundation Stock Service group includes the Alaskan Klee Kai. Furthermore, AKKAOA has confirmed that the United Kennel Club, the American Rare Breed Association, t, and the Federation of International Canines fully recognize the breed.