Alaskan Klee Kai Dog Breed

One fact about Alakan Klee Kais is that they, unlike their larger Alaskan Husky counterparts, are not working or sporting dogs. Linda Spurling created this breed as an aesthetically stunning, small companion dog that has been increasing in popularity since the late 80's. These are indoor dogs and a small, fenced yard is ideal (but not necessary provided enough exercise). They must be included in the owner/family's daily activities, receive proper obedience training, and adequate daily exercise-- otherwise anxiety, boredom or Small Dog Syndrome can result in nuisance behaviors. Overall, this breed is a good match for a first time owner.

PROS

• Small size suitable for large apartments and small homes
• Good with children if well trained
• Friendly with other dogs
• Makes an acceptable watchdog
• Enjoys spending time with the owner/family
• Light exercise buddy
• Eye-catching appearance
• Very clean dogs, little grooming required
• Fairly easy to train
• Few well documented health issues

CONS

• Must live indoors
• Active, needs daily outdoor exercise (minimum 30 min/day)
• Needs early socialization to exist well with cats and other small pets
• Not a guard dog
• Prone to separation anxiety, boredom, Small Dog Syndrome if not stimulated
• Sheds regularly, heavily twice per year (weekly-daily brushing)

Alaskan Klee Kais are equally as stunning in appearance as their Alaskan Husky relatives, however, these solely companion dogs are less high strung/hyper and less friendly towards strangers. They tend to remain reserved, suspicious or even a bit shy, but this also makes them decent watch dogs. Though they are calmer than the larger Husky dogs, they are still highly active and make great playmates for kids that are steady on their feet and respectful of their pets. Those looking for a breed that loves interaction will be pleased with the AKK as they are often said to be wherever you are-- they even make good partners for light exercise.

Most Alaskan Klee Kai information is in agreement that these are smart dogs that train pretty easily. Of course, with any pack dog the key is to keep you calm, be consistent and firm-- especially resist the urge to treat these small puppies as babies as this encourages Small Dog Syndrome. This breed is naturally agile and also excels in agility training. Early training will nip any excessive barking, jumping, nipping behaviors in the bud, and early socialization will help them become less stranger shy and more likely to leave the cats alone.

Finally, exercise is an important part of keeping your Mini Husky healthy, with less anxiety and boredom. Although they are indoor dogs and a yard is not required, at least 45 minutes or more of daily exercise is. Long walks, short hikes, agility training, games with toys and trips to the dog park are all good ideas for this breed.

Although they are essentially Mini Alaskan Huskies, Alaskan Klee Kai history includes no sled pulling. In fact, this breed was pure bred for companionship and appearance by Linda S. Spurlin (and family) of Alaska. From the 70's to the late 80's she selected smaller breeds, such as the American Eskimo, to downsize the Alaskan Husky. This breed was finally made available to others in 1988 under the name "Alaskan Klee Kai" which partially translates to "small dog" in Eskimo. Although a fairly recent breed, they are already recognized by several major Kennel Clubs.

Essentially, the Alaskan Klee Kai is a smaller version of the Alaskan Husky and are certainly in the small dog category. They have thick double coats that can be a variety of colors but must include a dark mask. They have medium-sized "prick" ears that stand erect atop the head. Klee Kais can have blue eyes or brown eyes.

The Alaskan Klee Kai is often referred to as the "Mini Husky". They do stay small and even a fully grown individual will not weigh more than 20 pounds. They vary mostly in coat color and size. All coat colors are acceptable as long as there is contrast within the coat as well as a dark mask. There are 3 size types for this breed: Toys are up to 13 inches, Minis are 13-15 inches, and Standards are 15-17.

The Alaskan Klee Kai temperament with their "pack" is active, attention-loving, clever and amusing. However, they are also alert and make good watchdogs due to the fact they usually remain reserved around strangers. These dogs are easier to train than Huskies provided you can be calm, consistent and firm; if left untrained they may develop nuisance behaviors such as excessive barking, digging, escaping fences and even Small Dog Syndrome. AKKs are should not live outdoors-- they enjoy the company of their owner/family and will like to be wherever you are.

The playful personality of the Klee Kai make them suitable family companions. They do well with other dogs, most of the time, but need early socialization to live peacefully with cats. Typically, Klee Kais retain prey drive towards other small, non canine pets. Note, unless bored or alerting you, these dogs aren't typically barkers; they do vocalize and make sounds to communicate with their owner sometimes.

The Alaskan Klee Kai has been known to have a lifespan of anywhere from 12-16 years. According to the American Klee Kai Association of America, they have a few health concerns to be aware of: