Alaskan Klee Kai grooming takes a moderate amount of work overall. These dogs shed a fair amount for most of the year, and more heavily during the spring and fall shedding seasons, so they'll mostly need brushing 1-2 times per week (but more frequently during shedding season). And Klee Kais are known to be fastidious about keeping themselves clean, so they'll only need baths if they become especially dirty or stinky. Haircuts aren't required at all, though some owners of longer-haired Klee Kais have their dogs' coats trimmed a bit (but never shaved!) to reduce tangling and matting.
Brushing: A pin brush will work well on these dogs; a good 2-in-1 comb will come in handy as well. To brush: first wet the coat with mist from a spray bottle, then starting at the shoulders, use the typical line brushing technique to go over the entire coat, moving in the direction of hair growth. If you encounter a tangle or mat (which only really happens with longer-coated Klee Kais), first try to work it out with your fingers, then continue working through it with the comb. Brushing will only be needed weekly except during shedding season, when it can be done daily; during the shedding period--usually 2-3 weeks--owners can also use a shedding tool to help the shedding process along.
Bathing: Klee Kais can be bathed in either a bathtub or in an outdoor kiddie pool using a garden hose. Bathe as follows: first give the dog a thorough brushing, then wet the coat completely; apply a small amount of shampoo to the dog's back, then lather well, working downward as you go. (Be sure to use canine shampoo, as the kind made for humans can irritate the dog's skin.) Lather up the legs, underbelly, and tail, then finish by using a washcloth to clean the head, ears, and face, making sure to avoid getting soap in the dog's eyes. Rinse completely, towel-dry, then give the coat another brush-through to make it look clean and neat.
Haircuts: First and foremost: some think that shaving a Klee Kai during the summer months will keep the dog cool. While this is true in part, owners should never shave their Klee Kais! Doing so will make the coat grow back differently, and will in essence ruin its effectiveness. Spitz breeds like this one will be okay in hot weather. So in a nutshell, leave that coat alone!
That said, owners of longer-haired Klee Kais see their dogs' coats tangle and mat from time to time, so trimming the coat about half an inch is permitted. And while the coats can be trimmed at home, at least one trip to a professional groomer is recommended. The groomer can demonstrate the proper trimming method, and provide tips on grooming an Alaskan Klee Kai in general.
