Alaskan Klee Kai Dog Breed (Complete Guide)

Alaskan Klee Kai Overview

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a real expression of his Northern ancestry, with his wedge-shaped head, stunning facial mask, prick ears, and full tail that curls over the back, his spitz-type resembled a smaller version of the well-known Alaskan Husky.

Alaskan Klee Kai Dog Highlights 

  • The name “Klee Kai” is derived from an Inuit term that means “little dog,” which is fitting for this breed, which is a smaller version of its Husky relatives.
  • The breed originated in Alaska in the 1970s and 1980s as a companion dog rather than a working sled dog.
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  • However not acknowledged by the American Kennel Club, Alaskan Klee Kais are known in the United Kennel Club alongside in the American Rare Breed Organization, amongst many others.
  • There are solid white Alaskan Klee Kais, but breed standards do not recognize this coat color.
  • Despite the fact that they shed a lot, Alaskan Klee Kais do not require much grooming and can take care of themselves.
  • Because they are wary of strangers, these dogs require early socialization training that should endure the rest of their lives if they are to be friendly to strangers.
  • The Alaskan Klee Kai’s intense prey drive may make them unsuitable for homes with other small pets such as cats, rabbits, hamsters, and so on. Though Alaskan Klee Kais like their human families, little children who have not been trained how to interact with dogs may accidentally injure them during play or incite them to nip or snap.

Alaskan Klee Kai Breed Features & Ratings

Rated base on a 5 Star Scale
ENERGY LEVEL:                                4 Star
EXERCISE REQUIREMENTS:           4 Star
PLAYFULNESS:                                 4 Star
AFFECTION LEVEL:                           4 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO DOGS:                2 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO OTHER PETS:   1 Star
FRIENDLINESS TO STRANGERS:     2 Star
WATCHFULNESS:                            4 Star
EASE OF TRAINING:                         4 Star
GROOMING REQUIREMENTS:          3 Star
HEAT SENSITIVITY:                            3 Star
VOCALITY                                          3 Star

Alaskan Klee Kai Profile

  • Dog Breed Group:  Companion Dogs
  • Height:  13 to 17 inches
  • Weight:  10 to 15 pounds
  • Life Span: 12-16 years
  • Type: Northern Breed (UKC)
  • AREA OF ORIGIN:  Alaska
  • DATE OF ORIGIN: 1970
  • OTHER NAMES:  AAKK, Klee Kai, Miniature Alaskan Husky, Mini Husky 
  • Temperament: Active, Agile, Curious, Intelligent, Loyal, Quick, Territorial
  • Activities: Curious, clever, fast, and devious, and may have a high prey drive,
  • Color: Red and white, Black and white, Grey and white
  • Litter Size: 1 to 3 puppies 
  • Puppy Prices: $1500 – $2000 USD on average

Alaskan Klee Kai Health

The Alaskan Klee Kai (AKK) is a breed that is normally in good health.

Breeders who are responsible examine their breeding stock for health issues such as patellar luxation, autoimmune thyroiditis, heart murmurs, eye diseases, and Factor VII deficiency.

Prospective AKK owners are recommended to buy from responsible/reputable breeders who conduct these examinations and confirm the sire and dam’s health screening.

Responsible breeders employ the various techniques at their disposal, as well as their knowledge of their dogs’ pedigrees, to select breeding dogs with the least amount of temperament, structure, and health issues.

Weights are approximations based on the overall size of the dog and will vary depending on bone structure.

Alaskan Klee Kai Grooming

The Alaskan Klee Kai has three coat colors that are accepted as breed standards.

These include red and white, black and white, and gray and white Alaskan Klee Kais, as well as solid white Alaskan Klee Kais.

Standard or full-coat coats are available. Both have double coats, which means they have a short, soft undercoat and a longer, coarser outer coat that protects dogs from the elements.

Cleaning an Alaskan Klee Kai is not even an easy task, although it is not as difficult as grooming a Maltese or an Akita.

Because of their small stature, these dogs do not leave as much hair on the furniture as larger breeds do.

While their fur is dense, it only grows to about an inch or two in length.

Brush them many times per week, paying special attention to matting near their collar or harness. Good grooming habits will also lessen the amount of hair on your furnishings.

It is generally a pleasure to train these small dogs. They’re quick to pick up new skills and as sharp as a whip, so be prepared to keep up!

After they’ve learned basic obedience training, Alaskan Klee Kai respond especially well to fast-paced, reward-based training games like “Ready, Set, Down.”

Unlike many other breeds, Alaskan Klee Kais do not typically acquire a canine odor, and they normally like grooming themselves, thus they may not require as frequent bathing as other dogs.

They will almost certainly require regular brushing throughout the seasons when their coats blow out, which occurs before summer and winter.

They tend to shed abundantly during this time of year, but they only shed modestly the rest of the year.

Alaskan Klee Kai Exercise

The Alaskan Klee Kai (AKK) is an energetic dog with a high degree of activity.

Regular exercise and activities together, both physically and intellectually, enhance the link between dog and owner and aid in the prevention of potentially dangerous behavior.

AKK likes participating in performing sports or enjoying life with their people through a variety of tasks encompassing camping, hiking, climbing, swimming, boating, kayaking, and even paddleboarding! 

Every day walks or a game of fetch can also provide fantastic fitness for individuals who live in a more urban location or have a more sedate lifestyle.

Alaskan Klee Kai is first and foremost affectionate companion dogs who build deep relationships with their family and are equally content playfully socializing with their people while enjoying the outdoors as they are resting lovingly on the laps of their young or old owners.

Alaskan Klee Kai, like many dog breeds, are curious, clever, fast, and devious, and may have a high prey drive, thus keeping the dog on a leash or in a securely fenced yard (or guarded area) at all times when outside the home.

AKK is not appropriate for persons who are unable to spend time with their pets.

Alaskan Klee Kai Training

Klee Kai Training by Laskan The Alaskan Klee Kai is a smart breed that appreciates physical and mental stimulation.

They like discovering new skills and have the enthusiasm to partake in a wide range of activities, making them ideal for a variety of performance sports, including Endurance, Races, Obedience, Rally, Lift Pull, Dock Diving, and Hauling.

They are also employed for therapy, service, diabetes and gluten detection, and as emotional support dogs. AKK people are sensitive, reserved, and cautious.

A soft touch, positive reinforcement, proper early socialization, and training throughout their lives are all quite beneficial.

Alaskan Klee Kai Food and  Nutrition

The Alaskan Klee Kai should be doing well on high-quality pet food, either commercially prepared or home-prepared under the guidance and permission of your veterinarian.

The diet should be age-appropriate for the dog (puppy, adult, or senior).

Some dogs are prone to excessive weight gain, so keep an eye on your dog’s calorie intake and weight level.  Alaskan Klee Kais are high-energy dogs who require a meal that will keep them going all day.

Although their energetic temperament limits their ability to gain weight, they must maintain proper nourishment in order to stay healthy.

You should see your veterinarian or a professional nutritionist for advice on how to suit the dietary needs of your Alaskan Klee Kai.

Alaskan Klee Kai Temperament and Personality

The loyal and alert Alaskan Klee Kai, like other tiny breeds, is territorial and makes an excellent watchdog.

He can be reserved and wary of strangers, yet he is warm and affectionate with his human family.

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a curious, lively, and clever dog who gets along well with children and other dogs.

However, because of his high prey drive, he may not be suitable for a family with pets smaller than him.

Alaskan Klee Kais are smart, lively, and devoted to their families. They don’t like strangers and must be socialized for the rest of their lives if they are to be sociable to new people.

Their wariness of new faces, on the other hand, makes them ideal watchdogs.

Alaskan Klee Kais understand good directions quickly and may be at the top of their class when it comes to training.

They are eager to impress and extremely food motivated, and they excel at agility training, which can be helpful for them to burn off some of their surplus energy during the day.

They’re usually content to spend the remaining hours of the day on the sofa after for good, long walk and a healthy play session, but disregard their exercise needs, and they may become bored, nervous, and destructive.

Be cautious on hikes because these dogs have a strong hunt drive and may bolt if they notice wildlife.

Alaskan Klee Kais appreciate being the focus of attraction in their families, but if their expectations are not met, they will make a stand.

Though they are normally calmer and less chatty than their Husky forefathers, they will growl and whine to show their discontent, and they can be sensitive.

Alaskan Klee Kai Care/Upkeep

When it comes to Alaskan Klee Kai care, it is critical to ensure that their exercise demands are addressed, since they can become high-strung and worried if they do not have a way to burn off energy.

They, like any other dog breed, require regular tooth brushing, nail cutting, and ear cleaning. You should consult with your veterinarian about your dog’s individual requirements.

Despite his thick double coat, which sheds modestly, the Alaskan Klee Kai’s grooming requirements are rather low.

He normally enjoys grooming himself, so aside from frequent brushing and washing, as well as regular teeth brushing, nail trimming, and ear cleaning, there isn’t much upkeep required.

Keep in mind that the Alaskan Klee Kai sheds seasonally and may necessitate further brushing.

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a highly energetic, active, and swift dog who needs enough exercises, including free play in a fenced yard or leashed walks, to avoid getting stressed or worried.

Alaskan Klee Kai Relationship with Children and Other Pets

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a devoted family dog who adores its owners, even youngsters.

However, they are small dogs, and very young children are not always taught how to deal with animals.

They may hurt Alaskan Klee Kais or provoke them to nip. When playing with dogs, children should always be supervised, and the Alaskan Klee Kai is no exception.

Though they have a high prey drive, Alaskan Klee Kais are normally good with other dogs, especially if they experience engaging from a young age.

This makes them unsuitable for homes with smaller pets, unless they have been carefully trained to coexist with them.

Alaskan Klee Kai Names

RankBoy NamesGirl Names
01BuddyMolly
02TuckerBella
03TobyCoco
04RileyStella
05RockyAbbie
06BaileyEllie
07OliverGinger
08LeoLily
09TeddyEmma
10LouiePenny

All About Alaskan Klee Kai

Alaskan Klee Kais, unlike with the Alaskan and Siberian Huskies from whom they are related, are intended to be companion dogs rather than working animals that pull sleds.

While they resemble Huskies in appearance, Alaskan Klee Kais have distinct temperament traits, notably a fear of strangers. 

While they dislike meeting new people, they are exceptionally loving family dogs, and their continual vigilance makes them excellent watchdogs.

Alaskan Klee Kais like human attention and are ready to please, making them extremely trainable. 

Though they are a new breed that is not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by several other kennel associations and have various breed requirements.

However, there is still variety within the breed, and some breeders are striving to change undesirable temperament qualities such as skittishness.

Alaskan Klee Kais are not often produced, thus they remain a somewhat unusual breed around the world.

Alaskan Klee Kai History

The Alaskan Klee Kai is among the “youngest” dog breeds, with its origins traced back to Linda Spurlin, a single woman who began working on creating a companion-sized Husky in the 1970s after spotting what appeared in Oklahoma to be a little dog. 

Spurlin “outcrossed” Huskies with younger animals such as Schipperkes and Alaskan Eskimo Dogs rather than generating extra-small or dwarf Huskies to create a simple breed.

Spurlin named the breed “Klee Kai” at first, which translates to “little dog” in Inuit. In 1995, the name was transformed to Alaskan Klee Kai.

The American Kennel Club does not recognize this breed as a separate breed because it is still considered unusual. In 1997, the Alaskan Klee Kai was recognized by the United Kennel Club.

The Alaskan Klee Kai’s objective has always been to be a cute, lively companion for owners.

Unlike the bulk of elder dog breeds, these little puppies were never designed to hunt, farming animals, protector, besides a companion.

However, this does not preclude them from enjoying “work” in the form of barking at strangers and training activities!

People are becoming more interested in the Alaskan Klee Kai as they recognize the attractiveness of a clever, active dog that can still fit into a compact living space.

As a result, some inexperienced breeders are selling badly bred puppies with compressed features and bulging eyes that resemble fluffy Chihuahuas rather than miniature Huskies.

It is critical to support a reputable breeder in order to maintain this rather rare breed healthy in the future.

Where to Adopt or Buy an Alaskan Klee Kai

Because the Alaskan Klee Kai is an uncommon breed, you’re unlikely to find one at a pet shelter, though it’s always interesting to check in on a regular basis to see if there’s a canine appropriate for your home.

The Alaskan Klee Kai National Rescue is looking for dogs which have been neglected, mistreated, abandoned, or returned by their families.

Other rescue organizations that do not specialize in particular breeds may have Alaskan Klee Kais accessible.

More Dog Breeds and Further Research 

Is a Klee Kai the correct choice for you? Before you take an Alaskan Klee Kai home, you should look into other comparable breeds to compare their characteristics and demands.

To learn more, talk to owners, breeders, and rescue groups, as well as meet a few Alaskan Klee Kai in person.

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Alaskan Klee Kai Fun Facts

  • They’re Not Mini Huskies or Husky Puppies. 
  •  Started by Linda Spurlin. 
  •  Four Breeds Used to Create Alaskan Klee Kai. 
  • They Come in Four Different Colors.
  • Unique Eyes. 
  •  Alaskan Klee Kai Can Be Quite Shy.
  •  Little Celebrities. 
  • Talkative Dogs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):

Do Alaskan Klee Kai have a lot of barking?

While the breed does not bark excessively, it does enjoy to talk with its owners, whether it’s requesting a treat, objecting to a directive, or demonstrating affection. They will emit a variety of sounds, including a harsh bark and a howl. Each Alaskan Klee Kai will have its own unique voice.

When do Klee Kais stop growing?

Klee Kai appear to attain adult height by one year of age, but their skeletal structure frequently continues to mature until about the age of two.

Is Klee Kai difficult to train?

Alaskan Klee Kai canines can be rather headstrong. Because they have a high IQ, they are easily trained. It is best to begin at a young age and ensure that training sessions are constant and regular.

Do Alaskan Klee Kai have a lot of barking?

  • While the breed does not bark excessively, it does enjoy to talk with its owners, whether it’s requesting a treat, objecting to a directive, or demonstrating affection. They will emit a variety of sounds, including a harsh bark and a howl. Each Alaskan Klee Kai will have its own unique voice.

When do Klee Kais stop growing?

  • Klee Kai appear to attain adult height by one year of age, but their skeletal structure frequently continues to mature until about the age of two.

Is Klee Kai difficult to train?

  • Alaskan Klee Kai canines can be rather headstrong. Because they have a high IQ, they are easily trained. It is best to begin at a young age and ensure that training sessions are constant and regular.
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