As a dog lover, I have been a fan of the Alaskan Klee Kai for a long time!
The cuteness and fluffiness are spectacular about these breeds are.
This breed is a recent one, which was developed in the 1970s By Linda Spurlin in Wasilla, Alaska. The Alaskan Klee Kai dog is a result of crossbreeding the Alaskan Huskies and Siberian Huskies.
The Alaskan Klee Kai breed is a rare one and isn’t that interesting?
About the breed
Lean and loving Alaskan Klee Kais are the perfect companions for anyone considering getting a furry best friend in the Husky space. These dogs are gorgeous love machines and get their name ‘Klee Kai’ from what translates to ‘Small.’
This small, smart, and intelligent breed may resemble the larger Husky breeds but differ slightly in temperament.
They are often considered mini versions of the loved breed Siberian Huskies, and if you are looking for a friend in them?
You are in the right place! Read on to learn everything about these beautiful pups.
Afghan Spaniel Dog Breed History
The Klee Kai Alaskan dog hails from Alaska. The dog is the brainchild of a woman, Ms. Linda S. Spurlin, and her family.
The inception of them came through when Ms. Spurlin visited Oklahoma and saw a mini version of the Siberian Husky. She was determined to create a puppy companion as well.
She ensured she was cross-breeding to eliminate chances of dwarfism and came up with the Alaskan Klee Kai.
About ten years after revealing this Eskimo dog companion to the public, she retired from breeding. However, other cross-breeders continue to breed the Klee Kai Alaskan.
The American Kennel Club (AKC) has not yet recognized them as a pure breed; however, in the years 1995 and 1997, the American Rare Breed Association and United Kennel Club recognized the breed, respectively.
The Alaskan Klee Kai has a lot of higher energy levels and can demand a lot of exercise training from your busy schedule. So be prepared if you are thinking of adopting them!
| Breed Name | Alaskan Klee Kai |
| Other Name | Miniature Husky |
| Type of dog breed | Crossbreed/Hybrid |
| Origin | Alaska |
| Born of | Alaskan and Siberian Huskies |
| Height | 13-17 inches |
| Weight | 10-15 pounds |
| Life Expectancy | 12-16 years |
| Coat Type | Double coat: Soft short undercoat and a long coarse outer coat |
| Common Colors | Black and white, gray and white, or red and white |
| Level of grooming | Regular brushing before shedding seasons |
| Level of shedding | Moderate shedding |
| Persona | Intelligent, Easy to train, Affectionate |
| Living in an apartment | May be ideal for Apartment living |
| Friendly with other pets | Yes |
| Health Concerns | Luxating Patella, Thyroid disease, Heart conditions, Liver shunts, Cataracts |
| Overall Health | Good |
| Intelligence Level | Very Intelligent |
| Easy to train | Highly trainable |
| Level of energy | High |
| Activity interests | Medium, at least 45 minutes every day |
| Number of Puppies | 1-5 puppies |
Alaskan Klee Kai Dog Breed Job Card/Overview
What to know
• They are known for their small frame and loving temperament.
• Huskies are generally sledding dogs.
• However, these Klee Kais are companions by nature.
• They are independent dogs that do not shed a lot and keep themselves hygienic, making them a family breed.
• Though they are great friends, they are pretty rarely seen in the world.
Characteristics
Adaptability
The Alaskan Klee Kai is an adaptable dog for first-time dog owners. They are intelligent and high-activity dogs.
They can be good watchdogs if trained properly. They are moderately adaptable to apartment living.
They are super sensitive and require their owner’s attention most of the time. They hate being left alone for a long period
They are adaptive to cold weather conditions but hate the summer season!
Adaptability
Loves Living in An Apartment
Good for First-Time Owners
Level of Sensitivity
Tolerates Staying Alone at Home
Loves Cold Climate
Loves Hot Climate
Friendliness
The Alaskan Klee Kai needs a lot of interaction with their owners. They love to be around the people whom they love.
They have a hunting nature, so they should be introduced to other pets and cats and should be raised together if the owner is planning on one.
They accept strangers only if they are introduced by their owners and should be careful as their prey drive is super strong.
All Around Friendliness
Affectionate With their Family
Friendly with Kids
Friendly with Other Dogs
Friendly Toward Strangers
Personality
The Alaskan Klee Kais are playful and energetic. They are intelligent and very affectionate to their families. They portray loyalty and are independent.
They are not very fond of socializing and tend to keep to themselves; however, with the training, they may be open to strangers interacting with them.
Their roots make them magnificent watchdogs, thus making them protectors.
They are quick learners and can be very easily trained. They are good listeners with attention to detail and execution. Commands can be relayed to them very efficiently, and they are self-motivated.
Since they are moderately active dogs, they demand about 45 minutes of exercise every day, and keeping them on their feet, and healthy keeps them happy.
If they do not engage in activity, they tend to become self-destructive and burn out. These pups also have a high prey drive.
Temperament
Friendly with Kids
The Alaskan Klee Kai has a sense of humor and plays tricks on the kids. They are super fastidious and intelligent and love to play around.
They are moderately friendly with kids. They can be angry too sometimes if they don’t love someone’s behavior or tricks, but it all depends on their mood.
Amicable to Other Pets
These dogs are usually good with other pets only if they get proper training from the beginning.
Looking out for the same energy level in other dogs and engaging them to play together will make them happy.
Barking Tendencies
These watchdogs bark excessively most of the time when they are bored or injured. They are not hyper like the other husky breeds, and they are highly trainable.
So proper training can teach them proper behavioral manners, and they can be your best dog, too.
Possibilities of Staying Alone
Like all other breeds, Alaskan Klee Kai also hates staying alone. Keeping them alone for a long time can develop anxiety and stress in them.
Also, they are too cute to be left out for a long time, and you wouldn’t like to keep your ball of fluffiness alone for a long time, would you?
Pros and Cons of Alaskan Klee Kais Dog
Pros
- Good watchdogs
- Suspicious of strangers
- Highly energetic and trainable dogs
Cons
- Not too friendly with other pets
- High prey drive
- Not good for novice owners
Male vs. Female attitude
There isn’t much of a differentiation between both genders of the Alaskan Klee Kai. Except for size, the male pups tend to be about four inches bigger than the females.
Altogether otherwise, they are quite similar in temperament and other factors.
Appearance
General Appearance
The Alaskan Klee Kai comes in three sizes, toy, miniature, and standard. This breed has a thick, fluffy coat, which makes them look so cute.
They have different facial markings. Their double coats have contrasting dark and light colors with shades of white, black, gray, and red.
The eyes ? are generally like the other husky’s. They can have heterochromia too.
The Alaskan Klee Kai has a mask and symmetrical markings. Their characteristic tail curls over their back.
Coat color
Coats are the glamors of the Huskies, and the Alaskan Klee Kai has no doubt retained this. Coat colors come in three combinations as such for the Alaskan Klee Kai.
They have a double coat advantage that keeps them insulated and safe. A soft undercoat to insulate them in cold conditions and a thick outside coat protecting them from any weather tribulations.
These coat combinations are in red and white, gray or white, or even black and white. In lucky situations, you may encounter a wholly white Alaskan Klee Kai!
This breed sheds twice a year!
Shedding
Shedding gets intense when the seasons change, for example, when there is a period after summer but due to winter.
During these periods, they may shed profusely and require attention; however, throughout the remainder of the year, they do not shed as much. Just moderate shedding occurs.
Size
Owing to their name, “Klee Kai,” these dogs are nimble-footed and small in size. They were created as mini versions of the handsome Husky breeds and are mini pups of their descent.
Their size is about 13-15 inches tall, but they can go up to 17 inches as well. Most of the pups are an average of 10-15 pounds; however, the lightest ones can be 5 pounds, and the largest ones can be about 22 pounds.
| Male | Female | |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 15-20” | 10-15” |
| Weight | 12-20 lbs | 10-18 lbs |
Health
The Alaskan Klee Kai is a moderately healthy breed; however, like all dogs, they do face some genetic issues like predisposed conditions of various diseases.
Most of them are curable with early diagnosis and proper treatments. Regular checkups can ensure a healthy body for your doggy.
The teeth condition, however, can be well treated by proper vet dentists, so no need to worry about it.
Some of the health problems that this breed faces are:
| Health Problems |
|---|
| Thyroid Disease |
| Heart Disease |
| Cataracts |
| Factor Vii Deficiency |
| Luxating Patella |
| Liver Shunts |
| Health Test |
|---|
| Patella Evaluation |
| Ophthalmologist Evaluation |
| Thyroid Evaluation |
| Factor VII DNA Test |
| Cardiac Evaluation |
| Other allergy and blood tests |
Health and Grooming Needs
Shedding Amounts
Drools
Grooming Ease
General Health
Gains Weight Easily
Size
Maintenance and Care
Keeping Alaskan Klee Kais Healthy and hygienic is important for all dogs.
Generally, these dogs tend to take care of themselves and do not demand great attention or support when it comes to hygiene.
Their exercise needs are to be taken care of, importantly since negating those needs can cause them to stress out and develop destructive mechanisms.
Other than this, keeping their nails short, brushing their coat, and brushing their teeth is primary care. Essential, timely visits to the veterinarian are good.
Grooming
The grooming requirements of the Alaskan Klee Kai are not very demanding. Dog odor is not a problem when it comes to these dogs, and they tend to keep themselves clean.
Their bathing needs are not as frequent or typical as other dogs, and they take care of themselves. Brushing needs are also not very intense.
They tend to blow out in specific seasons (typically when seasons change); during these times, they tend to shed quite a bit and require brushing.
Other than this, they do not shed much.
Food and nutrition
Since the Alaskan Klee Kai is small in size and energetic, a nutritious diet is all that will keep them on their feet.
To do this, make sure that your dog has a balanced diet that can fuel its energy and health needs. The potential for these dogs to lose weight is on the larger side, given their health mechanisms.
Thus, consult your doctor on what will help you keep your dog’s health and retain them in the healthy weight range.
Food cost
You must be worried about how much you have to pay a month to feed your dog.
Generally, the Alaskan Klee Kai will need ¼ cup of food three times a day. When they are 7-8 months old, they will need around ⅓-½ cups of food twice a day.
So approximately, you have to spend $70-$80 a month.
Exercise and activity level
A minimal time of 45 minutes is required every day in the name of exercise when it comes to Alaskan Klee Kais.
They are energetic dogs who demand moderate exercise so they can stay light on their feet and be great companions.
These active dogs need regular exercise and proper training to build a strong bond between the dog and the owners, which will eventually avoid potential destructive behavior.
They enjoy sports such as camping, hiking, swimming, boating, and even paddle boards. A game of fetch will also keep them engaged as it can provide a great medium of exercise.
These dogs have a high prey drive, so it is a must to keep these dogs in a securely fenced area when outside of the homes.
If their exercise needs are not met, these dogs tend to become self-destructive or just lazy and uninterested in things. They are pretty motivated and are small and lean, being quick and agile.
Physical Requirements
Level of Energy
Intensity Level
Exercise Demands
Loves Playing
Trainability
The Alaskan Klee Kai is a highly energetic dog that is active most of the day. They enjoy being mentally and physically challenging.
Their love for learning new things is unmissable. They have an energetic approach and eagerness to participate in a broad array of physical activities, which makes them perfectly trained for some sports like racing, rally, weight pull, dock diving, and even carting.
They are often used as diabetic and gluten detection and also as emotional support dogs.
They are reserved, sensitive, and have a cautious nature.
Early socialization, positive reinforcement, and a gentle hand will make them socialize better, which will be very beneficial throughout their lives.
Trainability
Ease of Training
Intelligence
Mouthiness Habits
Hunting Drives
Loves To Bark Or Howl
Wanderlust Freak
Conclusion
The word ‘Klee Kai’ can be substituted for small; that is where these miniature versions or pups of the Husky lineage get their name from.
They tend to bark when they are displeased and make themselves heard. They are slightly sensitive and demand the attention of their owners.
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FAQ on Alaskan Klee Kai Dog breed…
Where do the Alaskan Klee Kai breeds come from?
These dogs are from the Huskey lineage and a cross of the Siberian and Alaskan Husky. They were crossed to be companion smaller-sized dogs.
What is the best diet routine for an Alaskan Klee Kai dog?
Consult your veterinarian to create the best diet for your Alaskan Klee Kai that will help keep them healthy and agile, at the same time, from losing weight rapidly and enough for their energy needs.
How much exercise is required for an Alaskan Klee Kai?
A minimum of 45 minutes by the day, supplemented by any other exercise or games, is preferred. Make sure they get their exercise since otherwise they indulge in destructive and lethargic activities and get anxious.
I am a passionate animal lover with a lifelong commitment to pet care. With over a decade of experience as a pet owner, I’ve nurtured a variety of furry and feathered friends, from cats and dogs to birds and reptiles. I possess a deep understanding of their unique needs, behavior, and health. My mission is to share my knowledge and insights to help fellow pet enthusiasts provide the best possible care for their beloved companions.