Alaskan Klee Kai: Temperament, Exercise, Grooming, Health

(Mini Husky, Miniature Alaskan Husky)

Group: The Alaskan Klee Kai belongs to the Nordic group. These are northern breeds of dogs belonging to the Spitz family.

Alaskan Klee Kai is classified as one of the Toy Dog Group as there are toy varieties of this breed also. However, presently the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not register the Alaskan Klee Kai and the breed of dogs is now categorized under the Unrecognized & Rare Breeds category of dogs.

Also Known As: The Alaskan Klee Kai is also called Klee Kai and is often also referred to by its nickname AKK.

About Alaskan Klee Kai

Origin and History of the Breed Alaskan Klee Kai is a pretty new canine breed. This breed had been developed especially to serve as companions. These had been developed by the Spurlin family in Alaska, in the Unites States in the 1970s. Being developed especially as a companion-sized form of the Alaskan Husky a lot of features of the Alaskan Husky can be found in the Alaskan Klee Kai while a little amount of the features of American Eskimo dogs can also be observed in them.

A General Description of the Breed

The Alaskan Klee Kai breed had been developed with the objective of creating a companion-sized version of the Alaskan Husky. This is indeed a smaller version of the Alaskan Husky. However, it’s physical features bear considerable resemblances with the Siberian Husky too. This is an energetic and intelligent dog that is well suited for being kept as a pet in apartments.

The dogs are colored in black and white and can come in any variety of gray and white. Few red and white colored members of the breed can be found too. Besides, very few solid white Alaskan Klee Kai dogs are also available.

A special feature of this breed is the presence of a distinctive facial mask made up of contrasting colors. The dogs have short to medium length double coats. While the outer coat is usually long, straight and soft the undercoat is found to be dense and soft.

Height

The heights for the standard Alaskan Klee Kai range between 15 inches and 17 inches. Heights of miniature dogs of the breed vary between 13 inches and 15 inches and those of the toy dogs of this breed fall in the range of 10 inches- 13 inches.

Weight

Standard Alaskan Klee Kai dogs weigh around 23 pounds while miniature versions of the dog weigh about 15 pounds. The toy Alaskan Klee Kai dog varieties weigh around 10 pounds.

Personality

Temperament of the Breed

Alaskan Klee Kai dogs are active dogs having moderate to high levels of energy. They are curious, alert and agile. Some of the dogs of this breed bark. These are not too very favorites of pet lovers perhaps because of their barking propensities. Usually the dogs blow coat once or twice a year. At other times during the year they have minimal shedding.

Though loving and friendly towards members of families with whom they stay these dogs tend to stay cautious and reserved with strangers. Like with several other breeds it is important to make efforts to bring about early and consistent socialization of these dogs. Given a suitable environment these dogs can be wonderful companions. They make docile and loving pets.

The Alaskan Klee Kai is very poor at working as a guarding dog. It has got a fair ability to act as a ‘watch dog’. The toy versions of the Alaskan Klee Kai dogs are usually found to be easy care pets. However, some tend to dislike young children. Besides, they are pretty fragile and this can become a cause of concern especially in large and busy households. The toy dogs also yap a lot and hence may seem to be disturbing. However, they are loyal and intelligent and have been known to pick up tricks quite fast.

Better suited to outdoor or indoor lifestyle?

Being smaller in size these Alaskan Klee Kai dogs can be kept in apartments. However, it is always preferable if they are kept in a house that has a small yard.

How active is the breed?

Regular exercising of the dogs is crucial. The Alaskan Klee Kai dogs need to be taken out for long walks everyday.

Grooming

Alaskan Klee Kai Dogs are average shredders. A daily combing and brushing regimen for the dog is to be followed. Apart from everyday brushing out the coat the dog needs to be bathed.

Due care needs to be given also to ensure that the health and hygiene of the eyes, teeth, ears, feet and nails are rightly maintained. Grooming and caring and checking out for potential health problems on a regular basis is even more important for the puppies of the breed.

Health and Care

Health problems are relatively fewer with this breed. In case one is adopting a puppy of this breed then one need make sure that the puppy does not suffer from hip dysplasia and OCD (osteochondritis dissecans). Also its eyes must be checked for verifying that they are normal and PRA clear.

Life Expectancy

These dogs live for around 12-16 years (average life expectancy of Alaskan Klee Kai dogs being 14 years).