The Alaskan klee kai is a spitz-type dog and a new breed. The nonworking spitz dogs include the Pomeranian and this breed, also known as a miniature version of a Siberian husky. The Alaskan klee kai needs a lot of exercise, and if he is bored you may see holes in the yard from digging.
Alaskan Klee Kai Breed Overview
The Alaskan klee kai is energetic, and this miniature 'version' of the Siberian husky is confident yet wary of strangers. This dog is not an actual mini-husky! The Alaskan klee kai comes in three sizes, including the toy, miniature, and standard. The dog is designed to be a companion animal and member of the pack.
Origin and History
The spitz-type breed was created in Alaska in the 1970s and is a cross between Alaskan and Siberian huskies with smaller breeds to create a mini husky. The word klee kai means "little dog." This new breed is a companion-sized husky in a more manageable package.
Alaskan Klee Kai Temperament
The Alaskan klee kai needs to be trained and socialized as a puppy. For example, if a child teases an adult dog at all, it may snap. The breed needs a lot of exercise and one long daily walk to stay in top condition and good mental health. A tired dog is a good dog!
This Breed Enjoys Talking
The Alaskan klee kai is highly intelligent and curious. He fits well in a modest-sized home but has a lot of energy. The breed is extremely vocal and "talks" to his family.
Exercise Is Key
Spitz-type dogs are not always easy to live with and train. This breed resorts to destructive behaviors like digging when not kept busy.
Health Concerns
Alaska klee kais are known for being free of genetic diseases. With that in mind, reputable breeders always screen for several genetic conditions.
- Factor VII deficiency (involves the clotting of blood)
- Luxating patella
- Thyroid disease
- Ophthalmology conditions
Two Coat Styles
The size of this spitz-type dog breed varies, and there are two forms of the coat. There is a standard or short coat type and a full or slightly longer thicker coat. The most common colors are grey and white, followed by black and white.
Grooming a Klee Kai
The breed also goes through a molt twice a year. Many full-coated breed types like the Alaskan klee kai need regular grooming. When this breed sheds all of their undercoats twice a year, which is also known as "blowing their coats," pet parents may want to do more in-depth grooming. This technique encourages the shedding of the old undercoat layer so that the new undercoat grows quickly.
Alaskan Klee Kai Size Varies
The Alaskan klee kai size varies as there is a toy, miniature, and standard version.
Standard Size
The standard is the most popular size.
- Weight: Weighs between 15 and 22 pounds
- Height: Between 15 and 17 inches
Miniature Version
This miniature version appears to be a small Siberian husky.
- Weight: Weighs between 9 and 15 pounds
- Height: Between 13 and 15 inches
Toy Size
Toy breeds are adorable, and this pint-size version of the Alaskan klee kai is precious.
- Weight: Weighs up to nine pounds
- Height: Up to 13 inches
Best Diet for Small Breeds
Pet parents need to look for high-quality ingredients for an active small breed. Many diets are specially formulated for smaller breeds, including the toy and miniature versions of the klee kai.
Caring for Your Senior Alaskan Klee Kai
The lifespan of this breed is over ten years. This dog thrives in colder weather, but never leave your Alaskan klee kai outdoors for extended periods. All senior dogs need to visit a vet at least twice a year.
About Spitz-Type Dogs
The spitz-type dogs seen today originated many centuries ago in Arctic regions. Breeds, including the Siberian husky, were used for sled-hauling by explorers of the 20th century. Hunters and fur trappers also used spitz-type sled dogs. Today the breeds in this group are popular for sled-racing sports. The Alaskan klee-kai is a nonworking spitz dog.
Work With a Reputable Breeder
The American Kennel Club is an excellent resource for pet parents looking for reputable breeders. There are many questions pet parents need to ask a breeder when researching spitz-type dogs.
The Alaskan Klee Kai Descends From Wolves
This new breed is energetic and curious. The Alaskan klee kai wants to be part of the pack and treated as a family member. The dog breed needs extensive exercise, and grooming may seem high-maintenance to pet owners at first. If you work with a groomer on the techniques, the regular brushing sessions are manageable. This breed may seem challenging, but with some training, the Alaskan klee kai is a wonderful family member.
