Alaskan Klee Kai

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a spitz-type dog breed that resembles the Siberian Husky but much smaller in size, standing less than 17 inches tall.

Alaskan Klee Kai Breed overview

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a small but highly energetic dog that makes a great family pet. They are intelligent, playful, and loyal to their owners. While they can be cautious around strangers and may need early socialization, they are affectionate and love to snuggle up with their owners. They require plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to prevent destructive behavior and need regular grooming to maintain their luxurious coat. Alaskan Klee Kais are a great choice for owners who are willing to provide them with the attention and activity they need.

Height:
13-17 inches
Weight:
10-15 lbs
Life expectancy:
12-16 years

What To Expect When Caring For a Alaskan Klee Kai

Training

The Alaskan Klee Kai is an intelligent, trainable breed, but they can also be independent and stubborn. They respond well to positive reinforcement training methods such as praise, treats, and play. Clicker training can be particularly effective as it provides a clear and consistent communication method.

The breed can be sensitive to harsh training methods, and it's important to avoid using physical punishment or dominance-based techniques. Early training and socialization are crucial to developing a well-behaved and well-adjusted adult dog.

Nutrition

The Alaskan Klee Kai requires a healthy, well-balanced diet that meets their nutritional needs. The amount of food depends on their size, age, activity level, and metabolism. It's essential to avoid overfeeding as the breed can easily become overweight. Treats should be given in moderation, and it's recommended to choose healthy and low-calorie options. Providing fresh water at all times is also crucial for their health.

Grooming

The Alaskan Klee Kai has a thick double coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting and tangling. They shed twice a year, and during shedding season, they require extra brushing to remove dead hair. The breed does not require frequent baths, and it's recommended to use a mild dog shampoo to avoid stripping their coat of natural oils. Their ears should be checked regularly and their nails should be trimmed monthly.

The breed is generally clean and fastidious and does not require extensive grooming. Regular grooming not only helps maintain their appearance but also provides an opportunity to bond with the breed.

Health

The Alaskan Klee Kai is generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health issues. Breed-specific health concerns include luxating patella, juvenile cataracts, cardiac issues, and liver shunts. The breed can also be prone to dental issues, and it's essential to maintain regular dental hygiene. Regular vet visits and healthy diet are important factors in maintaining the breed's health.

Exercise

The Alaskan Klee Kai is an energetic breed that requires a lot of daily exercise and mental stimulation. They enjoy going for walks, playing fetch, and participating in dog sports. They can also benefit from regular training sessions and interactive toys. A lack of exercise and mental stimulation can lead to destructive behavior such as excessive barking and chewing.

The breed is well-suited for apartment living as long as they receive enough exercise, but they also enjoy having access to a secure yard or outdoor space to play.

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Alaskan Klee Kai Traits & Characteristics

The Alaskan Klee Kai standards vary depending on their sizes. The toy size weighs up to 6 pounds at maturity, while the miniature size weighs up to 15 pounds, and the standard size weighs up to 23 pounds. They have a wedge-shaped head with erect and pointed ears and an alert expression. Their coat can be black and white, gray and white, red and white, or solid white. They have a double coat that sheds twice a year.

The breed is known for its distinctive facial mask, which should be symmetrical on both sides of the face. They should have a well-proportioned body that is slightly longer than their height. They should have a level topline from the withers to the base of the tail and a well-carried tail that does not curl over their back.

Affection

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

independent lovey-dovey

Alaskan Klee Kai may appear reserved at first, particularly with strangers, but they are incredibly loyal and affectionate with their family members. They crave attention and love spending time with their loved ones. They usually show their love and affection by cuddling up with their owners.

Children

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

not suitable for kids great with kids

While Alaskan Klee Kai are playful and energetic, they might not be the best choice for families with young children. They are fragile and can be easily injured, and they usually prefer not to be handled too roughly. That being said, with early socialization, they can become great playmates for kids who are gentle and respectful towards them.

Dogs

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

not dog friendly very dog friendly

Alaskan Klee Kais have a high prey drive and might not get along well with small animals, such as cats or rodents. They may be wary around other dogs, especially those they don't know, but can usually get along with other canines if socialized properly. Interaction with other dogs should be supervised.

Strangers

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

Alaskan Klee Kais can be cautious around strangers, and they might take some time to warm up to new people. Proper socialization from a young age will help them learn that new people are not a threat.

Playfulness

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

laid-back very playful

Alaskan Klee Kais are playful and energetic dogs that love to play with their owners. They are always up for a game of fetch or a run around the park, and they will keep their owners entertained for hours on end.

Alertness

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

less alert very alert

Alaskan Klee Kais are highly alert and aware of their surroundings, making them great watchdogs. They are natural protectors and will be sure to let their owners know if there is anything out of the ordinary going on around them.

Adaptability

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

less adaptable very adaptable

Alaskan Klee Kais are adaptable dogs that can do well in a variety of environments, as long as they are given enough exercise and mental stimulation. They are not well-suited to apartment living and have a strong instinct to roam, so a secure backyard or daily walks are a must.

Shedding

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

no shedding hair everywhere

Despite their thick, luxurious coats, Alaskan Klee Kais are moderate shedders. They have a double coat that sheds seasonally, so brushing should be done regularly to avoid matting and to keep their shedding under control.

Grooming

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

low maintenance high maintenance

Alaskan Klee Kais have a thick, plush coat that needs regular grooming to stay healthy and shiny. They require weekly brushing to keep their fur tangle-free and prevent excess shedding. They only need to be bathed when necessary.

Drooling

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

dry mouthed heavy drooler

Alaskan Klee Kais are not known for drooling. They have a relatively dry mouth and do not drool excessively like some other breeds.

Size

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

very small very large

Alaskan Klee Kais are a small breed dog, weighing between 10 and 23 pounds and standing up to 17 inches tall at the shoulder. They are often mistaken for miniature huskies.

Energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

couch potato high energy

Alaskan Klee Kais are highly energetic and require a lot of exercise to keep them healthy and happy. They love to run, play and explore, and they need daily exercise to prevent destructive behavior.

Exercise

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

low exercise needs high exercise needs

Alaskan Klee Kais are highly energetic dogs that require a lot of exercise to keep them healthy and happy. They need at least 30-60 minutes of daily exercise and mental stimulation, such as walking, running, or playing games.

Working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

not suitable for working great for working

Alaskan Klee Kais were originally bred as companion dogs and make great family pets. While they do have a strong instinct to roam and explore, they are not typically used for working or performing specific tasks.

Hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

Alaskan Klee Kais have some tracking and scenting abilities, but they are not typically used for hunting. They have a high prey drive and may be prone to chasing small animals.

Vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

low-drive high vigor

Alaskan Klee Kais have a high level of physical stamina and endurance. They can keep up with their owners on lengthy hikes or other physical activities and will enjoy the challenge of an adventure.

Health

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

less healthy very healthy

Alaskan Klee Kais are generally healthy dogs with a lifespan of 12-15 years. They may be prone to certain health issues such as luxating patella, hip dysplasia, and eye problems. Regular vet checkups and proper nutrition can help prevent these issues.

Obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

Alaskan Klee Kais can be prone to obesity if they are not given enough exercise or are overfed. They have a high metabolism and need plenty of physical activity to stay healthy and fit.

Cold

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

Alaskan Klee Kais have a thick, plush coat that provides excellent insulation against cold weather. They can tolerate freezing temperatures and love to play in the snow, but they should not be left outside for extended periods of time without proper shelter.

Heat

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

Alaskan Klee Kais are not well-suited to hot, humid climates. They have thick, insulating fur that can make them prone to overheating, so they need plenty of shade and access to cool water on hot days.

Apartment

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

Alaskan Klee Kais are not well-suited for apartment living. They need plenty of space to run, play and explore, and they have a strong instinct to roam. A securely fenced yard or daily walks are a must to keep them happy and healthy.

Wanderlust

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

less likely to wander very likely to wander

Alaskan Klee Kais have a strong instinct to roam and explore, making them great adventure partners. They should always be kept on a leash or in a securely fenced yard to prevent them from wandering off and getting lost.

Sensitivity

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

less sensitive very sensitive

Alaskan Klee Kais are highly sensitive dogs that can become stressed or anxious if they feel like they are not getting enough attention or if they are being treated unfairly. They respond well to positive reinforcement and need a gentle, patient hand.

Separation

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

Alaskan Klee Kais are highly social dogs that crave attention and companionship. They can become anxious or destructive if left alone for too long, so they need plenty of human interaction and mental stimulation.

Barking

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

quiet very vocal

Alaskan Klee Kais are not known to be excessive barkers like some other small breeds. They will bark to alert their owners of potential danger, but they are not yappy or noisy dogs.

Mental

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

Alaskan Klee Kais are highly intelligent and need plenty of mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They love to learn new tricks and tasks, and they excel at obedience training and agility courses.

Novice_owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Alaskan Klee Kais can be a good choice for first-time dog owners as long as they have done their research and are committed to providing their pet with enough exercise and mental stimulation. Early socialization and obedience training are also key to having a well-behaved pet.

Trainability

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

difficult to train easy to train

Alaskan Klee Kais are intelligent and capable of learning quickly, but they can also be stubborn and strong-willed. Positive reinforcement training methods work best with them, but they need a firm hand to keep them in check.

Affection

independent lovey-dovey

The degree to which a breed shows love and affection towards its human family members.

Alaskan Klee Kai may appear reserved at first, particularly with strangers, but they are incredibly loyal and affectionate with their family members. They crave attention and love spending time with their loved ones. They usually show their love and affection by cuddling up with their owners.

Children

not suitable for kids great with kids

How well a breed interacts with children, including tolerance for play and energy level.

While Alaskan Klee Kai are playful and energetic, they might not be the best choice for families with young children. They are fragile and can be easily injured, and they usually prefer not to be handled too roughly. That being said, with early socialization, they can become great playmates for kids who are gentle and respectful towards them.

Dogs

not dog friendly very dog friendly

The breed's friendliness and sociability towards other dogs.

Alaskan Klee Kais have a high prey drive and might not get along well with small animals, such as cats or rodents. They may be wary around other dogs, especially those they don't know, but can usually get along with other canines if socialized properly. Interaction with other dogs should be supervised.

Strangers

reserved with strangers friendly with everyone

The breed's reaction to unfamiliar people, including whether they tend to be wary or friendly.

Alaskan Klee Kais can be cautious around strangers, and they might take some time to warm up to new people. Proper socialization from a young age will help them learn that new people are not a threat.

Playfulness

laid-back very playful

The breed's activity level and tendency to engage in play and games.

Alaskan Klee Kais are playful and energetic dogs that love to play with their owners. They are always up for a game of fetch or a run around the park, and they will keep their owners entertained for hours on end.

Alertness

less alert very alert

The breed's level of awareness and vigilance, which can affect their ability to perform certain tasks or jobs

Alaskan Klee Kais are highly alert and aware of their surroundings, making them great watchdogs. They are natural protectors and will be sure to let their owners know if there is anything out of the ordinary going on around them.

Adaptability

less adaptable very adaptable

The breed's ability to adjust to new environments and situations, including whether they are adaptable or may become stressed.

Alaskan Klee Kais are adaptable dogs that can do well in a variety of environments, as long as they are given enough exercise and mental stimulation. They are not well-suited to apartment living and have a strong instinct to roam, so a secure backyard or daily walks are a must.

Shedding

no shedding hair everywhere

The amount of hair a breed sheds, which can affect allergies and cleanliness.

Despite their thick, luxurious coats, Alaskan Klee Kais are moderate shedders. They have a double coat that sheds seasonally, so brushing should be done regularly to avoid matting and to keep their shedding under control.

Grooming

low maintenance high maintenance

The amount of maintenance required to keep a breed's coat healthy and clean.

Alaskan Klee Kais have a thick, plush coat that needs regular grooming to stay healthy and shiny. They require weekly brushing to keep their fur tangle-free and prevent excess shedding. They only need to be bathed when necessary.

Drooling

dry mouthed heavy drooler

The amount of saliva a breed produces, which can affect cleanliness and potential drool-related issues.

Alaskan Klee Kais are not known for drooling. They have a relatively dry mouth and do not drool excessively like some other breeds.

Size

very small very large

The breed's overall size, including their weight and height.

Alaskan Klee Kais are a small breed dog, weighing between 10 and 23 pounds and standing up to 17 inches tall at the shoulder. They are often mistaken for miniature huskies.

Energy

couch potato high energy

The breed's overall activity level, including their need for exercise and play.

Alaskan Klee Kais are highly energetic and require a lot of exercise to keep them healthy and happy. They love to run, play and explore, and they need daily exercise to prevent destructive behavior.

Exercise

low exercise needs high exercise needs

The breed's need for physical activity and exercise to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

Alaskan Klee Kais are highly energetic dogs that require a lot of exercise to keep them healthy and happy. They need at least 30-60 minutes of daily exercise and mental stimulation, such as walking, running, or playing games.

Working

not suitable for working great for working

The breed's suitability for working and performing certain tasks or jobs.

Alaskan Klee Kais were originally bred as companion dogs and make great family pets. While they do have a strong instinct to roam and explore, they are not typically used for working or performing specific tasks.

Hunting

not suitable for hunting great for hunting

The breed's natural hunting abilities, including their prey drive, scenting abilities, and tracking skills.

Alaskan Klee Kais have some tracking and scenting abilities, but they are not typically used for hunting. They have a high prey drive and may be prone to chasing small animals.

Vigor

low-drive high vigor

The breed's physical stamina and endurance, including their ability to maintain high levels of activity and energy.

Alaskan Klee Kais have a high level of physical stamina and endurance. They can keep up with their owners on lengthy hikes or other physical activities and will enjoy the challenge of an adventure.

Health

less healthy very healthy

The breed's overall health and potential health issues, including whether they may be prone to certain illnesses or conditions.

Alaskan Klee Kais are generally healthy dogs with a lifespan of 12-15 years. They may be prone to certain health issues such as luxating patella, hip dysplasia, and eye problems. Regular vet checkups and proper nutrition can help prevent these issues.

Obesity

not prone to obesity highly prone to obesity

The breed's tendency to gain weight and become overweight or obese, including whether they require extra monitoring and exercise.

Alaskan Klee Kais can be prone to obesity if they are not given enough exercise or are overfed. They have a high metabolism and need plenty of physical activity to stay healthy and fit.

Cold

not cold tolerant high cold tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate cold weather conditions, including whether they require extra warmth and protection.

Alaskan Klee Kais have a thick, plush coat that provides excellent insulation against cold weather. They can tolerate freezing temperatures and love to play in the snow, but they should not be left outside for extended periods of time without proper shelter.

Heat

not heat tolerant high heat tolerance

The breed's ability to tolerate hot weather conditions, including whether they require extra cooling and protection.

Alaskan Klee Kais are not well-suited to hot, humid climates. They have thick, insulating fur that can make them prone to overheating, so they need plenty of shade and access to cool water on hot days.

Apartment

not suitable for apartments great for apartments

The breed's suitability for new or inexperienced dog owners, including their trainability and temperament.

Alaskan Klee Kais are not well-suited for apartment living. They need plenty of space to run, play and explore, and they have a strong instinct to roam. A securely fenced yard or daily walks are a must to keep them happy and healthy.

Wanderlust

less likely to wander very likely to wander

The breed's tendency to wander or roam, including whether they may become lost or require a lot of supervision.

Alaskan Klee Kais have a strong instinct to roam and explore, making them great adventure partners. They should always be kept on a leash or in a securely fenced yard to prevent them from wandering off and getting lost.

Sensitivity

less sensitive very sensitive

The breed's sensitivity to criticism or negative reinforcement, including whether they may become stressed or anxious.

Alaskan Klee Kais are highly sensitive dogs that can become stressed or anxious if they feel like they are not getting enough attention or if they are being treated unfairly. They respond well to positive reinforcement and need a gentle, patient hand.

Separation

not suitable for alone time great at being alone

The breed's tolerance for being left alone, including whether they may become anxious or destructive.

Alaskan Klee Kais are highly social dogs that crave attention and companionship. They can become anxious or destructive if left alone for too long, so they need plenty of human interaction and mental stimulation.

Barking

quiet very vocal

The amount of barking a breed tends to do, including whether they may be vocal or prone to excessive barking.

Alaskan Klee Kais are not known to be excessive barkers like some other small breeds. They will bark to alert their owners of potential danger, but they are not yappy or noisy dogs.

Mental

happy to lounge needs a job or activity

The breed's need for mental stimulation and engagement, including whether they are intelligent and require challenging activities.

Alaskan Klee Kais are highly intelligent and need plenty of mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior. They love to learn new tricks and tasks, and they excel at obedience training and agility courses.

Novice_owners

not suitable for novice owners great for novice owners

Some dogs are simply easier than others; they take to training better and are fairly easygoing. They're also resilient enough to bounce back from your mistakes or inconsistencies.

Alaskan Klee Kais can be a good choice for first-time dog owners as long as they have done their research and are committed to providing their pet with enough exercise and mental stimulation. Early socialization and obedience training are also key to having a well-behaved pet.

Trainability

difficult to train easy to train

The ease of training a breed, including whether they are intelligent, obedient, and willing to learn.

Alaskan Klee Kais are intelligent and capable of learning quickly, but they can also be stubborn and strong-willed. Positive reinforcement training methods work best with them, but they need a firm hand to keep them in check.

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History of the Alaskan Klee Kai

The Alaskan Klee Kai was first developed in the 1970s by Linda Spurlin, who bred a small dog resembling a Siberian Husky in Wasilla, Alaska. The breed was intentionally developed to be a smaller version of the Husky, suitable for apartment living and as companions. The breed was named Klee Kai, which means 'small dog' in the Inuit language. The breed became known as the Alaskan Klee Kai to distinguish it from other small dog breeds.

Alaskan Klee Kai Puppies

Alaskan Klee Kai puppies require a lot of attention, socialization, and training. The breed is intelligent and trainable but can also be independent and stubborn. The puppies should be raised in a social environment with positive reinforcement training methods. The breed can be sensitive to harsh training methods and should not be subjected to physical punishment or dominance-based training.

The breed requires a lot of early socialization to ensure they develop into well-adjusted adults. The socialization should include exposure to new environments, people, and other animals. The puppies should also be exposed to different sounds, textures, and smells to desensitize them to new experiences.