The
Alaskan Klee Kai is a northern breed of dog
of spitz type. The term "Klee Kai" was derived from
Alaskan Athabaskan words meaning "small dog". The
breed was developed to create a companion sized version of the
Alaskan Husky (although it more closely resembles the Siberian
Husky), resulting in an energetic, intelligent, apartment-sized
dog with an appearance that reflects its northern heritage.
Appearance
The Alaskan Klee Kai should look like a miniature husky. They
come in three sizes based on their height:
-Toy size Alaskan Klee Kai are under 13 inches in height.
-Miniature Alaskan Klee Kai are over 13 inches high and up to
15 inches high.
-Standard Alaskan Klee Kai are over 15 inches high and up to
17 inches in height.
-Seriously Faulted - Any Alaskan Klee Kai over 17 inches and
up to 17.5 inches.
-Disqualified - Any Alaskan Klee Kai over 17.5 inches.
Alaskan Klee Kai come in four main color varieties. Black and
White, which can appear with stark contrasts or with a more
dilute diffusion of the colors. Grey and White, which comes
in several variations. Red and White (rare) which appears either
as a cinnamon or a dark auburn. Solid white which, lacking the
contrasting colors required by the UKC standard, cannot be registered
or bred.
Coat and Grooming
The Alaskan Klee Kai, like the Siberian Husky, is relatively
easy to care for. They are extremely clean. Most don't like
wet feet and will spend hours daily grooming themselves. They
do not have a "doggy odor" nor do they have "dog
breath." Most Klee Kai will seldom require a bath.
As in Siberians and unlike short haired dogs who shed all year
long, the Klee Kai also blows their coat twice a year. Of course,
the size of the dogs limit the amount of fur blown. It is best
to groom the dog on a regular basis during this time. Some of
the longer haired dogs can become matted if not groomed. Most
Klee Kai will assist the loss of hair by rubbing against things
such as fences.
Other than this period of blowing coat, the Klee Kai is very
self sufficient. The normal preventative measures should be
taken, such as trimming of nails, normal grooming in the form
of brushing. This process is especially important in the bonding
process.
Temperament
A 2.5 week old Klee Kai puppy.The Alaskan Klee Kai is a highly
intelligent, very curious, active, quick and agile little dog
that quickly become an integral part of any family that chooses
to adopt one. Unlike the Siberian Husky whom they resemble,
the Alaskan Klee Kai is standoffish and suspicious of strangers.
Because of this they do make extremely good watch dogs. They
are moderately active and have a high prey drive. This means
unless they are properly introduced and raised with smaller
furry or feathered animals such as rabbits, hamsters, cats,
birds, etc, they will hunt and kill them. They can be a great
family dog if raised with properly trained children.
AKK are not likely to tolerate being mistreated (poked at,
pinched, bullied) by children and may respond by nipping them,
much like the Siberian Husky. Because of their intelligence
they do well in obedience classes and have a high drive to please
their owners which helps them to excel in this area as well
as many other types of activities. Another such activity is
Agility in which the AKK almost seems to have been bred to take
part in. If you have an Alaskan Klee Kai that is highly active,
this is a great way to help them use some of that up.
Health
Gray and White AKKAlaskan Klee Kai have been remarkably free
of genetic defects in comparison to other breeds.
Some issues that do affect them however are:
- Cardiac Issues including PDA
- Thyroid disease-including autoimmune thyroiditis
Starting with Linda Spurlin, Alaskan Klee Kai breeders continue
to follow her strict breeding practices, breeding only the healthiest
dogs to each other. Most people will find it very difficult
to buy an AKK puppy that does not come with a spay or neuter
contract. This is done to prevent backyard breeding of dogs
who, for one reason or another, were deemed not acceptable for
breeding. This is not always the case however, many AKK breeders
simply prefer that their puppies go into loving pet homes instead
of show/breeder homes. To make sure that they remain a beloved
pet and will never be used for breeding, the AKK breeder still
requires them to be altered.
History
The breed was developed in Wasilla, Alaska during the mid-1970s
by Linda S. Spurlin after she observed the result of an accidental
mating of an Alaskan Husky and an unknown small dog. The breed
was developed with Siberian and Alaskan Huskies using Schipperke
and American Eskimo Dog to bring down the size without dwarfism.
She bred these dogs in private until she released them to the
general public in 1988. Originally called the "Klee Kai",
the breed split into "Alaskan Klee Kai" and "Klee
Kai" for political reasons in 1995. The breed consolidated
under the new name in 2002. The Alaskan Klee Kai was officially
recognized by the American Rare Breed Association (ARBA) in
1995 and by the United Kennel Club (UKC) on January 1, 1997.
