What is an Alaskan Klee Kai

The Breed

The Klee Kai is a relatively new breed that was developed in the 1970s by Linda Spurlin in Alaska. Spurlin wanted to create a smaller version of the Alaskan Husky that was more suitable for living in smaller homes and apartments. She bred Alaskan Huskies with Siberian Huskies and smaller breeds like the Schipperke and the American Eskimo Dog to create the Klee Kai.

Today, the Klee Kai is recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) as a rare breed, and has been accepted into the American Kennel Club’s Foundation Stock Services (AKC FSS). The Klee Kai breed was recognized as a purebred dog by the American Rare Breeds Association in 1995, then by the United Kennel Club in 1997.

The Klee Kai are often compared to the Siberian Husky because of their similar looks and temperament, but the Klee Kai is a distinct breed with its own unique characteristics. The Klee Kai's origin in Alaska is also reflected in their name, which means "small dog" in Inuit.

The Sizes

The Klee Kai comes in three adorable sizes to fit your lifestyle and preference. If you prefer a larger dog, you can opt for the standard Klee Kai, which stands at 15 to 17 inches tall and weighs between 18 to 25 pounds. If you're looking for a more compact companion, the miniature Klee Kai is perfect, standing at 13 to 15 inches tall and weighing between 12 to 18 pounds. And if you want a tiny pup that can fit in your lap, the toy Klee Kai is the way to go, standing less than 13 inches tall and weighing between 6 to 12 pounds.

No matter which size you choose, the Klee Kai is sure to steal your heart with its cute looks and playful personality.

The Coat Colors

Klee Kai come in a variety of coat colors, black/white, gray/white and red/white, which are also recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) as standard colors. (Go to the AKKAOA site and read the breed standard for more information.)

In addition to these colors, Klee Kai are also known for their striking "goggle-like" markings around their eyes. These markings give the Klee Kai an appearance of wearing goggles, making them even more adorable.

Klee Kai have a double coat, with a soft undercoat and a coarser outer coat that provides protection from the elements. Their double coat is typically short to medium in length and requires regular brushing to maintain its appearance. Regular grooming helps to keep their coat healthy and shiny, while also preventing matting and tangling.

It's worth noting that some Klee Kai puppies may have a different coat color when they reach adulthood. For example, a nearly white Klee Kai puppy may grow up to have a solid gray coat. As a result, it's important to do your research and consult with a breeder before making a decision on which color you prefer.

Temperament

Klee Kai are known for their energetic and playful personalities. They are highly intelligent dogs that do well with being challenged with continuous training. Being an agile dog, agility training is a great physical and mental exercise for Klee Kai. They are extremely affectionate and make great companions for their families. However, Klee Kai can be wary of strangers, which makes them excellent watchdogs.

They are a high energy breed and do well with being regularly exercised. It is highly recommended to keep them leashed. They can have a high prey drive and recall can be an issue if not effectively trained.

Socialization is very important for this breed. This is why Brenda works diligently using Puppy Culture as a training method and socialization tool for her puppies from the very start. They are also known for their talkative nature, which is a trait they inherited from their Alaskan Husky ancestors.

Overall, the Klee Kai is a unique and fascinating breed that's worth considering if you're looking for a small dog with a big personality. With their striking looks and lively temperament, Klee Kai are sure to bring joy and excitement to any household.