Alaskan Klee Kai
Description
The Alaskan Klee Kai is a small to medium-sized breed that resembles a miniature Siberian Husky. Developed in the 1970s by Linda Spurlin in Alaska, this breed was created to be a companion dog that retains the striking appearance of its larger relatives. Klee Kais come in three size variations: Toy (10-13 inches), Miniature (13-15 inches), and Standard (15-17 inches) at the shoulder. They are known for their fox-like facial features, expressive eyes, and energetic demeanor.
Personality
The Alaskan Klee Kai is an intelligent, playful, and alert breed. They are known for their strong bond with their families and can be quite affectionate. However, they tend to be reserved or aloof with strangers. Klee Kais are energetic and require regular mental and physical stimulation to prevent boredom, which can lead to destructive behaviors. They are known for their vocal nature, often barking to communicate or to express their excitement. Socialization from a young age is important to ensure they are well-adjusted and friendly.
Care Requirements
Klee Kais require regular exercise to maintain their health and happiness, ideally involving daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation through training or puzzle toys. Their double coat sheds seasonally, so regular brushing (at least once a week) is necessary to manage shedding and maintain coat health. They thrive on positive reinforcement training methods, as they are eager to please but can also be stubborn. Regular veterinary check-ups, a balanced diet, and grooming are essential for their well-being. Socialization and training should begin early to ensure they grow into well-mannered adults.
Suitable For:
- Active families who can provide regular exercise
- Experienced dog owners who understand spitz breeds
- Homes with secure yards
- Families looking for an alert watchdog
- Those willing to commit to regular exercise and mental stimulation
Not Suitable For:
- First-time dog owners
- Families with very young children
- Those seeking a low-energy companion
- Homes without secure fencing
- People who cannot provide consistent training
Physical Characteristics
Alaskan Klee Kais have a well-proportioned, athletic build with a double coat that can be either short or long. Their coat colors vary widely, including black, gray, red, and agouti, often with white markings. They have erect triangular ears, a wedge-shaped head, and strikingly expressive almond-shaped eyes that can be blue, brown, or even one of each (heterochromia). Their tails are typically carried over their backs in a sickle shape, adding to their overall charm.
Height
Male: 26" - 28"
Female: 26" - 28"
Weight
Male: 100 - 130 lbs
Female: 70 - 100 lbs
Life Expectancy
13 - 16 years
Breed Profile
Breed Characteristics
Maintenance Requirements
Frequently Asked Questions
Fun Facts
I'm sorry, but there seems to be a small misunderstanding. An Alaskan Klee Kai is actually a small to medium-sized breed, with a height range of 13-17 inches, and a weight range of 10-20 pounds. With this corrected information, here are five engaging facts about the Alaskan Klee Kai:
Alaskan Klee Kai were developed fairly recently, in the 1970s, by an American breeder named Linda S. Spurlin. She wanted to create a smaller, companion-sized version of the Alaskan Husky. The breed's name, "Klee Kai," comes from an Inuit term meaning "small dog."
This breed is known for its striking, wolf-like appearance, with a thick double coat that can come in a variety of colors, including black and white, gray and white, and red and white. Their eyes are also a captivating feature, and can be blue, green, brown, or even one of each!
Alaskan Klee Kai are known for being reserved and somewhat shy around strangers, but they bond very closely with their families. They are intelligent, curious, and require plenty of mental and physical stimulation to stay happy and healthy.
Despite their smaller size, Alaskan Klee Kai have a high prey drive and are incredibly agile. They excel in dog sports like agility and obedience trials, and even though they were bred for companionship, they retain the endurance and vigor of their sledding ancestors.
While not having notable roles in history due to their recent development, Alaskan Klee Kai have quickly gained popularity, especially among celebrities. Sophie Turner, known for her role as Sansa Stark in Game of Thrones, has an Alaskan Klee Kai named Zunni.