Alaskan Klee Kai
The Alaskan Klee Kai was originally bred during the 1970s to make a companion sized dog like Alaskan Husky. The dog is very active and intelligent with an expression of its northern heritage.
The Alaskan Klee Kai is a small to medium-sized dog. The standard height of an adult Alaskan Klee Kai ranges between 13 and 17 inches from the withers to the ground. The average weight ranges between 5 and 22 lbs.
Appearance
An Alaskan Klee Kai should not be heavy or too thin. It is a small-sized dog of a standard variety. The breed is a part of Spitz family and looks like a miniature Alaskan Husky.
Lifespan
The dog has an average life of between 12 and 16 years.
Coat and Coloring
Alaskan Klee Kai has seen in three standard colors: black and white, grey and white, or red and white. The solid white Alaskan Klee Kai also exists but this coat color type is considered a disqualification by the breed standard. The solid white color Alaskan Klee Kai has recently been recognized and registered by the United Kennel Club.
Alaskan Klee Kai has two types of coat; standard and full-coated. Both are acknowledged by the UKC and similarly acceptable by the breed standard. The dog has a double coat; an undercoat which is short and soft, and an outer coat which contains longer guard hairs. This double coat provides thermal protection to the dog from extreme hot and cold weather conditions.
Grooming
The Alaskan Klee Kai naturally requires easy care as the dog is comparatively very clean. Most of them do not like wet feet and most need seldom a bath. The Alaskan Klee Kai, like other northern breeds, do not have a typical ‘doggy odor’ or ‘doggy breath’. They are quite efficient, so no training is required but most spend hours daily on grooming themselves. An Alaskan Klee Kai should not be shaved unless for medical reasons. The coat keeps the body cool and protects the skin from weather conditions.
Also like Siberians (and different short-haired dogs who shed all the year), the Alaskan Klee Kai blows its coat twice a year, while they also shed continuously during the year. Obviously, the size of the dogs limits the amount of hair blown. It is best to groom the dog regularly during this time. Some of the longer-haired dogs can become matted if not trained. Most dogs lose their hair by rubbing against things such as fences. The standard preventive measures should be taken, for instance, trimming of nails, regular training in the form of brushing. This method is most essential in the bonding process.
Temperament
Some people compare the dog with famous Siberian husky due to similar coat patterns. Although both are Spitz breed dogs, the Alaskan Klee Kai is significantly smaller in size and behaviorally very different from the large husky counterparts. They tend to be cautious, wary and suspicious around the strangers. The Alaskan Klee Kai is an extremely intelligent, frisky, curious and high vigor dog. They can be aloof, cautious, and occasionally defensive around unfamiliar persons. They are very active and have a strong prey drive. They must be kept on a leash because they follow any disruption that comes their way. Unless they are properly introduced and accompanied with minor pets such as rabbits, hamsters, cats, and birds, they will hunt them.
Socialization
Alaskan Klee Kai can be a great family dog if handled by adults who are careful with animals. The dog is not likely to tolerate if abused and should be monitored properly when with the children. Because of an intelligent breed, the dog performs well in obedience classes and has a high drive to gratify its owners. Another similar activity is agility in which Alaskan Klee Kai almost appears to take part in. But a lack of inspiration tends to lead the dog to be naughty or even harsh, but this can be avoided through regular exercises.
The Alaskan Klee Kai is commonly a quiet dog and is not known to be problem barkers, but it is common for the dog to make vocalizations and to "talk" like as other northern breeds.
History
The dog was originally bred in Wasilla (Alaska) from the early 1970s to 1988 by Linda S. Spurlin and her family. It was developed with Siberian and Alaskan Huskies, using Schipperke and American Eskimo Dog to reduce its size. She produced the breed in private and finally introduced them to the general public in 1988. Initially called the Klee Kai, the breed riven into Alaskan Klee Kai and Klee Kai for political causes in 1995. The breed, recognized with its existing name in 2002, has a rich history. They are very active and intelligent dogs, and their northern heritage is apparent in their personality. Contrary to the Siberian Huskies, which were initially raised as sled dogs, the Alaskan Klee Kai was a companion dog. The Alaskan Klee Kai was formally recognized by American Rare Breed Association in 1995 and UKC (United Kennel Club) on 1st January 1997.
Alaskan Klee Kai Puppies
Alaskan Klee Kai puppy at 2.5 weeks
Alaskan Klee Kai & Siberian Husky
Alaskan Klee Kai Puppy
Also see: Cute Pictures of Alaskan Klee Kai Puppies and Dogs