Alaskan Klee Kai
History of the breed
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.
The Alaskan Klee Kai was developed in Wasilla, Alaska during the mid-1970s. 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.
Appearance of the breed
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.
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 of the breed
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. Alaskan Klee Kai 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 Alaskan Klee Kai 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 Concerns of the breed
Alaskan Klee Kai have been remarkably free of genetic defects in comparison to other breeds. Some issues that do affect them however are:
>Juvenile Cataracts
>Liver Disease
>Extreme Shyness
>Factor VII Deficiency
>Pyometra
>Luxating Patella
>Cryptorchids
>Cardiac Issues including PDA
>Thyroid disease-including autoimmune thyroiditis
Most people will find it very difficult to buy an Alaskan Klee Kai 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 Alaskan Klee Kai 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 Alaskan Klee Kai breeder still requires them to be altered.
