| Training | |
| Sensitivity to strangers | |
| Affection for family | |
| Suitable for first-time owners | |
| Ease of grooming | |
| Energy level |
Contents
Alaskan Klee Kai, the Small Companion Husky Dog
The Alaskan Klee Kai is a relatively new dog breed that looks like a smaller version of the Siberian Husky. Its creator was Linda Sue Spurlin, who introduced this dog breed to the World back in 1988; her main idea was that this dog should be a Miniature Husky which could be raised as a companion dog.
This dog breed loves family life and as a member of the family it is always willing to participate in home activities. It is constantly looking for the attention of its owner and family.
Unlike the other Huskies, like the Siberian Husky; the Alaskan Klee Kai is a little shy, mistrustful and tries to avoid strangers. This dog breed needs to socialize since puppyhood. It is a good playmate with children but only for those that already know how to treat a dog.
We do not recommend leaving this dog alone with small children, especially because the Alaskan Klee Kai does not tolerate mistreats. It is an active and curious dog; if it does not feel comfortable with something it will try to escape. Also it has a peculiar sense of humor; it is cheerful and loves to play with its owner.
There are three types of Alaskan Klee Kai:
- Alaskan Klee Kai Toy
- Miniature Alaskan Klee Kai
- Standard Alaskan Klee Kai
In regards to their temperament, there are no differences between the three varieties. The difference is just in size; we can find them in different colors, such as:
- White
- Black and White
- Red and White
- Grey and White
As for its health, the Alaskan Klee Kai is a very new dog breed to know exactly its possible conditions or diseases. However, it is a strong and resistant dog with all its ancestors’ physical characteristics but small-sized.
Alaskan Klee Kai: Origins
The Alaskan Klee Kai is a new type of Spitz dog breed. This dog was developed in Alaska by Linda Sue Spurlin in the early 1970s; in 1988 Linda and her family presented it to the World. The Alaskan Klee Kai is the result of the crossing of the Siberian Husky with the American Eskimo Dog and the Schipperke.
The dog breed created by Mrs. Spurlin was privately raised, and was not introduced to the World until 1988. At the beginning its original name was just “Klee Kai”, but because of political reasons, in 2002 the name changed to Alaskan Klee Kai. Unlike the Siberian Huskies, that were originally raised as sledge dogs, the Alaskan Klee Kai was exclusively “designed” to be a companion dog.
In its original language, Alaskan Klee Kai means “small dog”. The idea of its creator was to develop a strong and resistant dog, but suitable to become a dog pet that could peacefully live in an apartment. This dog breed was officially recognized in 1995 by the American Rare Breed Association (ARBA) and in 1997 by the American Kennel Club.
Alaskan Klee Kai: Physical characteristics
This dog breed is also known as “mini husky” or “miniature husky”. There are three types: toy, miniature and standard. The Klee Kai has an athletic and thin body, its muzzle is quite long, and its ears are triangle-shaped and straight. Huskies’ eyes have a characteristic color and can be blue, brown or combined.
The tail is below the back line and slightly rolls up whenever the dog is alert. The Alaskan Klee Kai has a medium-large coat that can be of different colors, such as: black and white, grey and white and red and white. Also, it has a thick and soft lower coat.
This double coat gives excellent thermal protection when the climate is hot and also when it is too cold. However, the Alaskan Klee Kai suffers in warm climates. Its weight could go between 8 to 22 lb (4-10 kg.), and its height varies according to the type of Alaskan Klee Kai.
Alaskan Klee Kai’s Height:
- The Toy does not exceed the 13 inches (33 cm);
- The miniature’s height can be between 13 to 15 inches (33 -38 cm);
- The standard’s height can be between 15 to 17 inches (38-43 cm).
In regards to its health, it is necessary to always watch your dog to detect possible thyroid issues, but as we mentioned before this dog breed is quite new to give precise veterinarian health suggestions.
The Alaskan Klee Kai was developed to live inside the house, but also needs some fresh air and exercise. Some daily walks and running activities would be ideal to keep your dog in shape.
Alaskan Klee Kai: Temperament
First of all, we must say that these small cuties are not for everyone even though people may think so because of their small size. Alaskan Klee Kais are quite difficult to train and they are not suitable for beginners or inexperienced dog owners.
Moreover, they are not recommended for small children as Klee Kais are territorial and as we said before, they do not tolerate mistreat. However, they are excellent playmates for older children who already know how to treat animals.
The Alaskan Klee Kai is a smart, curious and active dog, but unlike the bigger-sized Huskies, it tends to be shy and mistrustful with strangers.
This is the main reason why our little Klee Kai needs to socialize since puppyhood; you must always motivate this dog breed to socialize properly. It has a hunting instinct, thus, daily walks must be leashed as they tend to get distracted with everything on the way.
Alaskan Klee Kai: Relationship with the Family
In general, it is an active and energetic dog. If it gets bored it will have a tendency to escape. But mostly, it is a quiet, affectionate dog that loves cuddles and companionship from its family.
The Alaskan Klee Kai is always looking for attention from its family; it loves to be involved in all the home activities. Also, it is always willing to please its owner’s needs; however if this cutie does not like something it will let you know right away. Moreover, it has a special sense of humor and could play some jokes to its owner once in a while.
The Alaskan Klee Kai is a good guardian dog, despite its small size. You must make it socialize with puppies and other animals, especially cats, as it might become a prey if it considers them strangers or unfamiliar.
Alaskan Klee Kai: Price and Puppies for Sale
As for its price, a properly raised and certified Alaskan Klee Kai Puppy could cost between 1000-1700 dollars; 900-1500 English pounds.
When you adopt a puppy, a reliable breeder provides you with an official veterinarian certificate, in which it is formally stipulated that the animal is in perfect health and dewormed.
Alaskan Klee Kai: Breeders
In this section you can find the best registered breeders in countries such as: England, Australia and in the US; but also New Zealand, Ireland, Canada, Scotland, India and South Africa; where you can find all the information you need. It is imperative to purchase from a reliable breeder, to insure that your puppy has been:
- Raised to have good character and good health;
- Carefully selected (its parents were chosen without any genetic diseases);
- Properly socialized, so that it is not too aggressive or fearful;
- Vaccinated and well-cared for.
You can ask for a pedigree certificate, which allows you to check your dog breed´s purity. An animal with pedigree has certain characteristics that distinguish it among the others.
Now that we have mentioned the most important aspects, you can go to your new four-legged friend, who is certainly waiting for you.
You may be interested in reading another article related to other dog breeds such as:
- Russian Toy
- Manchester Terrier
- American Hairless Terrier
- Cairn Terrier
- Alaskan Klee Kai
- Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
- Griffon Belge
- Maltese
- Chihuahua
- Lakeland Terrier
