The Alaskan Klee Kai

ALASKAN KLEE KAI  HISTORY

Linda S. Spurlin of Wasilla, Alaska, and her family wanted a companion-sized version of the Alaskan Husky and developed the Alaskan Klee Kai. From the early 70's through 1988, the Spurlins carefully selected dogs that met their high standards for appearance and soundness. In 1988, they made the Alaskan Klee Kai available to others.  

Mrs. Spurlin and subsequent breeders of the Alaskan Klee Kai were and are determined to avoid health and temperament problems in their developing breed, even though it has meant very slow growth in the numbers of Alaskan Klee Kai. The Alaskan Klee Kai is still extremely rare. The breed's name was originally "Klee Kai of Alaska" but in 1995, it was changed to "Alaskan Klee Kai." Mrs. Spurlin created the breed name "Klee Kai". The United Kennel Club recognized the Alaskan Klee Kai on January 1, 1997.

ALASKAN KLEE KAI QUALITIES

Klee Kai's come in 3 different sizes: Toy, Miniature and Standard. Toy sizes are up to 13 inches tall, Miniature are between 13 inches and 15 inches and Standard is up to 17 inches. Klee Kai's are curious, mischievous, tenacious, and extremely strong for their size. They are hunters, escape artists and very energetic agile dogs; however, they are not the typically "hyper" little dog, except when they are puppies of course!

An Alaskan Klee Kai has a mind of its own and is sometimes afraid of strangers. There are basically two personality types with this breed; they are either very sociable, or very standoffish. We found this out through research. Socializing from the beginning is the only way.

Alaskan Klee Kai are generally self assured, but can be uncomfortable when their master is not around. An Alaskan Klee Kai would much rather travel with his or her master.

They must be in a crate or kennel when nobody is around though, as they can become mischievous at times and will get into things. A Klee Kai's learning rate is moderate to high, their activity level is very high, and their living environment should be a fenced yard, but they can adapt to apartment life if they are provided enough exercise. They love to run and should only be trusted off a leash under complete 100% supervision and away from busy roads/highways. They have a high prey drive, which means that 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.

It is often described as catlike in its fastidiousness, so if you enjoy cats as well as dogs, than an Alaskan Klee Kai is recommended for your household.

IDEAL OWNERS

The Alaskan Klee Kai requires an experienced, firm owner. It can adapt to apartment life if provided with enough exercise.
ALASKAN KLEE KAI DESCRIPTION
 

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a small dog that resembles a miniature Siberian Husky. It has a wedge-shaped head with a black or snow-colored nose and almond-shaped eyes of any shade. The tail curls over the back.