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.

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Are Alaskan Klee Kai noisy? What type of sounds do they make?

Alaskan Klee Kai have, in my opinion, one of the largest range of vocalizations of any breed of dog exceeding even the 'yodeling' capability of basenjis and the AKK range does (unlike basenjis) include barking.  They are not incessant barkers or 'yippy' barkers, but rather AKK bark when some strange person or animal enters their 'territory'. Mine have learned over time that in our house barking is a 'no-no' but talking and singing is okay.  Yes, they still bark but respond to a "No Bark" command within acceptable limits.

Their ability to talk is, again in my opinion, one of the breed's greatest features.  I enjoy the fact that they need to tell me about their day when I come home (although there are times when Jazz begins shouting to me from the moment she hears the key in the door, that I find less than enjoyable). But that is usually when she's been alone all day and needs to go out.....and I'd probably shout then too.  

Basically, I believe the Alaskan Klee Kai talk for much the same reason that we talk to each other. Left alone all day or even for a few hours, they need to express their joy at having you home with them again, they need to tell you about their day, and yes, scold you for not taking them with you in the first place. But like a child who needs to tell you those same things....it is, I believe, a true sign of their love for you and if you give them just a few minutes of true attention, they tell you their stories and quiet quickly down.

Perhaps because we enjoy listening to our AKK, perhaps it is true with most AKK, but ours will talk to us frequently during the day. When I'm in the kitchen or relaxing, I can generally start a conversation with Jazz by asking her a question.  And definitely when I tell Jazz she can't do something or to stop doing something....she has a tendency to mutter under her breath....basically she sasses me back.....not that I appreciate the sassing tone but I have to admit it brings a smile to my face. Jazz's sassing has definitely given me a greater appreciation for why my mother use to exclaim in indignation; "Don't sass me!"

Almost like people, each AKK seem to have their own vocal and tone range. Jazz is an alto, Melody is a definite soprano, and Harmony....well he's still too young to tell for sure....but his puppy bark is deeper than Jazz's was so when he develops he talk and singing range I suspect he'll be a tenor. I rather hope he is because then he should really be able to harmonize with Jazz and Melody.

Here are some 'chat' sessions and singing sessions we've enjoyed:

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How to Identify An Alaskan Klee Kai Dog ?

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a breed of dog developed in the 70s and still relatively new. Their name roughly translates as “little dog” from the Eskimo language and they were meant to be a companion version of the bigger sled dogs of the north. They are often called a miniature or mini Husky thanks to their outward similarity to the Siberian Husky, but smaller size. Oddly enough they are most closely related to the Alaskan Husky, though they do not share its traits. Because of this breed’s youth and rarity, full grown Klee Kais are often mistaken for puppies

Identifying An Alaskan Klee Kai

• 1. Begin by looking at the dog’s form and shape. Physically they should possess the wolf-like features of the Husky, with long front legs, curved rear haunches, a bushy downward pointing tail, straight back, and wide body. This breed comes in three separate sizes. The standard Klee Kai can be up to 18 inches tall at the shoulder, a miniature can be up to 15 inches high, while a toy is usually less than 13 inches. From nose to tail the Klee Kai will be 1.5 times its height.
• 2. Examine the dog’s fur. The Klee Kai should have a thick coat of long insulating fur that shortens traveling down the legs and under the belly. They come in only three color combinations, black and white, grey and white, and red and white. The white is always the secondary color which marks the lower legs, tail, underbelly, and underside of the face. They will usually have a “mask” of darker fur around the eyes. Unlike Huskies, who shed year round, the Klee Kai only sheds its coat twice a year.
• 3. Look at the dog’s skull. It will be very wolf like in shape and build, though the snout is often a bit thicker and shorter. The back of the skull will be wide and rounded. Large triangular fur trimmed ears stand high and pointed on the top of the dog’s head. It should have wide cheeks that taper sharply into a long and cylindrical snout. Large eyes set inward toward the snout combined with a curled lip and half open mouth tend to give the dog the appearance that it’s smiling. If the dog matches this description then it’s an Alaskan Klee Kai.

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What is the Alaskan Klee Kai personality/temperament like?

As you begin to think about how an AKK would fit into your home, here are some general breed tendencies. They are an extremely intelligent, fun-loving breed, eager to please, and quick to learn. They are a northern breed, so they are independent thinkers....so while quick to learn....they are not probably going to be 100% obedient. But then as most experienced dog trainers will tell you, there are no 100% obedient dogs.

The Alaskan Klee Kai, is devoted to its family preferring to be with them rather than anywhere else in the world. This is the breed of dog you want if you want one that enjoys being by your side as you watch TV or read a book. They are not obtrusive in their demands and will relax in a quiet spot near you if you're busy, but they'll spring into excitement when you want to go for a walk, or ride in the car, or simply out in the yard for an game of fetch.

They are by nature reserved around strangers but how reserved is directly proportional to the amount of time and attention the owner spends socializing them. We have found that any outing where we take our AKK turns into a socialization opportunity....These kids are such attention getters that walking them down our street draws people to come out, meet, and pet them. And a walk in a community park is bound to have them draw practically crowds.

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What size are Alaskan Klee Kai? What colors are there?

T

here are 3 varieties of Alaskan Klee Kai:
    Toy - 10 to 13 inches tall at the withers, weigh about 10 pounds;
    Miniature - over 13 to 15 inches at the withers, weigh about 15 pounds;
    Standard - over 15 to 17 inches at the withers, weigh about 20 pounds;
    Larger AKK (18 inches and over) still occasionally happen and are not allowed in the breeding program. 

The basic color are the same as for huskies: gray &  white, black & white, and red & white. Symmetrical markings and contrasting facial mask are important breed characteristics.  This means that although an all white or a asymmetrically marked AKK may be born, those pups will not be allowed in the breeding program but would and will make wonderful pets for the proper loving family. 

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How did the breed name originate? How is Alaskan Klee Kai pronounced?

The breed's developer, Linda S. Spurlin, derived the name Klee Kai from the Eskimo words that mean 'little dog'. 

A good way to learn to pronounce Klee Kai is to rhyme Klee with Key and Kai with Tie. So when put together "Klee Kai" rhymes with "Key Tie". Phonetically:

    Use the "cl" sound in "clean" to give you the "Kl" sound of Klee and rhyme it with Key so that you say "Cley".

    Use the "ki" sound of "kite" and since that sounds rhymes with Tie, you've just pronounced Kai.  

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Alaskan Klee KAi - Personality Traits

The Alaskan Klee Kai is NOT as gregarious as other Husky breeds, they are by nature extremely loving to family and people they know well BUT also extremely reserved of strangers.

This is both a good and a not so good thing. An AKK will not likely go willingly with people they do not know really well. But also makes catching an escaped AKK much more difficult.

Their reserved nature means that AKK need to be intensely socialized as pups. Socialization should / must continue into early adulthood.

Socialized NOT only to people who come into your home, but to groomers, veterinarians, boarding kennel employees and people on the street.

As important, Alaskan Klee Kai need lots of socializing to and with other dogs and other animals.

AKK do have a strong prey drive like other northern breeds, so they should not be trusted off-lead since they do consider squirrels, rabbits, mice, and birds fair game.

The AKK is extremely intelligent and a fast learner. But also an independent thinker with a mischievous streak. A bored AKK can be a destructive AKK. Crate training = Definite Plus.

Truly, the Alaskan Klee Kai is an attention getter and their presence in a public area will likely result in crowds of people wanting to find out more about them AND wanting to meet and pet them.

Alaskan Klee Kai, in general, have a tendency to shrink away from people they don't know but this tendency is even greater when it comes to strangers hovering or bending over them to pet them.

It is strongly recommended that one moves, kneels and gestures slowly towards the AKK, stretching out one’s hand palm side down and under the AKK’s chin.

While prone to the 'husky' escape artist behavior (by digging, jumping, and / or climbing), the Alaskan Klee Kai who literally lives to be with their owner is less like other Husky breeds to run so far so fast that they forget where they came from. But AKK will wander and horrible accidents can happen right in front of the house.

Alaskan Klee Kai are by nature quite territorial and will provide 'early alarm' by barking to warn owners of people and animals approaching their home. When behind a fence or inside the home the AKK's territorial and protective nature can make them somewhat "nippy".

Very vocal, the AKK will do community sings as well as quiet chats with their owners. They will make you listen to their tales of the day when you first come home, and will sass back. They truly have an enormous vocal repertoire.

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Alaskan Rocky Mountain Klee Kai

The Legend:

Somewhere within the Great Land called Alaska, between the massive mountains, the vast oceans, the silent tundra, and the endless sheets of ice, the Glacier Witch looked down and smiled at the bright eyed, tiny form in front of her. After rescuing it from the icy waters and drying it before the fire, it appeared somewhat smaller than before, and she was pleased. For the little husky’s smaller size would make it an ideal companion. She searched the various native dialects, and deriving the name from the Eskimo words for “little dog,” she christened the masked creature “Klee Kai.”

The tiny husky known as the Alaskan Klee Kai was first developed in Alaska by Linda Spurlin and her family, to be a companion-sized, home-friendly version of the Alaskan Husky.  From the early 1970's through 1988, the Spurlins carefully selected dogs who met their high standards for appearance and soundness.  In 1988, they made the Alaskan Klee Kai available to others.  Mrs. Spurlin originally called her new breed the "Klee Kai" but in 1995, it was changed to "Alaskan Klee Kai." 

The Alaskan Klee Kai is still extremely rare.

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Alaskan Klee Kai - Facts You Must Know Before Adopting Alaskan Klee Kai

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a miniature version of the Alaskan Husky with wedge-shaped head. They have an extraordinary masked face, prick ears, and double coat. The length of their body is a little longer than their height.

There are three varieties according to their size:

a. Toy - 10 pounds, 13 inches tall

b. Miniature - 15 pounds, 13-15 inches standing

c. Standard - 23 pounds, 15-17 inches at the withers

Alaskan Klee Kai over 17 up to 17.5 inches is considered seriously faulted, and those over 17.5 inches tall are not acceptable.

Coat

This is a double coat breed. They appear well-furred, heavier at the ruff of the neck and tail. They shed heavily twice a year, and are average shredders.

These dogs come in four main color varieties. Black and white, that may appear with stark contrasts or a more dilute diffusion of colors; white and gray, that comes in several variations; red and white, which appears as a cinnamon or dark auburn, or shades of white.

Activity

A securely fenced yard keeps these dogs happy. They are amazing escape artists, so fences must be set deeply into the ground to keep them from digging, and tall enough to avoid jumping. Regular exercise daily and family interaction should help them be physically and mentally satisfied.

Temperament

The typical Alaskan Klee Kai is very intelligent, agile, and highly devoted. They thrive on companionship and attention. They are considered as "talkers" as they emit vocal sounds every time they want attention. They are well with children, and gets along with other pets they have raised alongside with.

Overview

This breed had been developed during the 1970's in Alaska. They were bred as companions, and are relatively new, as they have only been recognized by UKC in 1997.

Care

The breed is fairly easy to care for. They do not have a doggy odor, and dog breath. They don't need frequent baths, and should only be done when necessary. This kind of breed blows their coat twice in a year. It is best to groom them regularly at this time, as they become matted if not brushed. Overall, they are self sufficient, with the ability to groom themselves. But, regular grooming methods are also a must, and could be an opportunity to bond with them.

They have no known genetic defects. But, they may suffer from health issues that have to be discovered yet due to the breed's relatively small gene pool and young age.

Training

Early extensive socialization is a must. They do well in obedience training. They require fairness, firmness, and consistency, and will react poorly with rough handling.

Character

The Alaskan Klee Kai is extremely loyal active, and affectionate with family. They are standoffish and highly suspicious of strangers, which makes them excellent guard dogs. A highly intelligent, agile, very curious little dog, it should not be a surprise that this creature will quickly become an important part of any family that decides to adopt one.

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Alaskan Klee Kai

Alaskan Klee Kai is a small sized dog breed. It comes in three sizes - toy, miniature, and standard. The toy breed has a weight of 10 lbs. and height of 13 inches. The miniature breed weighs 15 lbs. and is 13 - 15 inches long; whereas the standard one is around 23 lbs with a height of 15 - 17.5 inches. It has symmetrical colored markings. It has a double fur coat. This dog has an average hair shedding nature; however the shedding is heavy twice a year.

Alaskan Klee Kai is popularly known due to its full facial mask which distinguishes it from other breeds.

This dog is quite affectionate and loyal towards its owner. It is a very intelligent and agile breed. It requires lots of attention and would give off sounds when it needs attention. It loves to be a good companion to its owner. This dog is well-behaved around children as well as other pets with which it was raised. However it does not like strangers much and will start barking when one is around. This dog does not make a good watchdog.

You need to place a secure fence around the yard because this breed tends to escape by digging into the ground or by jumping over fences.

The exercising requirements of an Alaskan Klee Kai are high. You need to train it a lot and socialize it an early age. You won't have to worry about obedience training because this dog breed does well in it. However you need to be consistent and firm during the training sessions.

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