Alaskan Klee Kai

Thinking about purchasing an Alaskan Klee Kai? Then read our breed profile including a brief description, information on height, weight, color, coat, temperament, grooming, activity and history. Purchasing a new puppy is a commitment that may last ten or more years so please educate yourself on the Alaskan Klee Kai breed, including all stages of their life from puppy hood to older dog.

Ask yourself will I be a good owner? Do I have the time it takes to train a new puppy? Do I have the resources to give my new dog a rewarding life. Do I have a local veterinarian that I can take my new dog to? Do I have a groomer or can I do the grooming myself on a regular basis.

Fundamental requirements for a being a good Alaskan Klee Kai owner;

properly feed your new dog,
house them comfortably
train them in basic obedience.

Before making a purchase talk to the breeder, ask them many questions about their dogs and the breed in general. A good breeder will teach you about the Alaskan Klee Kai and they will have many questions for you about your home and life style and if this breed is suited for you and your family.

Questions you may want to ask an Alaskan Klee Kai Breeder:

When were your Alaskan Klee Kais born? When will they be allowed to leave?
Have your puppies received their first shots? being wormed? had a puppy check up with your veterinarian?
What type of socialization have the puppies received? with children? with other pets? in the home?
Have you seen genetic problems in previous litters? What are your health guarantees?
Are there any health certifications on the sire or dam?
What is the temperament of the puppies, of the mother? shy? boisterous? aggressive? skittish?
If you become unable to care for your new Alaskan Klee Kai, will the breeder help you find a new home?

It is recommended that you sign a contract with the breeder so that there will be no misunderstandings on the arrangements made. Then bring home your new Alaskan Klee Kai and enjoy as "there is no greater love then a dog's devotion."

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Alaskan Klee Kai Breed Profile

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a small version of the Alaskan Husky with a wedge-shaped head featuring a striking masked face, prick ears, and a double coat. The length of their body is just slightly longer than the height. The Alaskan Klee Kai's tail is well-furred and curls over the back or to either side when the dog is alert or moving. The appearance of the Alaskan Klee Kai reflects the breed's Northern heritage. Alaskan Klee Kai's are an extremely rare breed, and they were bred directly from Alaskan Huskies, Siberian Huskies, American Eskimo Dogs and Schipperkes. Their markings are symmetrical. The Alaskan Klee Kai actually has three different sizes: Toy, Miniature and Standard. Alaskan Klee Kais are very affectionate and loyal to their families. They are wary of strangers, however, and but do not make good guard dogs. They do make good watchdogs, as they like to bark. Even though simply physical features make this breed inadequate for guarding, they are still rather protective of their family. They do need socialization and good handling so that they may get along better with children in the future. Finally, the Alaskan Klee Kai has been said to resemble a cat in their fastidiousness, as well as their high prey drive. The Alaskan Klee Kai, though rare, makes an exceptional pet.

Other Names: AKK, Klee Kai

Type: Northern Breeds

Height: Toy: 13 inches and under;
Miniature: 13 - 15 inches;
Standard: 15 - 17 inches.
Weight: 5 - 22 lbs.

Colors: All coat colors are acceptable provided that the facial mask is distinct and clearly visible, all markings are symmetrical, and there is a contrasting lighter color on the dog's throat, chest, breeches, feet, legs and underside. Any of the following markings are very desirable but it is not necessary that all be present: Light spots over the eyes; a light blaze centered in the middle of the skull and stop; a dark strip down the center of the muzzle which may be evenly divided by a narrow light-colored strip; dark coloration under the eyes; and dark coloration at the tip of the tail.
Coat: The coat is double and of sufficient length to give a well-furred appearance but never so long as to obscure the outline of the dog. The neck is well-furnished with hair, which forms a protective ruff blending into the apron. The tail is well-furred with longer hair at the base and underside of the tail. Longer coated dogs may have some feathering on the rear of the front legs; the rear of the hindquarters, from the buttocks to the hock joint; underside of the body; and the ears. The undercoat is soft and dense and of sufficient length to support the outer coat. The guard hairs of the outer coat are straight and never harsh. The absence of the undercoat during the shedding season is normal. This breed is presented in a completely natural condition except that trimming of hair between the pads and around the feet to present a neater appearance is permissible.

Temperament: Alaskan Klee Kais are loving with family and friends but cautious of strangers. They may not get along with children, and they have a strong prey drive, often described as catlike in its fastidiousness. The Alaskan Klee Kai has moderate to high energy, and some tend to bark. They are protective of their home and family, though small. The Alaskan Klee Kai is affectionate, loyal and in need of socialization. They are attentive, lively and intelligent. Energetic, active and curious, the Alaskan Klee Kai is an alert little watchdog. They are very adaptable and trainable, yet they do not always obey you. However, they can be very pack oriented, they like to run and cannot be trusted on their own. They may chew things or dig when bored or curious.
With Children: Yes, they can get along with children but some may not get along. Every Klee Kai has its own personality.
With Pets: Yes, they are good with other dogs, but not smaller animals. They can be pack oriented, but have a high prey drive as well.

Watch-dog: High. This breed is very alert and will definitely bark to alert anyone around.
Guard-dog: Low. They are wary of strangers, but not defensive or aggressive.

Alaskan Klee Kai Care and Exercise: Brush the coat frequently to remove shedding or dead hairs. Bathe them only as needed, ideally about twice a year.
Training: Training and socialization of this breed should begin early on, so as to make them more accepting of other people or possibly children. Puppies raised with a lot of socialization and calm approaches with new people or situations produce the best behaved Klee Kais. They can be rather shy and cautious around new things, and therefore need to be socialized when young.
Learning Rate: Medium - High. Obedience - Medium. Problem Solving - High. They are very intelligent dogs, a natural in the show ring, but do not always do what you ask.

Activity: High. This breed is rather energetic.
Special Needs: Exercise, fenced yard, grooming, socialization and training.
Living Environment: A fenced yard is best for this breed. They can adapt to apartment life if provided enough exercise, as they are a smaller dog. The best owner for this breed would be a dog-experienced, firm owner living in rural, suburban or city environment.

Alaskan Klee Kai Health Issues: None known. The Alaskan Klee Kai is rather healthy.

Life Span: 10 - 13 years.
Litter Size: 1 - 3 puppies.

Country of Origin: United States of America (Alaska)
Alaskan Klee Kai History: The Alaskan Klee Kai was developed by Linda S. Spurlin and her family of Wasilla, to be a companion-sized version of the Alaskan Husky. From the early 1970s throughout 1988, the Spurlins carefully selected dogs who met their high standards for appearance and soundness. The breeds that went into the making of the AKK were the Alaskan Husky, Siberian Husky, American Eskimo and the Schipperke. 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 Kais. The Alaskan Klee Kai is still extremely rare today. They were accepted by the United Kennel Club on January 1, 1997.

Class: Companion
Registries: UKC

Alaskan Klee Kais

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Friday, May 09, 2008