Alaskan Klee Kai Dog Breed Caring and Family, Social Life, Physical Traits, Diet Information

Alaskan Klee Kai Dog Breed Family, Social Life, Physical Traits, Diet Information

The Alaskan Klee Kai is purebred. This Husky-like dog came about after an Alaskan woman, Linda Spurlin, saw a small Siberian Husky while on a trip in Oklahoma. She returned home to Alaska and set her mind to breed a small dog resembling a Husky, but a companion rather than a working dog. She used various breeds like the Alaskan Husky and the Siberian Husky. She added small dog breeds to the gene pool to get smaller puppies, such as the American Eskimo and the Schipperke. 

By the 1970s, she was satisfied with the results and named the doggies the Alaskan Klee Kai. They are energetic, intelligent, and affectionate but not too keen on strangers or other pets. Although the original breeder stepped away after about ten years of involvement, other breeders continue the process in a quest to change the temperament traits that are less desirable in the AKKs. These include separation anxiety and skittishness.

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What are the Breed Traits and Characteristics of the Alaskan Klee Kai?

Alaskan Klee Kai breed traits and characteristics are ever-changing because breeders continue to add good elements and eliminate negative characteristics. Although the looks of the Klee Klai are similar to Huskies, there are significant differences in temperament. For example, Alaskan Klee Klais are suspicious of unfamiliar faces, making them vigilant watch dogs despite their small size.

The Alaskan Klee Kai dogs come in three sizes, toy, miniature, and standard, with only slight differences in their sizes. They range between 13 and 17 inches high, and they weigh from 5 to 22 pounds. Klee Kais are intelligent and highly trainable.

What are the Ideal Living Conditions for Alaskan Klee Kai?

Alaskan Klee Kai dogs were bred as companions and family pets. They can live in an apartment if their owners take them on daily walks, ensuring they are securely leashed. Being in an apartment all day could cause boredom, and the Klee Kai could behave unfavorably as it seeks stimulation. Alaskan Klee Kais are very active and might be better off in a securely fenced-in backyard. 

Despite the AKK’s small size, they have a high prey drive and are clever and curious. Klee Kais will never stop trying to escape. Their drive to find prey might make them unsuitable for families with small pets such as hamsters, rabbits, and cats. 

What is the Type of the Alaskan Klee Kai?

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a relatively new and rare breed, registered as a recognized purebred dog by the American Kennel Club in 2020. Since 1995, the Alaskan Klee Kai has been recognized as a mixed breed by the American Rare Breed Association and the United Kennel club since 1997. AKKs are a breed on their own and a member of the spitz-type dog breeds that include various Huskies.

Although the Alaskan Klee Kai breeder aimed to breed a small Husky-look alike, she avoided using the genes of dogs with dwarfism. Instead, she used medium-sized Alaskan and Siberian Huskies and added small breeds like the American Eskimo dog and the Belgian Schipperke to obtain miniature puppies. The uniqueness of the Alaskan Klee Kai makes them sought-after canine companions at prices between $1,500 and $3,000.

What is the Average Litter Size of the Alaskan Klee Kai?

The average size of an Alaskan Klee Kai litter is one to five puppies after a gestation period of approximately 63 days. The breeding is limited to once per year to prevent health harm to female Alaskan Klee Kai. However, puppy mills disregard the damage and cruelty of high volume breeding because every puppy born improves their bottom line.

The small number of puppies in each litter underscores the reason for Alaskan Klee Klai to remain a rare breed. The Klee Kai was bred to produce three sizes, toy, miniature, and medium. A yet unexplained fact is that a Mama Klee Kai can give birth to puppies of all three sizes in one litter.

How does Alaskan Klee Kai Interact with Families?

Alaskan Klee Kai loves the interaction with their human families. AKKs are very affectionate dogs, typically close to the family and other people they know. However, Klee Kais are wary of people they don’t know.

Because The Alaskan Klee Kais distrust strangers, they are good watchdogs, but AKKs are too small to be effective guard dogs. Alaskan Klee Kai, as pets, do best with active families. Although they are gentle, owners should not leave them in the same room as a baby without supervision. AKK parents would be wise to socialize them early.

How Does the Alaskan Klee Kai Interact with Other Dogs?

Alaskan Klee Kais are not keen on interaction with other dogs. They prefer interaction with their human families. They need a lot of attention, and they do not enjoy sharing their humans with other dogs. Families with other dogs and cats would have to take steps to socialize a Klee Kai puppy from a very young age.

How is Alaskan Klee Kai with Older People?

Alaskan Klee Kai dogs are usually fine with older people. AKKs are prone to suffer separation anxiety problems, and living with seniors might spare them being alone too often. However, the Klee Kai doggies are very energetic, which could overwhelm older people. Furthermore, they need a lot of exercise, and going for walks is essential. However, it is crucial to ensure the puppy is securely leashed. If seniors can keep up with Klee Kai’s daily walks, it might help the dogs get rid of pent-up energy, making them calmer when they are back at home.

How is Alaskan Klee Kai with Children?

Alaskan Klee Kai is reasonably safe to have around older children. Klee Kais are friendly and crave attention and affection. That is why AKKs get along with older children who can dish out hugs and kisses. However, young children and Alaskan Klee Kai should not play without being supervised. The little doggies will not hesitate to nip young children who don’t yet know how to handle them. It is one more reason not to delay socializing the Alaskan Klee Kai early.

How is Alaskan Klee Kai with Neighbors or Guests?

The Alaskan Klee Kai breed is wary of anyone that is not part of their human family. So unless the dog owners are close enough friends with the neighbors to make them seem like family members, Klee Kais will not welcome them. The same applies to guests.

What are the Differences Between the Alaskan Klee Kai Sexes?

Differences between male and female Alaskan Klee Kai have not been recorded and published because it is a reasonably new breed, and with no more than five puppies per litter, AKKs will remain scarce for many years. The Alaskan Klee Kai comes in toy, miniature, and standard sizes, though there isn’t much difference between the sizes. 

Female dogs’ weights are typically lower than males of the same breed, and females’ heights are usually lower than the males’ height. However, according to the breed standards set by the American Kennel Club, the males and females of the Alaskan Klee Kai breed are similar. Klee Kai’s heights could be up to 17 inches, and their weights, in proportion with their overall body size, could be from 5 pounds to 22 pounds.

What are the Alaskan Klee Kai’s Physical Traits?

The physical traits of the Alaskan Klee Kai type dog are listed below:

Size

Alaskan Klee Kai Breed has 3 sizes

Toy, Miniature, and Standard.

Weight Range

Males and Females

5 to 22 pounds

Height at the Withers

Males and Females

 Anything up to 17 ½ inches

Features

Head: Wedge-shaped 

Eyes: Dark-rimmed eye colors blue, brown, or bi-eye

Nose: Brown or Black

Ears: Stand fully upright

Tail: A fluffy tail that curls over the back

Exercise

Daily walks 20 to 40 minutes per day

plus playtime 

Life expectancy

About 12 -15 years

Coat

Medium Length

Double coat

Coat Colors

Grey, White, Red, Black

What is the Size of an Alaskan Klee Kai?

According to the breed standards set by the American Kennel Club, the measurements of males and females of the Alaskan Klee Kai breed are similar. 

The height of the Toy Alaskan Klee Kai can be anything up to 13 inches

Miniature Klee Kais are from 13 to 15 inches

Standards-sized AKKs are 15 to 17 inches

According to the breed standards, the weights of the various Alaskan Klee Kais are in proportion to the height and overall size of the dog.

Most Alaskan Klee Kais weigh between 10 and 15 pounds, though some can be as small as 5 pounds or as large as 22 pounds.

Are the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Siberian Husky the Same?

No, the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Siberian Husky are not the same. The Alaskan Klee Kai is a small breed that originated from the United States, and the Siberian Husky is a medium-sized pure breed originating from Russia. While the Siberian Husky is a working dog, the Alaskan Klee Kai is strictly a companion dog.

The Alaskan Klee Kai could be 6 inches shorter than the Siberian Husky and weigh up to 26 pounds less. 

Their litter sizes also differ significantly. While the Siberian Husky could have 4 to 9 puppies per litter, the AKK has no more than five pups per litter. 

The life expectancy of Alaskan Klee Kai and Siberian Husky breeds is 10 to 15 years. 

The Siberian Husky is more independent in nature than the Klee Kai. Siberian Huskies are also friendlier with kids, other dogs, and strangers.

What is the most Desirable Feature in Alaskan Klee Kai?

The most desirable feature in a Klee Kai is the facemask of contrasting colors and the well-defined nose bar, running down the muzzle’s center and goggle-like markings around the eyes.

How to Feed an Alaskan Klee Kai?

The Alaskan Klee Kai comes in three sizes, toy, miniature, and standard. The difference in sizes is not significant, yet it would affect their caloric needs. On average, the Klee Kai needs about 400 calories per day, which means about 1 cup of food. Splitting the daily food into two meals is recommended. 

Of course, this is going to change based on the weight of the Alaskan Klee Kai. Their food should contain protein, whole grains, and vegetables to provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants to boost immunity and overall health.

Alaskan Klee Kai puppies are more active, require more food than adults, and spread over three meals per day. To avoid the dogs experiencing bloating or other health complications, they should not receive it all at once but at intervals throughout the day.

Determining the caloric needs of a dog is not complicated. For each pound of body weight, canines need 30 to 40 calories. Their food requirements are listed below:

  • Owners of Alaskan Klee Kai should ensure their dogs’ diets include 22% protein to keep their joints and muscles healthy and no more than 8% fat to optimize energy levels.
  • For overall health, the diets of Alaskan Klee Kai should include vegetables, fruits, meat, and fish. 
  • High-quality dry dog food should be split into two meals for adults and three puppies per day.
  • Alaskan Klee Kai must always have access to fresh drinking water.
  • High-quality commercial kibble brands typically include beneficial plant proteins like peas and lentils.
  • Alaskan Klee Kais are picky eaters, and they may pull up their noses for food if they don’t like what is in their bowls. AKKs will only eat when they are hungry.

How Many Cups of Food Should an Alaskan Klee Kai Eat Daily?

The average number of calories per cup of dry kibble is 350. However, any treats offered to Klee Kais must be included in calculating how many cups of food they need. Treats must never exceed 10% of their daily caloric intake. 

The table below shows how to calculate how many cups of food a doggie needs working on averages:

AKK weight

30 to 40 Calories per pound 

required per day

Balance after 10% subtracted for treats 

Cups of kibble per day

5 pounds

200

180

½ Cup

7 pounds

280

252

¾ Cup

10 pounds

400

360

1 Cup

15 Pounds

600

540

1 ½ Cup

20 Pounds

800

720

2 Cups

 

What is the Daily Cost of Food Consumption of Alaskan Klee Kai?

Determining the daily cost of food consumption for Alaskan Klee Kai involves variables like the dog’s size, age, and health, especially for Alaskan Klee Kai bred to specific criteria. They come in 3 different sizes. Toy, miniature, and standard size, and their food consumption vary according to their size and energy needs. Similarly, different food brands and food types will influence the average daily food costs.

Consider the following:

The average weight of an Alaskan Klee Kai is 12 pounds — usually between 10 and 15 pounds, needing about 52 pounds of dry dog food per year.

Considering different kibble qualities and bag sizes, the average price for a pound of kibble is $2.19

Therefore, the average cost of kibble for an Alaskan Klee Kai is $133.80 per year or 32 c per day.

How Much Should an Alaskan Klee Kai Puppy Eat?

Fast-growing puppies eat more than adult dogs. Alaskan Klee Kai puppies should eat three to five times per day during their first year. After that, they can be fed twice a day like adult dogs.

The nutritional needs of an Alaskan Klee Kai puppy are listed below:

  • Alaskan Klee Kai puppies’ protein needs are about 21% to 23% more than adult dogs to grow and support strong bones. Yet, overfeeding protein can cause too rapid development of joints and bones, weakening the skeleton.
  • Watch the calcium content of the Alaskan Klee Kai puppy’s food. It should be limited to 3 grams for every 1,000 calories.
  • Your Alaskan Klee Kai puppy’s system would also require Vitamins A and D and minerals like zinc, manganese, and copper.

What are the Breed-Related Health Problems of Alaskan Klee Kai?

Breed-related health problems are possible because the Alaskan Klee Kai is a rare breed. The first litters were born in the early 70s, and each litter yields 1 to 5 puppies, of which only the perfect specimens were used for breeding purposes. Therefore their population is not vast.

It’s essential to keep an eye on your puppy’s health conditions to keep them in good shape. The small versions of the Nordic breeds usually are healthy. However, Klee Kai shares some of the health issues of the different Huskies that share the same genes. These are some of the health issues commonly present in the Alaskan Klee Kai breed:

  • Thyroid Disease
  • Liver Disease
  • Juvenile Cataracts
  • Patella Luxation
  • Cardiac Defects
  • Blood Clotting Disorder
  • Cryptorchidism (in Male Klee Kai Dogs)

What are the Health Tests an Alaskan Klee Kai Should Take?

The health tests for Alaskan Klee Kai are related to heritable conditions. Owners or potential owners of Alaskan Klee Kai puppies are typically advised to have a veterinarian run tests to check for various potential health issues. Every breed is vulnerable to certain diseases or health conditions. Like humans, dogs can inherit specific health conditions from their parents.

The most important health tests for the Alaskan Klee Kai is listed below:

  • Eye Certification: screen dogs for heritable eye disease
  • Cardiac Evaluation: heart murmurs and other heart defects
  • Patellar Luxation: Screen for signs that patella could pop out of place, resulting in pain of varying degrees, lameness, and increased risk of developing additional joint conditions.
  • Autoimmune Thyroiditis: Check for signs of the dog’s immune system beginning to attack its thyroid gland.

Are Alaskan Klee Kai Hypoallergenic?

No, Alaskan Klee Kai are not Hypoallergenic. For people who are prone to allergies, Alaskan Klee Kai might not be a suitable choice. This breed is known to cause allergic reactions in many people. The belief of most people that dogs’ hair or fur causes allergies is not valid. The true source of the allergic reactions is small skin flakes called dander and the protein in dogs’ saliva. Fortunately, Alaskan Klee Kai does not drool a lot.

What are the Exercise Needs of an Alaskan Klee Kai?

Alaskan Klee Kai dogs need a lot of exercise. Daily walks lasting 20 to 40 minutes are essential, and if the owner is a jogger, taking the leashed AKK along would be even better. Physical play sessions in a fenced-in backyard could provide additional exercise benefits. Alaskan Klee Kai owners should not lose sight of the risks of overheating when exercising the Klee Kai in warm weather.

What is the Activity Level of the Alaskan Klee Kai?

Alaskan Klee Kai dogs have high activity levels. Their families must help keep them busy by ensuring they are active because AKKs are prone to be overweight. If they live inactive lives, boredom will have them digging and howling.

Structured play can add further benefits. There are many fun ways to play with an Alaskan Klee Kai. Examples of games include tug of war, chasing after something, hide and seek objects, fetch, and even exploring games. When home alone, several enjoyable toys can help them vent pent-up energy instead of becoming destructive, like howling and digging.

What are the Nutritional Needs of an Alaskan Klee Kai?

The nutritional needs of Alaskan Klee Kai must be met to ensure strong overall health. Alaskan Klee Kais come in three sizes, toy, miniature, and standard. Klee Kais require between 180 and 220 calories daily, but their age and activity levels will affect their caloric needs.

The essential nutrients for Alaskan Klee Kai are listed below:

  • Protein: Alaskan Klee Kai dogs need natural animal protein, valuable for the amino acids crucial for their health. Equally important is the fact that protein builds lean muscles and provides energy.
  • Fat: Animal protein also provides adequate fat, an additional energy source that boosts the Alaskan Klee Kai metabolism. However, there is a fine line between enough and too much. Excessive fat levels in the dog’s daily diet could result in weight gain and, ultimately, obesity. Most importantly, adult dogs and senior dogs need lower fat levels than puppies.
  • Carbohydrates: Although carbs are not essential nutrients, they are crucial energy sources. Giving the Alaskan Klee Kai sufficient carbs will provide energy, encouraging the body’s protein absorption to build lean muscle. Beware, though; too many carbohydrates can lead to obesity.
  • DHA: DHA is one of the components of omega-3 fatty acids. It promotes proper eye and brain development in Alaskan Klee Kai puppies, develops cognitive development in puppies, and slows cognitive decline in older dogs. Furthermore more about DHA, omega fatty acids benefit aging dogs by treating chronic kidney disease and canine arthritis. Omega-3 oils improve the coat health of Alaskan Klee Kai dogs.
  • Micronutrient: Taurine is one micronutrient that aids heart health, and other valuable micronutrients for promoting strong joints in Alaskan Klee Kai are chondroitin and glucosamine.
  • Minerals: Beneficial minerals for Alaskan Klee Kai dogs’ growth include a healthy balance of phosphorus and calcium. Pre- and probiotics and chelated minerals provide additional health to the diets of Alaskan Klee Kai.

What is the Shedding Level of an Alaskan Klee Kai?

Shedding is a natural process in the hair growth cycles of all dogs. Alaskan Klee Kai has a thick double coat. They shed continuously, but heavily during the shedding seasons twice a year. A good brushing once a week will remove loose and dead hair to avoid getting the Klee Kai’s hair all over the furniture.

What is the Coat Grooming Frequency of an Alaskan Klee Kai?

The coat grooming of Alaskan Klee Kai is effortless. Their glossy coats require little grooming. Weekly brushing is enough to remove loose hairs. Alaskan Klee Kai have two shedding seasons per year, and daily brushing during those times can control the number of loose hairs.

They do not need to be bathed more than two or three times per year. Frequent bathing will interfere with the natural oils supplied to the skin and hair. Furthermore, seasonal tick and flea treatment are necessary.

What is the Drooling Level of the Alaskan Klee Kai?

Drooling in dogs is natural. It is an entirely normal and necessary process for a dog’s good health. The saliva of Alaskan Klee Kai dogs is an oral mucus secretion that is closely linked with their digestive systems and stomachs. It facilitates swallowing and anticipates and prepares for digestion, with various circumstances triggering the mucus secretion.

Frequent cases of natural drooling in your Alaskan Klee Kai are listed below:

  • Feeding-related drooling: When an Alaskan Klee Kai knows it’s time to eat, smelling the aromas of food, or seeing their owner handling the bag or storage container with kibble typically causes drooling. It is called the “Pavlov reflex.”
  • Excitement: Alaskan Klee Kais are clever pups, and they will know when a walk or game session is imminent. 
  • Stress and anxiety: Any unusual situation like unfamiliar thunderous noises or being approached by a large, aggressive-looking dog could trigger excessive drooling.
  • Sexual: A male Klee Kai’s excitement when seeing a female could also cause drooling. Likewise, a female experiencing her first heat might drool if she picks up the smell of male dogs.

What is the Coat Type of the Alaskan Klee Kai?

The coat type of the Alaskan Klee Kai is similar to the coats of the dogs whose genes went into their breeding gene pool. The Alaskan Klee Kai has a double coat with a top layer of hair and an undercoat of fur. Each layer serves a crucial purpose in regulating the AKKs body temperature and protecting its skin.

What is the Coat Length of the Alaskan Klee Kai?

The undercoat length of the Alaskan Klee Kai breed is short, and the outer layer is longer.

What is the Coat Density of the Alaskan Klee Kai?

The Alaskan Klee Kai breed’s undercoat and outer layer are dense.

What is the Coat Texture of the Alaskan Klee Kai?

The Alaskan Klee Kai breed’s outer coat is coarse, but the undercoat is soft.

What are the Possible Coat Colors of Alaskan Klee Kai?

The Alaskan Klee Kai breed’s coat can be any of several colors as listed below:

  • Gray
  • White
  • Red
  • Black

What is the Brushing Frequency of the Alaskan Klee Kai?

The Alaskan Klee Kai does not require much brushing. Weekly brushing is usually sufficient to keep the Klee Kai’s coat free of dirt and loose hair unless they shed a lot, which they do during the shedding season twice per year. Although the AKKs are not prone to get smelly, frequent brushing could help prevent any buildup that could cause odors.

What are the Social Traits of the Alaskan Klee Kai Breed?

The social traits of dogs in the Alaskan Klee Kai breed are affectionate, friendly, gentle, cheerful, and lovable. They crave constant attention and demand frequent cuddling. They are highly intelligent, curious, and lively. Other social traits are listed below:

  • Child Friendly: Alaskan Klee Kais are kid-friendly, but they could be nippy with small children.
  • Family Friendly: Alaskan Klee Kais are affectionate with their human families and seek constant affection.
  • Stranger Wary: Alaskan Klee Kais are skittish and anxious around strangers.
  • Dog Wary: Alaskan Klee Kais does not like other dogs, except if they grew up together.
  • Seniors Friendly: Alaskan Klee Kais are friendly with seniors, but they might be too active and exuberant to live with older people.

How Does Alaskan Klee Kai Interact with Strangers?

Alaskan Klee Kai dogs mistrust strangers. They love their owners, but AKKs will always be skittish whenever they face strangers unless the doggies receive lifelong socialization training.

Is Alaskan Klee Kai Playful?

Alaskan Klee Kai puppies are playful and smart, and they love playing games. AKKs need innovative, fun toys to keep them happy and stimulated. Klee Kais are agile and quick, and they love to run and play fetch and other games.

Is Alaskan Klee Kai Protective?

Alaskan Klee Kai dogs are protective of their territories and families, mainly because they are so loyal. That does not mean Klee Kais can be guard dogs because they are so small.

What is the Adaptability Level of Alaskan Klee Kai?

Alaskan Klee Kais adapt well to changes. From lifestyle changes to different living situations, they bounce back quickly, as long as their beloved families are with them.

What are the Personality Traits of Alaskan Klee Kai?

Alaskan Klee Kais are energetic, intelligent, affectionate, and loving with their families. However, they don’t care a lot for strangers, nor do they welcome strange dogs. The only way around that is to work on socializing with them constantly.

Alaskan Klee Kais get on very well with older children who know how to handle them. Klee Kais don’t tolerate very young children; they might nip at them without warning. Therefore, AKKs should not share spaces with babies or young kids without adult supervision.

Klee Kai’s love cuddling, and if they are not forced to go for walks, they would quite happily lie on the couch all day. Owners should not overlook the fact that AKKs tend to become overweight when they are inactive.

Alaskan Klee Kai dogs are known for their discomfort with being away from their families. Separation anxiety is a common personality trait of this breed.

Can Alaskan Klee Kai be Aggressive?

Alaskan Klee Kai is not prone to aggressiveness. The Alaskan Klee Kai breed is intelligent, affectionate, and fiercely loyal. They are gentle and friendly without showing possessive tendencies that are common in guard dogs. However, certain circumstances could even cause the Alaskan Klee Kai to be aggressive.

Klee Kais are skittish in the presence of strangers, and ongoing socializing is crucial to prevent fear or anxiety-related. The owner can build up the dog’s self-confidence around strangers and in novel situations.

Can Alaskan Klee Kai be Dangerous?

No, Alaskan Klee Kais are not dangerous by nature. They are not listed among the world’s top five most dangerous dog breeds. However, their energy and lively temperament don’t make them the safest dogs around small children.

Do Alaskan Klee Kai Ever Attack?

No, Alaskan Klee Kai does not often attack humans. They are known for their friendly and affectionate attitude towards their families. However, exceptions exist, and any dog that is provoked might attack. Mistreatment of physical punishment might also cause Alaskan Klee Kai to build up aggression and attack when it reaches boiling point.

Can Alaskan Klee Kai Kill Humans?

No, Alaskan Klee Kai does not usually attack and kill humans. However, the Alaskan Klee Kai is known for its love and affection for its families. However, it might be wise never to leave a small child alone with a Klee Kai.

How do Alaskan Klee Kai Cope with Being Left Alone?

Alaskan Klee Kai dogs cannot cope with being alone for portions of the day. Alaskan Klee Kais crave social interaction with their human families, and they might act up if left in isolation too often. AKKs are known for suffering separation anxiety when they are left alone.

Can I leave my Alaskan Klee Kai at home?

Yes, you can leave your Alaskan Klee Kai at home if the doggy is not home alone. The puppy might be satisfied if other family members are around. Most Klee Kais do not do well in isolation, and they do not take long to be overwhelmed by the situation, triggering separation anxiety.

Can Alaskan Klee Kai be left alone for 8 hours?

No, Alaskan Klee Kais cannot be left alone for 8 hours. Anxiety is one personality trait that the breeders attempt to exclude in newer litters, without success so far. The first signs of separation anxiety in an Alaskan Klee Kai are howling, crying, barking, and even screaming. Their distress could last for a few minutes, a full hour, or longer. Particularly sensitive Klee Kais could howl or scream until they are reunited with their absent owner.

How to Train an Alaskan Klee Kai?

Alaskan Klee Kai is very trainable due to their high intelligence level. Owners should start young puppies from the first day they bring them home. AKK puppies can learn commands quickly, and leaving them until they are adults could make training challenging.

Alaskan Klee Kai owners must assert leadership when teaching their dogs commands because, despite their diminutive size, they can be surprisingly stubborn. Klee Kais have high IQs, and training must be constant and regular to ensure the tiny dog does not become the boss in the house. A Klee Kai will not obey commands if they do not see the need to obey, and they will only obey the lessons taught by strong leaders.

How Frequently does an Alaskan Klee Kai Bark?

Alaskan Klee Kai dogs don’t bark a lot, but they use other sounds to communicate with other dogs and humans. When they bark, they could be conveying territory-related messages or welcoming someone home or showing affection. However, Alaskan Klee Kai uses whining and howling to communicate with their owners.

If they snort while barking loudly, they might indicate rare aggression. Other times they might bark softly as if talking with their humans. Howling is something Siberian and Alaskan Huskies, the breeds whose genes were used for breeding Klee Kais, have used for communicating for thousands of years. Alaskan Klee Kai often uses their howling to indicate loneliness or boredom if they are alone.

What is the need for Mental Stimulation of an Alaskan Klee Kai?

Alaskan Klee Kai is an intelligent breed that needs mental and neurological stimulation. It is anything that activates, enriches, and stimulates the Alaskan Klee Kai’s mind. Mental stimulation could be external, using the environment or internal thought. It can include using toys, puzzles, and other interactive toys, and games like scenting games involving hiding treats to be sniffed out. Hide and seek is another perfect way to stimulate Alaskan Klee Kai.

Exercise and movement are vital to ensure an Alaskan Klee Kai remains flexible and mobile, maintains a healthy weight, and has a low risk of developing medical problems throughout his life. However, mental stimulation is essential for an Alaskan Klee Kai to function optimally.

What are the Breed Standards of the Alaskan Klee Kai?

The Alaskan Klee Kai is recognized as a pure breed by the United Kennel Club. 

Some of the breed standards are listed below:

  • Coat Color: Shades of grey, black, or red are acceptable. However, they must have distinct and clearly available markings of a facial mask. The dog’s throat, the bottom half of the face, breeches, chest, feet, legs, and underbody must have a contrasting color, providing a symmetrical overall appearance.
  • Size and height: Height is measured from the withers to the ground. 

Toy size: Up to and including 13 inches.

Miniature Size: Over 13 inches and up to and including 15 inches.

Standard Size: Over 15 inches up to and including 17 inches.

  • Eye color: The Alaskan Klee Kai’s eyes can be any color or color combination. The eyes must be medium-sized, preferably almond-shaped with black rims on AKKs with black or grey coats and liver-colored rims in dogs with coats containing shades of red.
  • Weight: Alaskan Klee Kai‘s weights should be proportionate to the height and bone structure of the three varieties.

What is the General Information about the Alaskan Klee Kai?

Some people refer to the Alaskan Klee Kai as a smaller version of their northern ancestors, the Alaskan Husky and the Siberian Husky. Their heads are wedge-shaped, with a striking masked face, prick ears, and a double coat. There are three varieties, toy size, miniature size, and standard size.

The Alaskan Klee Kai breed is reasonably new, with the first litters of a breeding project born in the 70s. The aim of the breeders was to produce a small version of the Alaskan and Siberian Huskies, but as companion dogs instead of worker dogs.

Where to Buy or Adopt an Alaskan Klee Kai?

Choosing a reputable Alaskan Klee Kai breeder is essential. Potential Klee Kai owners must know that they will get a healthy dog that will not develop problems years later.

Some North American breeders are listed below:

  • Kita’s Klee Kai (Riverside, California)
  • Pockets Huskies (Maysville. Georgia)
  • Barkor’s Alaskan Klee Kai (Jackson New Jersey)
  • T.O.P.A.Z. Alaskan Klee Kai (Toronto Canada)

The recommended steps would be to use the guidance of reputable breeders when choosing an Alaskan Klee Kai.

What are the Average Puppy Prices of Alaskan Klee Kai?

The average price of Alaskan Klee Kai puppies is determined by various aspects. Klee Kais are rare because they have only one to five puppies per litter, making them tough to come by. Alaskan Klee Kai Puppies cost between $1,500 and $3,000 USD

Factors that play roles in the prices for puppies include:

  • The breeder’s locale
  • The variety, toy, miniature, or Medium size
  • The purpose for which the puppy was bred, whether it is a male or female puppy
  • The attributes of the puppy’s parents

What are the Rescue Clubs for Alaskan Klee Kai?

Rescue Clubs for Alaskan Klee Kai are organizations that help Alaskan Klee Kai in need of new homes. A few examples are listed below:

If adoption is for you, check out these rescue organizations and shelters focused on Alaskan Klee Kai:

  • Alaskan Klee Kai National Rescue (USA Nationwide)
  • Alaskan Klee Kai Breeders & Shelter – Canada’s Guide to Dogs

Which Dog Breed Organizations Recognize the Alaskan Klee Kai?

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a relatively new and rare breed that produced the first litters of 1 to 5 puppies in the 1970s.

Some of the organizations that recognize the Alaskan Klee Kai breed are listed below:

  • ARBA — American Rare Breed Association 1995 
  • UKC — United Kennel Club 1997 
  • AKC — American Kennel Club 2020 
  • AKKAO — Alaskan Klee Kai Association of America
  • ACR — American Canine Registry
  • DRA — Dog Registry of America
  • APRI — American Pet Registry, Inc.
  • CKC — Continental Kennel Club 

What is the Alaskan Klee Kai History?

The Alaskan Klee Kai was developed by Linda Spurlin and her family in Alaska. They loved the Alaskan Husky but wanted to breed an equally attractive dog, but smaller to be companions rather than worker dogs. Ultimately, the family produced three varieties, Toy size, Miniature size, and Standard size.

To Which Ancestry does Alaskan Klee Kai Belong?

The Alaskan Klee Kai’s ancestors include the medium-sized working and racing dogs, the Alaskan Husky and Siberian Husky. Linda Spurlin wanted to breed a dog with similar looks as the Huskies, but significantly smaller, to serve as companions instead of sled racers. She avoided using small dogs with dwarfism as the element to reduce the size. Instead, she used two small breeds, the little Belgian Schipperke and the American Eskimo dog.

What is the Date of Origin of the Alaskan Klee Kai?

From the early 70s through 1988, Linda Spurlin and her family in Alaska carefully selected canines to meet their high standards, including soundness and appearance. By 1988, they were ready to make the precious Alaskan Klee Kai puppies available to others. Initially, Linda. Spurlin called her brand new breed the Klee Kai. However, in 1995 she changed the name to denote the place of origin. From then on, the breed is known as the Alaskan Klee Kai.

What is the Origin of the Alaskan Klee Kai?

The origin of the Alaskan Klee Kai goes back to a time in the 70s when an Alaskan family was on a trip to Oklahoma. After seeing a miniature Siberian Husky while visiting friends there, Linda Spurlin saw a vision of a tiny Husky look-alike for companionship rather than a worker dog. After carefully establishing a strict breeding program, with high standards to develop somewhat smaller companion dogs, the brand new breed of small doggies that love cuddling became available for the public in 1988.

For What Purpose is the Alaskan Klee Kai Used?

The Alaskan Klee Kai was bred specifically for the purpose of companionship?

Can Alaskan Klee Kai Be Used as the Working Dog?

No, the Alaskan Klee Kai cannot be used as a working dog. AKKs were bred as companion dogs, utilizing the best attributes offered by the Alaskan Husky, Siberian Husky, Belgian Schipperke, and the American Eskimo dog. At the same time, clever breeding limited the working dog and sled racing genes.

What are the Other Names of the Alaskan Klee Kai?

Other names for the Alaskan Klee Kai include several that include the word, Husky. However, Linda Spurlin, the mother of the breed, says the breed she developed is not a husky. The names people call these small canine specimens are listed below:

  • AKK
  • Klee Kai
  • Miniature Alaskan Husky
  • Mini Husky

Where Does the Name of the Alaskan Klee Kai Come from?

The name “Klee Kai ” comes from a term used by Inuits for small dogs. Linda Spurlin chose the name because it is perfectly appropriate for this smaller version with Husky ancestors. The Alaskan Klee Kai, or AKK for short, originated from Wasilla, Alaska. Furthermore, she created the breed’s name from parts of Alaskan Athabaskan words translated into ‘little dog’ in English. The Alaskan Klee Kai‘s ancient roots are set deep in several native breeds which populated Alaska for thousands of years. 

What are the Common Nicknames of the Alaskan Klee Kai?

The most common nickname for Alaskan Klee Kai is AKK.

What is the Scientific Name of the Alaskan Klee Kai?

Alaskan Klee Kai Scientific Classification is Listed Below.

Scientific Name: Canis lupus familiaris

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Chordata

Class: Mammalia

Order: Carnivora

Family: Canidae

Genus: Canis

What is the Average Maintenance for the Alaskan Klee Kai?

The cost of owning an Alaskan Klee Kai is not straightforward math because the type includes many different varieties, purposefully bred for specific needs. However, there are averages to work on — regular and luxury. Owning a family Alaskan Klee Kai dog will cost between $125 to $850 annually or $10 to $70 a month. The first year of an Alaskan Klee Kai’s life is more costly because of more veterinary care. However, vet care costs could be higher throughout an Alaskan Klee Kai’s life than any other expenses.

Below is a list of averages:

  • Typical veterinarian expenses when owning an Alaskan Klee Kai: $45- $55 per month, including a once-off neutering or spaying bill, which is $50 to $400.
  • The Alaskan Klee Kai’s vet bills will also include vaccines, $15 to $30.
  • An Alaskan Klee Kai’s food requirements are between $15 and $30 per month (see: Best Dry Dog Foods).
  • Alaskan Klee Kai socializing and training $50 to $125 for group training.

How to Name an Alaskan Klee Kai?

Naming an Alaskan Klee Kai might require different criteria than new Klee Kai parents might expect. It is never the actual name the Alaskan Klee Kai responds to; instead, it is the sound and how it is said.

The building blocks necessary include tone and syllables as listed below::

  • Alaskan Klee Kai responds best to two-syllable names because they are not short enough to be confused with single-syllable command words like sit, come and down. However, they are not long enough to become puzzling. Simple examples include Sadie, Cupcake, and Buster.
  • Alaskan Klee Kai owners set on a specific single-syllable name can go with it, but find a way to stretch the sounds to sound like two, such as “Coach” stretched into “Coh-oach” and using two different tones when calling him.
  • Alaskan Klee Kai responds most positively to high-pitched, excited, and happy sounds when calling them and soothing, quiet sounds when they get nervous or overzealous.
  • Some Alaskan Klee Kai parents find their AKK respond and recognize their names better if they say it in a sing-songy voice.

What are the Most Common Female Alaskan Klee Kai names?

The top 10 Alaskan Klee Kai girl names are as perfect as they are, fun, and with the potential for parents to put their own unique pitch or tone to it. The top female Alaskan Klee Kai names, and their meanings, are listed below:

  • Nukka – Little Sister
  • Miska – Little Bear
  • Nini – Porcupine
  • Sakari – Sweet
  • Shila – Flame
  • Tanana – Hills
  • Aga – Mother
  • Eska – Creek
  • Kima – Candy
  • Suka – Fast

What are the Most Common Male Alaskan Klee Kai names?

The top 10 Alaskan Klee Kai boy names are also mostly two-syllable names. The top male Alaskan Klee Kai names, and their meanings, are listed below:

  • Chinook – Warm Wind
  • Miki – Little
  • Nanook – Cute
  • Pakak – One That Gets Into Everything\
  • Atka – King
  • Kaskae – Chief
  • Amak – Playful
  • Pukak – Snow Smart
  • Siku – Ice
  • Yaktag – Cape

What are the Different Types of Alaskan Klee Kai?

The Alaskan Klee Kai comes in three varieties, as listed in the table below.

Toy Size

The difference in sizes of the three varieties is not significant. According to the breed standards, the Toy variety can be anything up to 13 inches at the withers.

The Miniature variety’s height can be 13 to 15 inches at the withers.

The Standard variety can be between 15 and 17 inches.

Their weight, as per breeding standards, is not specified by numbers. Instead, the Alaskan Klee Kai dogs must have weights proportionate to their overall body size — between 5 and 22 pounds.

Miniature Size

Standard Size

What are the Similar Dog Breeds to Alaskan Klee Kai?

  • Malamutes: Alaskan Malamutes and Alaskan Klee Kai originated from the United States. The Malamute is a large breed of worker dog, and Klee Kai is a small breed companion dog. Alaskan Malamute can grow 8 inches higher than the Alaskan Klee Kai and weigh 53 pounds more than AKK. Similarities include their lifespan and litter sizes.
  • Akita Inu: Alaskan Klee Kai originated from the United States, but Akita Inu originated from Japan. The Alaskan Klee Kai and the Akita Inu are sled dogs, but the Akita Inu served other purposes like service dogs, law enforcement and military assistance, and herding.
  • Samoyed: The Samoyed is a purebred dog originating from Mongolia, while the Alaskan Klee Kai has North American origins. Both are sled dogs, and they share the same weight and high. Samoyed has a similar temperament to the Alaskan Klee Kai. Samoyed is less friendly with other dogs and strangers but better with children and older people. Samoyeds have smaller litters with only 4 to 6 puppies, while the Alaskan Klee Kai can have between 4 and 10 puppies per litter.
  • Keeshond: The Keeshond is a purebred originating from both Germany and The Netherlands, while the Alaskan Klee Kai has North American origins. The Keeshond is smaller than the average Alaskan Klee Kai, weighing about 10 pounds less, and its height is about 4 inches less than the Alaskan Klee Kai. The Keeshond is a companion dog, not a sled dog like the Alaskan Klee Kai.
  • Utonagan: The Utonagen dogs originated in the UK, and they are a bit bigger than the Alaskan Klee Kai that originated from the United States. These two breeds have almost identical personalities and characteristics, such as their loyalty and need for affection from their pack. Like the Alaskan Klee Kai, the Utonagen will not make a good guard dog because they welcome any strange humans and dogs.
  • Alaskan Klee Kai: Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Alaskan Klee Kai originated from the United States. The Klee Kai is smaller than the Alaskan Klee Kai, and they are companion dogs rather than sled dogs. They are affectionate and want their family around them at all times. They do not do well with staying home alone.
  • Tamaskan Dog: The Tamaskan dog was bred reasonably recently in the UK. It has the appearance of a wolf, but they are as affectionate as the Alaskan Klee Kai. They are prone to suffer separation anxiety and should not be left alone too often. They are highly intelligent and packed with energy, both reasons for needing lots of exercises and mental stimulation.

What are the Similar Maintenance Dog Breeds to Alaskan Klee Kai?

Some of the new breeds with similar maintenance needs as Alaskan Klee Kai are listed below:

What are Similar-sized Dog Breeds to Alaskan Klee Kai?

Dog Breeds of similar size as the Alaskan Klee Kai breed are listed below:

  • Alaskan Pomeranian
  • Shih Tzu
  • Maltese
  • Toy Schnauzer
  • Toy Australian Shepherd

Michael Brady

Michael is an animal-lover who specializes in marketing. He started running Dog Food Care with his mother, Sarah, after leaving his office job. Michael gained enough flexibility in his schedule to be able to adopt a dog of his own and welcomed Emmie the dachshund into his home in 2020.