Looking forward to getting a small but playful fur buddy? And you are fond of huskies? Well, we have the best one for you—the Alaskan Klee Kai!
They are intelligent, cuddly, affectionate dogs who can also be excellent watchdogs. They are low maintenance, too. In this article, we’ll touch upon what you need to know before getting an Alaskan Klee Kai.
Overview
| Height | 13-15 inches |
| Weight | 6-25 lbs |
| Life span | 13-16 years |
| Exercise needs | 30 minutes to 2 hours daily |
| Temperament | Energetic, Social, Loyal |
| Grooming | Low maintenance |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Origin | Alaska |
Origin of the Alaskan Klee Kai
Alaskan Klee Kai is a small breed of dog that originated in the 1970s. Breeder Linda Spurling is responsible for this creation. She bred four different species of dogs: Alaskan husky, Siberian Husky, Schipperke, and American Eskimo.
While they look very similar to Siberian Huskies, they are relatively small, making them the perfect match for pet seekers who lack enough house space. Alaskan Klee Kais are loyal, social, and friendly dogs, originally bred for humans to have a smaller husky-like companion with all the similar traits.
Appearance of the Alaskan Klee Kai
Alaskan Klee Kais are small dogs. They have triangular ears, and almond-shaped eyes. And also a specific mask-like facial feature that can often be used to distinguish them. Besides, they have a few more distinguishing features that make them stand out! Here’s a few:
1. Coat
Their fur comes in various colors. Some of them are solid white, gray and white, black and white and red and white. You can practically choose just about any color to love these dogs in! Plus, the fur around their eyes look like permanent goggles! It’s like having your own little superhero!
They are double-coated (a soft, dense coat underneath and a longer guard coat on top) just like their husky descendants. Additionally, the coat protects them from both cold and warm weather.
2. Sizes
Similar to most of the popular dog breeds, Klee Kais come in 3 sizes:
- Toy Alaskan Klee kai can be up to 13 inches tall.
- Miniature can be between 13-15 inches.
- Standard Klee Kai comes in 15-18 inches.
Since, these dogs do not need much space, they are suitable for houses that cannot accommodate big dogs or acquire ample playing space.
3. Tail
Alaskan Klee Kais have furry and fluffy tails. When alert, their tail forms a complete curl over their back which helps in agility.
Temperament and Personality
Since Alaskan Klee Kais were mainly bred for companionship, they exhibit drunk bestie traits. Well, not really, but you’ll get the point as we discuss it. They have these personality traits:
1. Intelligent
Alaskan Klee Kai can sometimes behave like uncontrollable drunk friends. These dogs are very smart and weary of their surroundings, making them excellent watchdogs. However, they are also an inquisitive breed. You need to be extra cautious with the leash because they can run off.
2. Energetic
Klee Kais are highly active, requiring plenty of physical activity. While pups and senior dogs can be exercised for 30 minutes daily, adults have the ability to play for up to 2 hours! These dogs are agile and quick to react. So, extended play time at the doggy park benefits them.
3. Easy to train
Klee Kai is very good at following commands and catching new tricks. They are highly food-motivated, and always willing to please their owners, making it even easier for you to train them.
4. Stranger danger!
These dogs are always in stranger-danger alert mode. Alaskan Klee Kais don’t go well with new people. New faces can easily make them uncomfortable, and so, they remain vigilant about everything around them.
It can be challenging for your Klee Kai to adjust if you stay in crowded apartments. Hence, early socialization is crucial to familiarize them with overcrowded situations.
5. Instinctive hunters
Even though they were bred for companionship, they have a high prey drive. If not appropriately trained, they might harm smaller creatures like cats, birds, or rodents.
6. Great family dogs
Alaskan Klee Kais love their hoomans! They are loyal to their families. They always stay by their owner’s side and are very protective of them. Even when separated for brief moments, they might look out for them.
Owners with young kids should be cautious. They always inform them about their dog’s discomforts. They may hurt them while playing. Or lead the dogs to react aggressively.
7. Lovable
Alaskan Klee Kais are one of the most affectionate fur buddies. They love being the center of attention among their loved ones. So, a good cuddle can make their entire day!
Funny Stuff: These fur friends can scream! After all, they are the descendants of chaotic huskies. And they never back down to make the ancestors proud!
Grooming Needs of the Alaskan Klee Kai
Grooming is an essential step for pet owners. Alaskan Klee Kais possess a cat-like characteristic of cleaning and keeping themselves tidy. Even though they do not need a lot of grooming, here are a few steps you might want to keep in mind:
1. Coat and hygiene maintenance
While their coats are overall medium length, Alaskan Klee Kais shed a lot, and the excess hair can tangle up. This often leads to matting. You should brush their coat at least once or twice a week, which makes them low maintenance.
On the bright side, they don’t require frequent bathing. You should bathe them only when they are too dirty and smelly. Or have been unable to groom themselves for an extended period. Frequent bathing may wear their skin out of the natural oils.
Keep their ears clean and look for redness, ear wax build-up, or infections. Additionally, you can use damp wipes to clean both their ears and eye areas.
2. Manicure sessions
Your gorgeous pup needs a pretty manicure, too. Try to trim their nails frequently. Long and sharp claws can make them uneasy and affect their movement.
Moisturize and massage their paw pads. This will ensure that their paws are free of foreign particles to prevent irritations and infections.
3. Cleaning ’em teefies!
Pet owners must keep their pup’s teefies healthy!
The process includes regular brushing of their teeth and annual dental check-ups. Make sure to use dog-friendly toothpaste and toothbrushes suitable for small dogs (article).
Again, Alaskan Klee Kais need minimal grooming. They can care for themselves very well. Yet, that does not imply that grooming can be ignored entirely. Good oral health ensures a happy and playful doggo who can be fierce if needed.
Exercise and Training Needs
As mentioned above, Alaskan Klee Kais are enthusiastic. They might want to run away, get occasional zoomies, and get bored quickly. Without any mental or physical stimulation, there may be behavioral issues in this breed.
1. Regular walks
Although, Alaskan Klee Kais do not need ample space, regular walks to doggy parks are necessary. It helps socialize them with more people and other dogs.
One of the best ways to get your fluff-ball all the work out is by hiking with them or going on runs, etc. This is mutually beneficial for both the owner and the dog as both of you get your daily exercise.
2. Include playtime
Including a fun playtime besides their regular walks is a great way to keep them engaged. There are several games that you can play with them:
- Tug of war
- Fetch
- Treat hunts
Above all, playtime helps you maintain a good bond between you and them.
Incorporate many puzzle toys in their playtime. This makes them search for their award (read as treats). This can help keep their wild hunting instincts alive.
Are Alaskan Klee Kais Hypoallergenic?
Alaskan Klee Kai dogs are not generally considered among the hypoallergenic breeds. Since they are double-coated, they shed seasonally. This creates plenty of dander and loose fur. Hence, despite their medium fur length coat, they are not suitable for people with fur allergies.
Before getting one, spending time around similar breeds is important to check the severity of the allergic reactions.
Conclusion
Alaskan Klee Kai is the kind of dog you would want to get if you can give your puppy sufficient playtime. Lack of physical and mental stimulation will cause behavioral issues.
Also, they must be socialized. That should be one of your top priorities. These lovable dogs need plenty of time and attention. Additionally, it is always recommended to get them only if you live in moderately cooler climates. Extreme heat is not a very favorable condition for them to live in.
Once you’ve got all those in check, there can be no better dog to suit your active lifestyle than an Alaskan Klee Kai!
Frequently Asked Questions
Ans: Alaskan Klee Kai’s toy size is the smallest size for this breed. The toy-size klee kai are up to 13 inches tall from the ground to the top of their shoulders. A toy-size Alaskan klee kai can weigh 8-14 lbs at full maturity.
Alaskan Klee Kais are literally cats of the doggy world. They groom themselves from time to time. They typically do not have a specific “doggy odor.” But they are quite athletic, so they can easily get dirt on them. You should bathe them only when they are really dirty. And brushing them twice a week will get rid of all the
Ans: Considering the initial adoption cost, these dogs are not very cheap. The cost of adopting a pup may vary from breeder to breeder. But, you should be able to find one between 2.5-3k from a reputed breeder.
Even though we always encourage adoption instead of buying from breeders. So, look for a suitable one in your area’s dog shelter first.
Ans: This breed was made using the Alaskan and Siberian Huskies to Schipperkes and American Eskimo Dogs. The intention was to create a smaller version of a husky that does not require much space.
Shiba Inus are generally slightly more relaxed than Alaskan Klee Kais, which tend to be a bit more energetic. Both breeds are playful and curious, but Alaskan Klee Kais are more accessible to train than Shiba Inus because they do not possess the typical Shiba Inu same stubborn streak.
