Alaskan Klee Kai

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a relatively modern breed, developed in Alaska during the 1970s by Linda S. Spurlin and her family. Her goal was to create a companion-sized version of the Alaskan Husky while retaining its striking appearance and intelligence, but without the intense working drive and large size of its sled dog cousins. The name “Klee Kai” comes from an Inuit term meaning “small dog.”

The foundation for the breed involved carefully selected Alaskan Huskies, Siberian Huskies, and possibly smaller Spitz-type dogs like the Schipperke and American Eskimo Dog to reduce size while maintaining the desired look and temperament. The breeding program focused on creating a small, active, and intelligent companion suitable for a wider range of households than the larger northern breeds. The Alaskan Klee Kai was first made available to the public in 1988. The United Kennel Club (UKC) recognized the breed in 1997, and it is currently part of the AKC’s Foundation Stock Service (FSS), working towards full AKC recognition. They are cherished for their captivating looks and lively personalities.

The Alaskan Klee Kai is known for its high intelligence, agility, and alert nature. They are curious and energetic dogs that enjoy being active and exploring their surroundings. Klee Kai form strong bonds with their families and are typically very loyal and affectionate with their trusted people. However, they are often reserved and wary of strangers, a trait that makes them excellent watchdogs that will readily bark to announce anything unusual. Early and extensive socialization is crucial to prevent this wariness from developing into excessive shyness or suspicion.

They are intelligent and quick learners but can also possess an independent or stubborn streak common in Spitz-type breeds. Klee Kai are known for being quite vocal, using a range of barks, howls, and “talkative” sounds to express themselves. They are playful and enjoy interactive games. Due to their intelligence and energy, they need consistent mental stimulation to prevent boredom, which can lead to undesirable behaviors. They are sensitive dogs that respond best to positive reinforcement training methods.

The Alaskan Klee Kai has a thick, weather-resistant double coat, similar to its larger Husky relatives. The outer coat is straight and stands off from the body, while the undercoat is soft, dense, and oily. They come in black and white, gray and white, or red and white, always with a distinctive facial mask.

Klee Kai are significant shedders, especially during their seasonal “coat blows” (typically twice a year), when they lose their undercoat in large clumps. During these periods, daily brushing with an undercoat rake and slicker brush is essential to remove the dead fur and prevent matting. For the rest of the year, thorough brushing two to three times a week should suffice to keep the coat healthy and manage shedding. Their coat is naturally quite clean and repels dirt, so baths are needed only occasionally to avoid stripping the natural oils. Regular nail trims, ear cleaning, and dental care are also important components of their grooming routine.

Alaskan Klee Kai are active and energetic dogs that require regular daily exercise to stay physically fit and mentally stimulated, despite their smaller size. They are not content to be couch potatoes all day. Aim for at least 30-60 minutes of activity per day, which should include more than just leisurely leash walks.

Good exercise options for an Alaskan Klee Kai include:

• Brisk daily walks, jogging (once fully mature), or hiking.
• Playtime in a securely fenced yard. They enjoy games like fetch or chasing toys.
• Canine sports: Their intelligence and agility make them well-suited for activities like agility (they often excel), obedience, rally, or even lure coursing.
• Interactive puzzle toys and learning new tricks to keep their sharp minds engaged.

Without sufficient exercise and mental engagement, Klee Kai can become bored, which may lead to undesirable behaviors such as excessive barking, digging, or destructiveness. They enjoy being active with their families and thrive when they have an outlet for their energy.

The Alaskan Klee Kai is generally considered a healthy breed, partly due to its relatively recent development with a focus on health by its founder. However, like all breeds, they can be susceptible to certain genetic health conditions. Responsible breeders screen their breeding stock. Potential health concerns include:

• Patellar Luxation: Dislocation of the kneecap, common in small breeds.
• Thyroid Issues (Hypothyroidism):** An underactive thyroid gland.
• Factor VII Deficiency:** An inherited clotting disorder. DNA testing is available.
• Eye Conditions: Such as juvenile cataracts or Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA). Eye certification is important.
• Heart Conditions:** Some cardiac issues can occur.
• Liver Shunts (Portosystemic Shunt):** Though rare, it can occur.