Alaskan Klee Kai are a relatively new breed of dog that started in Alaska in the 1970s. Founded by an American lady called Linda Spurlin, the Alaskan Klee Kai were bred to be companion sized huskies.
Spurlin started to make her small dogs available to the public in the late 1980s. The United Kennel Club granted the Alaskan Klee Kai full status in 1997.
History
Alaskan Klee Kai were created by an Alaskan lady named Linda Spurlin in the 1970s. A chance encounter with a small husky inspired Spurlin to create companion-sized Husky dogs. The result was the Alaskan Klee Kai.
Spurlin used the Alaskan Husky to lay down the foundation of her breed, while she used a little Siberian Husky, Schipperke and American Eskimo.
Appearance and Size
Alaskan Klee Kai come in three different sizes: standard, mini and toy.
The UKC standard allows for coat colors that are black and white, grey and white, and red and white. Klee Kai can have brown or blue eyes. They can also have bi-eyes or even a parti-eye. They have pointed ears that give them an alert appearance.
Temperament
Alaskan Klee Kai were bred to be companion dogs. Therefore, they can become quickly bonded to their owners. This can come at a cost as some Klee Kai suffer from separation anxiety.
The northern breed can be aloof or shy around strangers so it's important to socialise Alaskan Klee Kai puppies from a young age to result in a sociable and well rounded dog.
Grooming
Alaskan Klee Kai are moderate to high shedding dogs. They'll need to be brushed at least a few times a week. They've got an inner and outer coat.
The outer coat will be made up of coarse straight hair, while the inner coat is dense and soft. They'll blow out their coat twice a year at the changing of the season.
Price
Alaskan Klee Kai can vary in cost from breeder to breeder. Some breeders will charge more depending on coat color or eye color. Usually, an Alaskan Klee Kai will blue eyes will be more expensive than other varieties.
Most reputable Alaskan Klee Kai breeders will charge between $2200 and $3000 for a puppy. You should never buy an AKK online or in a pet store.
Alaskan Klee Kai Life Expectancy
Alaskan Klee Kai are a relatively healthy breed of dog. However, as they're a young breed, some long-term health issues are yet to be discovered.
The breed should be tested for Autoimmune Thyroiditis, Patellar Luxation, Cardiac Evaluation and Eye examination. The northern breed have a life expectancy that ranges between 15 and 18 years.
Exercise
Alaskan Klee Kai are a breed that are related to Huskies. So they do need a fair amount of daily exercise. Usually around 30 to 45 minutes a day.
Klee Kai are adaptable and will happily snuggle up and take a long nap on rainy days. They've got a reputation as escape artists with a high prey drive. So you'll need to ensure your back yard or garden is secure.