The Alaskan Klee Kai is a northern breed of dog in the spitz family. The term "Klee Kai" was derived from Alaskan Athabaskan words meaning "small dog". The breed was developed to create a companion sized version of the Alaskan Husky (though it closely resembles the Siberian), resulting in an energetic, intelligent, apartment-sized dog with an appearance that reflects its northern heritage.

Quick facts

Appearance

The Alaskan Klee Kai should look like a miniature husky. They come in three sizes. Standard, Miniature, and Toy.

• The Standard has a height of 15-17.5 inches (38-42 cm) and weight of 23 pounds (10 kg.)
• The Miniature has a height of 13-15 inches (33-39 cm) and weight of 15 pounds (7 kg.)
• The Toy has a height under 13 inches (33 cm.) and weight under 10 pounds (4.3 kg.)

Their colors are black and white, All varieties of gray-and-white, red-and-white (rare) and solid white (non registerable).

History

The breed was developed in Wasilla, Alaska during the mid-1970s by Linda S. Spurlin after she observed the result of an accidental mating of an Alaskan Husky and an unknown small dog. The breed was developed with Siberian and Alaskan Huskies using Schipperke and American Eskimo Dog to bring down the size without dwarfism. She bred these dogs in private until she released them to the general public in 1988. Originally called the "Klee Kai", the breed split into "Alaskan Klee Kai" and "Klee Kai" for political reasons in 1995. The breed consolidated under the new name in 2002. The Alaskan Klee Kai was officially recognized by the American Rare Breed Association (ARBA) in 1995 and by the United Kennel Club (UKC) on January 1, 1997.

Temperament

Alaskan Klee Kai are a moderate to high energy breed and some will bark. Most have soft vocalization which are called "talkers". They normally blow coat once to twice a year and have minimal shedding during all other times. They are loving with family and friends but some are cautious and reserved with strangers. Early, consistent socialization, as with all breeds, is especially necessary in these dogs. If in an appropriate environment, the Klee Kai can be a wonderful companion.

Sources

• Dog Breed Info.com
• Alaskan Klee Kai at Puppy Dog Web

External links

• Alaskan Klee Kai Association of America
• United Alaskan Klee Kai Association