Last Updated on March 6, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
Alaskan klee kai is a small dog from the USA. It has medium-length fur that’s a bit wiry and looks like a tiny husky. This dog has huskies in its family but was bred with other dogs to make it smaller. There are three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard.
The Alaskan klee kai is small, smart, and full of energy. It’s a new breed that looks like a small Siberian husky. The term “Klee Kai” in Inuit means “small dog.” Klee Kai typically live for about 13 to 16 years. This dog is very active, clever, and alert. However, it usually has strong ties with its owners and is quite faithful.
Alaskan Klee Kai Dog Breed History
The history of the Alaskan Klee Kai dates back to the 1970s when a breeder named Linda Spurlin set out to create a smaller version of the Husky. Spurlin, familiar with huskies, wanted a dog with a specific appearance and personality.
She selectively bred Alaskan and Siberian huskies with American Eskimo dogs and schipperkes to achieve this. Through this careful breeding process, she developed a smaller dog capable of navigating the rugged Alaskan terrain and being a wonderful companion. “Klee kai” comes from the Athabaskan language, meaning “little dog.
Despite its rarity, the breed has grown in popularity over time. While not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club, the breed was accepted into the Foundation Stock Service for breeding records in 2020.
Alaskan klee kai Dog Breed Overview
| Group | N/A |
| Height | Toy: 13 inches and under Miniature: 13 to 15 inches  Standard: 15 to 17.5 inches |
| Weight | Toy: 6 to 12 pounds Miniature: 10 to 18 pounds Standard: 16 to 25 pounds |
| Coat | Medium-length, wiry |
| Coat Color | Black and white, gray and white, or red and white |
| Life Span | 13 to 16 years |
| Temperament | Alert, loyal, intelligent |
| Hypoallergenic | No |
| Origin | United States |
Alaskan Klee Kai Characteristics
The Alaskan Klee Kai is known for its alert and energetic personality. They tend to love their owners and have lively personalities, yet they are cautious about strangers.
| Characteristic | Level |
| Affection Level | Medium |
| Friendliness | Low |
| Kid-Friendly | Low |
| Pet-Friendly | Medium |
| Playfulness | High |
| Energy Level | High |
| Trainability | Medium |
| Intelligence | High |
| Tendency to Bark | High |
| Amount of Shedding | Medium |
Alaskan Klee Kai Size
Alaskan Klee kai comes in different sizes. The Miniature ones can be 13–15 inches tall and weigh 10–15 pounds. The Standard-size Alaskan Klee Kai are a bit bigger, ranging from 15–17 inches tall and weighing 15–20 pounds. If they’re taller than 17.5 inches, it’s considered a fault.
Alaskan Klee Kai Temperament
The typical Alaskan Klee Kai has an inquisitive, nimble, distant, and intellectual temperament. Because of their intelligence, they may become stubborn, viewed as a bad quality. They are little dogs, but their robust bones allow them to jump high and are excellent at agility.
Grooming
Alaskan klee kai dogs have two layers of fur that they shed a bit. It would help to brush their coat once a week to keep them tidy and stop them from getting tangled. Sometimes, they’ll shed more fur in spring and fall, so you should brush them daily.
Luckily, their fur doesn’t get dirty easily, so they rarely need baths. You should also check your nails regularly and brush your teeth every day.
Diet And Nutrition
The Alaskan klee kai always needs to have fresh water ready for them. Giving them good quality food with all the nutrients they need is important. Talk to your vet about how much and what type of food is best for your dog because it can change depending on how big and old they are, among other things.
Most people give their Alaskan klee kai two meals daily, and measuring the food you give them is a good idea. Instead of a regular bowl, you can use a puzzle feeder to make mealtime more fun and give your dog mental exercise.
Alaskan Klee Kai is usually active and doesn’t usually get too heavy, but it’s still important to watch how much they eat and how many treats they get to ensure they don’t eat too much.
Alaskan Klee Kai Common Health Problems
Alaskan Klee Kai dogs are usually healthy but can have some health issues passed down from their parents. These include:
- Patellar luxation
- Autoimmune thyroiditis
- Heart murmurs
- Eye diseases
- Factor VII deficiency
Alaskan Klee Kai Care
Taking care of Alaskan klee kai dogs is important because they are energetic and smart. They need lots of exercise and things to think about. Training them can be tricky because they are clever but sometimes stubborn. Keeping them clean is pretty easy.
Exercise
These dogs need someone to play with them for about an hour daily. If they get bored, they might start doing things like breaking stuff or barking too much. Going for long walks or runs is great because they have lots of energy.
They also like doing activities like agility training. Giving them puzzles to solve with food inside can keep them busy. But be careful because they might run away fast if they’re not on a leash or in a safe place.
Training
These dogs are clever and like to learn new things but can also be stubborn. It’s best to use positive methods when training them, like giving them treats when they do something right. Starting training when they’re young is a good idea.
They can be shy around people they don’t know, so it’s important to introduce them to many different people and places when they’re still puppies.
Alaskan Klee Kai vs Husky
| Â | Â
Alaskan Klee Kai |
Â
Siberian Husky |
| Size | 10-13 inches tall; 6-25 pounds | 20-24 inches tall; 35-60 pounds |
| Appearance | Resembles a miniature husky with distinct markings | Large, fluffy dogs with limited colour variations |
| Origin | Originated in the 1970s, recognized by AKC in 2020 | Originated in Asia before the 20th century |
| Purpose | Compact alternative to Husky, bred for companionship | Bred for sled pulling and racing |
| Temperament | Alert, high energy, prone to separation anxiety | Patient, calm, easy to train, high prey drive |
| Lifespan | 13-16 years | 12-14 years |
Klee Kai For Adoption
Finding an Alaskan klee kai to adopt or buy can be tricky because they’re uncommon. You might only see them sometimes at regular animal shelters. But it’s still a good idea to check shelters and rescue groups specializing in this breed, just in case one is looking for a new home.
Alaskan klee kai price between $1,500 to $3,000. However, the price can vary a lot. Depending on where you live, finding these breeders might take a lot of work. You can use the following resources to find an Alaskan klee kai:
Alaskan Klee Kai Association of America
Alaskan Klee Kai National Rescue
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Alaskan Klee Kai Bark A Lot?
Alaskan klee kai may talk and howl, but don’t bark excessively.
Is An Alaskan Klee Kai A Mini Husky?
The Alaskan Klee Kai breed, sometimes called the Mini Husky, comes from the Spitz family and shares similarities with Siberian Huskies.
What Is Alaskan Klee Kai Lifespan?
The lifespan of a Klee kai is typically around 13–16 years.
Are Alaskan Klee Kai Good Pets?
Yes, Alaskan klee kai can make good pets. They are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and affectionate nature, making them great companions for the right family. However, like dogs, they require proper training, socialization, and care to thrive as pets.
I am a dedicated content writer with more than five years of experience, particularly skilled in the art of storytelling. My writing journey commenced during my college years, where I pursued journalism and unearthed my talent for creating captivating narratives.
