Alaskan Klee Kai

What comes to mind when you think of Alaska? Eskimos? Seals? Snow? Well, there's a little dog that had its roots there and it's called the Alaskan Klee Kai. In the Alaskan Athabaskan language, the name translates as "small dog" and that aptly describes what Alaskan Klee Kais look like. If you're searching for a friendly little dog with the intelligence, agility and curiosity to entertain, take a good look at the Alaskan Klee Kai.

Historical development of the breed

Discovery of the breed can be credited to Linda S. Spulin, who in the 1970s was witness to the accidental mating between an unknown small female dog and the large Alaskan Husky. Later the Alaskan Klee Kai breed was further developed by a cross-breeding process between Schipperkes, American Eskimo dogs, Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Huskies. The aim of this process was to have a dog that was small in size, but not a dwarf. Spurlin continued breeding of these dogs and only introduced the Alaskan Klee Kai to the public in 1988. Finally, in 1995, The American Rare Breed Association (ARBA) recognized Alaskan Klee Kais, while The United Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1997.

Behavioral traits

The Alaskan Klee Kai adapts very quickly to the families and homes that adopt them. They are extremely intelligent, very agile, moderately, active and are also very curious. Alsakan Klee Kais do not make good guard dogs owing to their small stature, but owing to their constant barking they can be considered as good watchdogs. The Alaskan Klee Kai is loyal and friendly with all members of the household but not with strangers. They also possess an innate, high prey drive and will attack and kill feathery or furry pets at home, such as hamsters, cats, rabbits, birds or chickens. Alaskan Klee Kai puppies for sale can, however, be trained from young to control some of their negative, instinctive tendencies. Alaskan Klee Kais do not tolerate pinching, bullying or any type of harsh disciplining, and like the Siberian Husky, may nip at children or others who do so. Owing to its intelligence, the Alaskan Klee Kai has a high drive to please and demonstrates this through their agile ways.

Appearance and features

The Alaskan Klee Kai for sale is a little version of the Husky and has three size classifications - Toy size (approx.13 inches tall); Miniature (up to 16 inches tall) and Standard (maximum 17 inches tall). On an average, Alaskan Klee Kais weigh 5-22lbs and are approximately 10-17 inches tall. They have a black and white, grey and white or red and white coat which is either with short, medium or full length fur. They have striking masked faces, wedge-shaped heads, prick ears and tails that are full furred and curled back over their backs.

Health aspects

Despite its cross-bred evolution, the Alaskan Klee Kai is free of genetic defects as opposed to other breeds in its class. However, they can be affected by such diseases and ailments as Liver, Thyroid and Cardiac disease, Juvenile cataract, Luxating Patella and Pyometra. Alkaskan Klee Kais have life spans of approximately 12-16 years and have a littler size of 1-6 Alaskan Klee Kai Puppies.

At the end of the day, the Alaskan Klee Kai can indeed make a very good pet for your home. Treat it with kindness, and you'll get the very best of it in return.