Alaskan Klee Kai
Encyclopedia
The Alaskan Klee Kai is a northern breed of dog
of spitz
type. 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
(a mixed breed of dog used for sled racing), resulting in an energetic, intelligent, apartment-sized dog with an appearance that reflects its northern heritage.
The Alaskan Klee Kai should look like a miniature husky. Although their standard is based on that of the Siberian Husky
, there are physical differences, such as a shorter muzzle, larger ears, and higher tail set, that make them easily distinguishable from the Siberian.
They come in three sizes based on their height:
(*An Eliminating Fault is a Fault serious enough that it eliminates the dog from obtaining any awards in a conformation event.)
Alaskan Klee Kai come in three standard color varieties. Black and White, which can appear with stark contrasts or with a more dilute diffusion of the colors; Gray and White, which comes in several variations; or Red and White, which appears either as a cinnamon or a dark auburn. Solid white Alaskan Klee Kai, which may be a pure snow white color or more of an apricot, also exist but is a breed standard disqualification and can not be registered with the UKC.
The Alaskan Klee Kai, like the Siberian Husky
, is relatively easy to care for. They are extremely clean. Most do not like wet feet and will spend hours daily grooming themselves. Alaskan Klee Kai, like many other northern breeds, do not have a typical "doggy odor" or "doggy breath." Most Klee Kai will seldom require a bath.
As in Siberians and unlike short haired dogs who shed all year long, the Klee Kai blows its coat twice a year. Of course, the size of the dogs limits the amount of fur blown. It is best to groom
the dog on a regular basis during this time. Some of the longer haired dogs can become matted if not groomed. Most Klee Kai will assist the loss of hair by rubbing against things such as fences.
Other than this period of blowing coat, the Klee Kai is very self sufficient. The normal preventative measures should be taken, such as trimming of nails, normal grooming in the form of brushing. This process is especially important in the bonding process.
The Alaskan Klee Kai is a highly intelligent, curious and active breed. Unlike Siberian Huskies, whom they closely resemble, Alaskan Klee Kai are typically standoffish and cautious around unfamiliar individuals, which causes them to excel as watchdogs
. Because of their inherently reserved disposition in the presence of strangers, continual socialization throughout an Alaskan Klee Kai's life is highly encouraged. They are moderately active and have a strong prey drive
. This means unless they are properly introduced and raised with smaller animals such as rabbits, hamsters, cats and birds, they will hunt and kill them. They can be a great family dog if raised with children who are careful with animals. Alaskan Klee Kai are not likely to tolerate being mistreated (poked at, pinched, bullied) by children and may respond by nipping them, unlike the Siberian Husky which are considered good with children. Even so, they make great pets. Because of their intelligence they do well in obedience classes and have a high drive to please their owners which helps them to excel in this area as well as many other types of activities. Another such activity is agility in which the AKK almost seems to have been bred to take part in. If you have an Alaskan Klee Kai that is highly active, this is a great way to help them use some of that up.
Relative to other breeds, the Alaskan Klee Kai has been remarkably free of genetic defects.
However, some health conditions linked to the breed include:
The breed may suffer from other health issues that have yet to be discovered because of the breeds relatively young age and small gene pool.
Responsible Alaskan Klee Kai breeders have their dogs health tested and registered with OFA for Cardiac, Patellas, and Thyroid. They are now accepted by CHIC also, if they have passed their OFA exams and eye exam by CERF.
, 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.
The dog also recognized as consumer reports favorite in 2008.
Dog breed
Dog breeds are groups of closely related and visibly similar domestic dogs, which are all of the subspecies Canis lupus familiaris, having characteristic traits that are selected and maintained by humans, bred from a known foundation stock....
of spitz
Spitz
Spitz-type dogs are a type of dog, characterized by long, thick, and often white fur, and pointed ears and muzzles...
type. 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
Alaskan Husky
The Alaskan husky is not a breed of dog rather it is a type or a category. It falls short of being a breed in that there is no preferred type of and no restriction as to ancestry; it is defined only by its purpose, which is that of a highly efficient sled dog...
(a mixed breed of dog used for sled racing), resulting in an energetic, intelligent, apartment-sized dog with an appearance that reflects its northern heritage.
Appearance
Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is a medium-size, dense-coat working dog breed that originated in north-eastern Siberia. The breed belongs to the Spitz genetic family...
, there are physical differences, such as a shorter muzzle, larger ears, and higher tail set, that make them easily distinguishable from the Siberian.
They come in three sizes based on their height:
- Toy size Alaskan Klee Kai are up to and including 13 inches.
- Miniature Alaskan Klee Kai are over 13 inches high and up to 15 inches high.
- Standard Alaskan Klee Kai are over 15 inches high and up to 17 inches high.
- Serious FaultFault (dog)The term fault is used in animal breed standards to describe an aspect of appearance or temperament that is considered detrimental to the breed type of the animal's breed. In dogs, faults have to do with the externally observable qualities of the dog such as appearance, movement, and temperament...
- Any Alaskan Klee Kai over 17 inches and up to 17½ inches. - Eliminating Fault* - Any Alaskan Klee Kai over 17½ inches.
(*An Eliminating Fault is a Fault serious enough that it eliminates the dog from obtaining any awards in a conformation event.)
Alaskan Klee Kai come in three standard color varieties. Black and White, which can appear with stark contrasts or with a more dilute diffusion of the colors; Gray and White, which comes in several variations; or Red and White, which appears either as a cinnamon or a dark auburn. Solid white Alaskan Klee Kai, which may be a pure snow white color or more of an apricot, also exist but is a breed standard disqualification and can not be registered with the UKC.
Coat and Grooming
Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is a medium-size, dense-coat working dog breed that originated in north-eastern Siberia. The breed belongs to the Spitz genetic family...
, is relatively easy to care for. They are extremely clean. Most do not like wet feet and will spend hours daily grooming themselves. Alaskan Klee Kai, like many other northern breeds, do not have a typical "doggy odor" or "doggy breath." Most Klee Kai will seldom require a bath.
As in Siberians and unlike short haired dogs who shed all year long, the Klee Kai blows its coat twice a year. Of course, the size of the dogs limits the amount of fur blown. It is best to groom
Dog grooming
Dog grooming refers to both the hygienic care and cleaning of a dog, as well as a process by which a dog's physical appearance is enhanced for showing or other types of competition. A dog groomer is a person who earns their living grooming dogs.-Reasons for grooming:Grooming is an important part...
the dog on a regular basis during this time. Some of the longer haired dogs can become matted if not groomed. Most Klee Kai will assist the loss of hair by rubbing against things such as fences.
Other than this period of blowing coat, the Klee Kai is very self sufficient. The normal preventative measures should be taken, such as trimming of nails, normal grooming in the form of brushing. This process is especially important in the bonding process.
Temperament
Guard dog
A guard dog, an attack dog or watch dog is a dog used to guard against, and watch for, unwanted or unexpected people or animals. The dog is discriminating so that it does not annoy or attack familiar people.-Barking:...
. Because of their inherently reserved disposition in the presence of strangers, continual socialization throughout an Alaskan Klee Kai's life is highly encouraged. They are moderately active and have a strong prey drive
Prey drive
Prey drive is the instinctive inclination of a carnivore to pursue and capture prey.In dog training, prey drive can be used as an advantage because dogs with strong prey drive are also willing to pursue moving objects such as toys, which can then be used to encourage certain kinds of behavior, such...
. This means unless they are properly introduced and raised with smaller animals such as rabbits, hamsters, cats and birds, they will hunt and kill them. They can be a great family dog if raised with children who are careful with animals. Alaskan Klee Kai are not likely to tolerate being mistreated (poked at, pinched, bullied) by children and may respond by nipping them, unlike the Siberian Husky which are considered good with children. Even so, they make great pets. Because of their intelligence they do well in obedience classes and have a high drive to please their owners which helps them to excel in this area as well as many other types of activities. Another such activity is agility in which the AKK almost seems to have been bred to take part in. If you have an Alaskan Klee Kai that is highly active, this is a great way to help them use some of that up.
Health
However, some health conditions linked to the breed include:
- Juvenile Cataracts
- Liver Disease
- Extreme Shyness
- Factor VII Deficiency
- Pyometra
- Luxating Patella
- Cryptorchids
- Cardiac Issues including PDA
- Thyroid disease-including autoimmune thyroiditis
The breed may suffer from other health issues that have yet to be discovered because of the breeds relatively young age and small gene pool.
Responsible Alaskan Klee Kai breeders have their dogs health tested and registered with OFA for Cardiac, Patellas, and Thyroid. They are now accepted by CHIC also, if they have passed their OFA exams and eye exam by CERF.
History
The breed was developed in Wasilla, AlaskaWasilla, Alaska
Wasilla is a city in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, United States and the sixth-largest city in Alaska. It is located on the northern point of Cook Inlet in the Matanuska-Susitna Valley of the southcentral part of the state. The city's population was 7,831 at the 2010 census...
, 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
Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is a medium-size, dense-coat working dog breed that originated in north-eastern Siberia. The breed belongs to the Spitz genetic family...
and Alaskan
Alaskan Husky
The Alaskan husky is not a breed of dog rather it is a type or a category. It falls short of being a breed in that there is no preferred type of and no restriction as to ancestry; it is defined only by its purpose, which is that of a highly efficient sled dog...
Huskies using Schipperke
Schipperke
A Schipperke is a small Belgian breed of dog that originated in the early 16th century. There has been a long informal debate over whether this type of dog is a spitz or miniature sheepdog.- Description :...
and American Eskimo Dog
American Eskimo Dog
The American Eskimo Dog is a breed of companion dog originating in Germany. The American Eskimo is a member of the Spitz family. Despite its name and appearance, the American Eskimo dog is not from Alaska; the dog's heritage is traced back to Northern Europe...
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
American Rare Breed Association
The American Rare Breed Association or ARBA is a national dog association of the United States, based in Cheltenham, Prince George's County, Maryland. The club was formed to register, show, educate and promote the breeding of uncommon dog breeds...
(ARBA) in 1995 and by the United Kennel Club
United Kennel Club
The United Kennel Club is the second oldest all-breed registry of purebred dog pedigrees in the United States and the second largest in the world. According to the website, the club records 250,000 registrations annually. The UKC is not part of the International Canine Organisation, Fédération...
(UKC) on January 1, 1997.
The dog also recognized as consumer reports favorite in 2008.
Sources
- Dog Breed Info.com
- Alaskan Klee Kai at Puppy Dog Web
- Linda Spurlin's Website (the Originator of the breed)
- Alaskan Klee Kai Breed Information
- Alaskan Klee Kai breed information and pictures