If you see a dog that looks like a smaller Husky, it is very likely you are looking at an Alaskan Klee Kai. Many get attracted to them and very often they ask about the size and cost of the Alaskan Klee Kai.
Alaskan Klee Kai is a relatively new breed of dog originating in the late 20th century. The term “Klee Kai” was derived from Alaskan Eskimo words meaning “small dog”.
Alaskan Klee Kai are spitz-type dogs who look quite similar to Husky and are very intelligent, energetic and loyal dogs.
Size of Alaskan Klee Kai
| Height | Weight | |
|---|---|---|
| Standard | 15 to 17 in | 17 to 20 lbs |
| Miniature | 13 to 15 in | 13 to 16 lbs |
| Toy | up to 13 in | 10 to 13 lbs |
AKK, as they are often called, comes in three sizes – Standard, Miniature, and Toy. Let us look at each of them closely.
Standard Kai Klee
Standard ones are the largest of this dog breed and look like mini Huskies. They can grow to a size of 15 to 17 inches with a weight averaging 17 to 20 pounds.
Both AKC and UKC disqualifies the Kai Klees that are greater than 17.5 inches in height.
Miniature Kai Klee
They can grow to a size of 13 to 15 inches with weight averaging 13 to 16 pounds.
Toy Kai Klee
They can grow to a size of up to 13 inches with a weight averaging 10 to 13 pounds. They are quite interesting and soon become the centre of attaction.
Price of Alaskan Kai Klee
They are not one of the popular dogs and being rare they do command a higher price. You can find AKKs in a price range of $1350 – $4500.
The price may differ based on the breeder’s reputation, fur color of the puppy, eye color of the puppy. You might find female AKK puppies selling for more than male ones.
Alaskan Klee Kai vs Siberian Husky
While they look somewhat similar to Siberian Husky there are some noticeable differences.
- Siberian Husky are larger in size than Klee Kai. The size of Husky is between 20 to 24 inches in height whereas the largest of Klee Kai (Standard One) is around 15 to 17 inches.
- Alaskan Klee Kai are intelligent and much easier to train than Husky who could be obstinate.
- Kai Klee are more of companion dogs whereas Husky are working dogs originally bred for pulling the sleds.
Pros and Cons of Alaskan Klee Kai
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| They are smaller and look strikingly similar to beautiful Husky. | They have prey drive and not the recommended dogs for families with small children or other pets. |
| Alaskan Klee Kai are highly intelligent | They shed a lot and you will usually find their fur every where specially couple of times a year when they blow their inner coat |
| Quite easy to train | They are good companion dogs but at the same time may also suffer from separation anxiety. |
Alaskan Klee Kai- Temperament
Alaskan Klee Kai are known for their intelligence and high agility. They are not as obstinate as Husky and can be trained easily. They are relatively suspicious of strangers and may bark at them being your side.
These dogs need to be socialized with other humans since beginning.
These dogs are full of energy and would need plenty of playtime or exercise. They are more of companion dogs than watchdogs due to their friendly playful attitude and small size.
They inherit the prey drive from the Siberian Husky. Hence they cannot be trusted with small pets. Being intelligent and less obstinate than Husky, they are quite easy to train.
Klee Kai as Family dog
One thing that an Alaskan Klee Kai owner would definitely agree with is that you cannot trust them off the leash. It is required to fence the perimeter or be sure you are taking them out on the leash.
Though they don’t bark much but can make a lot of sound with a Woo – Woo. They are quite active dogs who require a lot of daily exercise or playtime. Thus they are not the best apartment dogs.
They also shed a lot but as they are self-cleaners, they don’t get too muddy or smelly. But a couple of times in a year when they blow out their inner coat, regular grooming would be required.
Alaskan Klee Kai are also very affectionate and loving dogs. Still, as they have the hunting traits of Husky, they can’t be trusted with small children’s unruly behavior or small pets whom they can chase.
Hence families with small pets or children should avoid them or let children be with them in adult supervision.
Care required
Nutrition:
They are high-energy dogs recommended to have high-quality dog food. Take the advice of the vet who can advise based on the age, size, and build of the dog.
Grooming:
They have a double coat to protect them in the extreme cold and hence they shed a lot twice a year when their inner coat blows out. Frequent brushing and vacuum are required else you will find their fur everywhere.
They are also cat-like with their self grooming habit and licks their body clean.
Need help. Check out https://yourdogsworld.com/dog-shedding-home-remedies/
Exercise:
They are intelligent dogs and are easier to train. He should also be socialized with other humans and pets so that they don’t become too aggressive with them.
Health
These are generally healthy dogs but prone to few genetic health issues like luxating patella, thyroid disease, heart conditions, etc.
FAQs
Are Alaskan Klee Kai good pets?
Yes, they are good pets and serve great as both companions and watchdogs. Though they should be avoided in apartment living or by families having small children and small pets.
Do Alaskan Klee Kai bark a lot?
No, they do not bark a lot but still, make quite a sound with their “Woo – Woo” whenever they need attention.
What is the parentage of Alaskan Klee Kai?
They were developed by breeding Husky with dog breeds like Alaskan Eskimo Dog and Schipperke to reduce the size of the new breed aiming to produce a smaller Husky-looking dog.
Do Klee Kai shed?
Yes, they have a double coat and they do shed a lot especially a couple of times in a year when they blow out their inner coat.
History
Linda Spurlin saw a small Husky dog in Oklahoma and fell in love with it. She then started and bred Alaskan Klee Kai as we know of the dog now.
She did not choose to breed Husky with dogs suffering Dwarfism. Instead, she bred Husky with breeds like Alaskan Eskimo Dog and Schipperke to reduce the size of the new breed.
Though Linda stopped breeding this dog after 10 years, other breeders continue doing the same. As this is a new breed, there are very few dogs. American Kennel Club of USA doesn’t recognize this breed as a purebred breed.
Alaskan Klee Kai looks quite similar and smaller to Siberian Husky. They are cold-climate dogs and have a double coat that sheds a lot. They come in different colors like black and white, gray and white, red and white.
Average lifespan of Kai klee is around 12 to 16 years.
References
- https://www.akkaoa.org/how-it-started
- https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2007.tb03052.x
Image source: https://www.flickr.com/photos/_tar0_/6848303883