Alaskan Klee Kai Breed Information & Insights

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a relatively recent breed that was first developed in the 1970s in Alaska by a breeder named Linda Spurlin. It was her aim to create a dog that looked like a smaller version of the Siberian and Alaskan Huskies. The breed's name roughly translates to "small dog" in the Inuit language. To reach her goal, Spurlin mixed Alaskan and Siberian Huskies with smaller breeds such as the American Eskimo Dog and Schipperke. The breed was officially recognized by the American Rare Breed Association (ARBA) in 1995 and by the United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1997.

Main Info

Origin: Alaska
Alternate Names: None known
Life Expectancy: 12-16 years
Average Male Height: 11-17 inches
Average Female Height: 11-17 inches
Average Male Weight: 10-15 pounds
Average Female Weight: 10-15 pounds
Coat Length: Medium
Coat Type: Double coat
Coat Colors: Black with White, Grey with White, Red with White
Coat Pattern: Symmetrical facial masks and body Markings occur in the three coat color combinations

Genetic Predispositions and Health

Alaskan Klee Kai can suffer from Factor VII deficiency, hypothyroidism, patellar luxation, thyroid disease including autoimmune thyroiditis, heart murmurs, juvenile cataracts and other eye conditions, liver disease, pyometra, and cryptorchidism.

Personality and Behavior

The Alaskan Klee Kai is known for being intelligent, active, and somewhat reserved. They are not typically overly friendly with strangers, which can make them good watchdogs, but they are very loyal and loving with their families. Alaskan Klee Kais are also known for their high energy levels and need for regular exercise. They can be quite vocal, often "talking" to their owners, and can sometimes display a strong prey drive. Training and socialization from an early age are very important for this breed to help manage their energy levels and ensure they are comfortable around strangers and other animals

Fun Facts

According to the AKC, the breed name Alaskan "Klee Kai" is derived from Alaskan Athabaskan words that mean "little dog".

References

https://www.ukcdogs.com/alaskan-klee-kai

https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/alaskan-klee-kai/

DOI: 10.1002/9781119540687

https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/j.1939-1676.2007.tb03052.x

https://www.petmd.com/dog/breeds/c_dg_alaskan_klee_kai

Screen for health risks and diseases

Recommended by top vets with decades of experience

21 breeds
64 genetic health markers
50 genetic trait markers

Learn More