Skip to content
History
The Alaskan Klee Kai is a relatively new dog breed developed in Alaska in the 1970s by breeder Linda Spurlin. Her goal was to create a breed that resembled a small version of the Siberian Husky, but without the health problems sometimes associated with that breed. To achieve this, she crossed the Siberian Husky with the American Eskimo Dog and the Schipperke. The result was a dog that looked like a mini husky that Spurlin named the "Klee Kai," which means "little dog" in the Inupiaq dialect spoken in Alaska.
The breed was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1988 and later by the American Rare Breed Association and the American Kennel Club as well. Today, Alaskan Klee Kais are popular with small dog enthusiasts who enjoy activities and the outdoors.
Character
Alaskan Klee Kais are lively, alert and intelligent dogs that have a lot of energy. They bond strongly with their owner and love attention and affection. However, they can be a bit reserved around strangers and need time to get to know new people and situations.
Because the breed was bred to work, Alaskan Klee Kais require an active lifestyle and require plenty of exercise to keep them from becoming bored. They make excellent companions for people who enjoy walking, running and other outdoor activities. Alaskan Klee Kais are also intelligent and eager to learn, which makes them do well in obedience training and other dog sports.
Health
In general, Alaskan Klee Kais are healthy dogs. However, because the breed is still relatively new, not much health data is available yet. As with all dog breeds, Alaskan Klee Kais can be prone to certain conditions, such as hip and elbow dysplasia and eye problems. It's important to have your Alaskan Klee Kai checked regularly by a vet and to make sure they are on a healthy diet.
Care
Alaskan Klee Kais have a thick, dense coat that needs regular brushing to prevent tangles and matting. During shedding, they may need daily brushing to keep their coat in good condition. However, they do not require frequent bathing as their coat repels dirt.
