Origin History of the:
The origin story of the Alaskan Klee Kai is a fascinating one, full of intrigue and mystery. It all began in Wasilla, Alaska, where Linda S. Spurlin and her family had a vision for a smaller version of the Siberian Husky. After seeing a small version of a Husky in Oklahoma, Spurlin set to work creating the Alaskan Klee Kai. She achieved this by breeding Siberian and Alaskan Huskies with breeds like the Schipperke and Alaskan Eskimo Dog, which resulted in a smaller version of the original Husky.
Spurlin unveiled the Alaskan Klee Kai to the public in the early 1980s, and in 1995 the American Rare Breed Association recognized it as a purebred dog. It was further recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1997. Unfortunately, Spurlin retired from breeding shortly after the Alaskan Klee Kai’s debut, and the breed remains relatively rare to this day.
The Alaskan Klee Kai is known for its distinctive appearance, which includes three coat colors – red and white, black and white, or gray and white. They also have two coat types – standard and full-coat – both of which are double coats consisting of a short, soft undercoat and a longer, coarser outer coat, allowing them to withstand extreme weather conditions. This breed also doesn’t have a tendency to develop a dog odor and is known for grooming itself, meaning they may not need to bathe as frequently as some other breeds. During the seasons in which their coats blow out (before summer and winter), they tend to shed profusely, and only moderately the rest of the year.
Appearance:
The Alaskan Klee Kai has a distinctive physical appearance that sets it apart from other breeds. Its most notable feature is its thick and soft double coat, which comes in three colors: red and white, black and white, and gray and white. Solid white Alaskan Klee Kais have also been seen. This double coat helps protect the breed from extreme weather, and it is low-maintenance, meaning it does not need to be washed as often as some other breeds. The Alaskan Klee Kai also has a fox-like face with almond-shaped eyes, a tapered muzzle, and a pointy nose. Its ears are small and triangular, and its tail is usually carried straight out or in a curl over its back.
The Alaskan Klee Kai comes in three sizes: toy (up to 13 inches tall), miniature (13-15 inches tall), and standard (15-17 inches tall). Most Alaskan Klee Kais weigh between 10 and 15 pounds, though there can be some as small as 5 pounds or as large as 22 pounds.
In summary, the Alaskan Klee Kai is a compact and sturdy breed with a thick double coat and a fox-like face. It comes in three sizes, and its weight can range from 5 to 22 pounds.
Diet and Nutrition:
As Alaskan Klee Kais are high-energy dogs, they need a diet that will fuel them throughout the day. It’s important to ensure their dietary needs are met to keep them healthy and fit. The best way to do this is to consult your veterinarian or a professional nutritionist. They will be able to provide advice on the specific dietary needs of your Alaskan Klee Kai, taking into account their age, activity level, and any health issues they may have.
When it comes to their diet, Alaskan Klee Kais benefit from diets high in lean proteins, complex carbohydrates, and healthy fats. These should be supplemented with vitamins and minerals, to ensure their nutritional needs are met. It’s important to remember that the food you provide should be of high quality; look for foods that are free from artificial ingredients, fillers, dyes, and preservatives.
In addition to providing healthy food, it’s important to give your Alaskan Klee Kai the right amount of food. Overfeeding can lead to weight gain and other health issues, while underfeeding can lead to malnutrition. The best way to determine the right amount to feed your dog is to consult with your veterinarian. They will be able to give you a good guideline on how much food should be given each day.
Common Health Issues Affecting:
The Alaskan Klee Kai is considered to be quite a healthy breed, however, there are some common health issues that owners should be aware of. The most common of these is luxating patella, which occurs when the kneecap becomes dislocated. This can cause pain and discomfort and may require surgery to correct.
Thyroid disease is also a common issue, with symptoms including weight gain, hair loss, and lethargy. Heart conditions, liver shunts, factor VII deficiency, and cataracts can also affect the breed, and owners should be alert for signs of any of these.
Sometimes Alaskan Klee Kais may keep their baby teeth, which can cause problems when adult teeth grow in. Owners may need to have these teeth removed. As with any breed, it is important to keep up with regular vet visits in order to catch any of these issues early on and ensure your dog is as healthy as possible.
Interesting Facts About:
Alaskan Klee Kais are a relatively new and rare breed of dog, so there are still many interesting facts to learn about them. Here are some of the most interesting facts about Alaskan Klee Kais:
First, Alaskan Klee Kais are very intelligent and trainable dogs. They are eager to learn and respond well to positive reinforcement. They are also known to be independent thinkers, so they require an owner who is willing to put in time and effort to train them properly.
Second, Alaskan Klee Kais are known to be very vocal dogs. They will often bark or howl when they are excited or when they want attention. They are also known to ‘talk’ to their owners in a variety of different ways, such as whining, yipping, and barking.
Finally, Alaskan Klee Kais have a very unique appearance. They have a fox-like face, with a pointed nose, almond-shaped eyes, and erect ears. Their coats are usually a combination of red and white, black and white, or gray and white, and they have a thick, double coat that helps protect them from extreme weather.
All in all, Alaskan Klee Kais are an interesting and unique breed of dog. They are smart and trainable, vocal, and have a unique appearance. They make great companions for experienced owners who are willing to put in the time and effort to train them properly.
Where to Adopt or Buy:
If you are looking to adopt or buy an Alaskan Klee Kai, you have a few options. The Alaskan Klee Kai National Rescue is a great place to start your search as they take in and provide foster homes, training, and veterinary care for Alaskan Klee Kais in need of loving homes.
You can also check out breed-specific rescue organizations or search for breeders in your area. It is important to research any breeders you are considering, as reputable breeders will be able to provide you with a detailed health history of the puppies, as well as their parents’ medical records. If possible, you should also try to arrange a visit to the breeder’s home or kennel to see the puppies and their parents in person. This will help to ensure that the puppies are being raised in safe, healthy, and humane conditions.
Conclusion:
The Alaskan Klee Kai is a wonderful companion dog that loves its family and is eager to please. Despite their small size, they make great watchdogs due to their natural wariness of strangers. They are a relatively new breed, and as such, are not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club, though they are recognized by several other kennel clubs.
As a rare breed, Alaskan Klee Kais do not come cheap, but for those who are looking for a loyal and loving companion, it is well worth the investment. This dog is a great companion for those who are looking for an intelligent, loyal, and loving family pet. Their small size, combined with their excellent trainability, makes them an ideal pet for those who live in smaller spaces or have limited time to take their dog out for walks. While they are not a breed that is suitable for everyone, those who invest in an Alaskan Klee Kai are sure to love this unique and special breed.
FAQ:
Q: What kind of temperament do Alaskan Klee Kais have?
A: Alaskan Klee Kais are intelligent, loyal, and loving dogs. They are active and energetic, and they need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. They can be wary of strangers but are affectionate and devoted to their families, with whom they form strong bonds. They are also independent thinkers, so they may require patience and consistency when it comes to training.
Q: How big do Alaskan Klee Kais get?
A: Alaskan Klee Kais are considered a miniature breed and typically stay quite small. Males generally reach heights between 13 and 17 inches, while females are usually between 11 and 15 inches. They usually weigh between 8 and 18 pounds.
Q: What kind of coat does the Alaskan Klee Kai have?
A: Alaskan Klee Kais have a double coat, meaning they have a short, soft undercoat and a longer, coarser outer coat. These coats come in three recognized colors: red and white, black and white, or gray and white. Solid white Alaskan Klee Kais have also been seen.
Q: How often do Alaskan Klee Kais need to be groomed?
A: Alaskan Klee Kais typically groom themselves, so they may not need to be bathed as often as other breeds. They will need regular brushing during the seasons in which their coats blow out, which happens before summer and winter. During this time, they tend to shed profusely, while they usually only shed moderately the rest of the year.
