Temperament
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 |
Health
Relative to other breeds, the Alaskan Klee Kai has been remarkably free of genetic defects.
However, some health conditions linked to the breed include:
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, Alaska, 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.
Relative to other breeds, the Alaskan Klee Kai has been remarkably free of genetic defects.
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
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, Alaska, 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.