Alaskan Klee Kai are energetic and intelligent dogs that look like small Siberian Huskies. As one of the most affectionate dog breeds, they are a playful and curious dog breed that loves their families, but can be shy, skittish, or standoffish around strangers. Because they tend to be wary of strangers, socialization early on is important and should be continued throughout their lives.

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a great family dog and does well with older children who have been taught how to properly handle animals. They tend to be quiet dogs and will not normally bark, but they do vocalize and “talk” like other northern breeds. They do have a strong prey drive and an urge to chase, so they will likely not get along with other pets in the household unless they have been socialized not to view them as “prey”.

This is a moderately adaptable dog breed. Although they are small, they are high-energy dogs and need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to be happy and healthy. They also have the urge to wander and have a high prey drive, which means they should be on a leash at all times and only allowed off-leash if they are in a securely fenced area.

They are better suited to larger homes with fenced-in yards. They can adapt to apartment living, but will require a lot of daily exercise to do so. They also do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. As a northern breed, the Alaskan Klee Kai handles cold weather much better than warm weather, so is better suited towards cooler and moderate climates.

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a relatively healthy dog breed. As with all dog breeds, there are some breed-specific health conditions to be aware of. These can include cardiac issues, liver disease, patellar luxation, thyroid disease, Factor VII deficiency, and juvenile cataracts. Good breeding practices and the health of the parents make a big difference in the health of Alaskan Klee Kai puppies.

Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to ensure they are not passing preventable issues to puppies. Asking the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and to see any relevant health clearances can help allay some of these potential health concerns. The Alaskan Klee Kai Club of America recommends a cardiac evaluation, a Factor VII DNA test, an ophthalmologist evaluation, a patella evaluation, and a thyroid evaluation.

The Alaskan Klee Kai is an intelligent and highly trainable dog breed. Although they are highly trainable and eager to please, they are not generally suited for novice dog owners as they require an owner who can provide consistent and ongoing training and who can keep up with their activity levels. Novice dog owners can have success with this dog breed as long as plenty of training classes are involved.

Although they are one of the fluffiest dog breeds, this dog breed has a moderate grooming level as they have a tendency to be clean and will often spend hours each day grooming themselves. They do not typically have “dog breath” or a “dog odor” and seldom need a bath. Their thick coat helps keep them cool and protects their skin, so they should not be shaved unless it needs to be done for medical reasons.

The Alaskan Klee Kai will shed continuously year-round with two heavier seasonal shedding sessions. Most of the time, you can brush this dog’s coat weekly or a few times a week, but you may want to increase to daily brushing during seasonal sheddings.

In addition to brushing your dog’s coat, there are other grooming tasks to keep your Alaskan Klee Kai happy and healthy. Dental care, nail trimming, and ear care are all part and parcel of good grooming. Proper dental care for dogs includes brushing your dog’s teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day to prevent the tartar buildup that causes dental disease.

You should cut your dog’s nails once or twice monthly or more often as needed. You should also regularly check your dog’s ears and carefully clean your dog’s ears as needed. It’s helpful to get your puppy used to having their mouth, paws, and ears handled early as it makes grooming much easier as they grow.

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a moderate to high-energy dog breed. They require plenty of exercise to remain happy and may become high-strung or anxious if they do not get enough. A few walks a day with some playtime and time to run every day should be sufficient for this dog breed. They are active dogs and enjoy spending time with their favorite humans, so they will likely be up for more if you are.

They will also likely enjoy going hiking with you, running with you on a leash, or even going swimming. This dog breed also tends to excel in dog sports like obedience, rally, agility, and more. They’ve even been known to excel at dock diving!

Just make sure puppies are finished growing and they have been cleared by the vet before taking on high-impact activities. Too much, too soon can damage developing bones and joints, so it’s best to keep things low-impact until they are fully grown.

A fully-grown Alaskan Klee Kai will usually stand 12-17 inches tall at the shoulder and weigh 6-25 pounds.

Alaskan Klee Kai generally live for 13-16 years on average.

“Klee Kai” was derived from an Alaskan Athabaskan term that means “small dog”.