Introduction
Adore the plush, velvety fur and piercing blue eyes of a Siberian Husky, but wish you could have those charming traits in a dog that fits effortlessly into your lap? Say hello to the Alaskan Klee Kai—a pint-sized powerhouse bred from a small Husky and sharing much of its ancestor’s appeal and personality, but in a far more compact package.
While every Alaskan Klee Kai is small, the breed comes in three distinct sizes:
- The standard Alaskan Klee Kai stands proudly at 15–17 inches and weighs a sturdy 16–25 pounds.
- Miniature Alaskan Klee Kai measure 13–15 inches tall and tip the scales at 10–18 pounds.
- Toy Alaskan Klee Kai are the tiniest members of the family, just under 13 inches tall and a featherlight 6–12 pounds.
This enchanting “mini Husky” breed was first developed in the 1970s by a passionate dog enthusiast who fell for a petite, 17-pound Husky named Curious. From there, they crossed Huskies with other small breeds, ultimately creating the Alaskan Klee Kai—which means “small dog” in the indigenous Athabaskan language of Alaska.
Caring for an Alaskan Klee Kai
Although Siberian Huskies are bred for pulling sleds across icy tundra, Alaskan Klee Kai were carefully designed as affectionate, devoted companions. Nevertheless, they retain much of the Husky’s lively spirit.
Alaskan Klee Kai are typically energetic, clever, and cheerful, but may be a little reserved around strangers until they warm up. Much like their Husky relatives, these little dynamos thrive on daily activity, needing at least an hour of play and exercise to keep boredom at bay. When not properly stimulated, they can be especially vocal—complaining, singing, or chattering until they’re entertained.
When it comes to grooming, Alaskan Klee Kai are refreshingly easy compared to Huskies. A once-weekly brushing works wonders for their double coats, tidying up loose fur and minimizing shedding. Bathing is only necessary a few times a year, making coat care quite manageable for busy pet parents.
Alaskan Klee Kai Health Issues
Alaskan Klee Kai often enjoy long, healthy lives—many living well into their teens, around 13 to 16 years. While generally robust, this small breed does have a handful of hereditary health concerns you should watch for.
Patellar Luxation
Due to their smaller stature, Alaskan Klee Kai are susceptible to patellar luxation—a condition where the kneecap slides out of place. Dogs with this issue might hop or skip, favoring one leg as they walk.
Treatment can range from anti-inflammatory medications for mild cases to surgical correction for severe ones. If you notice any limping or unusual movement in your pup, reach out to your veterinarian for a thorough check-up.
Autoimmune Thyroiditis
Autoimmune thyroiditis is a genetic disorder that can lead to hypothyroidism in your Klee Kai. Signs to watch for include:
- Unexpected weight gain
- Lethargy or sluggishness
- Frequent skin or ear infections
- A coat that becomes dry or appears brittle
Diagnosis is simple with a blood test, and lifelong medication helps manage the condition, ensuring your furry friend can still live a vibrant, active life.
Heart Murmurs
A heart murmur is an abnormal heart sound—often described as a “whoosh”—that can be detected during a veterinary exam. Your vet may ask you to monitor your dog’s breathing; rates over 35 breaths per minute could mean the heart isn’t delivering enough oxygen. Sometimes, heart murmurs signal a more serious issue, so always consult your vet for guidance on the next steps.
Factor VII Deficiency
This breed can inherit factor VII deficiency, a blood clotting disorder that poses increased risks during surgery or in case of injury. The absence of the essential clotting protein means any wound can lead to excessive bleeding.
Though serious, factor VII deficiency is treatable, and with attentive veterinary care, your Klee Kai can enjoy a full, healthy life.
What To Feed an Alaskan Klee Kai
Feeding your Alaskan Klee Kai a nutrient-rich, balanced diet is crucial. Pick a dog food that meets all nutritional standards recommended by pet nutrition authorities, and consult your veterinarian at Petscarelab to determine the best brand or recipe for your individual dog’s needs.
How To Feed an Alaskan Klee Kai
Adults do best with two meals a day—morning and evening. Puppies, on the other hand, require three or four smaller meals spaced throughout the day to fuel their rapid growth and energy.
Since these dogs flourish with mental engagement, try serving meals in puzzle toys, snuffle mats, or slow feeder bowls. Not only does this add a fun challenge, it keeps those clever minds sharp.
How Much Should You Feed an Alaskan Klee Kai?
Your Klee Kai’s ideal portion size hinges on their age, health, and size—standard Klee Kai need more food than their toy-sized counterparts. While food packaging offers helpful guidelines, always check with your Petscarelab vet for advice tailored to your pet.
Nutritional Tips for Alaskan Klee Kai
If you’re considering supplements, speak to your vet first. Never introduce new vitamins or treatments without professional guidance.
Alaskan Klee Kai Personality and Temperament
Klee Kai are eager to make their people happy and usually have a gentle, affectionate nature. However, their sensitivity means they may be less tolerant of small children’s unpredictable behavior—always supervise kids and teach them how to interact respectfully.
High-spirited and lively, these playful pups need plenty to do, or they’ll let you know with a vocal protest.
Alaskan Klee Kai Behavior
When properly socialized, Alaskan Klee Kai are friendly toward other dogs, though they may be tempted to chase smaller household pets. New faces can make them feel nervous, so introduce strangers slowly and positively.
At home, they’re up for anything—long walks, backyard games, or simply snuggling up after a busy day. If you’re settling in for movie night, you’ll find them to be the perfect, cozy companion.
Alaskan Klee Kai Training
Highly intelligent and eager to please, Alaskan Klee Kai respond beautifully to gentle, patient training and positive reinforcement. Good manners and impressive tricks are well within reach with consistent, encouraging practice.
Fun Activities for Alaskan Klee Kai
- Agility courses
- Dock diving
- Running and racing
- Obedience training
- Scent tracking
- Weight pulling drills
- Carting adventures
Alaskan Klee Kai Grooming Guide
Alaskan Klee Kai sport dense double coats in striking color combinations—black and white, gray and white, or red and white. While they’re remarkably fastidious self-groomers, much like felines, there are a few things pet parents should keep in mind to help maintain a healthy coat.
Skin Care
With thick fur as armor, the Klee Kai’s skin is well-protected. Yet, thyroid issues can impact skin condition. If you notice hair loss, dryness, or changes in texture, consult your Petscarelab veterinarian.
Coat Care
Much like Huskies, Klee Kai shed profusely twice a year. Weekly brushing and occasional combing will keep their coats looking their best and help manage the seasonal flurries of fur. Bathing every few months is enough for these tidy dogs.
Eye Care
Alaskan Klee Kai generally enjoy good eye health, though they may develop minor tear stains. These can be wiped away gently using a dog-safe eye wipe. Should you spot redness, discharge, or any abnormal signs, talk to your vet promptly.
Ear Care
Because thyroid imbalances can trigger recurring ear infections, keep an eye (and nose!) out for signs like redness, unpleasant odors, or discharge. Regular ear cleaning helps prevent problems; speak with your vet for the best techniques and products.
Considerations for Pet Parents
Think of Alaskan Klee Kai as mini-Huskies with boundless energy, a boisterous “voice,” and unwavering devotion. These dogs crave closeness and are not shy about expressing their needs—whether that’s for more attention, exercise, or cuddle time. Their tendency to bark and howl may not be ideal for apartment living or homes with thin walls.
Naturally intelligent and inquisitive, Alaskan Klee Kai thrive when challenged and engaged, becoming affectionate, well-behaved companions.
What’s the difference between an Alaskan Klee Kai vs. a Husky?
While both breeds share the classic Husky look and lively personality, size is the primary difference. Alaskan Klee Kai max out at around 25 pounds, while Siberian Huskies are medium-sized dogs ranging from 35–60 pounds.
Is an Alaskan Klee Kai expensive?
Bringing home an Alaskan Klee Kai puppy from a responsible breeder usually costs between $1,500–$3,000. Adoption through breed rescues is also a possibility.
Do Alaskan Klee Kai bark a lot?
Absolutely! Alaskan Klee Kai are famous for their vocal range—barking, yodeling, whining, squeaking, and sometimes “talking” to express themselves, especially if feeling restless or bored.
Are Alaskan Klee Kai good apartment dogs?
While their diminutive size makes them physically suited for apartment living, Alaskan Klee Kai need plenty of exercise to stay calm and content. With daily walks of at least an hour, they can make happy urban pets—provided you’re ready for a bit of extra noise and high-spirited antics.
