The Alaskan Klee Kai was developed fairly recently by a woman in Alaska who took a strong interest in a small dog resembling a Husky. Over time other breeders became interested in furthering the development of the Alaskan Klee Kai; however, it is still considered a rare breed.
Physical Characteristics
Often referred to as a miniature Husky, the Alaskan Klee Kai is a medium-sized dog breed with very similar markings to the Siberian Husky. The most desirable feature in a Klee Kai is the facemask (similar to the markings seen on a Husky face). The Alaskan Klee Kai can be seen in a toy, miniature or standard since weighing anywhere from 5 to 22 pounds at a height of 13 to 17 inches.
Personality and Temperament
The Alaskan Klee Kai is a small and affection dog that is a loving and loyal family pet. This breed may be cautious around strangers and small children, so it is best to socialize it at an early age. The Klee Kai makes a good watch dog as it is very alert at all times.
Care
The Klee Kai is an active breed that requires a good amount of daily exercise and does best with a large, fenced-in yard. The double layer coat requires a moderate amount of grooming.
Health
The average lifespan of this dog breed is about 10 to 13 years. Although the Alaskan Klee Kai is generally free of genetic issues, some health conditions linked to this breed include juvenile cataracts, liver disease, factor VII deficiency,pyometra, patellar luxation, cryptorchidism, cardiac issues, and thyroid diseases.
History and Background
As a newer dog breed, the Alaskan Klee Kai has a very detailed recording of its origin. In the mid 1970s an Alaskan woman named Linda Spurlin came across what looked like a small version of a Siberian Husky in Oklahoma. Immediately drawn to this unique dog, Spurlin returned to Alaska and began trying to recreate the dog into a new breed.
While Spurlin was working on this new breed, others became intrigued with the small dog as well and within about 15 years, Spurlin began to sell dogs from the newly created breed although the gene pool was still small.
About ten years later Spurlin decided to end her days as a Klee Kai breeder. Although others now carry it on, the breed is still rare.
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