How to Identify An Alaskan Klee Kai Dog

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a breed of dog developed in the 70s and still relatively new. Their name roughly translates as “little dog” from the Eskimo language and they were meant to be a companion version of the bigger sled dogs of the north. They are often called a miniature or mini Husky thanks to their outward similarity to the Siberian Husky, but smaller size. Oddly enough they are most closely related to the Alaskan Husky, though they do not share its traits. Because of this breed’s youth and rarity, full grown Klee Kais are often mistaken for puppies.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Dog
• Your Eyes

Identifying An Alaskan Klee Kai

1. Begin by looking at the dog’s form and shape. Physically they should possess the wolf-like features of the Husky, with long front legs, curved rear haunches, a bushy downward pointing tail, straight back, and wide body. This breed comes in three separate sizes. The standard Klee Kai can be up to 18 inches tall at the shoulder, a miniature can be up to 15 inches high, while a toy is usually less than 13 inches. From nose to tail the Klee Kai will be 1.5 times its height.

2. Examine the dog’s fur. The Klee Kai should have a thick coat of long insulating fur that shortens traveling down the legs and under the belly. They come in only three color combinations, black and white, grey and white, and red and white. The white is always the secondary color which marks the lower legs, tail, underbelly, and underside of the face. They will usually have a “mask” of darker fur around the eyes. Unlike Huskies, who shed year round, the Klee Kai only sheds its coat twice a year.

3. Look at the dog’s skull. It will be very wolf like in shape and build, though the snout is often a bit thicker and shorter. The back of the skull will be wide and rounded. Large triangular fur trimmed ears stand high and pointed on the top of the dog’s head. It should have wide cheeks that taper sharply into a long and cylindrical snout. Large eyes set inward toward the snout combined with a curled lip and half open mouth tend to give the dog the appearance that it’s smiling. If the dog matches this description then it’s an Alaskan Klee Kai.

Tips & Warnings

• This breed is small enough to live in an apartment with no problems as they don't shed much, nor do they chew on furniture. Unfortunately they do bark very loudly and are incredibly energetic. To that end they need a great deal of daily exercise and probably should have some room to run around outdoors. They are friendly and very loving, but can be a little reserved with strangers. This is an ideal dog to have around children or other animals. They are not at all violent or aggressive, and would greatly benefit from the exercise and socialization they would receive from a busy family. As far as breeding goes, Klee Kais are considered a mixed success; they have the appearance of larger sled dogs, but possess very different temperaments. Huskies are typically loyal, quiet, and self sufficient. These little guys are definitely not.

Resources

• List of Reliable Klee Kai Breeders