The Alaskan Paul Klee kai is an dynamic , sound , and patriotic strain who loves spend time outdoors with her family . Learn more about living with these pint - sized Eskimo dog .
The Alaskan klee kai adopt her name from her Alaskan radical . go down from theintelligent , active Alaskan Eskimo dog known for their unattackable work ethic and invaluable sled - pulling , hunting , and tracking ability , the Alaskan klee kai packs all that athleticism and loyalty into a miniature body .
Unlike Eskimo dog , the AKK has a much belittled height — the standard Alaskan klee kai is just 15–17.5 inches tall and weighs under 25 pound sterling ; there are miniature and miniature translation of the breed , too . Their humble size , easygoing nature , and fond temperaments make themsought - after family pets . Although AKKs make wonderfulcompanions for active families , the breed was just insert in the late 1980s andis still quite rarified .
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Appearance
At first glance , the Alaskan klee kai looks like a miniature translation of an Alaskan orSiberian husky — and that is one of the reasons the breed is so coveted , state Sherry Holloway , president and historian for theAlaskan Klee Kai Association of America ( AKKAOA ) .
" Their small sizeand appearance of a small Siberian [ husky ] draw hoi polloi to the Alaskan klee kai , " she says .
Size is one of the biggest differences between an Alaskan klee kai and a Eskimo dog . Though all are small , full - raise Alaskan klee kai can be three unlike sizes : Toy , miniature , and measure .
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Alaskan klee kai and Eskimo dog have different facial markings , too . Holloway says the breed touchstone call for an AKK to have a symmetric grimace mask and consistence markings .
Their three-fold coats , which comprise of a soft , dense undercoat and average - length , straight out coat , have marking in contrast dark and light-headed colors , commonly white with shades of black-market , greyness , or red .
Her eyes , which are just as striking as a husky ’s , can be any combination of colors . And , also like husky , Alaskan klee kai can have heterochromia : Two dissimilar - coloured eyes , or one middle that ’s two colors .
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Temperament
The Alaskan klee kai dog is make love for being warm , outgoing , and eager to please ; they love pass time with their owners and have a happy - go - favorable attitude , but , Holloway says , can be reserved with alien . In fact , vigilance is one of their breed traits : The insomniac AKK , like husky , will " talk " to let you love that a stranger is set about .
" AKK talk resulting instrange noises of ululation , grumbling , yodeling , [ and ] make vibrant sounds to express themselves , " Holloway says .
The ancestral husky desire to work remains firm in the Alaskan klee kai . But unlike their larger ancestors , these Canis familiaris are too minor to pull dog sledge . So it ’s essential to ply other activities to channel their energy — they’d lovefood puzzlesandinteractive toys !
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" AKK are very dynamic with a medium - to - high vigour level , soregular exercise is a must , " Holloway says . " AKK enjoy carrying into action sports [ like agility , rally , and obedience ] or justhiking with their human . "
With the right introductions , AKK get along well with other dogs andchildren who sleep with how to properly interact with pets . And , as with all dogs , Alaskan klee kaipuppies require to be well - socialize , andtrainingis a must .
" AKK require early training , " Holloway tell . " They are very saucy and uncoerced to learn , but can have a [ wilful ] run ; they also need to be mentally take exception because they have been known to outsmart their possessor . "
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Living Needs
There is n’t a one - size - fit - all living place for the Alaskan Paul Klee kai : The stock willlive gayly in an urban apartment , suburban dwelling , or expansive farm . As long as she ’s well - exercised and gets to spend plenty of time with her mob , she ’ll be a happy dog .
" All AKK have different personalities , " Holloway order . " Some are more active than others ; some are well-chosen as lapdog . "
No matter your living situation , Holloway say Alaskan klee kai owner involve to be vigilant while their pups are away . These dogs are rummy , speedy , and might attempt to chase squirrels , boo , and other small creatures that bewitch their eye . It ’s significant tokeep them on a leashorin a untroubled , fenced - in area . Never leave them outside neglected . Other choice for safe off - leash play , including dog parks or doggie day care , can avail the AKK satisfy her desire to go - go - go .
" AKK are independent - thinking job - solvers with the ability to escape by climbing , digging , and squeezing through small opening night , " Holloway says . She ’s much Harry Houdini in a furry , four - legged body .
make a favorite physical body of physical exercise ? chance are your Alaskan klee kai will love it , too . From pass and hike up toswimmingand get , she ’s down for it . She ’ll also excel in dog sportswoman including nimbleness , flyball , rally , and obedience , which meet her strong-arm and genial foreplay need . As Holloway say : " A shopworn AKK is a well - act AKK . "
The Alaskan klee kai break strong bond with her owners and should be handle as a member of the family . With this love ( and her adventurous spirit ) , she ’ll prefer not to spend too much time alone .
Care
In addition to supply plenty of exercise and lots of calibre time , the high - vigor and societal Alaskan klee kai also requires regular dressing . Their two-fold coatsoffer aegis from the coldbut areprone to shedding . A lot .
Holloway recommendsweekly sweep or combingto keep that pelt from flying all over your theater . You might have to brush an Alaskan klee kai dog more often during semi - annual " sloughing seasons " when thedogs bollix their undercoatsin leaping and autumn . But there ’s good news : Because the Alaskan klee kai ’s pelage repels grease and she has no discrete " doggie scent , " Holloway says AKK’sdon’t on a regular basis need bathing tub .
As with all breeds , you ’ll want tokeep her nail cut back , herteeth clean , and herears detached of wax .
The Alaskan klee kai requiresconsistent positivist reinforcement training . Although the stock loves spending sentence with their proprietor and can be eager to please , their self-willed stripe could come out during grooming . Holloway recommendsstarting training earlyand incorporate a combining of forcible and mental games tohelp them master basic commands .
Health
The Alaskan klee kaihas a long lifespanof 13–16 years and isconsidered a generally healthy stock . But it ’s important to keep an eye on for some health conditions that could affect your dog , according to the AKKAOA .
Before bringing home an Alaskan klee kai puppy , verify your stock breeder acquit all the necessary tests and wellness masking so you know you ’re get a healthy wiener .
History
A small grey and blank husky named Curious breathe in the development of the new breed . Breeder Linda Spurlin gain the wienerwurst during a trip to Oklahoma and took her home to Alaska , where her diminutive size and adorable appearance made singular a local celebrity , grant to the AKKAOA .
The local interest in lilliputian Curious led Spurlin to show a fosterage computer programme , crossing smaller Alaskan huskies to make her ideal vision of color , pattern , and disposition . The resultant : A husky - like puppy with beautiful , symmetrical markings , in a thick size .
The Alaskan klee kai were discover in honor of their heritage : The breed was developed in Alaska , and " klee kai " are Inuit words intend " little dog . "
Although Spurlin depart developing the breed in 1970 , she did n’t start trade Alaskan klee kai pup until 1987 . Because Alaskan klee kai are still a relatively Modern breed , they ’re rare — but breed social club are working to broaden knowledge of the breed and encourage AKK ownership .