The Amazing Alaskan Klee KAi

 
​So you want an Alaskan Klee Kai. This is an amazing breed. If you are the right fit for a Klee Kai, then you are making an awesome choice.  Klee Kai are loyal, smart, energetic, agile, strong, playful and beautiful. 
Being a northern breed they have a double coat and they blow that coat twice a year. Even though they blow their coat they still have periods throughout the year with some shedding. Black should not be your favorite color when it comes to fashion and owning a Klee Kai.. 

Even though they are much smaller than the Siberian Husky and like breeds, they are surprisingly strong, not usually weighing over 20 pounds for the Standard size. Because of their smaller size, apartment living is doable. However, you do need to work on crate training them from the very beginning so they adapt and feel secure so they don't bark and cry when left alone while you run errands. Many dogs of all breeds suffer from anxiety and the Klee Kai is no different.  Crate training is very important for them, you and your neighbors. 

Exercise is extremely important for all breeds. Klee Kai need to run and play and have regular exercise. Bring out the leash and harness and they are ready to go with excitement that makes you just as excited to take them out. I am not a big fan of "Dog Parks" because I never like to take chances on a strange dogs attitude around mine. Not having a leash to grab scares me. Sometimes there are just nasty people that leave dangerous things laying around for the dogs to find. However, if you know your park and the dogs that frequent it, they will have a great time interacting with the other dogs. Just walk the area and check that there are no dangers, and watch the attitude of all the dogs including your own.

Let's talk about escaping. These guys are regular Houdinis and they bolt in a flash. Puppy gates wherever you can have them is a great thing to keep them safe. One of the first things I try to teach my dogs is not to run through an open door or gate, they need to be released by me first with a simple command word, "OK.".  Once they start running, they just keep going.  Which is why fences are so important for their home. If a Klee Kai does get out, never run after it, it just makes them run farther away. Always work with them that there is a treat waiting for them when you call them and they come. Never ask them to do something and not reward them. They don't forget and it will set the training back. You will find there are always "treat crumbs" in all your pockets. Treat jars should always filled right by the door so they love coming in when you call them from the yard. Mine run in and sit and stare while I get the treat out. No matter how careful you are, accidents happen. Mine have cleverly escaped twice without me knowing right away. A phone repair man left the side gate open when he left, and a board came loose from our fence another time. I check on them constantly so they can never be too far for too long. We are on a few acres and they have never left the actual property. I called them and yelled with excitement, "cookies, cookies" while I sat down on the ground like we were going to play and they came running. I wish I could say it was because they wanted to be near me, but I know it was the cookies. Hopefully, all owners will have this luck if they train early. I have read too many sad stories.

Alaskan Klee Kai are very often shy and guarded with strangers and other dogs.  I can't emphasize enough on the importance of socializing with Klee Kai. I urge new owners to have friends and relatives over to meet and play with the pups on a regular basis. You can't give a Klee Kai too much socialization, it's impossible. Your dog will be a much better companion and addition to your family if you spend time with it. This is true of any pet you bring into your home. It needs to be a real part of the family. There should never be any pet that is considered, "Just a dog, or just a cat."  They should be considered a family member. Like people, Pets are Forever!

Alaskan Klee Kai are not for everyone, make sure you are right for them.

I mentioned shedding earlier. Brushing is extremely important for a good coat and shed control. The Klee Kai doesn't have an odor and they are very clean. Some love baths and water and some don't.

WARNING !
There are many people calling themselves Alaskan Klee Kai Breeders that are selling mixed breeds which have some AKK mixed in. They are selling for the same price and sometimes more than a true Alaskan Klee Kai. Please do your homework and get all the information you can before you put any money down or buy from a breeder that is dishonest. When creating a new breed, it takes years to develop. Health testing and conformation have to be included not only for the present but to be sure the breed holds true to expectations in future breeding's. Ask for verification of the breed you are considering buying. Ask if the Dam and Sire are registered with UKC. Ask if you can see the Dam and Sire of the puppy you are interested in. 
An Alaskan Klee Kai will not be registered with AKC.

DO YOUR HOMEWORK.

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