Alaskan Klee Kais

Description

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a smaller version of the Alaskan Husky, and physically resembles the Siberian Husky. This is a northern breed of dog in the Spitz family. Spitz-type dogs have by long, thick, and usually white fur, and pointed ears and muzzles. Their thick and furry tail's are usually curled over the dog's back to either side when it is alert or on the move.

This smaller version of the Alaskan Husky has a wedge-shaped head and a stunning masked face, picked ears and a double coat. Back length is slightly longer than their height. The full face mask is what this breed is noted for. Their heads have a moderate stop, and the skull (slightly rounded and broad) and muzzle (well filled in under the eyes) taper toward to the nose forming a broad-based wedge. The lower jaw is strong and lips are closed tightly and usually black. Liver colored lips are seen in dogs with coats that are shades of red with white. The AKK teeth need to close in a scissors bite, no over bites or under bites.

Most AKK's have solid black noses, however there are snow noses (pink streaked) and liver colored noses. Eyes are medium and can be seen in any color or color combination. There are different shaped eyes as well - almond, oval and round.

AKK ears are erect and pointing upward, and slightly larger in proportion to the size of the head. The leather is thick from tip to base, with ear tips slightly rounded. These dogs are very sensitive to sounds.

They are highly curious, quick, very agile and active. Very alert dogs, they are extremely loyal, making them a good watch dog despite their smaller size. The AKK is cautious and reserved with strangers and isn't fussy about unfamiliar situations. They are very affectionate with their family.

Alaskan Klee Kai Puppies

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Coat Description

The AKK coat is double and long enough to give a well- furred appearance that reminds you of its Alaskan Husky heritage. The neck has a protective ruff blending into the apron. The tail is well furred with longer hair at the base and underside of the tail.

There may be have some feathering on the rear of the front legs (for longer coated dogs); the rear of the hindquarters, from the buttocks to the hock joint; underside of the body and tail; and the ears.

The undercoat is soft, dense, and the guard hairs of the outer coat are straight and neither harsh nor extremely soft. There is no undercoat during the shedding season, and that is normal.

The most desirable mask consists of dark coloration on the skull extending down the bridge of the muzzle and under the eyes. The fur inside the ears should be a lighter contrasting color.

These other marking are desirable:

Light spots over the eyes, a light blaze in the middle of the skull and stop, a dark strip down the center of the muzzle, dark coloration under the eyes and dark tipped tail.

There are 5 red AKK to date. All coat colors are acceptable when showing provided that the facial mask is distinct and clearly visible and there is a contrasting lighter color on the dog's throat, chest, breeches, feet, legs and underside.

History

The Alaskan Klee Kai originates from Wasilla, Alaska, and was developed by Linda Spurlin in the early 1970's. Spurlin had taken a shine to the offspring of an accidental mating between an Alaskan Husky and another unknown smaller dog. So impressed with the size and beauty of the youngsters, she decided to breed a prototype companion pet.

She contined to develop the breed with Siberian and Alaskan Huskies using Schipperke and Amercian Eskimo Dogs to reduce the size of the dogs without having difficulties with dwarfism. Spurlin bred AKK dogs privately until 1988, and then she released them to the general public. The "original" breed was called Klee Kai, but the breed name changed in 1995 to the Alaskan Klee Kai. Even though it has been available to the public since 1988, they are still extremely rare. The Alaskan Klee Kai was officially recognized by the American Rare Breed Association (ARBA) in 1995 and the United Kennel Club (UKC) January 1, 1997.

Temperament

The most important watch word with the AKK is socialization. They need to be taken every where dogs are allowed when they are puppies and into older dog hood. AKK's can be very shy and reserved with strangers.

Although excellent watch dogs - they will alert you to someone coming - they are not guard dogs in the sense of attacking someone. They should NOT be made into guard dogs, as these dogs were bred to be companions only.

Definitely seriously consider taking your AKK to obedience classes. Again this is another venue for you and your dog so socialize with other dogs and other people - a critical aspect of raising an AKK. It's best they have the widest possible exposure to lots of different situations so that your dog with become careful with strangers instead of being fearful.

Alaskan Klee Kai's (and each one is individual) are a moderate to high energy breed. Some do bark, but most seem to have soft vocalizations. These dogs are called talkers. They will blow coat once or twice a year, but shed minimally at other times.

Health Problems

While an amazingly hardy breed there has been concerns expressed about a hereditary bleeding disorder - hereditary FVII deficiency. A DNA test to identify the mutation responsible for FVII deficiency in Alaskan Klee Kai dogs has been developed at the University of Pennsylvania. Other than this disorder, this breed seems to fair very well in the Health department.

Grooming

This breed is an average shedder and should be combed and brushed on a regular basic.

Bathing your AKK should be only on an as-needed basis. Of course this will depend on your dog and its needs. Use only specially formulated shampoos for dogs, not human shampoo as it can cause skin irritations. It may also cause your dog's hair coat to dry out and you would also see flaking skin.

Always check your dog's ears and be on the lookout for excessive hair, dirt, too much wax build up. If their ears are dirty, you will need to clean them very gently and carefully with a gauze-covered finger. Avoid Q-tips as you can cause damage to their eardrums.

Check their eyes to see if they are running and make sure they're bright and alive. Clean any eye debris away from the corners of their eyes.

Keep their nails trimmed to make sure their paws remain healthy and they are comfortable walking. If the nails get too long, they can become ingrown and be very painful for your dog to walk on.

Exercise

The Klee Kai's are not quite as dependent on being exercised as their larger relatives. However, a romp with other AKK's is especially loved, but they do adapt well to other canine playmates if introduced as a youngster to their new homes.

While happy to be at home while you may be away during the day, they love nothing better than to hit the backyard and run at the speed of light when you let them out. They can run so fast they actually can be seen to do a slo-mo four-pawed drift around a few corners. All puppies and puppies at heart have unlimited energy, and that energy needs to be funneled towards constructive ends by exercising vigorously and lots of play time. As your AKK matures, appropriate exercise is still needed, but their energy level is not quite as high.

Jogging, walking and running with your AKK is something they like as well. A good game of tug rope and fetch works too, if they will return the ball without hogging it.

Training

Your AKK will not get the English language and what it means until you teach it to them. So you need to be consistent in training methods with them. For instance, if you are potty training, always use the same command. If you want him to come with you for a walk, use the same commands in the same sequence. All members of your family need to be on the same song sheet when teaching your AKK the basic manners.

The AKK is very intelligent, and yet an independent thinker, meaning you may get compliance some of the time, but not always obedience. This improves with age and training. So don't give up hope.

Your puppy has a really rapid metabolism and will process food and water really quickly. Be prepared for potty accidents in the house and be aware of when to take you puppy outside. Your AKK's age in weeks and size usually determine how often they need to go out. For instance, once an hour is not too often for a 6 week old puppy. Other key times to take your AKK outside are after chewing something, right after a nap, after grooming and after food time. Gradually your AKK with "get it" and start to let you know when they need to go out. Watch for the sudden bolt up from a toy and the nose to the floor - and move fast to take your pup out.

Since your AKK is so sensitive and intelligent, they are masters of reading your body language and facial expressions. Punishment is not needed when training, just change your facial expressions and body language to express annoyance. The unhappy face you are showing your dog will be all he needs to get the message. However, their attention span is only about 3 - 5 minutes at a young age, so don't have a mad on too long.