Alaskan Klee Kai

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a relatively new dog breed, first developed in the 1970s. They are lively and alert dogs that are a smaller version of Alaskan or Siberian Huskies, weighing no more than 25 pounds. These dogs have pricked ears and double coats with a tail that curves over their backs. They are loyal dogs and create strong bonds with their families.  

Alaskan Klee Kai Breed Overview

“Klee Kai” means “small dog” in Inuit, a befitting name for this breed that resembles their larger cousins, the Alaskan and Siberian Huskies. Like their relatives, they are alert and affectionate dogs, often forming very strong bonds with their owners. They can be protective and shy at first around strangers, though. The breed was first created in the 1970s as a companion-sized version of larger sled dogs and is a relatively rare breed.  

Alaskan Klee Kai Facts

• Alaskan Klee Kais are small dogs, weighing no more than 25 pounds.
• They are descended from native dogs.
• “Klee Kai” means “small dog” in Inuit, a native language.
• The breed was only developed in the 1970s and is fairly rare.
• They are highly adaptable, smart, and energetic, and can perform work such as therapy and service dogs.
• Like Huskies, they can make funny-sounding noises such as howling, chirping, and yodeling.

How to Care for Your Alaskan Klee Kai

Caring for your Alaskan Klee Kai involves being informed about nutrition and feeding, health and wellness, grooming and hygiene, and more.  

Nutrition & Feeding

What to Feed an Alaskan Klee Kai

Alaskan Klee Kais look like Huskies, but they weigh no more than 25 pounds. These dogs need a size-appropriate food, like Purina Pro Plan’s Small Breed line. Their diets should contain high-quality protein and moderate fat content to support their active lifestyles.

How Much to Feed an Alaskan Klee Kai

The Alaskan Klee Kai can range in size from 6 to 25 pounds, so it’s best to use your dog’s food label as a guide or consult your vet to discuss appropriate meal sizes. Scheduled feedings work best to help keep their energy consistent throughout the day. Because there is such a wide weight range in this breed, consult a tool like the Purina Feeding Calculator to give you the exact amount of food for your dog.

Treats & Supplements

Small and very smart, the Alaskan Klee Kai dog loves to train and can be rewarded in sessions with low-calorie treats. Treats should be used sparingly and not exceed more than 10% of the dog’s daily calories. Discuss supplements with your vet, such as fish oil, glucosamine, and probiotics, to help with coat health, joint health, and sensitive stomachs.

Health & Wellness

Veterinary Care

These dogs are a generally healthy breed, but they should be seen by a vet regularly to maintain vaccine schedules, for parasite prevention programs, to discuss spaying or neutering your dog, for dental care, and more. They can be prone to several conditions, such as patellar luxation (kneecap dislocation), juvenile cataracts, or thyroid problems, which you can discuss with your vet.

Alaskan Klee Kai Enrichment & Exercise Needs

Don’t be fooled by the Alaskan Klee Kai’s small size – they are high-energy dogs that enjoy lots of exercise and mental stimulation. Switch things up by taking them hiking or swimming, or let them run free. A fenced-in yard is best, as they have a high prey drive and can escape if they see something they like. Mentally stimulate them with training sessions, which they enjoy, or puzzles and games.

Understanding Your Alaskan Klee Kai’s Behavior

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a lively dog that can exhibit undesirable behaviors if their needs aren’t met. Many owners find the howling and yodeling that Husky-type dogs do funny – the first time. Eventually, it can become disruptive and annoying if their chattiness cannot be brought under control. This, along with anxiety, can be resolved with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation to tire them out.

Alaskan Klee Kais have a strong prey drive and are likely to chase small animals. A fenced-in yard and a focus on recall training and positive reinforcement training are key. Socialization is also important to ensure that they know their place in the world.

What to Expect as Your Alaskan Klee Kai Ages

Alaskan Klee Kais will likely have long lifespans, typically living between 13 and 17 years. Switch them over to a senior dog food when your vet advises you to do so to ensure they’re getting the nutrients they need to support healthy aging.

Grooming & Hygiene

Skin & Coat Health

The double coat of the Alaskan Klee Kai sheds year-round, including heavy shedding twice a year. They require regular grooming, including brushing several times a week, especially during heavy shedding periods. Naturally clean dogs, they can receive baths as needed or every few weeks.

Ear, Paw & Dental Care

Alaskan Klee Kais benefit from good dental hygiene practices to prevent tartar buildup and gum disease. Brush your dog’s teeth regularly, and offer dental chews if appropriate. Clean their ears with a vet-approved regimen and inspect their ears and paw pads regularly for scrapes, cuts, or signs of infection. Trim an Alaskan Klee Kai’s nails regularly to prevent painful splitting and cracking.

Anal Gland Care

Small dog breeds are more prone to abscesses that might need professional expression by a vet. If your Alaskan Klee Kai is scooting, licking their behind, straining to go to the bathroom, or emitting a foul-smelling odor, then it might be time to call in professional help.

Living With an Alaskan Klee Kai

Living Space

Alaskan Klee Kais were bred as small companion dogs and can do well in many different living situations, so long as they have adequate access to the outdoors and an owner who can devote plenty of time to exercise and playtime. They tend to be vocal and chatty dogs, which might be difficult if you live in an urban area with neighbors in close proximity. Ideally, they’d be in a suburban or rural setting with a secure, fenced-in yard.

Socialization

These dogs will need to be socialized early and often, as they can develop strong attachments to their owners and can become clingy if they are not exposed to different situations and people. They are trustworthy and devoted and thrive in a family environment; they love to be included in family activities. Active families with older children or no children are ideal, as are families that live in colder climates.

Climate Considerations

Owners who live in colder climates are a better match for Alaskan Klee Kai dogs. They have exceptional cold tolerance due to their Husky heritage and love the outdoors. Their double coats provide insulation, but they cannot be left outside in extreme conditions for long periods of time. Warmer temperatures are not as ideal; they can overheat. If you have an Alaskan Klee Kai in a more temperate climate, be sure to offer them a lot of shade and water and try to exercise them during the coolest parts of the day.

Potential Challenges

Loving and loyal, the Alaskan Klee Kai has all of the gumption of a Husky, but in a pint-size body. They can be clingy and suffer from separation anxiety, something that can be overcome with training and socialization. They’re not afraid to express their opinions and can become loud and chatty, showing off that classic Husky howl. Teaching them a good “quiet” or “settle” command can be helpful. Their high prey drive and instinct to chase can be mitigated via secure fencing or by using a leash for walks.  

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