Alaskan Klee Kai

The Alaskan Klee Kai dog was first bred in Alaska in the early 1970s as a companion-sized version of similar sled dogs such as the Alaskan Husky and Siberian Husky. The breed remains rare.

Active owners who live in cold climates are ideal matches for the Alaskan Klee Kai dog. Owners should have some experience with dogs, patience for training a high-energy pup, and be tolerant of the breed’s need to have their voices heard a lot. The dogs bond closely with their families and prefer owners who are home most of the time. If left alone too long, they are prone to boredom and separation anxiety.

The Alaskan Klee Kai (AKK) breed is active and needs mental and physical stimulation to tucker them out and keep them as model dog citizens. They excel at dog sports and family activities such as camping, swimming, kayaking, hiking, climbing, and more.

While small in stature, the Alaskan Klee Kai dog does need regular access to the outdoors, preferably a space where they can play and run. They are curious and can be sneaky, so a secure, fenced-in yard is best. They can be vocal dogs, so it’s ideal not to have neighbors in too close proximity who might not appreciate their chattiness.

The double coat of the AKK breed has a short and dense undercoat and a longer top coat which help insulate the dog. Weekly brushings and combings will help keep their coats in good condition—and save your vacuum come heavy shedding season. The coats naturally repel dirt, so they don’t need baths that often.

Perceptive and in tune with their surroundings and owners, the Alaskan Klee Kai dog enjoys being challenged, learning new things, and participating in activities with their families. They do well in sports and performance activities such as obedience, agility, rally, scent work, diving, and more. They can be used as therapy and service dogs. They are sensitive and can be reserved, so positive reinforcement methods work best. Socialization is important to instill confidence in them around other dogs.

Trustworthy and devoted, the Alaskan Klee Kai dog enjoys family life. They are playful and energetic, making them a good fit for active families. They do best with homes with older children or no children and owners who are home a lot, preferably in colder climates.

The cost of an Alaskan Klee Kai from a breeder is significantly more than the cost of adopting one from a local shelter or rescue. The adoption fee usually covers additional items such as spaying or neutering, vaccines, and microchipping.