Klee Kai Husky Mix: Complete Care Guide

The Klee Kai Husky Mix is a rare and intriguing breed, resulting from the cross between a Siberian Husky and an Alaskan Klee Kai.

They typically weigh between 20-40 pounds and stand 14-17 inches tall at the shoulder.

This mix is known for its striking appearance, with a thick double coat that sheds heavily during shedding season.

Their eyes are almond-shaped and typically range in color from blue to brown.

Their intelligence and energy levels make them a great fit for active families or individuals who can provide the necessary exercise and mental stimulation.

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a small companion dog bred from northern and Spitz breeds, resembling a miniature Husky but with distinct differences in temperament and purpose.

They have high energy levels, demanding plenty of exercise, and are prone to expressing emotions with whines and barks.

Alaskan Klee Kais are generally shy around strangers, making them a challenge for inexperienced pet parents.

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However, for an adopter who keeps up with training and physical activity, this breed is sweet, loyal, and happy to shower loved ones with affection.

It's advisable to prioritize adopting from rescue organizations or shelters to provide a loving home to a dog in need.

Alaskan Klee Kais are meant to be companion dogs, rather than working animals, and are loving family dogs, eager to please and highly trainable.

While they are wary of strangers, they make good watchdogs due to their constant vigilance.

This breed is still relatively new and not recognized by the American Kennel Club, but is recognized by several other kennel clubs, with established breed standards.

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The Alaskan Klee Kai's physical characteristics are quite unique and well-suited to its Arctic heritage.

They come in three recognized coat colors: red and white, black and white, or gray and white, with some individuals sporting a solid white coat.

Their double coats are made up of a short, soft undercoat and a longer, coarser outer coat that protects them from extreme weather conditions.

Alaskan Klee Kais are known for not developing a strong dog odor, and they often prefer to groom themselves, which means they may not need frequent bathing.

However, during the shedding seasons, they do require regular brushing to manage their coat blowouts and prevent excessive shedding.

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The Alaskan Klee Kai comes in three sizes: toy, miniature, and standard. These sizes may seem distinct, but the height difference between them is relatively small.

Toy Alaskan Klee Kais can be up to 13 inches tall. Miniature and standard sizes are not drastically larger, with miniatures reaching 13 to 15 inches and standards reaching 15 to 17 inches.

Most Alaskan Klee Kais weigh between 10 and 15 pounds. However, some can be as small as 5 pounds or as large as 22 pounds.

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The Alaskan Klee Kai has a beautiful double coat that comes in three recognized colors: red and white, black and white, or gray and white, with some individuals having a solid white coat.

Their coats are double-layered, consisting of a short, soft undercoat and a longer, coarser outer coat that protects them from extreme weather conditions.

Alaskan Klee Kais are known for not having a strong dog odor, and they tend to groom themselves, which means they might not need frequent bathing.

However, they do shed profusely before summer and winter, so regular brushing is necessary during these seasons to prevent matting.

They only shed moderately the rest of the year, but still require regular brushing to keep their coats healthy and looking their best.

The Klee Kai Husky mix is a high-energy breed that requires at least 45 minutes of high-intensity activity each day. They need at least an hour of exercise per day, and can clock up to 10 miles per week if you're an avid hiker or walker.

They love to run, bike, and engage in dog sports like agility, weight pulling, and dock diving, so be prepared to get moving with your furry friend. Long walks, jogging, and hiking are all great ways to keep your Klee Kai Husky mix happy and healthy.

These dogs have excellent endurance and enjoy being challenged mentally and physically. To keep them engaged, try using food puzzles or interactive games like fetch.

To train your Klee Kai Husky mix, use positive reinforcement methods like clicker training or rewards-based training. Be patient and consistent, as they can be stubborn at times. Start training early, ideally with a puppy obedience class, and socialize them well to help them become confident and comfortable around strangers.

Here are some activities you can enjoy with your Klee Kai Husky mix:

Remember to keep your Klee Kai Husky mix on a leash or in a secure fenced area, as they can be difficult to train to come when called. With patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, you can help your Klee Kai Husky mix become a well-behaved and loving companion.

The Alaskan Klee Kai breed is generally known for its robust health, but like any breed, they can be prone to certain medical conditions. Luxating Patella, a condition where the kneecap intermittently moves out of its normal position, is one issue that can cause discomfort and lameness.

Regular exercise is crucial for Alaskan Klee Kais, as they can become high-strung and anxious if they don't have an outlet to burn off energy. They require regular teeth brushings, nail clippings, and ear cleanings to maintain good hygiene.

The breed has a double coat, which requires regular brushing to reduce shedding. Brushing once a week is recommended, and they also need regular cardiac, thyroid, and patella evaluations to catch any potential health issues early.

Here are some common health concerns to be aware of in Alaskan Klee Kais:

Alaskan Klee Kais have a thick, double coat that needs regular brushing to prevent matting and shedding.

Brushing should be done at least once a week, but more often during the spring and fall when shedding increases.

Their coat naturally repels dirt, so they usually only need an occasional bath.

Daily walks and playing fetch can help reduce the amount of dog hair around your home.

Regular brushing can also help reduce shedding, making it easier to keep your home clean.

Alaskan Klee Kais are self-groomers, but they still need regular teeth brushing, ear cleaning, and nail clipping for great hygiene.

Checking their nails once a month and brushing their teeth daily can help prevent issues.

Cleaning their ears regularly is especially important if they have thyroid issues that can cause ear infections.

Alaskan Klee Kais are generally healthy, but regular grooming can help prevent health issues related to their coat.

The Alaskan Klee Kai breed is generally known for its robust health, but like any breed, they can be prone to certain health concerns. These can include Luxating Patella, a condition where the kneecap intermittently moves out of its normal position, leading to discomfort and lameness.

Some of the most common health issues in Alaskan Klee Kais include Patellar luxation, Autoimmune thyroiditis, Heart murmurs, and Eye diseases. These can be serious conditions that require regular veterinary check-ups and monitoring.

Alaskan Klee Kais may also be prone to Liver Shunts, which are abnormal blood vessels that divert blood away from the liver, potentially causing toxins to accumulate in the bloodstream. This can lead to a range of health problems if left untreated.

It's essential to keep an eye out for signs of Factor VII Deficiency, a bleeding disorder that can cause excessive bleeding after injury or surgery. Regular veterinary check-ups can help identify this condition early on.

Here are some common health concerns in Alaskan Klee Kais, along with their symptoms:

Regular veterinary check-ups and monitoring can help identify these health concerns early on, ensuring your Alaskan Klee Kai receives the best care possible.

Alaskan Klee Kais are not considered high maintenance, but they do require regular grooming, exercise, and socialization.

Regular grooming is a must for this breed, as they have a double coat that sheds twice a year. Brushing them once a week can help reduce the amount of dog hair around your home.

They are excellent camping and hiking companions, but they also enjoy daily walks or playing fetch in the backyard. Regular exercise is essential to keep them happy and healthy.

Alaskan Klee Kais are considered a healthy breed, but it's always a good idea to look into reputable breeders that screen for potential health issues like heart murmurs, patella luxation, and other conditions.

Their grooming is relatively straightforward, but it's still important to include regular teeth brushings, ear cleanings, and nail clippings in their routine.

Alaskan Klee Kais are high-energy dogs that need a diet to fuel them throughout the day.

Their individual dietary needs should be discussed with a veterinarian or professional nutritionist to ensure they get the right nutrition.

You should feed your Alaskan Klee Kai about one cup of high-quality kibble per day, but this may vary depending on their size and individual needs.

A good rule of thumb is to feed 30 to 40 calories per pound of body weight, so a 20-pound dog would need about 600 calories per day.

Consistent meal times each day can help your Alaskan Klee Kai know what to expect, as they have trouble focusing around mealtimes.

It's essential to measure their food and monitor treat intake to prevent overeating, as they can be prone to obesity.

Fresh water should always be available to your dog, and you should discuss the proper variety and quantity of food with your vet.

Alaskan Klee Kais are intelligent, energetic, and loving to their families, making them great companions. They're quick to pick up on basic commands and can even excel in agility training.

Their wariness of new faces makes them excellent watchdogs, but they do require lifelong socialization training to be friendly to new people. They can be cautious about new people or things, but with encouragement through positive reinforcement training, they'll be eager to please.

They love to be the centers of attention in their families, but they'll also be vocal when their needs aren't being met. They bark and whine to express their displeasure, so it's essential to meet their physical and mental needs to prevent boredom, anxiety, and destructive behavior.

The Alaskan Klee Kai's history is a fascinating story of how a dedicated breeder, Linda Spurlin, set out to create a smaller version of the huskies she loved.

Spurlin developed the breed in the 1970s and 1980s in Wasilla, Alaska, where she carefully selected and bred Siberian and Alaskan Huskies with breeds like the Schipperke and Alaskan Eskimo Dog to achieve the desired size and temperament.

To reduce the size of the puppies, Spurlin didn't breed dogs with dwarfism, but instead used a thoughtful approach to breeding, which resulted in a small dog that could still handle the rough Alaskan terrain.

The name Alaskan Klee Kai comes from the indigenous Athabaskan language and means "little dog", a fitting name for this charming breed.

Spurlin's vision for the breed has been realized, and today the Alaskan Klee Kai is a beloved companion dog, with some famous owners, such as Miley Cyrus and Joe Jonas, proudly sharing their love for the breed.

The American Kennel Club accepted the Alaskan Klee Kai into its Foundation Stock Service in 2020, a significant step towards recognition as a purebred dog.

The Alaskan Klee Kai is an intelligent breed that can pick up on basic commands quickly, often excelling in training. They're highly food motivated, which makes training a breeze.

Their energetic nature means they require regular exercise to stay happy and healthy. A good, long walk and play session should do the trick, but neglecting their exercise needs can lead to boredom, anxiety, and destructive behavior.

Alaskan Klee Kais are loving to their families and make excellent companion dogs. They tend to form tight bonds with their people.

However, they can be wary of new people and things, which may require some encouragement through positive reinforcement training. With patience and consistency, they'll be eager to please.

Their high prey drive means they might bolt if they see wildlife on walks, so be sure to keep a close eye on them.

With a Klee Kai Husky mix, you'll want to consider their compatibility with children and other pets. They're generally good with kids, but young children need supervision to avoid accidentally hurting or provoking the dog.

As for other pets, they usually get along well with dogs, especially if socialized early on. However, their high prey drive means they might not be the best fit for homes with smaller pets unless they're specifically trained to live with them.

Socialization is key when it comes to introducing your Klee Kai Husky mix to new animals or people. They can be skittish and wary around strangers, so make all introductions slowly and in a safe environment.

Alaskan Klee Kai are known to be average barkers, but they don't exactly bark - they howl, yodel, chirp, and grumble to communicate their emotions.

Their vocalizations can range from territorial to playful, making them quite expressive. They're not exactly a quiet dog breed, just like their Husky cousin.

The Alaskan Klee Kai has gained international popularity and demand, with magazines around the world featuring them since the late 1990s.

They're not exactly quiet dogs, as Alaskan Klee Kai are known to "talk" using vocal noises that sound like howls, yodels, chirps, and grumbles.

Their vocalizations are a way for them to communicate when they feel territorial, bored, fearful, anxious, or playful.

Alaskan Klee Kai have gained international popularity and demand, with magazines around the world featuring them in the late 1990s.

They've even been born outside of the United States, with a pup born to a breeder in Nottingham, England.

This little dog breed has lived in over 20 countries, including the Continental United States and Hawaii.

Despite their small size, Alaskan Klee Kai are energetic and love the outdoors, making them perfect for agility training and playtime.

The Alaskan Klee Kai has made significant strides in breed recognition over the years. In 1988, Linda Sprulin and Eileen Gregory co-founded the first Alaskan Klee Kai Association of America.

The American Rare Breed Association was one of the first organizations to recognize the Alaskan Klee Kai as a distinct breed. The Federation of International Canines also gave the breed recognition during this time.

The United Kennel Club (UKC) took responsibility for managing the official Alaskan Klee Kai registry in the United States. This was a major milestone for the breed.

In 2020, the American Kennel Club accepted the Alaskan Klee Kai into its Foundation Stock Service (FSS). This recognition is an optional record-keeping service for unique breeds that can lead to full AKC recognition.

The Alaskan Klee Kai cannot participate in AKC competitions, but it can compete in AKC Companion events.

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