Page 106 - (DK) The Dog Encyclopedia

CATALOG OF BREEDS | SPITZ-TYPE DOGS

Alaskan Klee Kai

HEIGHT WEIGHT LIFE SPAN Any color
Toy: Up to 13in (33cm) Toy: Up to 9lb (4kg) Over 10 years
Miniature: 13–15in (33–38cm) Miniature: 9–15lb (4–7kg)
Standard: 15–17in (38–44cm) Standard: 15–22lb (7–10kg)

This energetic and inquisitive mini husky is confident
A NEW BREED
with owners but wary of strangers
This companion Spitz was created in Alaska by
Linda Spurlin and her family. The family mated
Alaskan and Siberian huskies with small dogs to This miniature version of the Siberian It is highly intelligent and curious,
create a mini husky and gave their new breed Husky (see p.101) was developed in the so enjoys obedience and agility contests,
the name Klee Kai, derived from Inuit words 1970s to be a house dog. The Alaskan Klee and some Alaskan Klee Kais have been
meaning little dog. Although the Alaskan Klee Kai Kai is found in three sizes: toy, miniature, trained as therapy dogs.
remains rare, the breed has been recognized by and standard. There are two forms of coat: The Alaskan Klee Kai fits well in a
some organizations and there are now breeders’
groups in the US and several other countries. standard (short) and full (slightly longer modest-sized home but, like its larger
and thicker). relative, has a great deal of energy and
The Alaskan Klee Kai appreciates needs plenty of exercise, including a long
company and likes to be treated as a pack walk each day, to stay in good physical
member within a family. However, unlike and mental health. In addition, it is highly
its larger Husky cousins, it is reserved with vocal, especially when “talking” to its
strangers, so requires careful training and family (this trait also makes Alaskan Klee
early socializing. Any children in the family Kais good watchdogs). The dogs molt
need to be taught to treat the dog gently, twice a year, and the full-coated type
as the Alaskan Klee Kai can snap if teased. needs regular grooming.

Distinct stop

Triangular,
erect ears
Dense,
moderately
long coat
Heavy-coated,
brushlike tail

Eyes of
this dog
are
different
colors
Tapering
muzzle

Characteristic
facial mask

Black
and white

Wolf-gray

MINIATURE, STANDARD,
STANDARD COAT STANDARD COAT
Lighter-colored
underparts

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