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The Alaskan Klee Kai is a northern breed of dog in the spitz family. The term "Klee Kai" was derived from Alaskan Athabaskan words meaning "Small Dog". The breed was developed to create a companion sized version of the Alaskan Husky (though it closely resembles the Siberian), resulting in an energetic, intelligent, apartment-sized dog with an appearance that reflects its northern heritage.
History
The breed was developed in Wasilla, Alaska during the mid-1970s by Linda S. Spurlin after she observed the result of an accidental mating of an Alaskan Husky and a small dog. The breed was developed with Siberian and Alaskan Huskies using Schipperke and American Eskimo Dog to bring down the size without dwarfism. She bred these dogs in private until she released them to the general public in 1988. Originally called the "Klee Kai," the breed split into "Alaskan Klee Kai" and "Klee Kai" for political reasons in 1995. The breed consolidated under the new name in 2002. The Alaskan Klee Kai was officially recognized by the American Rare Breed Association (ARBA) in 1995 and by the United Kennel Club (UKC) on January 1, 1997.
Appearance
The Alaskan Klee Kai should look like a miniature husky. They come in three sizes. Standard, Miniature, and Toy.
- Standard
- Height: 15-17.5 inches (38-42 cm.)
- Weight: 23 pounds (10 kg.)
- Miniature
- Height: 13-15 inches (33-39 cm)
- Weight: 15 pounds (7 kg.)
- Toy
- Height: under 13 inches (33 cm.)
- Weight: under 10 pounds (4.3 kg.)
External links
"Alaskan Klee Kai"