The Alaskan Klee Kai, or Miniature Alaskan Husky, has not yet been recognized as a breed by the American Kennel Club; although, the UKC and the American Rare Breed Association do recognize them. This breed was developed in Alaska after an accidental mating of a Husky and another small dog in 1970. Siberian and Alaskan Huskies were cross-bred with Schipperkes and American Eskimo Dogs in attempt to reduce the size. There were no public sales until 1988.
This is a smaller version of the Alaskan Husky that comes in three sizes and weighs between 10 and 40 pounds. The Toy is under 13", the Miniature is between 13" & 15", and the Standard should be between 15" & 17.5". Any Alaskan Klee that is over 17.5" tall is disqualified from the breed standard. The fur should be in one of the four main color groups. Black & White, Grey & White, Red(Cinnamon) & White, or solid white (which isn’t supposed to be bred.)
This is an intelligent, curious, agile and active dog with a high prey drive. They must be properly introduced to and raised with any smaller animals that they are expected to live with. They do very well in obedience and agility classes and are eager to please their owners, although they are reserved with strangers. They need a lot of daily physical and mental exercise.
This dog sheds its coat twice a year and will need regular grooming during these times. Most of the time they will do a very nice job of keeping themselves clean by spending hours daily on self-grooming. It is necessary to watch for, and remove, any mats that may be found in the fur.
