Alaskan Klee Kai

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a small spitz bred to look like a Husky in miniature — a companion breed, not a sled dog scaled down.

History

It was developed in Alaska from the 1970s by one breeder who wanted a husky-like companion of manageable size, using Alaskan and Siberian Huskies with smaller spitz breeds. The name means "little dog" in an Inuit dialect, and the breed remains uncommon.

Temperament

The breed is known for being alert, intelligent and markedly reserved with strangers — a difference from the outgoing Siberian Husky that surprises people who chose it for the look. It is affectionate within its own household and can be vocal.

Care and training

It needs regular exercise and mental work, early and continued socialising to manage the shyness, and secure fencing. The double coat sheds heavily twice a year and needs brushing but no trimming.

Health

Known tendencies include patellar luxation, thyroid problems and heart conditions; a small and young gene pool is the standing caution. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.