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Understanding and Training a Klee Kai

The Klee Kai is lively, loving and loyal. They crave attention from their people, at the same time are known to be cautious and reserved with strangers. They are also known to be vocal, therefore are good "acting" watch dogs to those of suspicious nature about their home and property. Some AKKs have the rapid, high-pitched spitz-type bark, while others use their voice to communicate through a range of tones as if constructing sentences.

As a decent of hard-working northern breeds, they are alert, quick and driven and require above average daily exercise regardless of their deceptive size. Equally so, they are an intelligent breed that can either quickly and eagerly learn or respond obstinately.

They can be a great family dog and are often described as being generally docile and affectionate, however, they will not tolerate being bullied, poked or trampled by a house bustling with people and other pets. In these instances they may develop discriminating behaviours such as excessive barking, lunging and nipping.

Breed Profile

Breed Name: Klee Kai

Domestic Dog Group:

Brief Description:

General Size: Toy, 10 lbs (4.3kg); 33 cm: Miniature, 10-15 lbs (4.3-7kg); 33-29cm: Standard, 15 - 23 lbs (7-10 kg); 38-42 cm
General Temperament: Lively, Loving and Loyal
General Description: Affectionate with family, but wary of strangers. Vocal.

Breed’s Key Traits

High Med-High Medium Med-Low Low

Requires Experience x

Good Family Dog x

Exercise Required x

Activity Indoors x

Ease of Training x

Sociability with Strangers x

Grooming Requirements x

Brief History

This is a relatively new breed of dog first developed "accidentally" in the 1970's, later made public in 1988 and finally recognised by the American Rare Breed Association (ARBA) in 1995 and United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1997. The "accident" was a mating between an Alaskan Husky and unknown small dog in Wasilla, Alaska. The breeder, Linda Spurlin, continued perfecting her results privately by introducing bloodlines from both Alaskan and Siberian Huskies, and further, smaller spitz dogs for a companion-sized form to the Nordic group (a delicately selective "recipe" that Linda will not disclose to this day). The name "Klee Kai" are Alaskan Athabaskan words meaning "small dog". And, true to their northern ancestors, this is an lively, intelligent, agile and high drive dog that is and will likely continue to increase in popularity.