The AKK breed is registered with UKC (United Kennel Club), ARBA (American Rare Breed Association), and NKC (National Kennel Club). The name "Klee Kai" is derived from the Eskimo words meaning "small dog." They were bred from the Siberian and Alaskan Huskies, along with the help of a Schipperke and American Eskimo to downsize without dwarfism.
AKK are curious, mischevious, tenacious, and extremely strong for their size. They are crafty hunters, escape artists and very energetic dogs; however, they are not the typically "hyper" little dog. They shed a lot and blow their coats twice a year. If you do not like dog hair or are allergic to dog hair, then the AKK is NOT for you. AKK need to be brushed frequently, and bathed only as needed; ideally about twice a year. They require and adore a great deal of attention, and mostly only bark when they speak to you.
An Alaskan Klee Kai has a mind of its own and is sometimes afraid of strangers. There are basically two personality types with this breed; they are either very socialable, or very standoffish. It is truly wise to begin socialization as soon as you get your Alaskan Klee Kai. Unlike the Siberain Husky, the Alaskan Klee Kai can be standoffish and suspicious of strangers. Depending on your training with an Alaskan Klee Kai - they can make an extremely good watch dog. They will let you know when someone is around and rarely bark at nothing. Alaskan Klee Kai want to be treated with respect. Children should treat the Alaskan Klee Kai with respect and these dogs love all children if socialized around them properly. There have been reports of Alaskan Klee Kai watching the baby in the house, then going out to get the parent when the baby cried. There have been dams that nursed kittens.
These dogs tend to be a little "dog aggressive" if not socialized properly. Proving a stranger has good intentions, the Alaskan Klee Kai will sense it and may sniff or bark, but rarely bite, but some have been known to nibble at feet, pant legs, toes and fingers. When you first approach an Alaskan Klee Kai that may be standoffish, it is a good idea to simply ignore them at first and kneel down to their level and let them come to you. Alaskan Klee Kai are generally self assured, and uncomfortable when his master is not around. An Alaskan Klee Kai would much rather travel with his/her master.
Some AKK are not a good watch dog and sometimes not considered a good guard dog. However, depending on your training with an AKK - they can possibly make a good watch dog. They must be in a crate or kennel when nobody is around though, as they can get mischievous at times and will get into things. AKK learning rate is moderate to high, their activity level is very high, and their living environment should be a fenced yard, but they can adapt to apartment life if they are provided enough exercise. They love to run and should NEVER be trusted off a leash. Their life span is between 10-13 years, and their litter sizes are in the range of 1-3, but some have reported their AKK having up to 6 in one litter. WOW!! Please see the "AKK TEMPERAMENT" button for further information on this breed.
Alaskan Klee Kai are hunters, and if raised or introduced correctly, an Alaskan Klee Kai can live with cats and in a household with birds. However, you should never leave an Alaskan Klee Kai in a room alone, running loose around the house, or leave one unattended with gerbils, hamsters, etc. Their hunting instincts are very keen and they have been known to make a meal of these and other critters. Nevertheless, there are some Alaskan Klee Kai that simply cannot be trusted. Test your Alaskan Klee Kai by only leaving the house in 20 minute increments. If you come home, and there are no wires bitten through, or plants torn apart, then increase the time and take it from there.
Barking, Talking, and Howling
The Alaskan Klee Kai is not a habitual barker. They are talkers and sometimes remind their owners of living with a teenager. The Alaskan Klee Kai loves to have the last word, even as they obey the command about which they are complaining. Alaskan Klee Kai are pack oriented much like the Husky. Typically, you can find a kennel of Alaskan Klee Kai singing together either early in the morning or at night when the coyotes are too close. They start and stop howling as if on cue. They also tend to be rather psychic. They know when feeding time is, even if this is not a scheduled event. They can sense when something is wrong even when they are removed from the household as in the kennels.
Living Situations
Alaskan Klee Kai are very much family dogs. They can stand, love the cold and will lay on air conditioning vents to get cool. Their typical housing (if kept outside) is a dog house filled with straw. However, they are happiest with their people. Doggie doors are great for these dogs. They like to be able to come in to check on their masters from time to time.
They are extremely sensitive to disharmony and do not like it. Most will run from it as if to say, "STOP THE DRAMA!" They also will leave a home where they are kept in the yard without having visits to the house to be with their families. They are easily kennel or crate trained. However, again do not lock them in a room. They have been known to chew on doors trying to escape. Remember: AKK think walls and fences were made to go over, under or through.
Fences will not hold an unhappy Alaskan Klee Kai. As with the the Siberian Husky, a fenced yard is necessary for an outside dog. The fence should be strong and 6 feet tall since some have reported that their Alaskan Klee Kai are climbers. There should be wire in the ground or the fence should be cemented in the ground to inhibit digging out. Alaskan Klee Kai like to dig dens; therefore, it would be a good idea to have an area that would allow this activity without destroying an entire yard.
As with all dogs, a kennel area is desirable for a dog that has the habit of escaping. The kennel area should be made of chain link, over a concrete pad. They will also need a dog house to protect them from the weather, but will spend most of their time sunning themselves on the roof top. They like to be "King of the World", and therefore, always choose the highest point available to perch.
Coat and Grooming
The Alaskan Klee Kai, like the Siberian Husky, is relatively easy to care for. They are extremely clean. Most Alaskan Klee Kai do not like wet feet and will spend hours daily grooming themselves just like a cat. They do not have a "doggy odor" nor do they have "dog breath," but puppies do have puppy breath. Most Alaskan Klee Kai will seldom require a bath. It is a good idea to only bathe them when it is absolutely necessary, and then only use a good shampoo so as not to dry out their coats. They need natural oils for their skin.
As in the Alaskan Husky and the Siberians and unlike short haired dogs who shed all year long, the Alaskan Klee Kai will blow their coat twice a year. Of course, the size of the dogs limit the amount of fur blown; however, it is still formidable. It is best to groom the dog on a regular basis during this time. Some of the longer haired dogs can become matted if not groomed on a regular basis. Most Alaskan Klee Kai will assist the loss of hair by rubbing against things such as fences.
Other than this period of blowing coat, the Alaskan Klee Kai is very self sufficient. The normal preventative measures should be taken, such as trimming of nails, and normal grooming in the form of brushing. This process is especially important in the bonding process.
SMART AKK
An Alaskan Klee Kai is a very intelligent dog. They love to be with their owners and other dogs. If they are put in an unpleasant climate, they will find a way out. I got my first AKK when he was a year old and I have already taught him to "roll over." He already knew how to sit, shake, lay and stay. My little female is now learning to go get a toy and bring it back to me on command and to also jump for a treat just like her partner. I praise them both a lot and give them lots of treats, which they truly enjoy!
Even though these dogs were bred down from the Alaskan Husky and the Siberians, they make very good obedience dogs. They are extremely smart, and want to please their owners. This combination results in a dog that can learn just about anything. You should start obedience early. Establish the rules and stick to them. Let your Alaskan Klee Kai know that you are the boss. Do not let your dog do something as a puppy that you do not want him/her to do as an adult. If you give in even once, you have established that rules are made to be broken. Once you have taught your dog to perform a certain behavior, expect him/her to do it all the time, so do not let him/her do anything that you do not want him/her to do because it will be very difficult to undo that training.
Alaskan Klee Kai are pack oriented. Therefore, you should establish yourself as the pack leader. It is not necessary to do the alpha roll that is commonly referred to. You have to inspire and respect, not bully the dog into submission. That tactic can make a resentful, unpredictable dog. Treat your dog with respect and expect the same.
Agility for these dogs is a great challenge. All they have to do is watch another dog perform on the A-frame or the Bridge and they will follow without human direction. This is the type of training that is fun and productive. Both the owner and the dog have fun learning and following the rules. You will find that challenging your dog is the best way to keep him/her from getting bored and into trouble.
The worst thing that you can do is spoil these precious little dogs. Many people get one of these dogs and treat them like their "baby". Dogs do not understand their role if it is supposed to be your baby. A dog is a dog, and only knows how to be one. When put in this kind of position, your dog can become willful, aggressive and in general unpleasant to be around.
If you train your puppy correctly he/she will follow you anywhere and everywhere. In that vein, training classes not only teach the puppy to socialize and respond to you even with distractions, but it also teaches you and everyone else in the family the correct commands to use, and how to get your pup to respond. Consistency is extremely important and training classes give the family a place to practice with someone who is available to reinforce the correct training techniques. The training period is also a bonding experience. You will find that your Alaskan Klee Kai wants to be the "best" at everything and always be sure to "praise" them. The trick to a well trained dog is developing good habits. Once the behavior you want has become a habit, the dog is less likely to break the command.
Feeding
No cheap dog food for this rare breed is recommended. Use a good food with lots of vitamins and minerals for strong bones and teeth. A good name brand is best. They require much fuel to provide energy for their antics. When raised in kennels, they tend to eat best while being cared for, but gain the bulk of their weight when in the home with their family. They do not "chow down" and tend to be social eaters. Because of this, they seldom put on excess weight. These dogs love fruits and vegetables such as peas, corn, peaches, bananas, stir fry and many other varieties. They love getting "treats" when they have done good deeds and I give both my AKK's treats on a consistent basis.
Puppy Feeding
It is best to feed puppies on a schedule to facilitate "potty training". Puppies should be fed at least three times a day. Adults may be fed once per day. Most people who own Alaskan Klee Kai will self feed once the dog is housetrained.
PLEASE NOTE: If you are fortunate enough to adopt a Alaskan Klee Kai, then you will never be alone. An Alaskan Klee Kai will make you laugh at the silly things they do, and will become a very integral part of your family.
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