AKK Breeder Questions - Part 1
If you are looking to adopt an Alaskan Klee Kai you truly need to “interview” the potential breeder. Please do not jump at the first breeder just because he/she has an available AKK.
ASK QUESTIONS about the AKK and his/her personality before you adopt from just any ole' breeder. Do you want an AKK that has had minimal human contact, or do you want an AKK that has been given mounds of LOVE and ATTENTION so you will have a "good" dog for your family and one that does not drive you insane because he/she is so incredibly "shy and hard to work with."
Be honest with the breeders; tell them what you are looking for in an AKK. If you are looking for a show dog, let the breeder know. If you are looking for a breeding quality AKK, let the breeder know.
Do your research on the breeder and please do not be afraid to ask questions about the AKK, the breeder's set-up, (in home or outdoor kennels), how many dogs the breeder has, etc. It is your responsibility; not only to yourself, but to the potential AKK you are seeking to adopt to ask questions of a breeder and to ask questions regarding the health and temperament of the AKK!
Fearful behavior and lack of socialization with humans and other animals are typical when a breeder does not devote the necessary time needed to properly socialize a puppy. The first months of a puppy's life are a critical socialization period for puppies. Spending that time with their mother and littermates helps prevent puppies from developing problems like extreme shyness, aggression, fear and anxiety. Be sure you ask about this when you are seeking a certain AKK from any breeder!
The following are some questions that have either been asked of the breeders at Alakkawa Kennels, or questions the breeders have asked other breeders along their journey of owning and breeding this incredible breed. Therefore, the breeders at Alakkawa Kennels have provided their own answers to these questions in case you are screening them as a breeder.
Please know if you ask any of the questions below to another breeder and he/she cannot supply you with the documentation or the answer, it may be best to move on to another breeder who can provide this to you.
Please read through the questions to find the breeders answers and take your time. If you do not take the time to read through these questions and send the breeders an email anyway; asking the same question already listed here, the breeders will kindly refer you back to this website. The breeders have taken their time to inform an interested person of all the below information and the breeders please ask you to do the same.
Also, please know the breeders at Alakkawa Kennels raise their pups will mounds of LOVE and ATTENTION. The breeders do not breed their AKK and then put them in a kennel to be alone or just with their other AKK. ALL their AKK live in their home where they are socialized with their other AKK, with them, and their neighbors...
ALWAYS ask questions; an unasked question is one of ignorance.
Word of advice
If you have a wonderful opportunity to adopt an Alaskan Klee Kai from Alakkawa Kennels and you take them on a walk, a hike, or to a park, be prepared to educate folks about this breed as total strangers will stop you and ask a lot of questions.
The breeders have answered the same questions over and over. When they go to parks of any kind, people will run clear across the park to ask them questions. The breeders enjoy educating people on this breed and seeing the excitement on a person's face when they see the Alaskan Klee Kai. The breeders have made lasting friendships with those interested in this breed and with those who have adopted their babies. Each person who adopts from Alakkawa Kennels becomes a part of the breeder’s family.
ADOPTION FEE
What can I expect to pay for the adoption fee of an Alaskan Klee Kai from Alakkawa Kennels?
There are some Alaskan Klee Kai breeders who place their Alaskan Klee Kai ranging from $1,500.00 to over $5,000.00. The breeders at Alakkawa Kennels are in the “near middle” of the previous mentioned numbers. The breeders at Alakkawa Kennels hold the right to make the decision on the adoption fee and once an adoption fee is set on a particular puppy, there are no price negotiations.
If a person finds an Alaskan Klee Kai from a breeder (one who has a true website) for less than $1,500.00, please do research on the breeder before sending any funds to the breeder. There are breeders who may place an older Alaskan Klee Kai for less than $800.00; however, it is your responsibility to do your own research so you are not "HAD" by a scammer!
The breeders are in the near middle range with their adoption fee with other breeders of the Alaskan Klee Kai throughout the United States. The breeders at Alakkawa Kennels do not set their adoption fee based on eye color, coat color, coat length, or size. In fact, they have no control over any of the above and they do not guarantee any of the above into adulthood.
When the breeder first began breeding, many people would contact them about a puppy and the person would fill out a questionnaire before researching this breed, the breeder’s adoption fee and process. The breeders went through the entire process with several people; only to discover once the adoption fee was brought up, the folks had no idea how expensive an Alaskan Klee Kai can be, and the person would then decline the adoption based on the breeder's adoption fee. Therefore, it is a waste of time for those who are “merely” interested based on the adoption fee to do this. And, it is a waste of the breeder's time to review a questionnaire if someone is only interested in making a decision to adopt an Alaskan Klee Kai based on a fee.
Each breeder of any breed has a right to set their own adoption fee. All you need to do is shop around if, (with all due respect), you feel the adoption fee at Alakkawa Kennels is too high. If you contact the breeders knowing their “set” adoption fee, do not expect them to come down on their “set” adoption fee. Once an adoption fee is set, again there are no price negotiations and respectfully the breeders cannot support the issue that you did not plan to spend “X” number of dollars on an Alaskan Klee Kai.
FEES
Is there a deposit fee I need to provide to the breeder at Alakkawa Kennels to hold a puppy for me?
Alakkawa Kennels requires a $500.00 “adoption holding fee”once a family is approved to adopt. The $500.00 “adoption holding fee” is NOT the only fee an interested person can expect to pay for an AKK. This holding fee is not the only fee an interested party can expect to pay. Alaskan Klee Kai are in the range of $1,500.00 to sometimes over $5,000.00. Expect to pay between the "range" of $1,500.00, one thousand, five hundred dollars UP TO and POSSIBLY OVER $4,000.00, four thousand dollars for an Alaskan Klee Kai...
Some breeders place a set adoption fee on a puppy based on show quality, eye color, coat color and/or size. Then there are breeders who also place their AKK for less than $1,500.00. At times, other breeders will place an adult for less than $1,500.00. Again, Alakkawa Kennels adoption fee is in the "near middle range" between $1,500 - $5,000. The Alakkawa adoption fee, wait list fee, questionnaire/application fee and final fee for an Alakkawa puppy are all NON-NEGOTIABLE, and the wait list fee, questionnaire/application fee is NON-REFUNDABLE.
Again, if an interested person finds an Alaskan Klee Kai for less than $800.00, please be very cautious. The pup could have some health issues and/or even belong to a reputable breeder; however, the breeder may feel the need to place some of his/her AKK with another family due to having too many Alaskan Klee Kai at their location or for various other reasons. Or, you could have run across an Alaskan Klee Kai breeder that you feel sounds as if the Alaskan Klee Kai is coming from a reputable breeder, but in actuality the person is not a reputable breeder; in actuality they are a scammer!! Always do your own research on the breeder!
Please do not contact the breeders and ask them to come down on their deposit or their final adoption fee. The breeders find this challenging and a topic of discussion that is not respectful to ask the breeders. It is left up to the interested person if he/she is willing to accept the breeders adoption fee.
The breeders understand times are tough for everyone; however, their adoption is their adoption fee and they cannot afford to come down on their adoption fee, to include any of the aforementioned fees.
WAITING LIST
Does the breeder require a deposit to be added to a waiting list?
If yes, ask to review a copy of the Deposit Contract. Many breeders have a wait a list and require a “deposit” to hold a puppy when a puppy is available.
Does Alakkawa Kennels have a wait list for adopting a puppy?
The breeders Alakkawa Kennels do have a wait list. However, that wait list is only for seriously interested parties. If you contact the breeders and want to be on a wait list until you decide if you want a puppy or not, then please be considerate and do all of your research before you contact the breeders.
Puppies are placed with an approved person who has taken the necessary time needed to fill out all pertinent paperwork and this is conducted on a first come, first serve basis. Just as soon as the breeders are expecting a litter, they will announce the litter on this website that they are expecting a litter, and you are then welcome to inquire about a puppy after reading their “READ ALL ABOUT” page on this website. If, at that time, you are one of the first persons to inquire about a puppy, your questionnaire will take precedence over other interested parties.
Is the adoption holding fee refundable? If no, why and under what conditions?
The breeders at Alakkawa Kennels require a $500.00 "adoption holding fee" to ‘hold’ a puppy for a serious interested person. If this person changes his/her mind for any reason, the reason must be in writing.
Please keep in mind, the breeders are not stating the non refundable fees to gouge potential interested people, they are doing this because their process is incredibly lengthy and it takes a great deal of their time to screen potential owners. The breeders have placed a great deal of trust in an interested person that are truly interested in adopting an Alakkawa puppy. If you change your mind after the entire process is complete, and all you are waiting on is for your puppy to be born or to pick up your puppy, then the breeders have to start the entire process over again with someone else because you have changed your mind for one reason or another.
What form of payment does Alakkawa Kennels accept?
The breeders at Alakkawa Kennels do not accept PayPal, personal checks, or credit cards. The breeders only accept a cashier's check.
EXPENSIVE AKK
Why is Alaskan Klee Kai more expensive than other breeds?
If an interested person/family has done research on “other” breeds that may or may not be just as rare as the Alaskan Klee Kai, then an interested person/family will discover that any long standing "rare" breed falls within the same ballpark as far as adoption fees.
An interested person/family can also think in terms of quality verses quantity with an Alaskan Klee Kai breeder and why breeders set their adoption fees at the prices "they" choose. If an interested person/family checks other rare breeds, the breeders feel certain you will find the Alaskan Klee Kai is not more expensive than other ‘rare’ breeds.
Some other breeders I have interviewed have said they sell their toy size Alaskan Klee Kai at a more expensive fee than the standard sized Alaskan Klee Kai. Why is that?
Some breeders will set their adoption fee higher for a double blue eyed baby, while other breeders may not; the breeders at Alakkawa Kennels do not set their adoption fee based on eye color, coat color, coat length, or size. etc. Further, the breeders will potentially never have a toy sized AKK or a blue eyed AKK.
Again, each breeder of any breed, even with the Alaskan Klee Kai breed, has a right to set their adoption fee and their standards as they desire.
CONTRACTS
What types of questionnaire, contracts, conditions, or guarantees are involved in the adoption of an Alakkawa Kennels puppy?
The breeders at Alakkawa Kennels always provide their contracts to a new approved person/family to review prior to a final adoption. If the approved person/family does not take the time to read and understand the terms and conditions of the contracts, the breeders cannot be held liable. An approved person/family should always read and understand ALL Alakkawa Kennels' contracts and the breeders will clarify any erroneous belief before the adoption transpires providing clarity is needed.
DEFAULT ON A CONTRACT
What happens if I default on any of Alakkawa Kennels contracts to include the addendums?
If you default either accidentally or purposefully on "ANY" of Alakkawa Kennels contracts (to include all addendums), you may lose ownership of your Alaskan Klee Kai with NO REFUND!
Being in default of an Alakkawa Kennels contract (to include all addendums - or any contract for that matter that is signed by a client regarding any given topic), is a very serious matter and one the breeders do not take lightly. The breeder encourage each person who is approved to adopt an Alakkawa Kennels puppy, to read over all contracts with a fine tooth comb; making sure all the i's are dotted, all the t's are crossed and making sure you, as the approved new owner understands every single topic covered in any and all the contracts the breeders provide to you. If you do not "read the contracts", (to include all addendums), the breeder cannot be liable for your mistake.
If an approved person does NOT read the contracts and the breeders contact them to tell them they are in default of their contract, this is NOT the fault of the breeder. This is the fault of the owner. The breeders have had to remind many families to read their contracts, so if you have come this far in reading this website and the breeders ask you, "Did you read ALL of the contracts and do you have any questions," and you say yes, then the breeders trust you read it. The breeders cannot force you to read it, but it would definitely behoove you to read the contracts.
If you withhold pertinent information that should have been included on a contract (to include all addendums), you will be in default and the breeders at Alakkawa Kennels have a right within Georgia law to retrieve an Alaskan Klee Kai from a owner.
SHIPPING
Are there any other fees I need to be made aware of before pursuing adopting an Alaskan Klee Kai from Alakkawa Kennels?
The adoption fee does NOT include travel expenses related to flying a Alaskan Klee Kai. This can over $275 - depending on the approved owners location.
The adoption fee does not include a health certificate ($75.00), (which is a required standard with any airline).
The adoption fee does NOT include a crate ($65.00+ - purchased at Pet Smart and the crate must be airline approved).
ALL the above mentioned fees are "extra fees" and normally these "extra fees" may go well over $400.00 depending on an approved person/family’s location.
Please be aware that the breeders at Alakkawa Kennels WILL NOT ship any puppy outside the United States.
Please keep in mind if an approved person/family does NOT travel to the breeders home to pick up the Alaskan Klee Kai, and the request is to have the puppy shipped to an approved person/family’s location, you need to be made aware that the breeders at Alakkawa Kennels prefer to no longer ship their puppies. Only special circumstances will be considered before a puppy is shipped.
The breeders have read several horror stories about dogs escaping at the airport and then their precious little life gets cuts short. It is really in the best interest of the puppy to have the new owner come to the breeder’s home to retrieve the puppy.
(The breeders at Alakkawa Kennels cannot include shipping information in this section since the travel fee is determined by the airlines and the approved person/family’s location).
Will the breeder ship puppies?
There are some breeders who will not ship puppies at all. Therefore, make sure you know this ahead of time before you dive into questions or even attempt to adopt from a breeder.
The breeders at Alakkawa Kennels use to ship puppies to his/her approved person/family’s home state; however, the breeders really prefer to no longer do this, but will only “IF” necessary. Even though (in the past) Alakkawa puppy’s have traveled to his/her new home safely, the breeders have just simply chosen to no longer go this route unless one of the breeders can take the time off work to travel to the approved person/family’s home state to hand deliver the puppy to the new owner. Nevertheless, even if this situation should transpire, the adoption fee does NOT include shipping.
If a breeder is not willing to ship, you should be prepared to travel to the home state where the breeder is located so you can pick up your puppy at the breeder’s home.
The breeders at Alakkawa Kennels welcome new owners into their home to pick up their puppy. It is heartbreaking for the breeders to ship their puppies. The breeders worry if the puppy will arrive safely and they are on pins and needles the entire time the puppy is flying. Therefore, again the breeders prefer to no longer ship their puppies. However, when the breeders did ship puppies, they suggested to all new owners to take two towels with them to the airport; one dry and one damp and to do the same if the new family is coming to the breeders home to pick up their puppy. This way if the puppy gets sick in the crate, the new owners would have something to clean them up with.
Can you ship a puppy at any age and will you ship overseas?
No breeder can a ship a puppy before he/she has turned 8-weeks-old and no breeder should allow a puppy to be picked up before this time has passed. If MaryAnne travels with a puppy to a new owner home state, the airlines will not allow her to fly with the puppy before the puppy turns 8-weeks-old. This is the airlines rule and this is the breeders rule.
The breeders at Alakkawa Kennels could ship overseas, but choose not to do so. This is the breeder’s choice. You may find another breeder willing to do so. However, if you adopt an Alaskan Klee Kai from Alakkawa Kennels and you are living in the United States at the time you adopt him/her from the breeders, then you choose to move to another country, you will need to let Alakkawa Kennels know about this move 30 days in advance. You will also be responsible for all the necessary paperwork needed to take your Alaskan Klee Kai with you overseas.
Please visit the “AKK Facts” page for further information on shipping.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITY
What are my responsibilities once I adopt an Alaskan Klee Kai puppy from Alakkawa Kennels?
Once you are approved to adopt an Alakkawa Kennels puppy, your first responsibility is to love and care for your Alaskan Klee Kai. Your second responsibility is to fulfill your contractual agreement where you sign a questionnaire, a main contract as well as three addendums and you agree to the terms and conditions. Your third responsibility is to keep your new puppy updated on shots and make sure you or your vet administers worm preventatives on a regular basis.
Alakkawa Kennels is like most every Alaskan Klee Kai breeder and they require approved owner’s to sign contracts. All contracts that an approved person/family signs with Alakkawa Kennels is bound by Georgia Law.
If you find an Alaskan Klee Kai breeder who does not require you to fill out a questionnaire or sign a contract, then please be cautious. There are several contracts which are all bound by Georgia Law and the approved person/family must sign and agree to the contractual terms and conditions before an adoption of an Alaskan Klee Kai with Alakkawa Kennels transpires.
Do I have to get my Alaskan Klee Kai spayed/neutered?
Yes. This is part of your responsibility and your contractual agreement with Alakkawa Kennels. The breeders only place their pups on “pet only contracts” as they do not have time to start out or mentor new breeders.
Do I have to get an Adult Health Examination conducted on my Alaskan Klee Kai?
Yes. This is part of your responsibility and your contractual agreement with Alakkawa Kennels. You will be required to take the last four pages of the Alakkawa Kennels Adult Health Examination contract to your veterinarian to have him/her fill it out. A veterinarian tech is not allowed to fill out this document; only your veterinarian is allowed to fill out this document. Be sure to ask if your veterinarian has a tape measure at his/her office so he/she can measure your Alaskan Klee Kai when he/she is one year old. If your veterinarian does not have a tape measure, please be sure to take one with you as a yard stick or ruler will not suffice when measuring the Alaskan Klee Kai.
CANCELLATION
Does Alakkawa Kennels reserve the right to cancel any agreement or contract?
Of course they do! Alakkawa Kennels reserves the right to cancel any agreement or contract for any reason. Should this happen, they will send you a letter in writing as to why they are canceling. And, if Alakkawa Kennels cancels the agreement, they will only refund the $325.00 (if you have only paid the deposit fee of $500.00) (minus shipping fees if applicable).
What happens if I change my mind on adopting an Alaskan Klee Kai from Alakkawa Kennels?
If you are approved to adopt an Alakkawa Kennels puppy, have paid in full, and yet change your mind on adopting a puppy (before you pick up your puppy) from the breeders for any reason, the reason MUST be in writing.
If you have already picked up your puppy and you change your mind, for any reason on owning an Alakkawa Kennels puppy, then the reason MUST be in writing.
A typed formal letter, in one paragraph, 12-font, and double spaced, signed and dated by the adopting person/family who has changed his/her mind MUST be sent to the breeders.
Will I get my fees returned if I change my mind?
Again, Alakkawa Kennels has 90 days to refund your fee should you change your mind within the first 10 days of having possession of an Alakkawa Kennels puppy. The breeder will refund the entire amount minus $175.00 (and minus any shipping fees if applicable).
If you have only provided $500.00 (this again is only the deposit), then $325.00 be refunded. The reason for this is because the breeders have held a puppy for you in good faith, trusted you are interested in adopting a puppy, and they have turned other interested parties away. Should this happen, the breeders need to start the process over. A considerable amount of time is spent on the breeder’s part once you contact them and start the process. The breeders hope you will understand this part of their process.
Can I breed my Alaskan Klee Kai?
If you adopt an Alakkawa puppy, then you are not allowed to breed your Alaskan Klee Kai to another Alaskan Klee Kai or any other breed of dog. If you do so, then you will be in breach of your contract and the penalty for doing so is one hefty penalty. Again, the breeders at Alakkawa Kennels only place their pups on “pet only contracts.”
RETURNS
Does the breeder provide a guarantee to you to take the Alaskan Klee Kai back should this become necessary? Will the breeder put this in writing for you?
Alaskan Klee Kai adopted from responsible breeders come with “written” health guarantees and return policies; the latter often times will cover the life of the dog; many times it will not. The breeders at Alakkawa Kennels provide a health guarantee and stress to new screened owners that they should take their Alaskan Klee Kai to their veterinarian to be checked within 3 days of delivery or pick-up.
If you have already picked up your Alaskan Klee Kai and your veterinarian discovers a serious health issue such as a PDA, the breeders at Alakkawa Kennels will allow a full refund of the approved owner’s adoption fee and the breeders will require the return of the Alaskan Klee Kai to the breeders home.
If you have already picked up your Alaskan Klee Kai and your veterinarian discovers Cryptorchids (whether bilateral or unilateral), the breeders will not allow a full refund of the approved owners adoption fee. Please conduct research on Cryptorchids (retained testicles) and please know this issue is not life threatening and this reason does not constitute a return of an Alakkawa puppy due to this issue being non-life threatening.
Should an approved owner’s veterinarian discover a serious health issue in an Alakkawa puppy, it is the approved owner’s responsibility to communicate with their veterinarian that he/she MUST write a formal letter to the breeders stating, with a full explanation of the health issue, and if the puppy is unfit to adopt.
Should an approved owner neglect to speak with his/her veterinarian about this formal letter that the breeders MUST have on the owners behalf, then there will be no refunds of the adoption fee to include deposit (minus any shipping fees if applicable). A bill or receipt will not suffice in this instance from a new owner's veterinarian. The reason for this is because Alakkawa Kennels breeders must have written documentation from a licensed veterinarian.
HEALTH GUARANTEE
Does the breeder provide a health guarantee? If so, what type?
A written health guarantee does not ensure a pup will be problem free, but it does mean the breeder has confidence in his/her dog’s health. The breeders at Alakkawa Kennels normally will only give a 10 day written health guarantee. The reason for only providing a 10 day written health guarantee is because the breeders have no control over the puppy once he/she leaves their home. However, again the breeders require and stress to approved owner’s that they should take their Alaskan Klee Kai to the veterinarian within 10 days of delivery or pick-up in order to be checked by their veterinarian (as stated in the Alakkawa Kennels Buyer's Ownership Contract, Agreement and Bill of Sale).
If the new owner's veterinarian finds a pre-existing condition, the condition must be stated in writing in the form of a formal letter from the owners vet. This letter must be mailed to the breeders at Alakkawa Kennels. If a pre-existing condition is found, the breeders will require the return of the AKK or allow the owner's to keep the AKK, providing the new owner understands they will be responsible for all future veterinarian costs related to such a condition. Should an approved owner neglect to speak with his/her veterinarian about this formal letter that the breeders MUST have on the new owner's behalf, then there will be no refunds of the adoption fee to include deposit (minus any shipping fees if applicable). Again, a bill or receipt will not suffice in this instance from your veterinarian. Please know no Alakkawa Kennels puppies have ever been returned for massive health issues other than Valentino and the breeders insisted on him being returned to them so they could see to it that he would receive the proper medical attention he needed and deserved.
What happens if I adopt an Alaskan Klee Kai and my veterinarian discovers he/she has worms?
All puppies are born with worms! If you have already picked up your puppy and have taken your new Alaskan Klee Kai to the veterinarian for his/her required check-up (as stated in the Alakkawa Kennels Buyer's Ownership Contract, Agreement and Bill of Sale), and your veterinarian discovers that your Alaskan Klee Kai has worms, then YOU need to know that worms are NOT a serious health issue for you or your AKK. If you cannot tolerate knowing a puppy may potentially have worms (since again all puppies are born with worms), then it is truly best you do not adopt a pet at all!
It is your responsibility to LISTEN to your breeder and FOLLOW THE DIRECTIONS of your breeder. If your breeder recommends to you to tell your veterinarian to continue giving worm preventatives to your new puppy, then you should do this so you will help in assisting the health of the AKK and you will remain in compliance with Alakkawa Kennels Buyer's Ownership Contract, Agreement and Bill of Sale (to include all addendums). It is a serious NEGLECTFUL issue on your part if you neglect to insist with your veterinarian to continue with a de-worming regimen.
Please know the breeders administer worm preventatives to all their puppies beginning at 2-weeks-old, then thereafter at 4-weeks-old, 6-weeks-old and 8-weeks-old. Puppies should not be started on heart worm preventative until he/she is at least 12-weeks-old (according to the breeders board certified, licensed and registered veterinarian). Therefore, please make sure you speak with your veterinarian about continuing with the basic worm preventatives to eliminate tapeworms, etc. when your new Alaskan Klee Kai comes home with you and even thereafter for the life of your new puppy.
HEALTH ISSUES
Are there any health issues I need to be concerned with involving the Alaskan Klee Kai?
Please visit the “AKK Health” page to learn more about the health issues that have been reported on the Alaskan Klee Kai. And, please be sure to conduct your very own research on the health issues on the Alaskan Klee Kai.
SOCIALIZATION/HOUSEBREAKING/TRAINING
How can I socialize my Alaskan Klee Kai?
The key to owning an Alaskan Klee Kai is to SOCIALIZE, SOCIALIZE, and SOCIALIZE. The breeders encourage any approved person/family to take their Alaskan Klee Kai around at least 100 people by the time he/she is 4-months-old. Keep a record of this and you will find this suggestion will make all the difference in the world!
Socialization does not only mean allowing your Alaskan Klee Kai to be around other animals, it also means taking your Alaskan Klee Kai around other humans.
Will the Alaskan Klee Kai already be housebroken before I pick him/her up?
The breeders at Alakkawa Kennels work very hard to assist in training the puppy prior to him/her leaving the breeders home. However, the breeder cannot and will not guarantee a puppy to be fully housebroken once he/she leaves the breeders home.
It will be the responsibility of the new owner to housebreak/train his/her puppy. The breeders cannot be held liable if you do not take the necessary steps needed to train a puppy.
Is the Alaskan Klee Kai an easy breed to train and should I take my Alaskan Klee to obedience classes?
Your Alaskan Klee Kai will benefit tremendously if you take him/her to obedience classes so he/she can see and be around other dogs/humans.
The breeder’s suggestion is for you to speak with a trainer about enrolling your pup in a class with other “pups” their size. Make certain the dog training facility requires each pup in a class to be updated on his/her shots before you consider using a particular dog training facility. Normally you can start obedience classes right away after your pup is settled in their new home. Keep in mind, your pup will be 8-weeks-old (2-months-old) when he/she leaves the breeders, so as long as other pups in their class are updated on their shots too (since yours will be), the breeders see no problem with starting them at this age. However, ask the trainer to be sure.
If Pet Smart is the only dog training facility near your home who has qualified dog trainers on staff, then please be sure to do your research on the trainer before obligating yourself in using a particular trainer.
Pet Smart normally has two trainers on staff. Research them both, meet them both ahead of time and decide which one you would rather work with. Not all personalities mesh well together, and you do not want to get into training with your new puppy, only to find out 2 weeks into the training session that you do not get along with your trainer. Your puppy may not be aware that this is transpiring between you and their trainer, and may still enjoy the training regardless, but you, as the human, will dread going to class. You do not want to dread working with a trainer of your Alaskan Klee Kai.
Is the Alaskan Klee Kai an easy breed to housebreak?
This is a matter of the breeder’s personal choice and a matter of the breeder’s opinion, but they do not recommend using puppy pads with an Alaskan Klee Kai as this “may” make the Alaskan Klee Kai (or any dog for that matter) think a type of throw rug is a puppy pad. Of course, if someone chooses to use puppy pads and it works for them, then great! However, using puppy pads simply did not work well for Montana, nor did it work when MaryAnne bred Cocker Spaniels. Nevertheless, Montana has outgrown the issues listed above to date, as the breeder’s have worked diligently with her to insure they are gone... To date, each puppy the breeders have placed with their new owners are happy with their housebreaking techniques and reports of “accidents” have been minimal.
If your puppy has an accident in the house, it is not the puppy’s fault. It is your fault because you either did not watch the puppy or you did not pick up on the signs the puppy tried to give you to let you know he/she needed to go outside to eliminate his or herself. Please do research on housebreaking. There is a plethora of websites that can educate you on housebreaking techniques.
You must be consistent in the training so the Alaskan Klee Kai will make a good companion. Positive reinforcement is always a good idea to use in any type of training.
LOCATION OF ALAKKAWA KENNELS
Where is Alakkawa Kennels located?
Alakkawa Kennels is located 35 miles EAST of Atlanta toward Madison, Georgia. Alakkawa Kennels is not located in Atlanta or Madison. Alakkawa Kennels is located EAST of Atlanta toward Madison, Georgia.
VISITS
Can I visit Alakkawa Kennels so we can see your Alaskan Klee Kai in person?
The breeders welcome anyone to come to their home; however, an interested person/family must fill out a questionnaire first and an appointment must be made. If you make an appointment and do not show up within at least a half hour of the scheduled appointment, then the breeders can only assume you are not arriving. That said, because Alakkawa Kennels is the breeders home, and if you do not call to let them know you are either lost or running late, then you will need to reschedule.
The breeders get a tremendous amount of requests from an interested person/family wishing to visit their kennel who are either passing through on their way to Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, or any other surrounding south/east state or are in town on business/vacation.
Should you request an appointment and the breeders have a litter of puppies, you will not be allowed to hold or touch the puppies until they are at least 6-weeks-old and they have obtained their first set of shots (which is done at 6-weeks-old). The breeders do not want outside germs/diseases of any kind being transferred to their puppies and they hope you will understand their standard pertaining to this issue.
AGE
How old do I need to be in order to even be considered to adopt an Alaskan Klee Kai from Alakkawa Kennels?
Alakkawa Kennels has had some truly horrible experiences with person(s) under the age of 30. Therefore, if you are not living with your parents, are not in college, have the financial means to take care of an Alaskan Klee Kai, and prove you can be a responsible pet owner, then you are considered eligible to adopt an AKK from Alakkawa Kennels just like others are.
How old was the female Alaskan Klee Kai before she was allowed to breed?
If an Alaskan Klee Kai is less than 18-months-old and is NOT at least in her 2nd heat, then in the breeder’s opinion, she is too young to breed. A dog at this age is sometimes not emotionally or physically mature, and if she is over 10 years old, then she is too old to breed. Possible deformities in offspring may occur at this age when breeding.
At what age will the breeder allow an Alaskan Klee Kai to go to their new home?
The breeders only allow their Alaskan Klee Kai puppies to go to the new families at 8-weeks-old. They are not yet old enough to fly on a plane and if you are considering shipping a puppy, Federal Law and most airlines state a puppy must be at least 8-weeks-old before they are able to fly. If you wish to travel to the breeders home to pick up your new puppy, the puppy will NOT be allowed to leave until he/she is 8-weeks-old.
BREEDING/SHOWING
I am not interested in breeding or showing an Alaskan Klee Kai. I just want a pet. Do I still need to sign and agree to the Alakkawa Kennels contract and three addendums?
Yes!!!! All puppies adopted from Alakkawa Kennels are placed on a “pet only” contract and all puppies adopted from Alakkawa Kennels are NOT allowed to be bred. With the “pet only” contract, the Alaskan Klee Kai you adopt from Alakkawa Kennels is required to be spayed/neutered, (when the puppy is no older than 6 months of age), and an Adult Examination conducted (when the puppy is 12-months-old) before the United Kennel Club Alaskan Klee Kai Puppy Registration papers are released to the approved owner’s. Alakkawa Kennels does this to ensure you have held up your end of ALL our contractual agreements.
Has the male and female Alaskan Klee Kai undergone and passed an Adult Exam before breeding took place?
Both breeding male and female at Alakkawa Kennels passed their adult exam before breeding according to a board certified, licensed, registered veterinarian. Both “MUST” pass with flying colors. If they do not, for whatever reason, the breeders will not breed their pair again.
Some breeders do not do all the health tests that other breeders do and this is not to say either breeder is correct or incorrect if they do or do not do. However, most breeders do obtain the following tests before breeding and they are the cardiac, patella, and thyroid tests as well as an eye exam and a physical exam that includes a complete blood panel. Alakkawa Kennels has done all this on their breeding pair.
PARENTS
Are the Alaskan Klee Kai parents on the premises?
Both male and female live at the breeder’s home. However, many Alaskan Klee Kai will ship either their female or male to be bred with another Alaskan Klee Kai to another breeder. There is nothing wrong with this transpiring.
UCK REGISTRATION
Abby and Denver are both registered through UKC. The puppy litter will also be registered through UKC. However, as stated on this website, if you are approved to adopt a puppy, once you fulfill your contractual agreement with Alakkawa Kennels, the breeder's will then release the puppy registration paper to you. Once you get the puppy registration paper, you will then be required to send it in to UKC to have the puppy officially registered. Then once you get that document from UKC, you will be required to email the breeder's a copy in a PDF format so the breeder's will know you have registered the puppy. This is a normal process for most breeders. Some breeders ask for a copy and others I believe may not.
BREEDER BREEDING
How long has the breeder been breeding the Alaskan Klee Kai?
The breeders recently had their seventh litter of Alaskan Klee Kai. Keep in mind; the breeders have two females, so the number of litters was not produced from one female. Nevertheless, MaryAnne use to breed Cocker Spaniels and did so for five years before she was blessed to adopt her first breeding pair - Montana and Chance. Abby and Denver are Alakkawa Kennels breeding pair now. Montana and Chance are retired from breeding and Valentino - because of his heart murmur is the breeder's family pet.
How often does the breeder allow breeding of their female?
This issue is up for debate. Some breeders feel it is o.k. to breed every heat, while most veterinarians will agree as well. As long as the female and male are in good standing - health wise that is, then most breeders feel it is o.k. to breed every heat. However, because the breeders are not a veterinarian, they do not feel it is advisable for them to have an opinion on this issue.
The breeder’s first breeding female, Montana was born in September '05, and was in her 3rd heat at the age of 18 months before the breeders bred her. Abby was born in April '08 and was in her 2nd heat when they allowed her to breed. Each dog is different and each dog will go into heat at different times.
Are the puppies hand-raised in the breeder’s home?
If not, please move on to another breeder! Consistent human contact provides a well-socialized puppy of any breed, including the Alaskan Klee Kai. The breeders always assist Abby during birth and will pick up the puppies when they are first born to get their weight and sex. The breeders let Abby know they are there for her, and constantly check in on her and her newborns; insuring they are feeding, warm, and safe. Once the puppies get older, the breeders continue to check on them, insuring their safety.
Once they are at least 6-weeks-old, and have had their first set of shots, the breeders begin taking them outside, in the yard to see the world; weather permitting, of course. When the puppies are able to run, jump all over the breeders, and play hard, the breeders take them to the dog pen in their backyard and take lots of pictures of them romping, rolling, playing and pouncing on each other. The breeders also teach them home ‘inside house rules’ since most owners wish to keep their Alaskan Klee Kai inside their own homes.
How many other breeds does the breeder breed?
A real plus will be if a breeder only breeds the Alaskan Klee Kai. However, if a breeder breeds more than 2 breeds, you may want to reconsider as they “may” be breeding the Alaskan Klee Kai with another breed and then they try to pass the Alaskan Klee Kai off as a purebred. The breeders only breed Alaskan Klee Kai.
Is the breeder responsive to openly discuss any concerns, or does the breeder seem ignorant or defensive, or offended to your line of questioning, etc.?
If you have any doubts as to the honesty of any of the information the breeder gives you, please be sure to always verify it. It is your right and responsibility to adopt from a breeder who takes all necessary steps to produce dogs of health and quality and who stands behind what they place.
SEPARATION ANXIETY
I have heard some Alaskan Klee Kai have separation anxiety. Will my Alaskan Klee Kai have separation anxiety too?
It will be hard for the breeders to determine if you’re particular Alaskan Klee Kai will have separation anxiety or not. Please read the below informative website to find out the signs your Alaskan Klee Kai “may” exhibit and what you can do to prevent it. http://www.dog-obedience-training-review.com/separation-anxiety-in-dogs.html
TEMPERAMENT
What temperament problems can be encountered with the Alaskan Klee Kai??
Each Alaskan Klee Kai is different and the breeders can only provide the issues they have encountered with the breed. That said, the temperament problems the breeders encountered came from Montana when she was younger; biting Chance's tail a lot during play, chewing on wood baseboards in the house, and housebreaking. It is up to the responsible breeder to report any issues they have had in the past from their own Alaskan Klee Kai to future screened owners.
Please be sure to conduct your own research on separation anxiety as this is an issue that has been reported in this breed.
VET CHECKED BABIES
Are the puppies vet checked?
Please pass if a breeder cannot furnish health records or if the breeder does not have the pup checked by a veterinarian prior to placing a puppy with your family. The breeders take their Alaskan Klee Kai pups to their board certified, licenses and registered veterinarian as soon as they can make an appointment (after the puppies are born), to have their weights documented, checked for a heart murmur, cleft palate, open fontanel, and they also get their dew claws removed at this time. The breeders keep a record of all this information in the “Alakkawa Kennels Guarantee of Good Health Contract” they give to all new owners.
Do the breeders supply an interested person/family with shot records?
The breeders provide all their new owners with all shot records, to include and not limited to, worm preventatives, etc. of their Alaskan Klee Kai. It is then up to the new owner to continue the shots according to their veterinarian’s recommendations and the breeders highly recommend keeping with the scheduled recommendation from your personal veterinarian. Continuing shots for newly adopted Alaskan Klee Kai from Alakkawa Kennels is a contractual agreement for all parties who adopt from them.
Are the puppies wormed? If so, how often?
The breeders administer worm preventative medication to their litters at 3, 6 and 8-weeks-old. The breeders provide the new owner with documented proof from their board certified, licensed and registered veterinarian that this has transpired. It is up to the new puppy owner to continue this regime for the health of their puppy.
PROBLEMS
Is my puppy a kennel puppy/dog or was he/she hand raised?
A puppy from Alakkawa Kennels is hand raised, loved every day, cuddled, hand fed and snuggled with. Alakkawa Kennels is not a kennels per' se; this is simply the name of their business. No Alakkawa Kennel puppy/dog is raised in a kennel with any human contact. Each puppy/dog has human contact each and every day and it is highly advisable to ask your breeder where the puppy was 'raised' especially if you are interested in showing your new AKK. If you adopt a puppy that was predominately raised in a kennel with other AKK, then chances are the AKK will only want to be around other AKK and not you - i.e. the human!
What are the most significant problems with the Alaskan Klee Kai?
If the breeder says none, please move on to another breeder! A good breeder should admit to you there are problems in a breed, and that they have run into at least one of the few problems. If they provide this information to you, then they are being honest.
The problem the breeders have run into has stemmed from one of their female with temperament issues as mentioned above. However, she has outgrown every one of them to date, as the breeders have worked diligently with her to insure they are gone!
Please be sure to visit http://www.akkaoa.org/ to find out further information on the Alaskan Klee Kai breed and the health problems that have been encountered from other breeders.
Please visit the “AKK Facts” page for further information.
CLUBS
Is the Alaskan Klee Kai registered with the United Kennel Club (UKC)?
This is also applicable to breeders of the Alaskan Klee Kai outside the United States. If the litter is not registered with UKC, please find another breeder! There are some breeders who have been barred from UKC for one reason or another, and yet this is not to say that their Alaskan Klee Kai are not purebred. Please do your own research on a breeder you are planning to adopt an Alaskan Klee Kai from to find out.
The litters at Alakkawa Kennels will always be registered with UKC as the American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize this breed. If you are searching for an Alaskan Klee Kai and a breeder specifies their Alaskan Klee Kai is registered through AKC, then that person is misleading you. Again, the Alaskan Klee Kai is NOT registered through the American Kennel Club; never has been and may never be.
Is the breeder a member of the Alaskan Klee Kai Association of America (AKKAOA) and in good standing?
(AKKAOA is also applicable to breeders of the Alaskan Klee Kai outside the United States). If a breeder is not a member a member of AKKAOA, it is not necessarily a bad thing, and this fact should not discourage you from pursuing adopting an Alaskan Klee Kai from that breeder. However, Alakkawa Kennels is a member of AKKAOA and they are in good standing with AKKAOA.
Is the Alaskan Klee Kai recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC)?
The Alaskan Klee Kai is not recognized by the American Kennel Club. Currently, the Alaskan Klee Kai breed is registered with the United Kennel Club (UKC), the National Kennel Club (NKC), and the United Alaskan Klee Kai Association (UAKKA).
Can I register my Alaskan Klee Kai with the United Kennel Club?
You are required by the terms and conditions of all Alakkawa Kennels contracts and once you fulfill each of them, the breeders will then release the United Kennel Club Puppy Registration paper to you. Upon receiving the United Kennel Club Alaskan Klee Kai Registration paper, you are required to register your Alaskan Klee Kai with UKC and send Alakkawa Kennels proof of this document in a PDF format (via email) to the breeders at Alakkawa Kennels.
CLIMATE FOR AN AKK
Can the Alaskan Klee Kai survive in hot climate areas?
Yes. The breeders live in Georgia and it gets incredibly hot in the south, but air conditioning which is a wonderful creation to keep them cool. If you do live in a hot climate area, just please always be sure to make sure your Alaskan Klee Kai has plenty of fresh water to drink.
REASONS
What are the top three reasons for owning an ALASKAN KLEE KAI?
1. LOVE!
2. LOVE!!
3. LOVE!!
Alaskan Klee Kai give so much LOVE and AFFECTION!! Whenever the breeders have a bad day, or even watch a sappy chick flick and MaryAnne begins to cry, Valentino is the first one to snuggle up to her and he makes me feel so much better. You can always be guaranteed they will welcome you home by telling you about their day and wondering why in the world you left them in the first place.
Alaskan Klee Kai are playful, most are easy to train, although some can be difficult to train. For instance, (as mentioned above) when MaryAnne first got Montana, she was use to relieving herself on puppy pads from when she lived with her breeder. When MaryAnne brought her home, she thought every rug in the house was a puppy pad and well you know what she did.
It took MaryAnne a good 3 months to break Montana of doing that and so MaryAnne does not recommend puppy pads. Montana will never go in the house now and will hold herself until she got sick before she would ever do that. MaryAnne had great success (finally) after diligently working with Montana.
What are the top four difficulties in owning an ALASKAN KLEE KAI?:
1. Shedding
2. Barking
3. Cautious to strangers/shy
4. Separation anxiety
Shedding is just an inherited trait that comes with the breed since they blow their coats twice a year and require plenty of brushing during this period. Barking comes with the territory with most dogs in general and especially with the Alaskan Klee Kai. This is why it is critical to socialize an AKK. Some AKK have been known to be very owner dominates and most are incredibly loyal to their owners. Being cautious with strangers – as long as they are socialized, which the breeders HIGHLY recommend, then they should never meet a stranger and may rarely bark at strangers, but this is not a guarantee from the breeder's to new owners because it is up to the new owner to socialize their AKK and the breeder's have no way of knowing how much or how often their socialized their AKK. As for separation anxiety, the breeder's highly recommend that if a new owner lives in an apartment, then the owner should conduct their own research on how to break their pet from separation anxiety.
ADULTHOOD GUARANTEE
Do the breeders guarantee the size, eye color and coat color of an Alaskan Klee Kai into adulthood?
Alakkawa Kennels will not “guarantee” size, eye color and coat color into adulthood. The breeders at Alakkawa Kennels can only make a guess as to what they “think” a puppy’s size, eye color and coat color will be into adulthood.
The breeders cannot guarantee size, eye color and coat color of a puppy into adulthood. That is like saying because a person is 5’7”, had blue eyes and blonde hair and their spouse is 6’3”, with blue eyes and blonde hair, then if they have children, their son/daughter ‘will’ grow up to be either 5’7” or 6’3”, and have blue eyes and blonde hair. A guess on the breeder’s part can only be made. However, again the breeders do not guarantee the size, eye color and coat color of any puppy into adulthood.
EYES
What is the most common eye color in the Alaskan Klee Kai?
The Alaskan Klee Kai most common eye color is brown. Eyes may also be double blue, bi-eyed (one blue and one brown eye), or parti-eyed (brown and blue colors mixed). Eye color is not the most important characteristic the breeders at Alakkawa Kennels are interested in. The most important characteristics the breeders at Alakkawa Kennels are interested in are health, temperament, and keeping with a strong adherence to the breed standards.
COAT
What are the coat colors of the Alaskan Klee Kai?
Alaskan Klee Kai are born black and white, (B/W), gray and white, (G/W), or red and white (R/W). At times, there are solid white pups and solid black pups born in a litter. The solid white and solid black pups are not allowed to be bred because these colors are against the standards of the breed. However, a white pup can be shown in conformation shows and yet the all white Alaskan Klee Kai cannot be registered with the United Kennel Club. Again, the breeders cannot guarantee size, eye color or coat color of any Alaskan Klee Kai into adulthood.
SIZE
How did the Alaskan Klee Kai get to be such a smaller version of what many think they are; an Alaskan Husky.
The Alaskan Klee Kai is not an Alaskan Husky. However, when the breed was just beginning, a Siberian Husky, Alaskan Husky, as well as a Schipperke and an American Eskimo were used to bring the size of the Alaskan Husky down.
The Alaskan Klee Kai is a breed all their own. When a person approaches the breeders, he/she will ask, “Is that a Miniature Husky?” The breeders answer is, “Yes, they are Miniature Husky; however, their breed name is Alaskan Klee Kai.”
How miniature is the Alaskan Klee Kai?
There are three different sizes of Alaskan Klee Kai that may be born in a litter; toy, miniature and standard. The average Alaskan Klee Kai can weigh between 8-20 lbs. and can become 12-17 inches in height. If an Alaskan Klee Kai is over 17 inches in height, then this size is not acceptable in the breed standards and the dog cannot be bred. Breeders should never guarantee size of an Alaskan Klee Kai into adulthood since there are three sizes to the Alaskan Klee Kai, and at times all three sizes are born in a litter.
CHILDREN
How is an Alaskan Klee Kai with children?
Alaskan Klee Kai love children and do great with them as long as the child has been taught to respect the dog and not tease him/her. These dogs are small enough that an out-of-control child could cause serious damage to the Alaskan Klee Kai and him/herself.
You must train your children to respect an Alaskan Klee Kai or any breed of dog. If your child is one who torments animals, then certainly this breed or any breed is not the breed for a family. Nevertheless, the Alaskan Klee Kai does seem to have a sixth sense about the intentions of a child and will usually avoid a child with bad intentions.
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