What Are the Different Sizes For Alaskan Klee Kais?
Like their larger husky cousins, klee kais develop strong bonds with their families and love to be active. They have a double coat that offers protection from harsh winter weather.
They are curious, active, intelligent, quick and agile. They make great watch dogs and often sound the alarm with a cute “woo woo.” They are devoted to their owners but may be aloof with strangers.
Standard
The standard variety of Alaskan Klee Kai stands up to 17.5 inches in height at the withers. These dogs are large enough to make a good lap dog, but not so large that they become too much of a handful for smaller owners. A standard Alaskan Klee Kai should move with the effortless, agile gait of their Arctic forbearers. Their legs should appear to converge as they reach their front and rear ends, and the pads should fall on a line directly under the longitudinal center of the body.
Like their larger cousins, Klee Kais have a double coat that comes in a wide range of colors. They shed or “blow” their coat twice a year, so expect to spend a little more time grooming them than you would a dog with a shorter coat.
Because of their size and ancestry, Alaskan Klee Kais are relatively strong for their size. However, because of their small size, they tend to eat and exercise less than dogs of similar weight. This means that they will need to be fed a higher-calorie diet to maintain their health.
They can also be more sensitive to certain medications and may require more frequent vaccinations. They also have a tendency to retain their puppy teeth, so it is important to keep them on a regular dental schedule. They also can have problems with cryptorchidism, which is the failure of their testicles to descend into the scrotum.
Alaskan Klee Kais are highly intelligent and have a high level of energy. They are active dogs, so they need an owner who can give them lots of exercise and attention. If they are not stimulated, they can get bored easily and engage in problem behaviors, such as chewing or excessive barking. They can also be prone to separation anxiety, so it is important for them to be in the same room as their owner when they are not at home.
Aside from their intelligence, Alaskan Klee Kais are affectionate and loving dogs. They bond closely with their families and love to be around people. They are not, however, very tolerant of strangers and can be wary of them. This is why they are not the best choice for first-time dog owners, but if you are ready for a loyal companion, this is the breed for you.
Miniature
As the name suggests, this breed has been bred down to a smaller size than its standard variety — ranging from 13 inches or less in height when measured from the withers to the ground and weighing up to 18 pounds. Like their standard counterparts, Miniature Alaska Klee Kais are extremely intelligent and easy to train. They love to please their owners and will respond well to positive reinforcement training methods, including clicker training. This is a good choice for a first-time dog owner, although it does require some patience and consistency.
These dogs are naturally curious, but they should be taught early on to avoid jumping onto people or other pets because of their strong prey drive. They also need ongoing socialization training because they can be wary of strangers and may become protective of their home and family. They make excellent companions for a family that includes children but are not recommended for homes with small animals, such as rabbits or hamsters.
While this breed does best in a suburban setting, it enjoys the great outdoors as long as it is not too hot. Its thick double coat helps it regulate its body temperature. However, if this dog is left outside for long periods of time, it may develop problem behaviors, such as excessive vocalization and destructiveness.
These dogs need an active owner who will give them a minimum of one hour of exercise per day. Long walks, jogs, and hikes are ideal. They can also excel at dog sports, such as agility. A well-socialized Alaskan klee kai is affectionate and eager to please its owner, but it will also be vigilant and watchful of strangers. It will often “talk” to its owner to let them know it is watching.
Toy
The Alaskan Klee Kai is a dog that’s quite similar to the Siberian Husky, but it’s smaller and less intense in terms of energy levels. As such, it’s a better choice for people who want the same mischievous and intelligent companion but are not able to fulfill the exercise requirements of a full-sized Husky.
While the Alaskan Klee Kai can be an excellent pet for people of all ages, it’s important to note that its small size makes it more sensitive to the elements and can get nervous around young children. Additionally, like many other small breed dogs, Alaskan Klee Kais can be wary of strangers and may nip if they’re startled or overstimulated. However, with early and proper socialization, this shouldn’t be a problem.
As with any other dog, the Alaskan Klee Kai should be a part of the family and receive regular training and socialization to prevent it from becoming bored or aggressive. They also tend to have a low tolerance for pain and discomfort, so any injuries or illnesses must be treated promptly. Additionally, the Alaskan Klee Kai is prone to certain health conditions, including patellar luxation, an inherited condition where the kneecap dislodges from its normal position. If this occurs, surgery may be necessary. They’re also prone to an inherited blood clotting disorder called Factor VII deficiency, which can cause excessive bleeding from small wounds.
While Alaskan Klee Kais do require a good amount of activity and attention, they are not hyperactive. Their ancestors were not sled dogs or working animals, and they’re more interested in spending time with their owners than going for long walks or playing fetch. They do best in homes with plenty of open space, but they can still live comfortably in apartments as well.
While the Alaskan Klee Kai is a highly adaptable and loving breed, its smaller size does make it a little more expensive than other breeds of dogs. This is because Alaskan Klee Kais require more veterinary care and have a shorter lifespan on average than other dogs of their size. In addition, their thick coats need to be blown out twice a year, which adds to the overall cost. However, if you choose a healthy, purebred dog with fewer genetic defects, the price will be substantially lower.
Oversize
The breed standard for Alaskan Klee Kais states that they should not exceed 17 inches in height. Any dog that is over this size is considered oversize and not suitable for breeding or show competitions. These dogs may have long, skinny legs and will need to gain weight. This will help them to grow in proportion to their height.
Alaskan Klee Kais are energetic dogs that need to exercise regularly. They also enjoy spending time in their homes, and will gladly lounge on the living room couch after a run around the yard or a game of fetch. These puppies are intelligent and pick up training quickly. However, they can be a bit shy with strangers, and may take some time to warm up to them.
They have medium-length coats that resemble those of Huskies, but with a little more heft. The undercoat is soft, while the outer layer is coarse and provides good insulation from snow and cold temperatures. This coat will need to be blown out twice a year.
Klee Kais are generally healthy, but they can be prone to joint problems and eye issues like cataracts. They can also be prone to anemia and have a genetic condition called factor VII deficiency, which can lead to excessive bleeding after surgery or injury. This condition is caused by a recessive gene that results in low levels of the blood-clotting protein, platelet-forming factor VII.
When choosing a puppy, be sure to consider the breeder’s background and reputation. If you have any doubts, ask to see the litter’s pedigree and health records.
You should also be sure that the breeder is breeding for the right size of Alaskan Klee Kai. Responsible breeders are trying to improve the breed, not just make a profit by selling puppies.
While Alaskan Klee Kais can be a great addition to any family, they are not well-suited for first-time pet owners. This is because the breed tends to be wary of strangers and may bark or whine when they need attention. Nonetheless, these pups are sweet, affectionate, and will shower their loved ones with plenty of love.