The Alaskan Klee Kai (AKK) is often stopped on the street by people asking, “Is that a miniature Husky?” While the answer is technically no, the confusion is understandable. This striking little dog was bred specifically to look like a Siberian Husky but in a companion-sized package.

However, the Klee Kai is not just a shrunken sled dog. It is a distinct breed with a distinct personality. While they share the Husky’s vocal nature and dramatic flair, they are generally more skittish with strangers and more focused on their owners.

“Klee Kai” comes from the Inuit words for “small dog,” and they certainly live up to the name. Energetic, agile, and incredibly smart, these dogs are not lap warmers. They are active companions who need a job to do and a family who understands the quirks of the spitz family.

History and Origin: The “Mini” Vision

The breed is surprisingly young. It was developed in Alaska in the 1970s by a woman named Linda Spurlin. After seeing an accidentally undersized Husky, she was inspired to create a breed that acted as a companion dog but retained the Nordic look.

She carefully crossed Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Huskies with smaller breeds like the Schipperke and the American Eskimo Dog to reduce the size without causing dwarfism. This careful breeding created a healthy, proportionate small dog.

Spurlin released the breed to the public in 1988. Today, it is recognized by the United Kennel Club (UKC) but not yet fully by the AKC (it is in the Foundation Stock Service).

Physical Characteristics

The Alaskan Klee Kai looks like a perfect, scaled-down version of a Husky. They come in three specific size varieties:

1. Toy: Up to 13 inches tall.
2. Miniature: 13 to 15 inches tall.
3. Standard: 15 to 17.5 inches tall. Weight ranges from 6 to 25 pounds.

The Mask

Their defining feature is the facial mask. They must have a distinct, symmetrical mask that clearly marks them as a Nordic breed.

• Eyes: Can be blue, brown, amber, or green. Heterochromia (two different colored eyes) is common and prized.
• Coat: A double coat that sheds excessively.
• Colors: Black and white, grey and white, or red and white. Solid white is rare but possible.

Temperament: Smart but Shy

Unlike the Siberian Husky, which will happily greet a burglar, the Alaskan Klee Kai is reserved and cautious.

Stranger Danger

They are naturally suspicious of strangers. Without early and frequent socialization, this caution can turn into fearfulness or defensiveness. They take a long time to warm up to new people.

The “Velcro” Spitz

To their family, they are intensely loyal and affectionate. They will follow you everywhere. They are “watchdogs” in the sense that they will alert you to anything unusual, but they are too small to be guard dogs.

Vocal Drama

They don’t bark much; they talk. They whine, yodel, howl, and “woo-woo.” They will tell you about their day, complain about their dinner service, and argue with you if you tell them to get off the couch.

Klee Kai vs. Pomsky

These two breeds are often confused as they both look like mini Huskies.

• Alaskan Klee Kai: A recognized purebred (UKC). Consistent look and temperament. More intense, higher energy, and “cat-like.”
• Pomsky: A mixed breed (Pomeranian x Husky). Unpredictable look and size. Temperament varies wildly between the two parent breeds. Generally fluffier and stockier.

Energy Level and Exercise

Do not let their size fool you. They are high-energy athletes.

• Daily Exercise: They need at least 45-60 minutes of activity. A walk is not enough; they need to run or play vigorous games of fetch.
• Agility: They excel in agility courses. They are fast, light on their feet, and love the mental challenge.
• Prey Drive: Like all spitz breeds, they have a high prey drive. They should not be trusted off-leash in unfenced areas, or they will chase squirrels into the next county.

Training: The Smartest Guy in the Room

Klee Kai are exceptionally intelligent, which can make training a challenge.

1. “What’s in it for me?”: They are not eager to please like a Golden Retriever. They need motivation (high-value treats).
2. Consistency: If you let them get away with something once, they will remember it forever.
3. Socialization: This cannot be stressed enough. You must expose them to hundreds of people and situations as puppies to combat their natural shyness.

Health and Lifespan

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a generally healthy breed, living 12 to 16 years. Because they were developed recently with a focus on health, they have fewer genetic issues than many older breeds.

• Factor VII Deficiency: A blood clotting disorder.
• Thyroid Disease: Autoimmune thyroiditis.
• Patellar Luxation: Dislocating kneecaps (common in small breeds).
• Heart Murmurs: Innocent murmurs are sometimes found in puppies.

Grooming: The Snowstorm

If you own an AKK, you own a good vacuum.

• Shedding: They shed moderately year-round.
• Blowing Coat: Twice a year (spring/fall), they blow their entire undercoat. You will be pulling clumps of hair off them for weeks. During this time, daily brushing is mandatory to prevent impaction.
• Cleanliness: They are very clean, almost cat-like dogs who groom themselves. They rarely smell “doggy.”

Famous Owners

The breed gained a massive boost in popularity when Sophie Turner (Sansa Stark from Game of Thrones) adopted one named Waldo. His tragic death in an accident highlighted the importance of keeping these fast, flighty dogs on a leash at all times.

Is an Alaskan Klee Kai Right for You?

Yes, if:

• You want a small dog with a “big dog” look and attitude.
• You are active and want a hiking or agility partner.
• You live in an apartment (they are clean and appropriately sized) but can provide exercise.
• You want a loyal “one-person” dog.

No, if:

• You want a social butterfly who loves everyone at the dog park.
• You have small pets like hamsters (prey drive).
• You want a quiet dog.
• You are not prepared to deal with shedding (they blow their coat twice a year).

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a stunning, intelligent, and captivating breed. They require a dedicated owner who understands that they are not just “cute accessories” but primitive, thinking dogs who demand respect and engagement.