Alaskan Klee Kai
Official Cynology Profile & Standard Data.
History & Overview
Origin and historical development
The Alaskan Klee Kai is a small spitz built to look like a sled dog without being one. The American Kennel Club traces its background to the native dogs of Alaska, which for thousands of years pulled sleds, went hunting and tracking, and gave warning of wild animals or strangers approaching camp.
The modern breed is a companion rather than a working sled dog, and its size is the whole point of it. The AKC standard covers a range from about 12 to 17 inches, which is why the breed is often described in three sizes rather than one.
The AKC records it in the Miscellaneous Class, the step a breed passes through before full recognition.
Breed Standard
How the breed is described and measured
The breed is registered by the American Kennel Club.
Size, standard by standard
- American Kennel Club — height 30.5-43.2 cm
Full standards: American Kennel Club.
Country of origin: United States of America
Breed Trivia
Unique facts and fascinating details
- It looks like a sled dog but was bred as a companion.
- The AKC lists it in the Miscellaneous Class, not a full group.
- Height runs from roughly 12 to 17 inches.
- Its ancestry goes back to the native dogs of Alaska.
- The name uses Inuit words meaning small dog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common inquiries about the breed
Is the Alaskan Klee Kai a miniature Husky?
No. It is its own breed. It resembles a small sled dog, but it was developed as a companion rather than as a working sled dog.
Is it recognised by the FCI?
No. The FCI has no standard for the breed. It is registered by the American Kennel Club, which lists it in the Miscellaneous Class.
How big does it get?
The AKC standard covers roughly 12 to 17 inches at the withers.
Is it a good watchdog?
It is alert and reserved with strangers, a trait its Alaskan forebears were valued for.
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