Alaskan Klee Kai Breed Magazine - Showsight

ABOUT THE

BY JELAYNE NYGREN, ALASKAN KLEE KAI CLUB OF AMERICA ALASKAN KLEE KAI

HISTORY The Alaskan Klee Kai (AKK) has ancient roots descending from the numerous native dogs which have populated Alaska for thousands of years. Many of these dogs became not only loving family pets, but in the harsh environment of Alaska they were crucial for survival for the tribal groups and nomadic people. They excelled at pulling sleds, hik- ing, hunting, tracking, and were early warning alerts for dangers such as wild animals or enemies approaching. One of the largest groups of native dogs that make up the base of what became known as the Alas- kan Husky-type of dog are the Alaskan Interior Village dogs. Husky lines from Siberia, which were imported to Alaska in the early 1900s, were added to much of this hearty dog population as dog sled racing started to grow. They developed an intelligent, vigorous, and hard- working dog with a happy nature.

The Alaskan Klee Kai breed that we see today was devel- oped in Alaska from these well-bred Husky-type dogs by Linda Spurlin and her family, starting in the early 1970s. Using a strict breeding program to select the somewhat smaller dogs with the type/look she envisioned that also met her high stan- dards for health, structure, and temperament, she carefully developed a companion-sized version of the Alaskan Husky with very distinctive, contrasting, symmetrical facial mask and markings. Much like their ancestors, the Alaskan Klee Kai is adaptable to multiple lifestyles and to traveling, hiking, sports, entertainment, performance, therapy and service, and most importantly, as a loving companion dog for all ages. Today, the breed is already warming hearts and laps in more than 25 different countries.

286 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, OCTOBER 2022

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