ABOUT THE ALASKAN KLEE KAI
TEMPERAMENT The Alaskan Klee Kai is intelligent, vigilant, loyal, and talkative. They enjoy being physically and mentally challenged and have an energetic eagerness to participate in a broad array of activities. A perceptive yet mischievous nature, and an adaptability to most life- styles, makes them a loving and devoted companion. AKK have a sensitive and naturally reserved nature, so positive reinforcement, training, and proper socialization from an early age are important. HEALTH The Alaskan Klee Kai (AKK) is a generally healthy breed. Responsible breeders screen breeding stock for health conditions, including patellar luxation, autoimmune thyroiditis, heart mur- mur, eye disorders, and Factor VII deficiency. Prospective AKK owners are encouraged to purchase from responsible/reputable breeders who are doing these evaluations, and confirm the health screenings of the sire and dam. Responsible breeders use the many tools available, along with the knowledge of their dogs’ pedigrees, to selectively choose breeding dogs in order to reduce the likeli- hood of temperament, structural, and health concerns.
GENERAL APPEARANCE The Alaskan Klee Kai is a small-sized companion dog that is alert, energetic, and very curious. The body is well proportioned, with a level topline and a length slightly longer than the height. The gait is smooth, agile, and well balanced. The wedge-shaped head, erect triangle-shaped ears, well-furred double coat, and loosely curled tail reflect its Arctic heritage. The most distinctive visual characteristic of the Alaskan Klee Kai is the contrasting facial mask and body markings, which must be symmetrical and clearly visible due to the contrasting colors. The full mask is the most desired for the Alaskan Klee Kai. It includes the solid dark coloration on the head extending continu- ously down the top/bridge of the muzzle to the nose, and under or around the eyes, without extending more than a quarter of the way down the cheeks or off the side of the muzzle. Height is 12-17 inches at the withers. Weight: 6-25 pounds (approximate) and in proportion to the overall dog, and will vary according to bone structure. COLOR The Alaskan Klee Kai (AKK) has symmetrical and distinctive dark and white contrasting-colored markings in required areas as per the Breed Standard. The three allowable coat colors are in shades of black, gray, or red.
DID YOU KNOW?
• The name Alaskan “Klee Kai” was created from parts of Alaskan Athabaskan words meaning “little dog.” • Alaskan Klee Kai have distinctive, contrasting, sym- metrical facial masks and body markings in three color varieties: Black with White, Gray with White, and Red with White. • The plural and singular spelling of the breed is Alaskan Klee Kai (no “s”). • Alaskan Klee Kai “talk,” resulting in sometimes strange and amusing noises of howling, grumbling, yodeling, purring, and chirping to express themselves. • Adorably animated, quirky, and comical, Alaskan Klee Kai produce many laughs and entertaining moments with their humans. • Alaskan Klee Kai are independent thinking problem-solvers with a penchant for escape by digging, climbing, squeezing through small openings, or opening gates and crates. • The Alaskan Klee Kai was accepted into the AKC Foun- dation Stock Service in October of 2020.
292 | SHOWSIGHT MAGAZINE, OCTOBER 2022
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