Description of the
Alaskan Klee Kai Breed

Alaskan Klee Kai (AKK) is a rare breed of husky developed deliberately to be a companion-sized or lap-sized husky. The breed fills the canine niche for people who love the husky look but cannot provide the care and exercise required by a full size husky.

The AKK is not bred down from the Siberian Husky but originates from the Alaskan Husky.

"...For those of you who are not familiar with the Alaskan Husky, you should know that this sled dog is an important part of the history and legend of Alaska. Their endurance, speed, and heart make them some of the best racing sled dogs in the world. ... [T]he ancestors of the Alaskan Husky were a scruffy little Indian dog used by the people of interior Alaska. ... Then in the late 1940's, when dog sled racing began to become a profitable occupation, the tides turned and Alaskan mushers began in earnest to develop the little village Indian dog into the Alaskan Husky as we know it today. These are the ancestors of the Alaskan Klee Kai. The Alaskan Husky is a mixture of the best, and so was the creation of the Alaskan Klee Kai. I also added a small dose of Siberian Husky, and just the right amount of smaller dogs of similar conformation for developing my original stock. ..." [excerpt from "The World Of The Alaskan Klee Kai - A Comprehensive Review of the Origin of the Alaskan Klee Kai" by Linda Spurlin]

Still there is a huge difference between Alaskan Huskies and the Alaskan Klee Kai.

Linda Spurlin, the Alaskan Klee Kai Breed Developer did not just envision a companion-sized husky, but a companion-sized husky with a beautiful and distinct mask with symmetrical markings due to contrasting colors.

Physical Traits

Varieties/Sizes

Coat Colors

Eye Colors

Toy Mini Std

Toy -up to 13"

Miniature -over 13 to 15"

Standard -over 15 to 17"

Oversize - Serious Fault -
over 17 to 17¹/₂"1

Oversize - Disqualification
over 17¹/₂"1
1UKC Breed Standard was revised effective September 2002.
Prior to the standard revision the height fault was over 17 to 18" and the disqualification was over 18"

Black and White

Varies from jet black to dilute black

Gray and White

Varies from dark &/or wolf to silver

Red and White

Varies from copper to cream &/or peach

White and White2

2White and White (all white) - a breed standard disqualification - cannot be UKC registered (cannot be bred) but can compete in performance events ie agility & obedience

Brown , Brown3

3Varies from very dark brown (as pictured) to light brown to amber

Blue , Blue

Brown , Blue

Blue , Brown

Brown , Blue-Parti4

4Parti- (parti-colored) - eye color contains both brown and blue.

Blue , Blue-Parti

Parti-Parti (Blue-Parti, Brown-Parti)

Health Issues

Like all breeds of dogs, the AKK has some health issues including but not limited to: Factor VII Deficiency, Heart Murmur, Patella Luxation, Cleft Palate, Open Fontanel, Cataract, Juvenile Cellulitis, Retinal Opacities, Hypothyroidism, Retained Baby Teeth, and Mono/Cryptorchidism. AKK Breeders and Breed Clubs closely monitor any and all health issues and questions. However, none of these reported issues appear unique to Alaskan Klee Kai breed.

Size Comparison of Alaskan Klee Kai To Siberians

Photo Courtesy of
Heart of Texas / B. Williams

Photo Courtesy of
Cedar Brook / A. Westphal

Personality Traits

The Alaskan Klee Kai is NOT as gregarious as other Husky breeds, they are by nature extremely loving to family and people they know well BUT also extremely reserved of strangers.

This is both a good and a not so good thing. An AKK will not likely go willingly with people they do not know really well. But also makes catching an escaped AKK much more difficult.

Their reserved nature means that AKK need to be intensely socialized as pups. Socialization should / must continue into early adulthood.

Socialized NOT only to people who come into your home, but to groomers, veterinarians, boarding kennel employees and people on the street.

As important, Alaskan Klee Kai need lots of socializing to and with other dogs and other animals.

AKK do have a strong prey drive like other northern breeds, so they should not be trusted off-lead since they do consider squirrels, rabbits, mice, and birds fair game.

The AKK is extremely intelligent and a fast learner. But also an independent thinker with a mischievous streak. A bored AKK can be a destructive AKK. Crate training = Definite Plus.

Truly, the Alaskan Klee Kai is an attention getter and their presence in a public area will likely result in crowds of people wanting to find out more about them AND wanting to meet and pet them.

Alaskan Klee Kai, in general, have a tendency to shrink away from people they don't know but this tendency is even greater when it comes to strangers hovering or bending over them to pet them.

It is strongly recommended that one moves, kneels and gestures slowly towards the AKK, stretching out one’s hand palm side down and under the AKK’s chin.

While prone to the 'husky' escape artist behavior (by digging, jumping, and / or climbing), the Alaskan Klee Kai who literally lives to be with their owner is less like other Husky breeds to run so far so fast that they forget where they came from. But AKK will wander and horrible accidents can happen right in front of the house.

Alaskan Klee Kai are by nature quite territorial and will provide 'early alarm' by barking to warn owners of people and animals approaching their home. When behind a fence or inside the home the AKK's territorial and protective nature can make them somewhat "nippy".

Very vocal, the AKK will do community sings as well as quiet chats with their owners. They will make you listen to their tales of the day when you first come home, and will sass back. They truly have an enormous vocal repertoire.

Alaskan Klee Kai is a wonderful breed
to own and to love.
But it is not a breed for most people.

Photo Courtesy of Widdershin Estates and Heart of Texas AKK

To learn more about these Beautiful Husky Faces in Small Packaging..........

PLEASE Print out and read the Breed Information Article written by Carol S. Din and Check out other internet information available via the Widdershin Estates' AKK Links Page.

Carol S. Din

^{Ó2005-2006 by Carol S. Din for Widdershin Estates}

Description of the Alaskan Klee Kai Breed