Introducing...

  Other Names: 

  Miniature Alaskan Husky

•   Mini Husky
•   Klee Kai
•   AKK

  History:

  This is a relatively new breed of dog first developed "accidentally" in the 1970's, later made public in 1988 and finally  

  recognised by the American Rare Breed Association (ARBA) in 1995 and United Kennel Club (UKC) in 1997. 

  The "accident" was a mating between an Alaskan Husky and unknown small dog in Wasilla, Alaska.  The breeder, Linda

  Spurlin, continued perfecting her results privately by introducing bloodlines from both Alaskan and Siberian Huskies, and further,

  smaller spitz dogs for a companion-sized form to the Nordic group (a delicately selective "recipe" that Linda will not disclose to

  this day). 

  The name "Klee Kai" are Alaskan Athabaskan words meaning "small dog".  And, true to their northern ancestors, this is an

  lively, intelligent, agile and high drive dog that is and will likely continue to increase in popularity.

General Description:

Although developed to be a smaller version of the Alaskan Husky, the physique more closely resembles the Siberian Husky.  In addition to this recognisable, miniature stature, another distinctive feature of the breed is their symmetrical markings, most specifically, a symmetrical facial mask made up of contrasting colours.  Further traits are as follows:

Coat:  Long, straight & soft outer coat with dense & soft undercoat

Colours:  Black & white, gray & white or red (cinnamon or dark auburn) & white

Grooming:  Moderately sheds all year long and blows their coat twice a year.  Some longer haired dogs require more attention to grooming on a regular basis, otherwise the breed is extremely clean, known to spend hours a day grooming themselves.  They seldom require a bath.  Regular maintenance of health and hygiene (teeth, nails, routine veterinary visits, etc.) is necessary, as for all dogs.

Health Problems:  Relatively and remarkably free of genetic defects.

Group:  Nordic

Recognition:  UKC, ARBA, CKC, NKC, APRI, ACR

Temperament:

The Klee Kai is lively, loving and loyal.  They crave attention from their people, at the same time are known to be cautious and reserved with strangers.  They are also known to be vocal, therefore are good "acting" watch dogs to those of suspicious nature about their home and property.  Some AKKs have the rapid, high-pitched spitz-type bark, while others use their voice to communicate through a range of tones as if constructing sentences. 

As a decent of hard-working northern breeds, they are alert, quick and driven and require above average daily exercise regardless of their deceptive size.  Equally so, they are an intelligent breed that can either quickly and eagerly learn or respond obstinately.  

They can be a great family dog and are often described as being generally docile and affectionate, however, they will not tolerate being bullied, poked or trampled by a house bustling with people and other pets.  In these instances they may develop discriminating behaviours such as excessive barking, lunging and nipping.

  Profile of a Klee Kai:

  Fleur is the resident dog of Royvon Dog Training Schools in Esher, Surrey.  She is a toy version of Klee Kai, if not small for

  a toy at 28 cm and 4 kg.  She is owned by Darren and Hannah James, the Managing Director and Director of the school.

  Fleur spends her days alerting the Team to newcomers, playing with other small breeds enrolled at the school and learning

  new tricks from the long list of Royvon trainers and animal carers.  She represents the business at many of the doggy

  trade shows and sits on the Advisory Board (although, she usually naps through the meetings).

True to breed, Fleur is wary of strangers.  She is friendly, but stand-offish until she gets to know someone better, at which time she becomes intently curious of their every activity.  Her need to be nosey and sometimes bossy is a highly entertaining trait.  She barks, but more as an announcement than for the shear sake of barking.  She's as busy as she is docile, but because the school is open seven days a week, she has a lot of work to cover over long days ...which can be exhausting. 

It's a tough job, but somebody's got to do it!  And Fleur certainly loves to.