Pet Wiki

Alaskan Klee Kai

Also called Klee Kai, AKK

A bright, lively and inquisitive dog that attaches strongly to its own people.

SizeSmall
Weight4.5 to 9.1 kg (10 to 20 lb)males 5.4 to 9.1 kg, females 4.5 to 8.2 kg12
Lifespan15 to 20 years1
CoatDouble coat, standard or full length
OriginUnited States, Alaska. Bred by Linda Spurlin and her family from the early 1970s as a companion-sized northern spitz.321
Recognised breedShort profile
curious, quick and agile
bonds closely with its family
alert little watchdog with a husky look in a small size
314

Personality what they are like

A bright, lively and inquisitive dog that attaches strongly to its own people. It tends to hold back with strangers and new situations until it has sized them up, and it likes to express itself with husky-style talking and howls rather than constant barking.341

Coat and looks how to spot one

double coat, standard or full length

A soft, dense undercoat under straight guard hairs gives a well-furred northern look without hiding the outline of the body. The face carries a clear contrasting mask, just like a miniature husky.32

Coloursblack and whitegrey and whitered and whitewhite32

The care rhythm a typical week and year

A typical home-care rhythm for an Alaskan Klee Kai. A starting point, not a vet's advice.

  • BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
  • Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
  • Bathevery 10 weeks
  • Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery 3 weeks
  • Ear checkevery 2 weeks
  • Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery day
  • ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
  • Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
  • Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 10every year

Daily activity how busy a day looks

An energetic breed that does well with around 20-40 minutes of activity a day plus games that use its brain. Many enjoy agility and are sturdy enough for jumping.12

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

A weekly brush and comb keeps the double coat tidy; expect heavier seasonal shedding about twice a year, when more frequent brushing helps.1

Company who they like around

Thrives with plenty of time and attention from its household and does best when introduced to new people gradually. Early, calm socialisation suits its naturally reserved nature.13

The story where it all began

Linda Spurlin began developing the breed in Alaska in the early 1970s, aiming for a compact companion that kept the look of the northern sled dogs. Alaskan and Siberian Husky lines were combined with American Eskimo Dog and Schipperke. First known simply as the Klee Kai, it took its current name in 1995 and gained UKC recognition in 1997.32

Fun facts for the dinner table

  1. 1

    The name comes from Athabaskan words meaning 'little dog'.2

  2. 2

    It is one of the few breeds that comes in three official sizes: toy, miniature and standard.3

  3. 3

    Klee Kai are known to 'talk back' to their owners with yodels and howls.1

  4. 4

    Despite their small size they are thick-boned and often shine in agility.2

Where the name comes from the story behind it

The name Klee Kai comes from the Athabaskan words meaning “little dog”.2

Name ideas for your new friend

MistyKaiSashaTikaBlizzardNanuqYetiLunaJunoAspenKodaAkiak

A day in the life told by an Alaskan Klee Kai

I wake up and give a little husky howl to say good morning. My human laughs and scratches my ears. After a quick breakfast, we play a puzzle game, I'm so clever, I figure it out in minutes. Then I perch on the back of the sofa, watching the birds through the window. I give a low 'woo' when a stranger walks by. Later, we go for a brisk walk; I prance and sniff everything. At home, I snuggle close, chattering about my day. Perfect.

A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.

Recognised by the official bits

UKC
Recognised 1 January 1997; three size varieties (toy, miniature, standard).3
AKC
Has an AKC breed page describing it as a small companion dog in three sizes; Wikipedia lists it as recognised by the AKC.4

Treats they will love homemade and simple

Alaskan Klee Kai tip

Alaskan Klee Kai are clever and love training, so low-calorie treats work well for rewards. Because they are prone to weight gain, keep treats to under 10% of daily calories and ask your vet about dental chews to help with small-breed oral health.

Source: petmd.com purina.com

Simple Carrot Crunchies

Carrots are low in calories and high in fibre, making them a crunchy, satisfying treat that won't pile on the pounds.

You need

  • 1 large carrot, washed and peeled

How

  1. Cut the carrot into thin, bite-sized sticks or rounds.
  2. Steam or boil the carrot pieces for 5–7 minutes until just tender, or serve raw for extra crunch.
  3. Allow to cool completely before offering to your dog.

How much: Give 2–3 small pieces per day for a medium-sized dog, adjusting for your dog's size and daily calorie allowance.

Recipe from The Kennel Club

Pumpkin & Yoghurt Pup-Cup

Pumpkin is packed with fibre and vitamins, helping dogs feel full without extra calories, and low-fat yoghurt keeps it light.

You need

  • 1 cooking pumpkin
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat yoghurt
  • ½ cup lactose-free, low-fat whipping cream
  • Cinnamon, to sprinkle

How

  1. Peel the pumpkin and remove all seeds.
  2. Cut the flesh into small pieces and steam for 15 minutes until soft.
  3. Mash the cooked pumpkin until smooth and let it cool completely.
  4. Mix 1 tablespoon of the mashed pumpkin with the yoghurt.
  5. Spoon the mixture into a small paper cup.
  6. Whip the cream until soft peaks form and spoon it on top of the yoghurt mixture.
  7. Sprinkle a tiny pinch of cinnamon over the cream.

How much: One pup-cup is plenty for a medium-sized dog as an occasional treat. Adjust portion size for smaller or larger dogs.

Recipe from Dogs Trust

Homemade Dog Biscuits (Chicken & Rice)

A simple, tasty treat made from gentle ingredients that are easy on sensitive stomachs, perfect for rewarding without upset.

You need

  • 1 egg
  • 170g boiled chicken breast
  • 100g cooked plain rice
  • 60ml chicken stock (homemade or no added salt)
  • 680g plain flour (adjust as needed for consistency)

How

  1. Preheat oven to 180°C and line a baking tray with baking paper.
  2. Blitz the boiled chicken, cooked rice, and chicken stock in a blender until smooth.
  3. Transfer to a bowl, add the egg and flour, and mix well.
  4. Dust a clean surface with flour, turn out the dough, and knead until no longer sticky.
  5. Roll dough to about 1cm thickness and cut into shapes with a cookie cutter.
  6. Place on the tray and bake for 25–30 minutes until golden.
  7. Cool completely before serving.

How much: 1–2 biscuits as an occasional treat for a medium-sized healthy dog. Adjust for your dog's size, age, and activity level.

Recipe from Blue Cross

Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use

Owner questions the things everyone asks

How often should I feed my Alaskan Klee Kai, and at what times?

Feed your adult Alaskan Klee Kai at least two meals a day, as their stomachs empty within a few hours. Puppies need three to four smaller meals. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.5

What should an Alaskan Klee Kai eat, and which foods are dangerous?

Feed a high-quality dog food suitable for their age and size. Dangerous foods include chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol, and macadamia nuts, which are especially harmful to dogs. Always avoid these.6

How often should I bathe an Alaskan Klee Kai?

Pet Wiki's starting plan suggests a bath every 10 weeks, but at least once every three months is fine. Bathe more often if they get very dirty or have skin issues, but avoid over-bathing to protect their double coat.7 Pet Wiki plan

How often does an Alaskan Klee Kai need brushing?

Brush your Alaskan Klee Kai weekly to keep their double coat tidy, and daily during the heavy seasonal sheds twice a year. This helps remove loose fur and keeps their coat healthy.1 Pet Wiki plan

How do I trim an Alaskan Klee Kai's nails, and how often?

Trim nails every three weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid pain. If unsure, ask your vet or a groomer for guidance.7 Pet Wiki plan

How much exercise does an Alaskan Klee Kai need?

This energetic breed needs about 20 to 40 minutes of activity daily, plus brain games like agility. Daily walks and play are perfect to keep them happy and healthy.12 Pet Wiki plan

How do I look after an Alaskan Klee Kai's teeth and ears?

Brush their teeth daily with dog-safe toothpaste, and check ears every two weeks without pushing anything into the canal. For dental care, aim for two to three times a week if daily is tough.7 Pet Wiki plan

How long does an Alaskan Klee Kai live?

Alaskan Klee Kais have a long lifespan of 15 to 20 years, so you can enjoy many happy years together with proper care.1

Is an Alaskan Klee Kai good with children and other pets?

They attach strongly to their family and can be good with children if raised together, but they tend to be reserved with strangers. Early, calm socialisation helps them get along with other pets.31

Can an Alaskan Klee Kai be left alone?

They thrive on time and attention from their household, so they may struggle with long periods alone. It varies by individual; ask a good breeder or trainer for advice on your dog's needs.

Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.

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Where this comes from

Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].

  1. Hill's Pet: Alaskan Klee Kai hillspet.comused for weight, lifespan, grooming, exercise, temperament
  2. Wikipedia: Alaskan Klee Kai en.wikipedia.orgused for history, varieties, weights, colours, name meaning
  3. UKC Breed Standard: Alaskan Klee Kai ukcdogs.comused for recognition, history, size varieties, coat, colours, temperament
  4. AKC: Alaskan Klee Kai akc.orgused for temperament summary, AKC listing
  5. VCA Animal Hospitals: Feeding times and frequency for your dog vcahospitals.comused for owner questions
  6. ASPCA: People foods to avoid feeding your pets aspca.orgused for owner questions
  7. ASPCA: Dog grooming tips aspca.orgused for owner questions

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.