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Alaskan Klee Kai Sizes

Written by Michelle & The Paw Pack in Alaskan Klee Kai

Size can be an important factor when it comes to selecting what breed of dog is right for you.  Some people just have a preference for dogs of a certain size.  Others may have to deal with dog size constraints, such as renters who are only allowed to keep dogs under a certain weight in their apartment.  When I wrote my Alaskan klee kai breed profile postOpens in a new tab.,  I briefly addressed the fact that this unique breed actually comes in 3 different sizes.  All three recognized sizes, plus sometimes oversized dogs, can occur in the same litter, regardless of the size of the parent dogs.  This can be confusing to anyone new to this breed!  This post is going to be a deep dive into the size of Alaskan klee kai.

First thing first, what are the three recognized Alaskan klee kai sizes?

Alaskan klee kai sizeThe three recognized sizes of Alaskan klee kai are toy, miniature, and standard.  To determine what size an Alaskan klee kai (AKK) is, the dog’s height from the withers is measured. 

  • Toy sized AKK are the smallest, measuring in at 13 inches tall and under. 
  • Miniature, or mini, sized AKK are over 13 inches, but no taller than 15 inches. 
  • The tallest recognized size of Alaskan klee kai is the standard size.  Standard dogs are over 15 inches tall, but under 17.5″.
  • Any Alaskan klee kai over 17.5 inches tall is considered to be oversized.

Being oversized is a disqualification as far as the breed standard is concerned, but oversized AKK still make amazing pets!

So what are withers!?

Alaskan klee kai sizeUnlike in humans, whose heights are measured at the tops of their heads, dogs’ heights are measured at the withers.  The withers are the ridge between your dog’s shoulder blades, right behind the neck.  The withers are considered to be the tallest point of a dog’s body (not including the neck and head), which is why it’s used to measure their height.

To find your dog’s withers, you’ll want to locate the top of his shoulder blade, behind the back of the neck.  Dogs are commonly measured at the withers to determine whether they confirm to their breed’s height standard.  These measurements are also used in dog sports.  In agility, for example, your dogs height at the withers will determine how high their jumps are set.

How much do Alaskan klee kai weight?

Alaskan klee kai are the ultimate body positive breed.  The AKK breed standard does not decree that these dogs have to be any certain weight, as long as they are a healthy weight for their height.  That can be frustrating for new AKK owners, because most people want some idea of what their puppy will weigh as an adult.

After years of speaking with other AKK owners, as well as breeders, I can say that, in general, toy Alaskan klee kai will be under 15lbs as adults.  Many toy AKK I’ve met have been around 10lbs.  Miniature Alaskan klee kai tend to trend between 10 to 20 lbs.  Standard sized AKKs tend to be around 15 to 25 lbs.  Oversized individuals tend to be 20+ lbs.  I’ve met a small number of oversized Alaskan klee kai who were almost as large as a small husky!  Keep in mind, though, that these numbers are just averages.  Since there is no weight requirement in the Alaskan klee kai breed standard, your individual dog may, or may not, fall into these averages.

My Alaskan klee kai, FenrirOpens in a new tab., is a large mini.  He is 14.5 inches tall, and weighs 18 lbs.

How will you know what size your AKK puppy will be?

With Alaskan klee kai, it’s luck of the draw!  All three sizes of AKK can appear in the same liter, no matter what the size of the parent dogs.  Your best bet, if you’re looking for a specific size of AKK, is to go to a good breeder.  Most breeders develop a knack for determining what size a puppy will grow up to be, although they won’t give you any guarantees as far as size is concerned.  When I got my Fenrir, his breeder estimated that he would grow to be a large miniature.  That’s exactly what he is!   

Of course, another option is to try to find an adult AKK for adoption.  Once in awhile breeders will have adult dogs that need new homes, and Alaskan klee kai do sometimes turn up in rescues.  By adopting an already full grown, adult dog, you’ll know exactly what you’re getting size wise.

Comment below!  Did you know that Alaskan klee kai come in three (four if you count oversized dogs) sizes?  If you have an AKK, what size dog(s) do you have?

Alaskan klee kai size

 

Lawn Chemicals Linked to Cancer in Pets

Written by Michelle & The Paw Pack in Dog Health,Pet Tips

lawn chemicals cancer dogs

My dogs and I love spending time playing on our lawn.  Every day Kit has to sniff just about ever inch of the yard.  In typical KitsuneOpens in a new tab. fashion, he’s been known to taste test the grass every now and then too.  One of Fen’s favorite things is to play fetch out in the grass.  When he’s done playing, he does adorably epic sploots and just relaxes out in the sun.  We don’t use any kind of lawn or garden chemicals in our yard.  Most dog owners would probably like to think that enjoying outside time with our pups does them nothing but good.  But if you use lawn chemicals to treat your grass that, unfortunately, may not be the case.

A number of studies done over years have shown a connection between common lawn chemicals and cancer in dogs.

A study published in 2012, (Abstract of Environmental Health 112(1): 171-6 (Jan. 2012)Opens in a new tab., concluded that “[a]fter adjustment for age, weight, and other factors, use of specific lawn care products was associated with greater risk of [Canine malignant lymphoma].  Specifically, the use of professionally applied pesticides was associated with a significant 70% higher risk of [Canine malignant lymphoma]…Risk was also higher in those reporting use of self-applied insect growth regulators.”  

Another study, performed by the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences at Purdue UniversityOpens in a new tab., linked common garden/lawn chemicals to the occurrence of bladder cancer in dogs.  Traces of lawn chemicals were found in the urine of tested dogs.  Unfortunately, not only in dogs’ whose owners actually applied the chemicals to their yards.  Researchers explained that wind can carry herbicides for distances up to 50 feet.  Dogs may also come into contact with the chemicals during daily walks.  Wherever the exposure takes place, herbicide chemicals can be carried on paws and fur.  This makes it more likely that pet owners will be exposed as well.

lawn chemicals cancer dogs

These studies were conducted on dogs.  But it’s very likely that other types of pets (and perhaps people?) could be impacted as well.

Dog breeds who are already genetically predisposed to developing bladder cancers, such as beagles, Scottish terriers, and wire hair fox terriers, are thought to be in increased risk to the effects of this type of chemical exposure.  Dogs most commonly come into contact with the chemicals by licking or ingesting treated plants, licking their paws or fur after exposure, inhalation, and trans-dermal exposure.

Of course this doesn’t mean we should stop walking our dogs. 

However, pet owners especially are encouraged to eliminate or reduce their use of herbicides.  If you must use them, it’s very important to follow the manufactures directions carefully.  Do whatever you can to reduce your pets’ exposure!

These issues don’t only impact those of us with yards of our own.

At least in our own direct environments we have some control over what, if any, products are being used.  However, exposure to potentially dangerous chemicals can commonly take place while walking our dogs.  This is one reason why it can be prudent to keep our pets out of neighbors’ yards.  Exposure can also take place in public areas, such as parks, depending on how your local park management teams care for your park.  It’s thought that upping hygiene measures, such as bathing your dog often and/or washing his/her paws after walks, may help reduce exposure.  If your dog, like my Kitsune, likes to eat grass it’s also important not to allow them to do so in areas that could be treated with chemicals.

lawn chemicals cancer dogs

It stinks that, these days, we can’t even walk our dogs without risking exposure to dangerous chemicals.

What can we really do about them besides be aware of the dangers and of the potential ways to reduce our pets’ (and our own) exposure to them?  What do you think?  Comment below!  Do you avoid areas if you don’t know whether or not they’ve been treated with chemicals?  Or wash your pets’ fur or paws after coming in from a walk?  Do you just take your chances and hope for the best?  It certainly seems like, these days, more and more things are being linked to cancer and, unfortunately, I think it would be impossible to avoid them all.

lawn chemicals cancer dogs

Protect Your Dogs From Foxtails

Written by Michelle & The Paw Pack in Dog Health

Last weekend the dogs and I went hikingOpens in a new tab..  A little while after we got home, I found a foxtail stuck to the living room area rug.  After finding it, I made sure to go over both of the dogs thoroughly to ensure we hadn’t tracked any other hitch hikers into the house.  For most people, the word “foxtail” doesn’t conjure up images of horror.  But ask any unfortunate pet owner whose dogs have had a run in with foxtails, and you’ll most likely hear at least a few horror stories.  They may look innocent enough, but foxtails can present some very real dangers to pets.

What, exactly, is a foxtail?

dogs foxtails
Photo by NY State IPM Program at Cornell University from New York, USA
(Creative Commons Attribution 2.0)

A foxtail is a dried spikelet of grass that surrounds the seeds of some types of grass.  They are said to resemble the tail of a fox, hence the name.  They are sometimes also referred to as “spear grass”.  What can make foxtails so hazardous is that they have tiny barbs that can easily catch onto clothing, hair, skin, and fur.

Because of the way the barbs are designed, if not caught quickly enough, foxtails can migrate deeper into the skin of animals.  They are sharp enough to penetrate tissue.  The barbs (much like a fish hook) are shaped so that the grass can easily be pushed forwards but cannot easily move backwards.

Foxtail injuries…

Foxtail injuries are most common in dogs, but they can harm other species (including humans) as well.  In dogs, foxtails commonly get caught in ears, noses, and eyes.  They can embed themselves into the membranes of pet’s ear drums, nasal passages, and eyes.  Foxtails embedded in the skin can cause abscesses.  They are notorious for getting stuck between toes, and have even been found inside dogs’ lungs!  Foxtails can get caught inside dogs genitals, anal glands and colon.  They are often sharp enough to be able to penetrate through the abdominal and/or chest cavities and organs.  Foxtails can lodge inside pets’ gums, lips, tonsils, throats, and digestive tracts.  If not found and removed promptly, foxtails can cause serious injury, infection, and sometimes even death.

Here are some general tips for preventing injury and dealing with foxtails…

  1. If foxtails grow in your yard, mowing them down is not enough.  If your lawn mower doesn’t collect grass clippings for easy disposal, it’s important to rake or otherwise remove cut foxtails from your yard.  They don’t have to be attached to the living grass to get stuck to your pet.
  2. Keep your pet well groomed.  If their coat is tangled and dirty, it can make it harder to spot foxtails stuck to the fur or skin.  Foxtails can get caught in matted fur and migrate to the skin.  If possible, trim the fur on the bottom of your dog’s feet and around his/her genitals and butt.
  3. Thoroughly check over your pet after he/she spends time indoors.  Pay close attention to between the toes, the anal and genital areas, inside ears, around the face, and the armpits.
  4. Also be sure to check your own clothing/skin after spending time outdoors.  Foxtails brought into the house on your clothing could still pose a danger to pets.
  5. Keep an eye on the general health of your pet.  Look out for any swelling, draining wounds, eye, nose, or ear discomfort, or any other unusual symptoms.  Foxtails between the toes or stuck to paw pads or legs may cause limping.  Take your pet to the vet if he/she has been exposed to foxtails and is displaying any unusual behavior.  Your pets’ symptoms or injuries may not seem that bad, but foxtails can be deadly and the sooner they are removed the better.
  6. If your dog is displaying any unusual symptoms, make sure to mention to your vet that he/she has had contact with foxtails.  Depending on where the plant is lodged, symptoms can vary and may resemble symptoms of other conditions.

Knowledge is power!

Hopefully you and your pet won’t ever experience a foxtail horror story of your own, but foxtail injuries are relatively common and it never hurts to be aware of potential issues.  Comment below, have you or your pet ever been injured by a foxtail?

dogs foxtails

Do Papillons Shed?

Written by Michelle & The Paw Pack in Papillons

Papillons are a breed of dogOpens in a new tab. known for their long, silky, flowing fur.  They really are such a beautiful breed!  I recently wrote about papillons’ coats.  Notably, I wrote about the fact that, per the breed standard, papillons should have single coats.  However, one of the questions I get asked most often about papillons is whether or not they shed.  And if they do shed, exactly how bad is it?  With how long their fur can grow, asking about how much these amazing dogs shed makes sense!

So, do papillons shed?

Yes, papillons shed.  How much an individual papillon will shed can vary quite a bit.  Papillons who conform with the breed standard single coat will shed much less than a double coated dog.  Although papillons are supposed to have single coats, double coated individuals do sometimes appear in the breed.  How much an individual dog sheds can also depend on other factors, such as their health and your grooming regime.    

My shedding experience, with my single coated papillon!

papillons shedMy 13 year old papillon, KitsuneOpens in a new tab., has a single coat.  I’ve never considered him to be a heavy shedder.  In fact, I rarely notice his hair around my home.  I do brush him frequently.  Usually a bit of fur will come off on his comb every time I groom him.  The brush picture to the left is from when I brushed him this morning.  To be fair, I’ve been slacking on brushing him this week, so that amount of fur was after a few days of not combing Kitsune.  Usually less fur than that comes off when I brush him.

I also have another dog, an Alaskan klee kai named FenrirOpens in a new tab..  Fenrir has a thick double coat.  Kitsune’s shedding is nothing compared to Fenrir’s.  Kit and Fen are similar sizes.  Fen is 18 lbs and Kit is a bit bigger at 20 lbs.  I think it would take around 100 Kits to equal 1 Fen when it comes to how much they shed on a regular basis!  Maybe even more during the two times per year when Fen blows his coat.

Papillons DO shed, but not nearly as much as a double coated dog!

Unless, that is, you end up with a double coated papillon and then all bets are off!  I do occasionally talk to papillon owners who tell me their papillons shed a lot.  I suspect that these owners actually have double, and not single, coated papillons.

Is there a way to ensure your papillon will have a single coat?

Papillon mixes and dogs from backyard breeders are a toss up.  If, for any reason, you really prefer a single coated papillon, your best bet is to go to a reputable breeder who breeds to the breed standard and has health tested dogs.  Papillon puppy coats are not always telling, because their coats change a lot from puppy to adulthood.

Of course, you can also adopt an adult dog!  Once a papillon has their adult coat, you should be able to tell whether they have a single or a double coat, and to get a good idea of how much that individual dog sheds before you bring him/her home.

Well worth the fur!

Remember that how much each individual dog will shed can vary, based on many factors such as their coat type, health, what they are fed, and your grooming regimeOpens in a new tab..  Your papillon may shed more or less than my Kitsune does.

Because even a single coated papillon will shed some, this is not the breed for anyone looking for a dog that doesn’t shed at all.  However, my experience has been that single coated papillons do not shed very much.  The little amount they do shed can be easily managed by brushing them often, which you really should be doing anyways.  Papillons are amazing little dogs.  Their fun-loving, sweet personalities more than make up for any amount of time you’ll spend dealing with their fur!

papillons shed

Can Dogs Catch Colds from Humans?

Written by Michelle & The Paw Pack in Dog Health

Summer colds are the worst!  A few weeks ago I was dealing with a bout of tonsilitis, then my partner came down with a cold.  We live together, so of course I ended up catching it too.  Misery loves company, or so they say.  On top of that, we celebrated our Alaskan klee kai Fenrir’s 7th birthday the other day, and I think we went a bit overboard giving treats to the dogs.  FenrirOpens in a new tab. was fine, but Kitsune, my senior papillonOpens in a new tab., developed a bit of an upset stomach.  Luckily Kit got over his upset stomach much faster than I did my cold.  Every time my partner or I get sick, I wonder whether we have to worry about our dogs catching colds from us humans.

Luckily, as it turns out, dogs contracting colds from humans, and vice versa, is very rare. 

The viruses that cause what we commonly think of as colds are usually species specific, and don’t have the ability to jump from one species to another.  There have been some instances of dogs, cats, and even ferrets contracting the flu from humans, though, so theatrically it’s not impossible for some of the viruses that make us sick to also have the ability to effect our pets.  But this is very rare and, for all intents and purposes, you shouldn’t worry about your dog catching a cold from you (or vice versa).  

That’s not to say that dog’s can’t catch colds, just that, for the most part, the viruses that cause our furry friends to feel sick are not the same ones that impact us.  That’s good news for all the pet owners out there who, like me, know that doggy snuggles are the best medicine!

Dogs can, of course, catch viruses from other dogs.

dogs colds humansSome of these viruses mimic human cold symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, upset stomachs, runny eyes, and runny noses.  If your dog is acting sick, however, it’s important to keep a close eye on him/her and not just write off symptoms as being a simple cold.  Some symptoms commonly associated with the common cold in humans can be signs of something more series in dogs.  If your dog experiences anything more than mild symptoms, or symptoms last for more than a few days, it’s important to get your furry friend in to see a vet.

Also remember that it’s important not to medicate your pet without first speaking to your vet.

There are lots of OTC medications that humans can take to feel better when they are sick, but most of them are not safe to give your pets.  Even the ones that are potentially safe need to be carefully dosed, so should not be administered to pets without vet approval.

I’m glad that I don’t have to worry about giving my colds to my dogs.  When I’m sick I like nothing more than to cuddle up under a blanket sandwiched between Kit and Fen.  Even crazy Mr.Fen seems to know when I’m not feeling well and, thankfully, tones down his crazy a bit until I’m feeling better again.  Do your pets seem to know when you are sick too?  Comment below!

dogs colds humans

Alaskan Klee Kai Breed Profile

Written by Michelle & The Paw Pack in Alaskan Klee Kai

My beloved Alaskan klee kai, FenrirOpens in a new tab., recently just turned 7 years old!  I’ve been wanting to work on this post for quite awhile now, ever since I originally posted my Papillon Breed ProfileOpens in a new tab..  However, I kept putting this post off, literally for years.  I figured it wouldn’t hurt to spend more time immersed in all that is Alaskan klee kai before writing a breed profile on them.  Alaskan klee kai are amazing dogs, but defiantly not for everyone.  I figured that after 6+ years of owning one, I’m finally ready to write this post!

Breed History:

Alaskan klee kaiThe Alaskan klee kai is a relatively new dog breed.  The breed originated, as its name suggests, in Alaska.  In the 1970’s, a breeder by the name of Linda Spurlin dreamed of, basically, downsizing huskies.

Spurlin bred Alaskan and Siberian huskies with smaller schipperkes and American Eskimo dogs to create the first Alaskan klee kai.  This resulted in dogs that did well in the harsh Alaskan climate, and looked very similar to Siberian huskies, but that were much smaller than their larger husky cousins.  Fittingly enough, the name “klee kai” comes from the language of indigenous Athabaskan and means “little dog”.  Alaskan klee kai are, quite literally, Alaskan little dogs!

Fun fact: “Alaskan klee kai” is the plural of Alaskan klee kai!  You’ll sometimes see people add an “s” to the end to make the breed name plural, but this is incorrect.  AKK is a common abbreviation for the breed name.

Being such a new breed, Alaskan klee kai are not yet recognized by the American Kennel Club.  In 2020, however, it was accepted into the American Kennel Club’s Foundation Stock Service.  In 1997 the breed was recognized by the United Kennel Club.

Appearance:

Alaskan klee kai come in 3 distinct sizes, and three recognized colors.  The three sizes recognized are toy, miniature, and standard.  AKK sizes are determined by the dog’s height, measured from the shoulders, and not weight.  Toy size Alaskan klee kai are 13 inches tall and under.  Miniature AKK are 13 to 15 inches tall.  Standards are over 15 inches, but under 17.5 inches.  Any dog over 17.5 inches tall to the withers is considered to be oversized.

My Alaskan klee kai, Fenrir, is about 14.5 inches tall so is considered to be a miniature Alaskan klee kai.  Fenrir, at his last vet checkup, weighed in at 18 lbs.  This breed is somewhat known for being lanky and lean, especially when they’re young.  Weight does not factor into the breed standard, and weights can vary quite a bit depending on how tall your AKK grows to be.

Alaskan klee kai have thick double coatsOpens in a new tab. similar to that of a husky.  The recognized colors of AKK include black and white, red and white, and gray and white.  All white dogs pop up in litters every now and than and while beautiful, any solid colored coats are a disqualification when it comes to the breed standard.  Breed standard Alaskan klee kai have a distinctive facial mask, and tails that curl up over their backs.

Per the breed standard, Alaskan klee kai can have eyes of any color.  HeterochromiaOpens in a new tab. and party eyes are somewhat common in the breed.  Budging eyes, or eyes that are set too deep, are both considered faults.

Alaskan Klee Kai

Grooming:

Alaskan klee kaiWith their thick, double, husky like coats, AKK should ideally be brushed often.  As far as grooming goes, they are generally pretty low maintenance but, be warned, this breed does shed a lot.  I once heard a fellow AKK owner joke that Alaskan klee kai have two shedding seasons.  One is from January until June and the other is July until December.  While AKK will blow their coats, or shed out their fluffy undercoats, twice a year, don’t expect the rest of the year to be fur free.  This is not the breed for you if living, wearing, eating dog hair bothers you.

In general, though, I find cleaning Fen’s fur off my rugs to be more work than cleaning Fen himself.  Once a week I dremel Fen’s nails, and about every other week or so I bathe him.  Baths this frequentlyOpens in a new tab. aren’t required, but I personally like to keep my dogs on the cleaner side.  If you also decide to bathe often, make sure to use a high quality dog shampoo so you’re not stripping out your dog’s natural oils.

General maintenance stuff like brushing teeth, cleaning ears, etc., is important.  I also trim the fur on the bottoms of Fenrir’s paws around twice a month.  This keeps his paws cleaner, and helps prevent him from slipping on our wood floors.

Health:

Especially since this is a newer breed, breeders and owners are encouraged to monitor their dogs closely for any health issues.  So far, some known issues include thyroid issues, FVII deficiency, and nutritional issues.  Factor VII deficiency is a genetic blood clotting disorder that can cause dogs to bleed more than is normal after injury or surgery, and rarely spontaneously.  Thankfully, responsible AKK breeders can complete a DNA test to establish whether their breeding dogs carry this genetic disorder.  Dogs carrying FVII deficiency should not be bred.

Alaskan klee kai are pretty notorious for being picky eaters.  While not necessarily a health issue per say, feeding these dogs an inadequate or incomplete diet can lead to health issues.  This has been something I’ve personally struggled with with my own dog.  For most of his life, he’s been underweight thanks to how selective he can be about eating.  If your dog is similar, I suggest working with a vet nutritionist to help find a healthy diet that your dog will actually eat.

Temperament:

Alaskan klee kaiDespite looking like little huskies, it’s important to recognize that Alaskan klee kai do not necessarily have the same personalities as huskies.  These are high maintenance little dogs!

Alaskan klee kai are very commonly 1 person dogs.  They will be obsessed with their special person, and often want very little to do with anyone else.  It’s not uncommon for this breed to be shy, or weary of strangers.  Alaskan klee kai are the introverts of the dog world.  Now that’s something I can relate too!

Many of the AKK I’ve met have, in general, been prone to developing anxieties.  Because they bond so strongly with their people, separation anxiety can be common in this breed.  I’ve never had a dog that feeds off my own moods more than my AKK.  Usually this isn’t a bad thing, but during stressful times it can be.  Training can sometimes be a challenge, not because AKK are not intelligent, but because they are oftentimes unmotivated to work for treats.  With my own AKK, I had to learn how to use toys and play as a training reward, because Fenrir has next to no food motivation.

Klee Cats!

AKK are sometimes referred to as “klee cats” due to their often times cat-like personalities.  They can be stubborn, demanding, and want attention on their terms.  Although they are not really known for being barkers, this is a talkative breed.  Believe me, they will let you know what’s on their mind in no uncertain terms, usually in the form of all kinds of crazy sounds that you’ve never heard a dog make before!

These dogs are extremally loving, loyal to a fault to their family members, and super playful.  They’re a lot of fun!  But they are also very high maintenance little dogs that will do best in homes well prepared to deal with their quarks.

Small but Mighty!

I hate how often little dogs get underestimated.  The Alaskan klee kai is not a dog to underestimate.  In the years I’ve had Fenrir, I’ve met AKK that excel at all kinds of dog sports.  Everything from weight pull to agility.

Alaskan klee kai are high energy little dogs.  In my opinion, this is not a small dog breed for couch potatoes.  They need owners who will be willing to commit to providing them with ample mental and physical exercise.  Generally, this isn’t a breed that can be trusted off leash.  Care should be taken to establish a safe, escape proof space to exercise when outdoors.

Ideal Owners:

Alaskan klee kaiI absolutely adore my AKK, but he has, by far, been the most challenging dog I’ve ever worked with.  For many years my little pack lived in the city.  While, like I mentioned before, there are perks to raising dogs in the cityOpens in a new tab., in my opinion Alaskan klee kai are not the best city dogs.  They prefer quieter environments, where they can spend most of their time with their families.  AKK are interesting, unique looking dogs, so everyone and then some will want to pet them.  This can be stressful for these shy dogs, who usually prefer not to interact with people they don’t know really well.

Fen, despite his size, makes an amazing hiking companionOpens in a new tab..  He also just loves spending time outdoors, whether we’re laying in the grass relaxing or playing fetch on his long line.

Alaskan klee kai, in my opinion, do best with very committed owners who have the time to provide ample and on-going training, as well as both mental and physical exercise.  In most situations, I don’t think AKK make good pets for first time dog owners, or for anyone who doesn’t take the time to really get to know what they are getting themselves into with this unique breed.

But for the right people, Alaskan klee kai can make amazing pets.  They love their people on a level that borders on obsessive, so with your AKK around you’ll never be alone.  They are playful and loving, and make amazing little adventure companions.

Comment below!  Have you ever met an Alaskan klee kai?  Or maybe you have one of your own?  What has your experience with this breed been like?