Alaskan Klee Kai
Draft — this profile is still being checked.
At a glance
The Alaskan Klee Kai was developed in Alaska by Linda Spurlin and her family from the early 1970s as a companion-sized version of the Alaskan Husky, and comes in Toy, Miniature and Standard sizes up to about 43 cm. It is a wedge-headed, prick-eared, double-coated northern dog whose most distinctive feature is a contrasting facial mask with a nose bar and goggles. The UKC standard calls it curious, intelligent, active, quick and agile — a good alarm watchdog that is devoted to its own people but may be aloof with strangers.
Facts
| Size | Small |
|---|---|
| Height | 33–43.2cm |
| Weight | 2.7–11.3kg |
| Life expectancy | 13–16years |
| Breed group | AKC: miscellaneous |
| Role | Companion |
| Coat | Double coat |
Health
This page is general information compiled from published sources. It is not veterinary, legal or purchase advice. Dogs vary within a breed — talk to a vet or a reputable breeder about the dog in front of you.
Health notes are not veterinary advice. Conditions listed are those reported for the breed, not a diagnosis of any dog. Always consult a veterinarian.
Conditions responsible breeders screen for
The AKC breed page states that responsible breeders screen breeding stock for patellar luxation, autoimmune thyroiditis, heart murmur, eye disorders and Factor VII deficiency, and that buyers should confirm the screening of the sire and dam. Ask your vet or breeder about these tests.
Behaviour
Curious, alert and territorial for its size
The UKC standard describes the Alaskan Klee Kai as very curious, intelligent, active, quick and agile; loyalty and alertness make it a good watchdog that gives alarm and may be territorial despite its small size, and while devoted to its owners it may be aloof with strangers. Viciousness or extreme shyness is a disqualification.
Official guidance
Summaries of official documents are ours; the source is linked. Breed standards, laws and licensing rules change — check the issuing body for the current version.
United Kennel Club — Alaskan Klee Kai breed standard
UKC Northern Breed Group standard: origin, characteristics, double coat and the three size varieties (Toy up to 13 in, Miniature to 15 in, Standard to 17 in).
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
American Kennel Club — Alaskan Klee Kai (Miscellaneous Class)
AKC breed page: height 12–17 in, weight 6–25 lb, life expectancy 13–16 years, and the parent club health statement.
Read the sourceAccessed 2026-09-09
Sources
- [1]Alaskan Klee Kai — Official UKC Breed Standard — United Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
- [2]Alaskan Klee Kai — breed page — American Kennel Club (Accessed 2026-09-09)
Still have questions?
Ask owners on the PawMunity forum — every breed has its own board.
Breed data compiled by PocketPaw from the sources credited on each entry. Text and layout © 2026 NextPath Solutions Limited. Please link to a page rather than copying it.