The description of Klee Kai below I found to be right on and very entertaining. Its from my dear friend and a foundation breeder. Her name is Carroll Parkison and she has now gone over the Rainbow Bridge:( I want to share her voice with you, she is and will always be our friend and she will be dearly missed by many. I could not describe the Klee Kai breed better than she has.

Please remember this is an old posting and some things have changed since then. For example, there are more AKK in our population etc. But she describes the personality of our breed very well. I hope you enjoy:)

We love & miss you Carroll.

 Description

The Klee Kai was bred down from Siberian and Alaskan Huskies, along with the help of a Schipperke and American Eskimo to downsize without dwarfism. As such you will find the same characteristics as are found in the huskies. They are curious, tenacious, extremely strong for their size, crafty hunters and escape artists. The Klee Kai is a very energetic dog; however, not the typically "hyper" little dog. They are beautiful and proud.

The name "Klee Kai" is derived from Eskimo words meaning "small dog". There are approximately 500 of these dogs in existence in the world.

History

There was an accidental mating in Wasilla Alaska in the mid 70's. Linda Spurlin, the developer of the Klee Kai breed saw this little dog that looked like a Husky and thought that this would be the perfect apartment sized dog. She set about perfecting the breed. She spent those first years without any return on her investment, loving these little creatures that she had created. She had rough times and years of work invested. She sold her first dog for the purpose of breeding in December 1988.

Characteristics

Coat and Grooming

The Klee Kai, like the Siberian Husky, is relatively easy to care for. They are extremely clean. Most don't like wet feet and will spend hours daily grooming themselves. They do not have a "doggy odor" nor do they have "dog breath." Most Klee Kai will seldom require a bath.

As in Siberians and unlike short haired dogs who shed all year long, the Klee Kai also blows their coat twice a year. Of course, the size of the dogs limit the amount of fur blown. It is best to groom the dog on a regular basis during this time. Some of the longer haired dogs can become matted if not groomed. Most Klee Kai will assist the loss of hair by rubbing against things such as fences.

Other than this period of blowing coat, the Klee Kai is very self sufficient. The normal preventative measures should be taken, such as trimming of nails, normal grooming in the form of brushing. This process is especially important in the bonding process.

Temperament

A Klee Kai in your home means that you are never alone. They make you laugh even if you don't want to and can soothe a heart broken for whatever reason. They become a very integral part of the family that chooses to adopt one.

This is a very intelligent dog. I have actually seen a male dog unweave a chain link fence to get to the female next to him. I have seen a female pull the fence in so the male could squeeze under the fence. They love to be with their people. If they are put in a climate that is unpleasant for them, they will find a way out of it.

Unlike the Siberian Husky, the Klee Kai is standoffish and suspicious of strangers. They do make extremely good watch dogs. They will let you know when some one is around and seldom bark at nothing. I am sure that they would give their lives protecting their loved ones. Klee Kai do not like being treated like a toy. They want to be treated with respect. Since children will sometimes encroach on that wish, only children who know how to treat animals are their preferred companions. These dogs do tend to be a little dog aggressive if not socialized properly. By this I mean to convey that the Klee Kai can be nice to strange dogs as long as the stranger has good intentions. The Klee Kai are generally self assured around strange dogs but will return in kind any acts of aggression. The Klee Kai is uncomfortable when his master is not around. They would much rather travel with him/her and do so easily. The Klee Kai portrait would be incomplete without conveying his love and passionate affection for his master and family members.

Klee Kai are hunters. If raised or introduced correctly, a Klee Kai can live with cats and in a household with birds. Of course it would be prudent for the owner not to leave birds running loose around the house, or to leave a Klee Kai unattended in a room with gerbils, hamsters, etc. Their hunting instinct is very keen and they have been known to make a meal of them. Once I had a gerbil running around in one of those clear balls, the Klee Kai was in the house and I was on the phone. I heard the dog banging the ball around but figured the gerbil was safe. Next thing I know, my granddaughter comes running in the house crying that Sitka is eating the gerbil. That was the last gerbil in our house. I have also had one of my climbers get on top of a bird cage which was hanging from a stand. She simply climbed upon the table then leaped to the top of the cage. I have had many Klee Kai placed in homes in which there were cats, I've even had a dam nurse abandoned kittens. There are some that just cannot be trusted. I will usually know those dogs before they leave my house.

Barking, Talking, and Howling

As stated above, the Klee Kai is not a habitual barker. They are talkers and sometimes remind their owners of living with a teenager. Klee Kais love to have the last word, even as they obey the command about which they are complaining. Klee Kai are packish as is the Siberian. Typically, you can find a kennel of Klee Kai singing together either early in the morning or at night when the coyotes are too close. They start and stop howling as if on cue. They also tend to be rather psychic. They know when feeding time is, even if this is not a scheduled event. They can sense when something is wrong even when they are removed from the household as in the kennels.

Care and Training

Feeding

I have found that this breed does best on a food consisting of chicken and rice. They need a premium food. No cheap dog food for them. A good name brand is best. They require much fuel to provide energy for their antics. The Klee Kai is a social eater. When raised in kennels, they tend to eat best while being cared for but gain the bulk of their weight when in the home with their family. Generally speaking, it is best to feed puppies on a schedule to facilitate "potty training". Puppies should be feed at least three times a day. Adults may be fed once per day. Most people who own Klee Kais will self feed once the dog is housetrained. They do not "chow down" and tend to be social eaters. Because of this, they seldom put on excess weight. These dogs love fruits and vegetables such as peas, corn, peaches, bananas, stir fry and many other varieties.

Living Situation

Klee Kai are very much family dogs. They can stand the cold as is exhibited by the fact that they were developed in Alaska. Their typical housing there was a dog house filled with straw. However, they are happiest with their people. Doggie doors are great for these dogs. They like to be able to come in to check on their people occasionally. They are very good with small children and even babies. There have been reports of Klee Kai watching the baby in the house then going out to get the parent when the baby cried. There have been dams that nursed kittens. There have been dogs who lived when they should have been dead. They are an extremely sturdy little dog.

Fences will not hold an unhappy Klee Kai. Most Klee Kai that have been returned by their families have come from a home which ended up in separation. They are extremely sensitive to disharmony and don't like it. They also will leave a home where they are kept in the yard without having visits to the house to be with their families. They are easily kennel or crate trained; however, don't lock them in a room. Walls and fences were made to go over, under or through. As with the the Siberian Husky, a fenced yard is necessary for an outside dog. The fence should be strong and 6 feet tall. There should be wire in the ground to inhibit digging out. Klee Kai like to dig dens; therefore, it would be a good idea to have an area that would allow this activity without destroying an entire yard. As with all dogs, a kennel area is desirable for a dog that has the habit of escaping. The kennel area should be made of chain link, over a concrete pad. The fence should be 6 feet tall and covered since Klee Kai are climbers. They will need a dog house but will spend most of their time sunning themselves on the roof top. They like to be "King of the Mountain" and therefore always choose the highest point available to perch.

Training

Even through these dogs were bred down from Siberians, they make very good obedience dogs. They want to please their owners. Combine that with being extremely smart and there is nothing that they cannot learn. You should start obedience early. Establish the rules and stick to them. Let your Klee Kai know that you are the boss. Don't let your dog do something as a puppy that you don't want him/her to do as an adult. If you give in even once, you have established that the rules were made to be broken. Once you have taught your dog to perform a certain behavior, expect him/her to do it all the time, so don't let him/her do anything that you don't want him/her to do because it will be very difficult to undo that training.

Klee Kai are pack oriented; therefore, you must establish yourself as the pack leader. It is not necessary to do the alpha roll that is commonly referred to. You just have to inspire respect, not bully the dog into submission. That tactic can make a resentful, unpredictable dog. Treat your dog with respect and expect the same. If you train your puppy correctly he/she will follow you anywhere. In that vein, training classes not only teach the puppy to socialize and respond to you even with distractions, but it also teaches you and everyone else in the family the correct commands to use and how to get your pup to respond. Consistency is extremely important and training classes give the family a place to practice with someone who is available to reinforce the correct training techniques. The training period is also a bonding experience. You will find that your Klee Kai wants to be the best at everything.

Agility for these dogs is a great challenge. All they have to do is watch another dog perform on the A-frame or the Bridge and they will follow without human direction. This is the type of training that is fun and productive. Both the owner and the dog have fun learning and following the rules. You will find that challenging your dog is the best way to keep him/her from getting bored and into trouble.

The worst thing that you can do is spoil these precious little dogs. Many people get one of these dogs and treat them like their "baby". Dogs don't understand their role if it is supposed to be your baby. Its a dog and only knows how to be one. When put in this kind of position, your dog can become willful, aggressive and in general unpleasant to be around.

General Health

These dogs have been remarkably free of genetic defects. We only allow serious breeders to buy un-neutered dogs. All puppies are sold on spay/neuter contracts, co-ownerships or to approved serious breeders. I believe that this is the reason for the lack of flaws. We have had an occasional undershot jaw, cryptorchidism and in the past there have been dogs that had to have baby teeth pulled that didn't come out.

Sometimes shyness can be a problem: both parents should be outgoing and friendly and show no traces of shyness or fear (not to be mistaken for aloofness).

Careful attention must be paid to the patella. It is very easy to develop luxating patellas in the smaller dogs, therefore, extra care must be given to the possible tendencies in our breeding stock. You should check that any pup you are considering has had its parents screened for luxating patellas by a veterinarian.

However, most breeders are very careful, and for this reason, a Klee Kai is remarkably problem free medically speaking.

Frequently Asked Questions

How did they get them so small?

When the breed was just beginning we believe that a Schipperke and an American Husky were used to bring the size of the Siberian Husky down.

Can you get a Klee Kai with blue eyes?

Yes, Klee Kai can have one or both blue eyes. They may also have an eye that is only part blue and the other part brown. In The Siberian this is called a "pinto eye", "parti eye", or "split eye." There is nothing wrong with the eye: the dog can see perfectly clearly. This is a common trait in the Siberian Husky and in the Klee Kai.

Most little dogs are yappy and hyper, how are the Klee Kai temperaments?

Klee Kai have a big dog bark. Occasionally we get a screamer or bugler as I call it. This tone is saved for an alarm. Klee Kai are very busy dogs, but not hyper. They are impish and creative. They will keep their owners on their toes. It was reported that one dog was able to get into a dishwasher where a treat had been hidden.

How do Klee Kai stand the cold?

Since the breed was developed in Alaska, they are extremely hardy and tolerant to cold. In the snow they will alternate which paw is on the ground, thus minimizing the chances for frostbite. You will note that the Klee Kai is double coated. A gray and white Klee Kai will have a white undercoat. A black and white Klee Kai will have a white undercoat. The wolf gray and white Klee Kai will have a gray undercoat. A red and white Klee Kai will have a white undercoat. The undercoat is important for protection against cold and heat. The longer guard hairs protect the Klee Kai from moisture. Twice a year the Klee Kai will shed its undercoat over a two to three week period.

I live in Mexico, how will a Klee Kai do in hot weather?

Klee Kai just like other dogs, need plenty of water and shade during the summer. A child's swimming pool is a great way for the dog to cool off. Keeping a dog in a car, crate or any other enclosure during the summer can cause heat exhaustion. Without air circulation, the dog's own body heat can be too much. As with any other dog, don't overheat the dog by encouraging excessive exercising during the heat of the day. Klee Kai like to eat ice, and especially appreciate it in the summer time. The Klee Kai will shed its coat prior to summer and does not need to be shaved. This is not necessary and is discouraged. Common sense should prevail, don't put your dog in a situation that you yourself could not tolerate.

How are they with kids?

Klee Kai love kids and do great with them as long as the child has been taught to respect the dog and not tease it. These dogs are small enough that an out of control child could cause serious damage. Most Klee Kai would give a child enough leeway that the child could cause serious damage before the dog could run. Good owners make good dogs. They do seem to have this sixth sense about the intentions of a child and will usually avoid a child with bad intentions.

Is a yard big enough for a Klee Kai?

Yes, even though they require a lot of exercise, they will accomplish this in a nice sized yard. If there is more than one dog, they will play chase. If not, they will chase birds or birds shadows, grasshoppers, snakes, or anything else that looks like it should be chased. They can also be kept in an apartment, they were bred to be apartment sized huskies, if the owner is sure to walk the dog at least three times a day.

Do they shed a lot?

Yes, they shed twice a year. They blow their coat each time and require plenty of brushing during this period. Of course when you are looking at a 10 to 20 pound dog, there isn't nearly as much hair as regular sized husky. I have allergies and these dogs don't aggravate them, so some people who are allergic to dogs may be able to tolerate these, probably because they are such clean dogs.

How are they with other dogs?

Many, not all, Klee Kai are aggressive toward other dogs unless they are well socialized as puppies. These dogs will tend to pick up the characteristics of an older dog if raised around one.

How miniature are they?

The average Klee Kai is between 10 and 20 pounds, and 12 and 15 inches.

Who should not own a Klee Kai?

Anyone who wants to treat their dog like their baby is asking for trouble. Anyone who can't stand hair should not have a Klee Kai. Anyone who can't stand doggy kisses certainly doesn't want a Klee Kai. Anyone who can't be consistent should not own a Klee Kai. Anyone who does not like to draw attention to themselves because everyone who sees a Klee Kai wants to know what it is, where they can get one and how much they cost nor anyone who just wants a status symbol.

Is this breed recognized by the AKC?

We have applied for AKC recognition and are waiting for a response at the present time. We have had many people who are wanting to breed the Klee Kai, who also want to be able to show our dogs, thus the application. We are also looking at some people in other countries who want to get involved in the breed but cannot use any other venue besides AKC and FIC to show their dogs. In order to provide the best possible situation for people all over the world I think it is in our best interest to become involved with the American Kennel Club. Klee Kai National Kennel Club will still require all dogs to pass the present criteria in order to be registered as breeding quality or show quality dogs.

~Carroll Parkison