Are you trying to decide between an Alaskan Klee Kai and a Siberian Husky as your next furry companion? Both breeds are known for their striking appearance and high energy levels, but there are some key differences to consider when choosing between the two.
Ultimately, the decision will boil down to the type of dog that best suits your lifestyle.
In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the size, appearance, coat, energy level, and temperament of Alaskan Klee Kais and Siberian Huskies to help you make an informed decision.
Some Facts on The Alaskan Klee Kai
The Alaskan Klee Kai is a relatively new breed of dog that was developed by Linda Spurlin in the 1970’s with breeds such as the Alaskan Eskimo Dog and the Schipperke. In later generations, American Eskimo Dog blood was introduced into the breed.
The goal of the breeding program was to make a small dog breed that looked like a smaller Siberian husky but was smaller and had a finer coat. The result, of course, was the Alaskan Klee Kai.
These dogs are often mistaken for a mixed breed or mini huskies, but they are a recognized breed by the United Kennel Club and are working towards recognition by the American Kennel Club.
Reputable breeders of the Alaskan Klee Kai follow a breed standard that says what size, coat color, and eye color the dogs should have.
Size of the Alaskan Klee Kai
The weight and height of an Alaskan Klee Kai can vary depending on whether you choose a miniature, toy, or standard Alaskan Klee Kai.
The following is a rough guideline of what to expect in the size of your Alaskan Klee Kai.
Miniature Alaskan Klee Kai
Female miniature Alaskan Klee Kais typically weigh between 10 and 15 pounds and stand at a height of 13 to 15 inches at the shoulder.
Miniature males typically weigh between 15 and 20 pounds and stand at a height of 13 to 15 inches at the shoulder.
Toy Alaskan Klee Kai
The toy size Alaskan Klee Kai is the smallest of the three size categories.
Toy females typically weigh between 7 and 10 pounds and stand at a height of up to 13 inches at the shoulder. Toy males typically weigh between 8 and 11 pounds and stand at a height of up to 13 inches at the shoulder.
Standard Alaskan Klee Kai
The standard size Alaskan Klee Kai is the largest of the three size categories, but is still considered a medium-sized dog.
Standard females typically weigh between 20 and 30 pounds and stand at a height of 15 to 17 inches at the shoulder. Standard males typically weigh between 20 and 35 pounds and stand at a height of 15 to 17 inches at the shoulder.
It is important to note that these are just general guidelines and individual dogs may vary in size.
Color
The Alaskan Klee Kai’s coat comes in different colors, including black and white, red and white, and grey and white
Grooming
If you’re wondering whether this breed sheds, the answer is yes. In fact, you expect these dogs to shed heavily twice a year. They may even shed lightly all year round.
The Alaskan Klee Kai has a thick double coat that requires regular grooming every 2 – 3 months to remove dead hairs and maintain its shape. This can be done with a slicker brush, shedding blade, or by hand.
Grooming sessions should also include checking and cleaning the ears, trimming the nails, and brushing the paws to remove tangles and mats.
Common Health Problems
Like all breeds, the Alaskan Klee Kai is prone to certain health problems. Some of the common health problems that can affect Alaskan Klee Kai include:
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye disorders
- Allergies
- Thyroid diseases
- Heart conditions
- Epilepsy
Not all Alaskan Klee Kai will develop these health concerns. Regular visits to the veterinarian can help identify and manage any potential issues early on.
Exercise Requirements
The Alaskan Klee Kai is a breed with high energy levels and requires plenty of daily exercise to maintain its physical and mental health. These dogs are intelligent and need mental stimulation in addition to physical exercise.
Generally, the Alaskan Klee Kai should get at least one hour of exercise per day. This can includes activities such as walks, runs, playtime, and agility training.
Personality of the Alaskan Klee Kai
Alaskan Klee Kai are generally friendly and good with children, but they may be reserved or timid around strangers. Early socialization is important to help them feel comfortable in a variety of situations and around new people. These dogs are loyal to their families and can be protective of them, but they are not generally aggressive.
This breed makes a good watchdog.
Unlike many working breeds, such as Siberian Huskies and Alaskan Malamutes, which were developed for tasks such as pulling sleds and working in packs, Alaskan Klee Kai were primarily developed as companion animals.
They are intelligent and energetic, but they are not built or bred for heavy physical labor.
Separation Anxiety
Like all breeds, some Alaskan Klee Kai may be prone to separation anxiety, while others may not be affected by it at all.
Separation anxiety is a common behavioral issue in dogs that occurs when a dog becomes anxious or stressed when left alone or separated from their owner. Separation anxiety is not a breed-specific issue and can affect dogs of any breed or size.
Trainability
This breed can be easy to train, provided they are properly motivated and rewards are used consistently. Alaskan Klee Kai are generally eager to please their owners and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods such as praise, treats, and play.
The Alaskan Klee Kai can be trained for a variety of activities, including obedience, agility, and rally. However, they are not built for heavy physical labor and should not be expected to perform tasks that are beyond their capabilities.
Prey Drive
The Alaskan Klee Kai is a breed with a high prey drive, meaning that they have a natural instinct to hunt and chase small animals. This prey drive can be strong in some dogs and may need to be managed through training and socialization.
Alaskan Klee Kai can coexist with other pets, but it is important to introduce them slowly and carefully and to supervise their interactions.
No two dogs are the same and that each individual Alaskan Klee Kai may have its own unique personality and tendencies.
Homes or Apartments
Despite their small size, Alaskan Klee Kai are not a breed that is suitable for apartment living. They require a lot of physical and mental stimulation and do best in homes with a securely fenced yard where they can run and play.
Facts About The Siberian Husky
The Siberian Husky is a medium-sized working breed that is known for its striking appearance, intelligence, and energetic personality. They were originally developed in Siberia for use as sled dogs and are known for their endurance and ability to work in cold climates.
Today, these purebred dogs are popular as companion dogs and participate in a variety of activities, including obedience, agility, and sledding.
Size
Siberian Huskies are a medium-sized breed, standing at a height of 20-23.5 inches at the shoulder for males and 20-22 inches for females. They typically weigh between 35 and 60 pounds.
Color
Siberian Huskies come in a variety of colors, including black, white, red, grey, and silver. They may also have markings on their face and legs, and their eyes may be blue, brown, or one of each color.
Grooming Needs
Siberian Huskies have a thick, double coat that requires regular grooming to maintain its health and appearance.
They shed heavily twice a year, during the spring and fall, and may shed lightly year-round. They require weekly brushing to remove loose hairs and keep their coat in good condition.
Common Health Problems
Like all breeds, Siberian Huskies are prone to certain health problems. Some of the common health issues that can affect Siberian Huskies include:
- Hip dysplasia
- Eye disorders
- Allergies
- Hypothyroidism (thyroid diseases)
- Heart conditions.
Exercise Requirements
Siberian Huskies have a high energy level that requires at least one hour of exercise per day to maintain their physical and mental health. They are intelligent and need mental stimulation in addition to physical exercise.
Personality
Siberian Huskies are known for their friendly, outgoing personalities. They are intelligent, energetic, and social, and they enjoy being around people. They are generally good with children and other pets, but they can be stubborn and may be prone to chasing small animals due to their strong prey drive.
Trainability
Siberian Huskies are intelligent and respond well to training, but they can be stubborn and may be difficult to train for inexperienced owners. They respond best to positive reinforcement training methods such as praise, treats, and play.
Homes or Apartments
Siberian Huskies are not well-suited to apartment living due to their high energy levels and need for plenty of space to run and play.
They do best in homes with a securely fenced yard where they can run and play safely. It is important for owners to provide their Siberian Husky with plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
5 Key Differences Between the Alaskan Klee Kai vs Siberian Husky
The Alaskan Klee Kai and the Siberian Husky are two breeds of dog that share some physical characteristics, but they are distinct breeds with their own unique characteristics and origins.
Here are five key differences between the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Siberian Husky:
Size
One key difference between the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Siberian Husky is size.
Alaskan Klee Kai come in three size categories: toy, miniature, and standard.
Siberian huskies, on the other hand, are a medium-sized breed, standing at a height of 20–23.5 inches at the shoulder for males and 20–22 inches for females. They typically weigh between 35 and 60 pounds.
Coat
Another difference between the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Siberian Husky is coat type. Both breeds have a thick, double coat, but the Alaskan Klee Kai’s coat is finer and shorter than the Siberian Husky’s.
Personality
The Alaskan Klee Kai and the Siberian Husky have some differences in personality as well. Alaskan Klee Kai are generally friendly and good with children, but they may be reserved or timid around strangers.
Siberian Huskies are known for their friendly, outgoing personalities and are generally good with children and other pets. However, they can be stubborn and may be prone to chasing small animals due to their strong prey drive.
Exercise Requirements
Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Siberian Husky are high-energy breeds that require plenty of daily exercise to maintain their physical and mental health.
However, the Alaskan Klee Kai is a smaller breed and may not require as much exercise as the Siberian Husky. It’s important for owners to provide both breeds with plenty of daily exercise and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.
Endurance
Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Siberian Husky are high-energy breeds that are known for their endurance and ability to work hard. However, there are some differences between the two breeds in terms of their specific capabilities and work history.
Siberian Huskies are a working breed known for their endurance and ability to work in cold climates.
Alaskan Klee Kai, on the other hand, are a breed that was developed as a companion breed. While Alaskan Klee Kai are smart dogs with a lot of energy, they may not have the same endurance and work drive as the Siberian Husky.
Posts To Read Next
29 Least Aggressive Dog Breeds You Can Trust
From 9 Weeks to Walking – A Guide for Your French Bulldog Puppy
15 Signs that You Are Ready for a Pitsky Puppy
An Insider’s Look at the Insanely Affectionate French Bulldog
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Siberian Husky are two different breeds with their own origins and characteristics.
Although the Alaskan Klee Kai is often called a “miniature husky,” it is a recognised breed with its own breed standard and pedigree. The Alaskan Klee Kai was not meant to be a working dog. Instead, it was made to be a companion.
Siberian huskies, on the other hand, are a breed of medium-sized dog that was first bred in Siberia to pull sleds. They are known for being tough, smart, and able to work in cold climates. They are also popular as both working dogs and pets.
Even though the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Siberian Husky have some similarities, they are different breeds with their own unique traits. Both breeds make great pets, but it’s important to think about the specific needs of each breed when deciding which one might be the best fit for your lifestyle and living environment.
Sources
FAQs about Miniature Alaskan Klee Kai Puppies – Nordic Mini Huskys. (n.d.). Nordic Mini Huskys. Retrieved January 15, 2023, from https://nordicminihuskys.com/breed-faqs/
Alaskan Klee Kai, a Husky in a Small Package? (n.d.). Small Dog Place. Retrieved January 15, 2023, from https://www.smalldogplace.com/alaskan-klee-kai.html
Siberian Husky – Wikipedia.” Siberian Husky – Wikipedia, 1 Jan. 2022, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siberian_Husky.
“Siberian Husky: Dog Breed Profile.” The Spruce Pets, 7 Feb. 2022, www.thesprucepets.com/siberian-husky-dog-breed-profile-1118000.