What You Should Know About the Alaskan Klee Kai Association of America
The Klee Kai was bred to be a smaller companion version of the beautiful Alaskan Husky. Therefore, this dog is often referred to as the miniature Alaskan Husky, or mini Husky. The Alaskan Klee Kai Association of America serves to determine breed standards, promote the Alaskan Klee Kai, and promote responsible breeding and ownership of this beautiful dog. This organization has been in existence since 1988, when its first Board of Directors was elected.
The AKKAOA educates not only breeders but also owners about veterinary issues that could arise with their Alaskan Klee Kai dogs and provides a guideline for puppy care up through the age of 12 to 15 months.
Breed Standards
The AAKAOA maintains breed standards for the Alaskan Klee Kai. This is important for keeping the Klee Kai the same dog it was initially intended to be throughout the course of breeding. The most recent AAKAOA breeding standards were published in 2010, as of this writing. The general appearance of the Klee Kai should be nearly identical to the Alaskan Husky, with the exception of overall size, given that the Klee Kai is much smaller than a Husky. The Klee Kai has a wedge-shaped head with a masked face, prick ears, and a warm double coat. The height of a Klee Kai should be barely smaller than its length. The tail should have plenty of fur and curl over the back or to the left or right when the dog is alerted by something or is actively moving.
The head should not have any wrinkles and should be proportionate to the body. The teeth should close in a scissors cut, free of any over or under bites. Although a solid black nose is the most desirable, a black nose with a streak of pink or a liver colored nose is also acceptable in certain circumstances.
The most desirable eyes are almond shaped, although round and oval eyes are also acceptable. Eyes can be in a variety of colors. The eye rim should be black, except in the case of red colored dogs, in which case the eye rim should be liver colored. The neck should be medium in length, not too short and not too long.
The Toy Variety of the Klee Kai can be up to 13 inches tall at the withers. The Miniature Variety is over 13 inches to 15 inches tall at the withers. Over 15 inches to 17 inches at the withers is the Standard Variety. A height of greater than 17 inches at the withers is regarded as a serious fault.
Although there is range of acceptable breeding standards for the Klee Kai, there are also a few serious faults. These faults are not necessary veterinary problems but would result is losing points if showing the dog. In the show ring, points are very important. For that reason, if a dog has serious faults it should not be bred but may very well make a good pet.
Database of Health Issues
The AKKAOA maintains a database of health issues that are common in the Klee Kai. This is important to make owners and breeders aware of potential veterinary problems, ensuring that they have the opportunity to screen for these issues. Some of the health issues listed in the database includes thyroid disease, vaccine issues, and nutrition problems. Thyroid disease is an autoimmune problem the results in the dog’s own immune system destroying its thyroid gland. Once 75-percent of the thyroid gland is destroyed, clinical signs and symptoms of thyroid disease are often present. This condition is inheritable, so it is important especially for breeders to take note of this condition and avoid breeding dogs with thyroid disease.
Negative reactions to vaccines can happen to any dog, so all Klee Kai owners and breeders should discuss a vaccine schedule and possible reactions with their veterinarians. In some limited circumstances, the risks of a vaccine outweigh its potential benefit and the vaccine should be withheld.
Proper nutrition is important for all dogs to maintain good health, including a healthy immune system. Because of this, owners and breeders alike should discuss their dogs’ nutritional needs with a veterinarian.
Help for New Klee Kai Owners
Owning a Klee Kai is unlike owning any other breed of dog. The AKKAOA assists owners by providing a variety of resources, including information on how to find a reliable breeder and what to expect when raising and owning a Klee Kai. Education resources are available on the AKKAOA website, teaching Klee Kai owners how to prepare for an emergency, how to train a Klee Kai puppy, how to deal with separation anxiety, and how to prepare for the Canine Good Citizen exam.
Directory of Breeders in Good Standing
The AKKAOA maintains a list of breeders in good standing with the organization. If you are considering buying a puppy, it is important that you find one on this list. Like with all breeds, backyard breeders will breed irresponsibly, hoping to make a quick buck. While you may think that you are getting a good deal on a highly sought after dog, the truth is that you are enabling an irresponsible breeder to breed dogs without their health in mind and not up to AKKAOA standards. The breeder directory has a number of breeders in a variety of locations, ensuring that you have the opportunity to purchase a puppy for a reputable and responsible breeder.
Purchasing a puppy from a responsible breeder has a variety of benefits, including the peace of mind of knowing that your puppy was bred from healthy parents who met the AKKAOA breed standards.
Summary
The AKKAOA strives to maintain high breed standards for the Klee Kai and assist owners and breeders with responsible dog ownership and breeding. Breed standards are updated periodically and resources are available for owners and breeders alike. Regardless of the question or concern you have regarding your Klee Kai, there is a good chance that the AKKAOA has resources available for you.
