The Alaskan Klee Kai was developed in the 1970s as a companion-sized breed that resembles the Alaskan Husky and the Siberian Husky. The Alaskan Klee Kai is an energetic and intelligent apartment-sized dog that is both loyal and protective of its family. Linda Spurlin discovered this remarkable breed purely by accident. Her brother-in-law had a litter of small dogs that resulted from the accidental mating of an Alaskan Husky with an unknown dog. They were hugely popular in the local community. This article will highlight the issues surrounding the actual Alaskan Klee Kai cost.

Dog breeding is a labor intensive and time consuming process; Linda, based in Wasilla, Alaska, decided to devote her life to perfecting the Alaskan Klee Kai’s lineage through careful and knowledgeable breeding practices. In 1995, the American Rare Breed Association officially recognized the Alaskan Klee Kai, and in 1997, the United Kennel Club followed suit. The Alaskan Husky is an important part of Alaskan history and is a friendly, companion dog. However, it is not well suited to living in environments outside of the Alaskan tundra. The Alaskan Klee Kai is a well-bred, companion-sized version of the Alaskan Husky that, with the proper care, will thrive in almost any living situation.

Purchasing an Alaskan Klee Kai

Alaskan Klee Kai should always be purchased from reputable, UKC registered breeders. For more information on finding a reputable breeder, click here. Be wary and stay away from any AKK pups advertised on “generic puppy sites” (eg. puppyfinder.com) or sites such as Craigslist (ie. red flag). Ethical breeders do not advertise their available puppies as they often have wait lists for their litters. Depending on the individual breeder, the wait time may range anywhere from a few months to a couple of years, depending on the physical characteristics of your desired puppy (eg. fur color, eye color). Reputable breeders will almost always require potential AKK owners to fill out a detailed questionnaire about themselves and their lifestyles- these answers are ultimately taken into consideration during the matching process (ie. matching potential owners with the appropriate AKK).

So what are the costs associated with bringing home an Alaskan Klee Kai?

Reputable Alaskan Klee Kai breeders charge anywhere between the range of $1800-$3000, depending on the puppy. This is the typical cost range for a pet-quality Alaskan Klee Kai puppy. Puppies that are sold on breeding contracts  are often priced higher and those that are adopted out as retired adult dogs will be priced lower, usually around the range of $450-700.

Being familiar with Alaskan Klee Kai prices will help you to avoid scams. For instance, puppies advertised for anything lower than $1000 are an immediate red flag (ie. scam)- no good breeder will sell a puppy for that price. Another thing to keep in mind is that many reputable breeders do not have puppy prices listed on their websites- such information tend only to be disclosed by the breeder after they have interacted with the potential owner. Always be careful with sites that post Alaskan Klee Kai prices that seem too good to be true!

If your Alaskan Klee Kai needs a flight home…

Depending on the individual breeder, some may be willing to ship their puppies on a short distance flight to their new home. Flight fees range anywhere from $150-$500; an airline approved crate will also need to be purchased for the flight, often from the breeder. Always be wary of “breeders” that are willing to ship their puppies internationally “with no questions asked.” AKK breeders almost always prefer the option of local pick-ups as this allows for both parties to meet each other prior to the puppy going home; it is therefore not uncommon for potential owners to fly or drive out to the breeder for their puppies. Ideally, “shipping options” should only be used as a last resort as flights tend to be very stressful on the young puppy.

But can I get one from a rescue?

The Alaskan Klee Kai National Rescue is the only rescue dedicated to the breed. However due to the rarity of the breed, AKK may be hard to come by as rescues. Those interested in providing a home for an adult or older AKK are therefore suggested to contact their local breeders about the availability of potential retired adults.

What about the costs associated with their food?

Taking care of your Alaskan Klee Kai requires paying special attention to their diet. Many dogs of this breed have sensitive stomachs, and introducing new foods too fast may cause vomiting or diarrhea which will be unpleasant for both parties.
The best way to find the right food for your dog is through a closely observed process of trial and error. You will obviously want to stay away from budget and low-end grocery brands because these contain non-nutritional and possibly harmful fillers. Click here for more information regarding what to feed your Alaskan Klee Kai. The best dog foods are those that closely resemble what you eat for dinner. You do not eat McDonalds every day and neither should your dog. Active dogs needs diets high in protein, healthy carbs, and low in sugar.

High grade dog kibble will be more expensive than the ones commonly sold at the grocery store, but there is no doubt that the different in quality is worth the cost. If your dog does well on a particular brand of dog food, you may wish to purchase it in one of the larger bag sizes as the cost per lb/kg is typically less for larger amounts.

The Alaskan Klee Kai can be a finicky eater, and while there are a variety of high-end dog foods on the market, you need to find the right food for your dog. A period of trial and error, with a rotation of different varieties of food options, is the best way to hone in on your dog’s preferred brand. Even if your dog has a favorite, you should always make sure to vary his or her preferred meal options to ensure that he or she gets the proper nutrients.

Other hidden costs associated with dog ownership

When you contemplate expanding your family, you need to consider potential hidden costs. Adopting an Alaskan Klee Kai is like adding a child to your brood. There exists the potential for illness and the need for professional training/behavioral therapy. Inevitably, you will want to spoil your pet with treats, accessories, and excursions. For those with busy lifestyles, it may also be necessary to employ the help of dog sitters/walkers or dog daycares during the day. While these may add up to a costly amount, they are worth it for those who treasure their canine companions.

Medical problems are the most obvious hidden cost when you own a dog. In addition to physical exams, young puppies also require a series of vaccinations and deworming treatments. Yearly health checks and booster shots may be necessary to ensure your pet’s health and ward off illness. If your Alaskan Klee Kai does not get enough exercise, they will gain weight and their risk for diabetes and heart disease will increase. Medical issues are expensive and can be devastating. When you bring home a dog, it may be a good idea to have a separate reserve for emergency medical expenses.

To a dog, your belongings are chew toys

Alaskan Klee Kai are incredibly active and energetic dogs. Unless you dog proof your house, they will get into everything and destroy your hard-earned possessions. Dogs do not see your expensive headphones or electronics as valuable investments, but, rather as crunchy chew toys. Dogs love to tear apart books, eat furniture, and dig through trash. Replacement costs can easily add up and are almost always unexpected. Your dog will find and eat/destroy your most valuable when it is least expected- this is inconvenient for you and potentially extremely dangerous for your dog.

In conclusion…

Alaskan Klee Kai are one of the most loyal, dependable, social, and companionable dog breeds available. Adopting any dog requires research and a long-term time and monetary investment, but an Alaskan Klee Kai is a fantastic fit for an active, fun-loving family with energy and love to spare.