Klee Kai anyone?

[Ewoodward]

I currently have 3 big dogs (2 GSDs and a Husky/Malamute/GSD mix), and 3 cats. They are all fortunately in good health. My husband said, though, that when one of my cats passes on, he'd like to get a small dog that could be in the house primarily, that would go outside only for exercise and potty breaks. He said I could choose the breed. I've never really been into small dogs though...and the only one that has caught my interest is the Alaskan Klee Kai...of course it would have to be a rare breed!!

But in all honesty, I don't know anything about the breed, except that they are basically miniaturized huskies...and absolutely gorgeous. Does anybody know anything about them? Any personal experiences???

I've never even met one in person, and the closest breeders I could find are 2 states away!

I've got plenty of time to learn about them, hopefully, as I'm not expecting any of my cats to pass anytime soon, but I definitely don't want to get an animal I won't understand and be prepared for!!

Thanks in advance for any help!

[jackiesdaisy1935]

Sorry, haven't even heard of a Klee Kai, I have two Schnauzers. Do you have a photo of one, I would love to see it?
Jackie

[wolflady]

Hi Ewoodward! They are gorgeous aren't they?
Oh, here's a pic of one for you jackies...


I've never met one personally, but what I've read is that they are a lot like their larger relatives, meaning high enery and regular exercise.
Here's a description I found in one of my dog books:
Description: The Alaskan Klee Kai is a smaller version of the Alaskan Husky, though it physically resembles the Siberian Husky. It is between 10-40 pounds (4.3-18 kg.), comes in 3 size varies, and 3 color choices.

Temperment: Alaskan Klee Kai's shed, bark, and have a high energy level, therefore not making them ideal choices for everyone. However, if in an appropriate home, the Klee Kai can be a wonderful companion.

Height/Weight:
Height: Standard 15-18 inches (38-48 cm.)
Height: Miniature 13-15 inches (33-39 cm)
Height: Toy under 13 inches (33 cm.)
Weight: Standard 25-40 pounds (13-18 kg.)
Weight: Miniature 15-25 pounds (7-12 kg.)
Weight: Toy under 15 pounds (7 kg.)

Little or no known health problems

Living conditions: Because of there size, these dogs can live in an apartment, but a house with at least a small yard is recommended.

Exercise: These dogs should be exercised regularly, however, are not as
dependant on exercise as there larger relatives.

Life Expectancy: Unknown yet, but 14 years is a good estimate.

Grooming: This breed sheds and should be combed and brushed on a regular basic.

Origin: The Alaskan Klee Kai has a lot of Alaskan and Siberian Husky, as well as small amounts of American Eskimo in some dogs. They were developed in the 70's and are a relatively new breed. They were bred to be companions and numbers are increasing.


Hope this helps!! Enjoy!

[Ewoodward]

Thanks...sounds like a scaled down version of the boys I already have...high energy, sheds alot, and barking (well my GSD's do, anyway)...only easier because I weigh more than the dog this time!

Convincing my husband that I need an $800 dog may be the tricky part...but I think he fell in love with the breed too the first time he saw a picture of one! Of course the "pet quality" ones are probably cheaper, and that's all I'd need anyway...I wouldn't be breeding.
My backup choice is the Airedale, but that's probably a little bigger than he wanted...and another breed I really know nothing about! (Except that they have cute faces!)

Originally posted by wolflady:
<STRONG>Hi Ewoodward! They are gorgeous aren't they?
Oh, here's a pic of one for you jackies...


I've never met one personally, but what I've read is that they are a lot like their larger relatives, meaning high enery and regular exercise.
Here's a description I found in one of my dog books:
Description: The Alaskan Klee Kai is a smaller version of the Alaskan Husky, though it physically resembles the Siberian Husky. It is between 10-40 pounds (4.3-18 kg.), comes in 3 size varies, and 3 color choices.

Temperment: Alaskan Klee Kai's shed, bark, and have a high energy level, therefore not making them ideal choices for everyone. However, if in an appropriate home, the Klee Kai can be a wonderful companion.

Height/Weight:
Height: Standard 15-18 inches (38-48 cm.)
Height: Miniature 13-15 inches (33-39 cm)
Height: Toy under 13 inches (33 cm.)
Weight: Standard 25-40 pounds (13-18 kg.)
Weight: Miniature 15-25 pounds (7-12 kg.)
Weight: Toy under 15 pounds (7 kg.)

Little or no known health problems

Living conditions: Because of there size, these dogs can live in an apartment, but a house with at least a small yard is recommended.

Exercise: These dogs should be exercised regularly, however, are not as
dependant on exercise as there larger relatives.

Life Expectancy: Unknown yet, but 14 years is a good estimate.

Grooming: This breed sheds and should be combed and brushed on a regular basic.

Origin: The Alaskan Klee Kai has a lot of Alaskan and Siberian Husky, as well as small amounts of American Eskimo in some dogs. They were developed in the 70's and are a relatively new breed. They were bred to be companions and numbers are increasing.


Hope this helps!! Enjoy! </STRONG>

[wolflady]

Erin,
So many decisions!! It's a hard choice!! So, how do you go about convincing the hubby?? ha ha ha I still have yet to convince mine to let me get my first dog! LOL LOL Any tips??!
Your babies sound great! I love nordic breeds and GSDs!! An Alasken Klee Kai sounds like it would fit right in!! Since I works so much, (I hate to admit this) I think my husband is right in that we need to wait, since the kind of dog I want is a higher maintenance dog. Although I had thought about adopting a retired greyhound...but I would still want to be home more! Be sure to keep us posted!

[jackiesdaisy1935]

Wow, I've never heard of them, they are just beautiful dogs. Thanks for sharing that photo and information.
Jackie

[Karen]

Star, a Klee Kai, was Dog of the Day in April, 200! http://DogoftheDay.com/archive/2000/April/30.html

[Daisy's Mom]

Klee Kais are beautiful dogs! I had never heard of them until now either. Good luck with your dog search!

[Ewoodward]

If you work alot, it's probably not a good idea to get ONE dog...because he/she can get bored while you're away. However, oftentimes people who can't be home with their pets as much as they like find that having 2 dogs works much better, as they'll have a companion to keep busy and play with while you're away.

Originally posted by wolflady:
<STRONG>Erin,
So many decisions!! It's a hard choice!! So, how do you go about convincing the hubby?? ha ha ha I still have yet to convince mine to let me get my first dog! LOL LOL Any tips??!
Your babies sound great! I love nordic breeds and GSDs!! An Alasken Klee Kai sounds like it would fit right in!! Since I works so much, (I hate to admit this) I think my husband is right in that we need to wait, since the kind of dog I want is a higher maintenance dog. Although I had thought about adopting a retired greyhound...but I would still want to be home more! Be sure to keep us posted! </STRONG>

[wolflady]

Erin, ooooh!!! Great idea!! I'll just have to tell my hubby that we need 2 dogs!! LOL wonder if he'll go for it?? But, that does make sense...I doubt my cats would be too entertaining for a canine!!LOL

[Ewoodward]

Also, in some areas, there are "doggie daycares" where you drop your dog off to play with other dogs during the day...much like a working mother would her child.

Originally posted by wolflady:
<STRONG>Erin, ooooh!!! Great idea!! I'll just have to tell my hubby that we need 2 dogs!! LOL wonder if he'll go for it?? But, that does make sense...I doubt my cats would be too entertaining for a canine!!LOL</STRONG>

[BandiTank]

Go to www.arba.org and they have information on Klee Kai. Klee Kai are listed under the Spitz & Primitive group.

[ilovehounds]

"wolflady" how about telling your hubby your cats need a dog to play with and keep them company ??? It worked for my cat Simba, he was alone when I was in school but when I finished I was aloud to get my first dog and Simba fell in love with her. They keep each other company when I had to leave them.



Hey its worth a try


Oh and these dogs are beautiful, I have never seen one until now.

[Angels3]

I went looking to find out something about the Klee Kai breed...& they're beautiful. Thank you for telling us about it. There's a website with a lovely pic of a Klee Kai & information about how the breed developed. Go to: http://www.k9web.com/dog-faqs/breeds/klee-kai.html

There's also a Japanese breed called the Kai, which is also called Kai Ken and Kai Inu. It means 'Tiger Dog'.

[RachelJ]

Thats a great site Angels3. Lots of information in the FAQ section.