Alaskan Klee Kai

Get to Know Alaskan Klee Kais

• Not Mini Huskies: Though they closely resemble Siberian Huskies, Alaskan Klee Kais are a distinct breed with their own lineage and personality traits, they weren’t simply bred down from Huskies but carefully developed using several breeds.
• They Come in Three Sizes: The breed is divided into three size categories, toy (up to 13 inches), miniature (13–15 inches), and standard (15–17 inches), making them one of the few spitz-type breeds offered in multiple sizes.
• Husky Style, Cat-Like Behavior: Unlike the outgoing and boisterous Siberian Husky, Klee Kais are known for being more reserved and cautious, especially with strangers. Many owners describe their behavior as cat-like — independent, curious, and sometimes aloof.
• Talkative but Not Howlers: Klee Kais are known for being vocal, often using a mix of yips, whines, and “talking” to express themselves. However, they are generally less prone to howling than their larger Husky relatives.
• Escape Artists in Small Packages: Despite their small size, Klee Kais are surprisingly agile and clever, making them excellent escape artists. They can jump high, climb, or squeeze through small gaps, so secure fencing is a must!

Breed History

The Alaskan Klee Kai is a relatively new and rare breed developed in the 1970s in Alaska by Linda Spurlin. She aimed to create a companion-sized version of the Alaskan Husky, maintaining the striking appearance and energetic spirit of a northern sled dog in a smaller, more manageable package. By selectively breeding Alaskan Huskies with smaller breeds such as the American Eskimo Dog and Schipperke, Spurlin achieved a compact, intelligent, and alert dog that closely resembles a miniature Siberian Husky. The name "Klee Kai" comes from an Inuit term meaning "small dog." Though not bred for working like their larger relatives, Alaskan Klee Kais are known for their agility, loyalty, and keen awareness, making them excellent companions and watchdogs.