“Is that a baby Husky? Is that a Pomsky puppy?”
These are common questions that Alaskan Klee Kai owners are asked when out and about with this eye-catching breed.
They may look like tiny Alaskan or Siberian Huskies but Alaskan Klee Kai are very different to their sled dog relatives.
They’re purebred dogs recognised by the United Kennel Club since 1997.
Indeed, they come in the same colours as their larger cousins and are very vocal like these sled dogs.
However, their personalities are different: they’re highly intelligent, like to interact with their owners and can be mischievous.
The name Alaskan Klee Kai comes from the Alaskan word for small dog, Klee-ki.
This active breed have three different sizes – standard, miniature and toy.
If you want to learn more about Alaskan Klee Kai, you can follow my dogs Copper and Skye on Instagram.
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United Kennel Club Breed Standard For Alaskan Klee Kai
Before introducing the three different Alaskan Klee Kai sizes, it’s important to note that their size is determined by height – and not weight.
The UKC’s website outlines the breed standard for Alaskan Klee Kai:
It is intended that the Alaskan Klee Kai remain a small to medium-sized dog. Height is measured from the withers to the ground. Weight should be proportionate to height and bone structure, appearing neither too heavy nor too thin.
The UKC adds over 17.5 inches in height is an eliminating fault.
Standard Alaskan Klee Kai
Alaskan Klee Kai at the park (Photo: lifewithkleekai / Instagram)
The standard Alaskan Klee Kai is the largest size of this breed, but compared to Alaskan and Siberian Huskies, they are considered “mini huskies”.
They usually are over 15 inches (38 cm) in height but some grow up to around 17 inches (43 cm). To put this in context, the average size of an Alaskan Husky is between 21 and 24 inches (53 and 61 cm).
Alaskan Klee Kai of standard size will usually weigh between 16 and 22 lbs (7kg and 10 kg), which is very manageable when walking these dogs on a leash.
Again, for comparison purposes, an average Alaskan Husky will weigh a hefty 45 to 60 pounds (20kg to 27kg).
Miniature Alaskan Klee Kai
Skye the Alaskan Klee Kai (Photo: @albalonepetstudio @lifewithkleekai)
The next size down in the breed is the miniature Alaskan Klee Kai. They represent the breed’s middle ground.
A miniature Alaskan Klee Kai will be over 13 inches (33cm) tall but could reach a height of 15 inches (38cm).
Their Siberian Husky relatives, on the other hand, are usually between 21 inches (53cm) and 24 inches (61 cm), much like the Alaskan Husky.
These mini Alaskan Klee Kai will weigh between 10lbs (4.5kg) and 20lbs (9kg), which is marginally less than the standard size.
Siberian Huskies can weight between three to four times more than a miniature Alaskan Klee Kai.
Toy Alaskan Klee Kai
Yasmin with her Alaskan Klee Kai called Skye (Photo: @lifewithkleekai / Instagram)
Finally, the toy Alaskan Klee Kai are the third and smallest size of the breed.
These “little wolves” really are tiny, which often leads to comments about these dogs looking like husky puppies.
Toy Alaskan Klee Kai can grow up to and including 13 inches (33 cm). To put that in context, the average size of a Pomsky is between 10 inches (25.4cm) and 20 inches (51 cm).
The smallest sized Alaskan Klee Kai can weigh as little as 7lbs (3kg) and up to around 12lbs (5kg). The average size and weight of a toy Alaskan Klee Kai can vary a lot.
Can You Predict The Size Of Alaskan Klee Kai
One breeder, Rocky Mountain Klee Kai, states:
This is a rather new breed, and we do still have some “throw-backs” that will go over sized, and those dogs are not allowed in the breeding pool nor in the Show Ring. Weights are not addressed in the Breed Standards, as an animal’s weight can fluctuate. Toys usually weigh up to about 10 pounds. Miniatures are usually from about 10 to 15 pounds, and Standard sizes usually are from about 15 to 22 pounds.
The Stages Of Alaskan Klee Kai Development
Alaskan Klee Kai are often nicknamed Mini Huskies (Credit: lifewithkleekai / Instagram)
The Alaskan Klee Kai go through a number of notable stages of development.
When you bring home a Klee Kai pup, their eyes will be striking in colour, particularly those with piercing blue eyes.
However, as they grow older, while these blue eyes will ensure they get plenty of attention, the colour does start to dim a little.
Naturally, Alaskan Klee Kai are extremely delicate when they’re first born. But it isn’t long before these little pups are showing a rambunctious streak around a breeder’s house.
Usually around the two to three month mark, new owners are able to collect their cute little pooches and bring them to their forever home.
At this stage, they are little balls of fluff, with a croaky voice, not to different to the sound a Game Of Thrones dragon would make.
Their legs are still tiny stumps and appear in proportion to the rest of their petite bodies.
Between 10-12 weeks, these Klee Kai pups will tend to weigh between 5 and 7 lbs depending on whether they look like growing into a standard, miniature or toy AKK.
However, around the six-month mark, their legs will have noticeably grown and developed into long pins. This look is amusing in comparison to their relatively small bodies.
These skinny dogs will take time to put on weight but if you’re concerned, it is always advisable to consult with your vet to make sure your puppy is eating enough or requires any additional medical care.
As a general rule, an Alaskan Klee Kai has done the majority of its growing at the age of 12-18 months, so an owner will have a good idea of whether they’ve got a standard, miniature or toy AKK.
Indeed, they will start to fill out after the age of one, while their coat will come into full bloom and regular grooming will be necessary.
Alaskan Klee Kai tend to stop growing around two!
Do Alaskan Klee Kai Shed?
While these dogs are relatively compact in size, you can expect a lot of shedding.
That’s because they have both an inner and an outer coat.
The inner coat will blow out twice a year, which can be a challenging time for an Alaskan Klee Kai owner.
While they blow out twice a year, like their Siberian relatives, they are constantly shedding.
Indeed, emptying the vacuum can be like producing a new Klee Kai pup, such is the amount of hair produced.
It is good practice to regularly groom Alaskan Klee Kai to maintain their coats and help to maintain the shedding and clean up operation.
Wrapping up
Alaskan Klee Kai come in three different sizes: standard, miniature and toy.
The breed’s size is determined by height rather than weight.
