Registration Organization: KKNKC
National Club Name: Klee Kai National Kennel Club
National Club Address: 1108 NE Brown Rd., Washougal, WA 98671
Breed Description: An Alaskan Husky in miniature.
Original Purpose:Companion dog
Earliest record: Mid 1970
Country of Origin: Alaska, USA
PLUSES:
Breed Character: A Klee Kai in your home means that you are never alone. They make you laugh even if you don't want to and can soothe a heart broken for whatever reason. They become a very integral part of the family that chooses to adopt one. Huskies tend to roam and not come back; however, if a Klee Kai likes his/her home, s/he would never leave. When my dogs escape, they come straight to the house because they want to be with the family. Smart dogs are usually extremely stubborn and do not do well in obedience; however, these dogs are so eager to please that they excel. They are protective, they only bark when something is there, They are lion hearted and would not hesitate to defend their masters.
These dogs have been remarkably free of genetic defects. We only allow serious breeders to buy un-neutered dogs. All puppies are sold on spay/neuter contracts or Co-Ownerships. Most rescue dogs have been neutered, if not they would be sold on spay/neuter contracts. The price of rescue dogs is directly proportionate to the cost of re-conditioning the dog. I do not place rescued dogs until they have been socialized and trained the basics. They would not take an Obedience title, but have enough training to be a suitable pet. You could make them an obedience champion with a little work.
I have introduced and watched others introduce many Klee Kai to agility courses. They will achieve competency in a very short period of time. I have seen some just watch another dog walk the bridge then do the same. This applies to almost everything. These very observant little dogs can learn by watching whether it be housetraining, sitting, etc..
MINUSES:
This is a breed that needs consistency. They do not do well in situations where the heads of the household are not getting along. I think it causes them to lose their place in the pack order. An occasional argument does not cause a problem; however, most of the dogs that I have taken back came from a broken or soon to be broken home. Just as children do, these dogs act out. Then I get them back. Mom cannot say that it's OK for Nanuck to get on the couch except when Dad's home. If your Klee Kai is a particularly alpha dog, you cannot vary from the exact behaviour you want. If you allow him/her to stray even one time, you will have lost your battle. You may never be able to break the bad habit you have allowed as a puppy. These are extremely smart dogs. They can climb over, go under or through obstacles if they are in an environment that is not pleasant or boring for them. These dogs are hunters. They will eat rabbits (in a heartbeat), mice, snakes and various bugs. My sister has two Klee Kai, one approximately 18 pounds and the other around 8 pounds. Those two dogs killed an opossum that was unlucky enough to have ventured into their territory and try to make it home. Unfortunately, not long after that the eighteen pound dog was half eaten by an Akita when defending his mate from her. The poor Akita is always in the yard not in the house, never socialized and has become mean due to no fault of her own. Another Klee Kai kept a porcupine in the woodpile until his master could get his gun. Unfortunately, the same Klee Kai thought that he could protect territory from a coyote. He also became part of the food chain. These dogs are sometimes dog aggressive and stranger shy thus need to be socialized extensively.
It does take a special person to own a Klee Kai. They are very intuitive. If someone in the family does not like them, their behavior will reflect the fact. They are not hyper like many small dogs; however, they are active. It is best for the really outgoing dogs to be in a home with young energetic owners or a family with children. Failing that another dog or a cat will fill the bill.
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Home of Carroll's Klee Kai
Klee Kai National Kennel Club