Frequently Asked Questions

A. Check out the UKC BREED STANDARD and you will find the heights for the three varieties. This is a rather new breed, and we do still have some "throw-backs" that will go oversized, 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.

A. I may or may not have puppies at this time, but the people on my waiting list are sent updates, when puppies become available. I do keep a wait list, but do not require a deposit.

A. I invite you to go to Linda Spurlin's web site. She and her family developed the breed and she has her story posted for your convenience. When I became aware of this breed, Linda had already dedicated about fifteen years of her life to it. I am very proud of what she accomplished. I could never have done what she did, but I am also proud of the fact that I have helped by maintaining the Book of Records on the Breed and have been very instrumental in getting the breed recognized by the American Rare Breed Association, the Federation of International Canines and the United Kennel Club. This work has taken up most of my time since 1987, but when I receive an exciting letter from a new owner, it makes it all worth while. Linda's web address is as follows ---- http://www.alaskankleekai.com/spurlin/index.html.

A. I have a lab and cats in my house. They get along with my lab wonderfully, but sometimes they decide to chase the cats. I they do get along with them.

A. That depends a lot on the children. If your children are hyper the AKK is apt to be hyper too. If your children are of a calm nature, your AKK will probably be the same. If the children torment and mistreat your AKK, it will learn to torment and mistreat the children. Dogs are not born trained, and it is your responsibility to be consistent in your instruction and make them into good companions, as well as teaching your children and all the visiting children the proper way to treat and respect an animal.

Q. Where are you located, and is it possible to come and visit so we can see the dogs in person.

Q. Can you advise me of other breeders that may be closer to me. How about owners that live in my area that would let me come and see their dogs. I have never seen one of these Alaskan Klee Kai in person.

A. Many owners have given me permission to share their names and contact points, so if you will let me know which City and State you live in, I will try to research for the information you need. I only do this AFTER you have read all the information and inform me that you agree with the principles and practices of the AKKAOA in their effort to protect this breed. Breeders names and contact points that have requested to be listed on my personal Breeder Referral List can be sent to you by e-mail following your request.

Q. On your web site, you mention that these dogs like to talk. Does it sound like a bark, or like a whine.

A. Every dog is different --- but their "talking" is more like they are actually trying to say something. Not a bark and not a whine -- more like "Hey, Mom!!! You left me alone all day and the telephone rang, and I didn't know what to say." During this "conversation" you might as well sit on the floor with your excited AKK and have about three minutes interchange with him, and then he will calm down, however, if you don't take that time, then the dog is apt to continue talking - and it may become shouting to get your attention. He needs to know that you are just as happy to be home with him as he is to have you there.

A. I believe that every dog is an individual, just as every person is an individual. The one thing that runs in the breed is a strong tendency to be very cautious with strangers. It is critical that you take your dog every where you are allowed to, and expose it to all kinds of circumstances so that it will become a well rounded personality. Obedience classes are wonderful --- I don't care if you have personally trained three dozen dogs, the AKK will benefit greatly if you take it to public Obedience classes so that it can see that other dogs are doing this , and it can meet other owners. SOCIALIZE, SOCIALIZE, SOCIALIZE -- and then you will be on the road to having a dog that is only careful about strangers and not overly cautious or fearful.

A. You bet !!! they are of the Nordic Breeds, and they do shed. Well, so do you -- just check your hairbrush. If you have an AKK for a house dog, you will be petting it, and you can be getting rid of the shedded hair during this process of loving. These guys are small, so you can sort of control where the hair goes. About twice a year, and after weaning puppies, they are going to blow their coat -- and during that time you want to comb and brush daily. During the rest of the year once a week will probably be ample.

A. In my opinion all dogs are individuals and deserve to be treated as such. I do not enjoy talking prices until I know that you are really serious about this being YOUR breed, and you have agreed to abide by the Rules and Regulations of the AKKAOA (these are not yet posted to my web site, so please request me to send them by e-mail.) If I have a pup that I plan to save for my own, and you just have to have that puppy, then you will pay more for it as then I will be the one who has to start over again. On the other hand, if I happen to have a puppy that has a medical problem, then you will pay less for it out of respect for your loving care. But first things first -- you first must decide if this is the BREED you really want, and not that you are just falling in love with a pretty and unusual animal. This is a long term commitment for you, so move slowly and carefully and make an educated decision. If you feel this is indeed the breed for you, then you may send me an e-mail and request the QUESTIONNAIRE. Send the completed questionnaire to me by e-mail and we will proceed from there on a personal basis rather than through this Web Site.

A. Most of them are excellent watch dogs ---- meaning that they will alert you when someone comes on your property --- however they are not normally good GUARD dogs where they would attack someone. They should NOT be made into guard dogs - these are designed to be good companions --- lets leave the guarding to the large breeds.

Q. I would like to have a pet only. I have no interest in showing or breeding, thus I want to spay/neuter the dog. Because I would like to spay/neuter the dog, would you like me to still have the Qualification Exam done?

A. When you sign the contract and ownership papers you are agreeing to is to have the quality exam completed. This exam is not for the sole purpose of stating a dog is granted breeding privileges or not ---- it is to tell us how the dog grew up. We need to know as much as possible about the adult dog, as this provides better guidance for the future matings. Yes, you do need to have the quality exam completed and the questions answered by a Veterinarian, however if the dog has already been spayed or neutered, the Association does allow the owner to do the exam as long as proof of spay/neuter is attached.

A. You would have to check your Sale and Purchase contract. Some Breeders may state that a particular dog must be bred if it qualifies as they may need that particular blood line. Sometimes dogs are sold on co-ownership with some pups coming back to the breeder. I, personally, encourage spaying and neutering of most puppies that I allow to leave my home. My opinion is that if you do not wish to be bothered with puppies, then I don't want you to be bothered by puppies. I do encourage people to show/breed their AKK, providing it is a top quality speciman – but in most cases it is not one of my requirements.

A. I do not know of any Airlines that will accept puppies for shipment prior to the age of 8 weeks. I prefer not to ship any puppies.

A. This varies with the pup and with what size it will be when full grown. I would say they are usually between 3 and 8 pounds, but that is just a guess --- I have never taken the time to document that information to arrive at an average. I can tell you that all puppies I have shipped at 8 weeks have easily been shipped in the small airlines kennel with room to spare.

Q. Huskies are known for being diggers who are capable of digging up gardens. Does the Alaskan Klee Kai maintain that tradition?

A. It seems to me that every Alaskan Klee Kai is an individual. I have some that dig when they hear a bug under the soil, or bubbles in the watering system, and I have some that wouldn't dream of it.

A. Yes, providing they have ample time out in the sunlight and exercise. Sun is important to the dogs, but they also need to be able to get into the shade when they need it. I know of owners that traveled year round in a Motor Home with their two AKK and the dogs did quite well. They stopped and walked the dogs and allowed them to exercise, and they had no problems.

A. I don't wish to compare between breeds, as every dog is an individual. I have seen dogs of all breeds that did not appear to be trainable while it was probably their owners who just did not take the time and effort. I can tell you that any dog is trainable only if their master is smarter than they are. I have been told by many of the owners of the AKK that this is the smartest dog they ever had. I can recall only one person who told me they thought the AKK is not intelligent. Of course breeds do have different instincts -- example - the retriever wanting to always bring something back to you. The AKK is more apt to run out and pick up what you threw and then tempt you with it while just staying out of your reach, so the retrieving would have to be taught to them. One problem I have personally observed in training the AKK is the problem of keeping eye contact. They are so curious about everything that is going on around them, that they don't feel they need to watch you like is desirable in the show ring. That takes training.

A. Again it depends on the Breeder. I also suggest you interview other breeders and get on waiting lists for all those that you feel comfortable with. I, personally, never resent it if you cancel your order with me because you have found your heart's desire quicker with someone else. My goal is to get the right puppy in the right arms.

A. There is no way that I can honestly answer that question. I am dealing with Human Nature as well as Mother Nature. When I have puppies, I begin contacting the people on the list. Many people are waiting for a particular blood line to mate with one they already have, and they might have to wait longer. People on deposit can refuse any pup and not lose their place in line. If you must know when you will be able to get your puppy, then you should talk to a breeder who does not work with waiting lists as they may be able to tell you closer. I, personally, feel it is only fair to contact the people who have been waiting the longest, rather than to place with the person who is standing at the door with dollars in their hand. It takes a lot more effort on my part, and a lot of bookkeeping, but it is an honest way to fill the needs of the depositors. Not all breeders are in a position where they can keep a deposit on hand, and that does not mean they will not treat your fairly. This is just the way I have chosen to handle my personal business.

A. That is a question that I cannot honestly answer because the breed is so new. I think the oldest that I knew was about 16 years old, and did die a natural death. Veterinarians tell me that Dogs this size usually live longer than very tiny dogs and longer than massive dogs.

Q. I have searched everywhere and I am not able to find much information about these dogs. Why is that?

A. Until recently, most of the Breeders felt it was best not to put out too much information for fear the dogs would get too popular before they were really firmly established. This is still a very young breed, and one or two unscrupulous Breeders could do a lot of harm.

Q. The breed standard doesn’t say much about temperament --- how would you describe the temperament of the Alaskan Klee Kai?

A. Breed Standards don’t usually adequately describe temperament on breeds. I commend you for being concerned about temperament – too many people are just concerned with appearance and prestige. The Alaskan Klee Kai generally is rather cautious with strangers. It is very important that they are socialized heavily as puppies and through adulthood. If you keep the puppy at home, it will be fine with your family, but when someone comes to visit it will be more apt to turn shy.

A. The Alaskan Klee Kai can be an outside dog or an inside dog. We have doggy doors so they can make their own choices, and mine usually would rather be on my lap than anyplace else. They do well in the cold or in the heat, but they must have shelter from the weather. I prefer my dogs to be house dogs --- they make better companions when they are part of the family than when they are left outside and forgotten about for hours on end. The breed was developed in Alaska, so you know they do well in cold weather.

I have had some owners tell me that their smallest ones have a tendency to be heel nippers. Most of these owners did not take the dog to training classes and perhaps lacked on the efforts to socialize. The Miniatures and Standards sizes do not seem to have as much of that tendency as the Toy size does. Usually the heel nipping is at strangers who have come into your home, bent down over your dog, and the dog had to stand there and be uneasy at having this big stranger patting them on the top of the head (which probably makes them feel smaller yet). Then when the stranger turns and starts to walk away, the dog hits the heel with its nose or sometimes even with its teeth. If your little one has that tendency, I recommend putting it in his crate in a different room when the stranger first comes into the home --- then they get used to the fact that it is okay for that person to be there, and are better behaved when you let them join the company.

Q. I think these dogs are beautiful, I’d like a sweet little friend to hold & love. I teach my dogs basic things like to come, sit, lay down, etc., but I do not show my dogs. Do I have to agree to show my dog in order to get a pup from you?

I never showed dogs before either, but now that the Alaskan Klee Kai are accepted by the American Rare Breed Association and the United Kennel Club, I have more of an incentive to enter the show ring --- and I am now really bitten by the show bug. Seldom would I require someone to show my puppy in order to become its care taker, but I suppose the possibility exists. I really feel that to show or not to show should be a personal matter and should not be forced on someone who does not wish to do so.

Q. I think I would give a good home to one of these puppies, they would be loved & taken care of. I buy the best food and treats available and give my animals lots of attention. I don’t have kids, so I have lots of time and love to give.

A. And the AKK have lots of love to give in return. These dogs do not automatically demand a lot of attention, all they want is to be made part of your family. They want rules to abide by, so they will not be yelled at for doing what comes naturally. If they understand what they are allowed to do, they are much more comfortable and at ease, so it is important that they are taken to class to learn right from wrong, and then you can freely shower them with your attention, without spoiling them. In other words, they need the love and attention, but also need to obey the rules of the household.

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