Miniature Alaskan Husky (Klee Kai) Breed History
Description
The Klee Kai was bred down from Siberian and Alaskan Huskies, along with the help of a Schipperke and American Eskimo to downsize without dwarfism. As such you will find the same characteristics as are found in the huskies. They are curious, tenacious, extremely strong for their size, crafty hunters and escape artists. The Klee Kai is a very energetic dog; however, not the typically “hyper” little dog. They are beautiful and proud. The name “Klee Kai” is derived from Eskimo words meaning “small dog”. There are approximately 500 of these dogs in existence in the world.
History
There was an accidental mating in Wasilla Alaska in the mid 70’s. Linda Spurlin, the developer of the Klee Kai breed saw this little dog that looked like a Husky and thought that this would be the perfect apartment sized dog. The dog was meant to be a companion-sized version of the Alaskan Husky.
She set about perfecting the breed and spent those first years without any return on her investment, loving these little creatures that she had created. She had rough times and years of work invested. From the early 70’s through 1988, the Spurlins carefully selected dogs who met their high standards for appearance and soundness. In December 1988, they made the Alaskan Klee Kai available to others by selling the first dog for the purpose of breeding.
Mrs. Spurlin and subsequent breeders of the Alaskan Klee Kai were and are determined to avoid health and temperament problems in their developing breed, even though it has meant very slow growth in the numbers of Alaskan Klee Kai. The Alaskan Klee Kai is still extremely rare. The breed’s name was originally “Klee Kai of Alaska” but in 1995, it was changed to “Alaskan Klee Kai.” Mrs. Spurlin created the breed name “Klee Kai”.
The Alaskan Klee Kai was recognized by the United Kennel Club January 1, 1997. The breed is recognized by the following clubs UKC, ARBA, CKC, NKC, APRI, ACR.
