The Alaskan Klee Kai is easy to care for in the grooming department. They tend to groom themselves and don?t usually require a bath or toothpaste. The Alaskan Klee Kai has relatively short hair, but they do not shed a lot; instead the shed only seasonally, but with a lot of hair at that time. You will find with the Alaskan Klee Kai that you should brush them at least once a week to help remove the dead or loose hair that has accumulated. In some cases the Alaskan Klee Kai can have longer hair that becomes matted. For other grooming needs you will need to clip their nails. They don?t tend to like water, and don?t require baths.

It is important to understand the Alaskan Klee Kai?s temperament for training and to make sure they will be a great dog for you. Most often you will find that Alaskan Klee Kai?s can be a little too much to handle for a new dog owner as they have a few obedience issues. First of all the Alaskan Klee Kai is usually suspicious of strangers. This means they are aloof and often look a little aggressive despite their sensitive and wonderful demeanor. They are not as great with children as other dog breeds, due to the fact that they demand respect from their owners. They typically return acts of aggression such as a child?s behavior towards dogs, when the child is not well behaved or doesn?t understand. You will find the Alaskan Klee Kai is best off when he or she is with their master. They like to be close to their master and often follow them about. They have a great affection for their families, and tend to be very affectionate.

The Alaskan Klee Kai like the husky has been raised for hunting and therefore they do really well as working dogs. However you will find they can be a little difficult with smaller animals like cats and birds, unless they have had the proper training. It is not wise to leave the dog alone with smaller animals. You will find that the Alaskan Klee Kai is a barking dog. They love to talk and bark so you need to train that out of them. They also tend to howl along with coyotes. The good news is they are very trainable and will listen to commands once you have asserted yourself as master.

They tend to have good obedience as long as you have trained them. You need to establish rules and be consistent during training. Remember that it is best to offer the proper respect while training. You should not let a behavior slip because that will make training more difficult. These dogs are also very agile so training with a lot of agility and different activities keeps them happy. Feeding should be on a daily basis with a routine.

Alaskan Malamutes have a double coat, with the undercoat being woolly and the outer coat made up of guard hairs. There are two kinds of dogs in this breed. Those dogs known as Kotzebues have a coat that is the same color as that of a wolf, while the M’Loots have coats in a range of colors. Both types of Malamutes are very powerful and can haul large loads over long distances at a steady pace. This is why they were prized by the original breeders, from whom they get their name ?the Mahlamuit Inuit tribe.  They were also very valuable to miners searching for gold in Alaska and the Canadian North during the Klondike Gold Rush.

The Malamute has a plumed tail that has lots of fur. When they are outdoors in the winter, they tend to wrap this tail over their faces to protect their nose and mouth from the wind and the snow. They look almost identical to wolves, but there are certain differences. The head is smaller than that of a wolf and the chest is larger. The footprint of the Malmute is also smaller than a wolf’s.

Malamutes are still used as sled dogs, but they are also family dogs. Their natural instinct for being part of a pack makes them excellent pets. They are exceptionally friendly, but they do get bored very easily, which means they need lots of attention. Training these dogs must start when they are puppies and even then it is a challenging task. They are very stubborn, but once you do teach them something you only have to show them once or twice before they remember it. They have a high level of intelligence.

You can leave the dog untended on your property because it is used to this area. This breed is very territorial and does not take well to other dogs that it is not used to being in the area. The Malamute is more aggressive toward other dogs than other breeds are. When outside you must have it tied on because it will dig its way out under a fence.

The shedding periods for the Alaskan Malamutes can be very challenging when you have them in the house. They do shed their thick coats twice a year and the shedding period can last for three weeks. During this time the fur comes out in clumps. If you live in a warm climate, this will be an ongoing challenge because they shed all year round.

The lifespan of this breed is about 10 or 11 years. They are susceptible to cancer, inherited polyneuropathy, dysplasia of the bone and eye problems.

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Breed group: Nordic

Weight: Toy: 10 lbs; miniature: 15 lbs; standard: 23 lbs

Height: Toy: 13 inches; miniature: inches; standard: 15-17.5 inches

Overview

The Alaskan Klee Kai have been developed by Linda Spurlin during the early part of the 1970′s in Wasilla, Alaska. After an unintentional mating between an Alaskan Husky and an unknown smaller dog, Linda Spurlin took a liking to this offspring. She ended up breeding a prototype dog that was suppose to act as a companion dog as she was so stunned with the good looks and size of these dogs. In order to reduce the size of these dogs, she developed this breed with Alaskan and Siberian Huskies – and also using American and Schipperke Eskimo Dogs in order to abolish problems with dwarfism. This breed was first known as the Klee Kai, but in 1995 the name changed to the Alaskan Klee Kai. Even today these dogs are fairly rare.

Temperament

The Alaskan Klee Kai seems to be very shy and wary of strangers, but will alert their owners by barking. These dogs are average guard dogs, and they will not attack someone seeing that they were bred to be companion dogs. But they are outstanding watch dogs, and will always alert you of something when necessary. Alaskan Klee Kais are very clever dogs that are very committed to their owners. They love the attention and company of their families. These dogs get along well other pets and children they have been raised with.

Care

This breed is average shedding dogs, and will require a brushing on a regular basis. These dogs should not be bathed too often, only when it is really necessary. Make sure that you use a good shampoo to prevent possible skin irritations. Also check the ears of the dog for too much dirt, hair or too much wax build up. Their nails can also be trimmed to keep their paws in a good condition, and to ensure that they don’t have any discomfort when walking.

Training

It is important to be consistent when training the Alaskan Klee Kai. The training environment should be fair and positive. This breed is very clever, but also very independent. Although they are compliant, they are not always obedient. But you will be glad to know that this gets better as these dogs get older. It is important to get this dogs socialised from a very early age onwards.

Health problems

Although these dogs are very tough, there have been some concerns uttered about an inherited bleeding disorder. Apart from this disorder, the Alaskan Klee Kai is fairly healthy.

Description

Appearance

The American Kennel Club (AKC) breed standard calls for a natural range of size, with a desired freighting weight of 75 to 85 pounds (34 to 39 kg) and a height of 23 to 26 inches (58 to 66 cm).Some Malamutes have been known to reach 32 inches (810 mm), and to weigh more than 130 lb (59 kg). Heavier individuals (90lbs) and dogs smaller than 75 pounds are common. There is often a marked size difference between males and females. Weights upwards of 95 pounds are occasionally seen, but this is uncommon and such dogs are produced primarily by breeders who market a ‘large Malamute.’ These large sizes are not in accordance with the breed’s history or show standards.

The coat is a dense double northern dog coat, somewhat “harsher” (in a certain sense) than that of the Siberian Husky. The usual colors are various shades of gray and white, sable and white, black and white, red and white, or pure white. Eyes are almond-shaped and are always various shades of brown (from dark to light, honey or hazel brown); blue eyes will disqualify the dog in shows. The physical build of the Malamute is compact with heavy bone, in most (but not all) cases.. In this context ‘compact’ means that their height to length ratio is slightly longer than tall, unlike dogs like Great Danes which are longer and lankier in their ratios.

The primary criterion for judging the Malamute in a show is its function to pull heavy freight as a sled dog; everything else is secondary. As many an owner has found out, the pulling power of a Malamute is tremendous.

The Malamute’s tail is well furred and hangs just over the back like a “plume”. This is the standard written in the breed book. Corkscrew tails can now be seen but is not the breed description (a corkscrew tail is commonly seen in the Akita). The Malamutes’ well-furred tails aid in keeping them warm when they curl up in the snow. They wrap the tail around their nose and face which helps protect them against harsh weather such as blowing snow.

Ears are generally upright.

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Alaskan Malamutes are a very affectionate breed of dog that thrive on human companionship. Ideally, your pet will be able to come and go as it pleases through a doggie-door, having the freedom to lounge outside in the shade or be at the heart of human interaction on command. Speaking of “commands,” Mals can be stubborn dogs if you don’t take the time to train them when they’re young.

Don’t worry: they are intelligent and quick learners if you use positive rewards. Be sure to let them know who’s the “Alpha Dog” in your house early on! This breed gets bored easily and needs a lot of exercise. Your Malamute may be a digger, so it’s best to set up a shaded area where your dog can dig his paws into the cool dirt if need be. If you’re looking for a guard dog, then forget it; this breed enjoys humans far too much!

While the males are sometimes aggressive with other males, Mals are said to be good family pets. If you have cats, small dogs or farm animals, then you may want to reconsider getting this sort of breed. Perhaps it’s the hunter instinct that emerges, but this native Alaskan canine does not typically get along with other small mammals. One of the things you’ll come to love about your Mal is its “Chewbacca” woofs. While they’re a generally quiet dog, they do like to talk a bit, and sometimes even howl like a wolf!

Have you ever wondered, “What are the differences between the Alaskan Malamute and the Siberian Husky?” Well, first consider that the Malamute was bred to carry a heavy load, whereas the Siberian Husky was bred to carry a lighter load over a longer distance. So naturally, Malamutes have a larger bone structure, while Huskies are much smaller and more agile.

Mals have brown eyes only, whereas Huskies can have blue, gray, brown, or a mix. Malamutes also have ears that sit further back on the skull, broader heads, bulkier muzzles, a sloped back (versus the straight back of the Husky) and a waving plume tail (rather than the traditionally trailing tail of the Husky). The personalities of both breeds are very similar by nature.

If you like what you’ve read, then an Alaskan Malamute may be the ideal breed of dog for you! They’ve got a little of everything, it seems.

If you’re looking for a companion, rather than an accessory, then you’ve made the right decision. You may not have a sled to pull, but if you have a strong desire for an animal that can run, play, walk and entertain, then the Mal can make the ideal pal!

Firstly, Alaskan huskies are generally gentle, docile and lively dogs, which allow them to suit the needs of a family with children. Warm and friendly, the Alaskan husky interacts well with children, other breeds of dogs as well as random visitors at its owner’s house. This is an advantage for families with young children who may have other dogs as well as a constant stream of visitors from time to time. In comparison, other breeds of large dogs such as the German shepherd can be pretty much defensive and react negatively to strangers as well as other breeds of dogs around the house. Given such a situation, it is little wonder why the Alaskan husky makes such a popular choice for a dog amongst dog owners.

Moreover, the Alaskan husky requires minimum upkeep in terms of grooming. Most people believe that the thick coat of the Alaskan husky would mean grooming sessions on a regular basis each week. In reality, this is not true. In general, Alaskan huskies require a minimal amount of maintenance which means you would rarely be required to brush them. However, they shed their coats pretty badly two times per year. During this period, special care and attention must be given, and you would need to brush them on a regular basis. This compares pretty well as compared to other dogs which require regular grooming sessions in order to maintain the upkeep of their coats of fur.

Lastly, Alaskan huskies are favored as pets as they are relatively easy to train. Training, however, is necessary under all circumstances as the Alaskan husky can get pretty willful and engage in a variety of destructive acts around the home if not trained properly. These acts include digging holes in your garden, tearing fabrics such as curtains and clawing your furniture to bits. Fortunately, as mentioned earlier, training is relatively easy. As working dogs, Alaskan huskies are relatively intelligent. Training can be done either by yourself or with the help of a professional dog trainer. In any case, training should cover a wide variety of skills such as toilet training, basic household discipline as well as social skills. Use the method of reinforcement for training your Alaskan husky in order to achieve maximum effectiveness.

In all, the reasons why you should consider getting an Alaskan husky are not limited to those mentioned above. In any case, it is essential to assess your own commitment level before making that decision to adopt an Alaskan husky. After all, adopting a dog is not only about fun and laughter, but commitment and responsibilities.

Huskies enjoy cool dry regions. They can perform in warmer climates, but need to be provided with adequate opportunities to cool down. If an Alaskan is brought into an area with a high level of humidity, it will require frequent examinations to prevent/combat infections that it is susceptible to. It should also not be kept outdoors in the heat for long periods of time, like their human friends, Alaskan huskies appreciate air conditioned climates.

To ensure that an Alaskan husky is happy and comfortable, prospective owners need to have a large, fenced in yard to allow the dog the room it needs to play and exercise. These dogs are noted for their ability to escape enclosures, so make sure to bury the edges of your fence at least a foot to prevent tunneling. Frequent and lengthy walks and play time in the part is essential for this dog breed.

Dogs kept indoors for long periods of time will engage in destructive behaviors out of boredom and a feeling of being cramped. However, beyond plenty of exercise and a balanced diet, very little care is needed to keep these dogs healthy. For grooming, combing with a metal brush need only be done during the fall and spring seasons.

These dogs were bred to run, this is what they love to do. If you lead an active outdoorsy lifestyle than this is the perfect dog to take along on your activities. They have excess energy and may be too much for more restful persons. Take them out for a long walk every day or have them accompany you on a jog and they will burn off much of that energy. Be careful during the summer months not to over exercise the dog as they can become overheated and dehydrated.

Alaskan huskies are easy to train as long as you are consistent with them and project the image of pack leader from an early stage. You must be firm with them as they have a mind of their own and may take to ignoring you if they do not clearly see you as the leader. These are intelligent and curious dogs, so even the best trained of them will occasionally get into mischief while discovering their environment.

Because of their past, huskies have been bred to handle loud groups of people happily. In fact, they love almost everyone. This makes them great as a family pet, but a poor choice as a guard dog.

Most Alaskan Huskies have brown eyes, but can also have blue or blue-brown combinations. They are about 20 to 24 inches high and average about 35 to 65 pounds, giving them a slim build. Since this dog is used primarily for work, colors and markings are unimportant in breeding and vary widely from dog to dog. Alaskan Huskies can be pure black, totally white and everything in between. Tails can be long and curly or barely there. The ears are often times prick ears, but some Alaskan Huskies have ears that droop.

They do not need a lot of maintenance, as their coats tend to be short to mid-length, but do require extra brushing twice a year during shedding season (particularly in the spring when shedding is the heaviest). The coats are wooly and thick (a protective measure when in their native environment) so they are better suited to cooler climates. Living on average about 10 to 15 years, the Alaskan Husky is good with children, but not other household pets as they have a strong hunting instinct and may turn on them. Though playful, loving and generally docile, the Alaskan Husky is not a good indoor pet. They can be difficult to housebreak, and get bored easily, especially if left alone. Alaskan Huskies will become destructive, tearing things or running around in circles. They also need a lot of room to run as they have a lot of energy and need to exercise frequently.

If outside, Alaskan Huskies do need to be watched closely as they will dig under fences in order to hunt or run. They also do not make good watchdogs, as they will greet everyone with friendly barking and have been known to play with any stranger entering their territory. As a result of their mixed heritage, Alaskan Huskies have relatively little health problems, though some are prone to gastric torsion (bloat) and if they do not get enough exercise will quickly become obese, leading to other health problems.

There is a website that has great information on Alaskan Huskies and most other breeds of dogs. It has details that pertain to a dog breeds health, grooming, living conditions, best food choices and more, the website is called: Dog And Cat Facts, and can be found at this url:

http://www.dogandcatfacts.com

By Robert W. Benjamin

Copyright © 2006

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