All Dog Breed - Dog Breeds Sled dog

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Dog Breeds Sled dog

A laskan Klee Kai 

(Toy, Miniature, and Standard)

Linda Spurlin developed the Alaskan Klee

Kai (AKK) in the 1970s and ’80s, using

the old Alaskan Husky as the foundation breed.

She also used a Siberian Husky and some smaller

dogs of similar conformation. Her goal was a

smaller-sized husky-type breed that would be an

excellent companion dog.

Today’s Alaskan Klee Kai has the appearance of

a northern breed, with a wedge-shaped face, prick

ears, a sturdy body, and a tail that curls over the

back. The face has a distinct and striking mask.

The coat is a double coat, with a dense undercoat

and longer guard hairs. The toy stands up to and

including 13 inches at the shoulder; the miniature is over 13

inches and including 15 inches; and the standard is over 15

inches and including 17 inches.

Breed in Brief

During most of the year, this breed can be brushed two or

Registries: UKC, ARBA

three times a week; however, during spring and fall when shedOccupation: Companion

ding is at its heaviest, daily brushing may be needed.

Size: Toy: under 13 in tall

With his sled dog heritage, the AKK can be quite busy.

Mini: 13 to 15 in tall

Without daily exercise, he may be prone to trouble. A couple of

Standard: 15 to 17 in tall

good walks every day and a jog with you or alongside a bicycle

Longevity: 13 to 15 years

will keep him happy. This breed is also quite playful and thrives

Exercise: Required daily

in many canine sports, including sledding, skijoring, agility, flyTraining: Moderate

ball, and flying disc. Many have also made excellent therapy dogs.

Grooming: Sheds!

Although training is important and should begin young,

dogs of this breed will never be as compliant as some other

breeds. They do enjoy the attention that training provides. Early and continuing socialization is

vital, as these dogs can be wary of strangers.

The AKK is an excellent watchdog, yet is affectionate and loyal to his family. He will do best

with an owner who understands the northern breeds. He is good with children who treat him gently and with respect; he will not tolerate rough handling. He has a strong prey drive and should

not be trusted with smaller pets. The breed tends to be healthy.

Alaskan

A laskan Malamute

ABreed in Brief

Registries: AKC, UKC, CKC

Occupation: Sled dog

Size: 23 to 25 in tall; 75 to

85 lbs

Longevity: 10 to 12 years

Exercise: Vigorous daily

exercise

Training: Moderate

Grooming: Lots of brushing!

The Howell Book of Dogs

laskan Malamutes are natives of northwest Alaska,

where they served as hunting partners, pack dogs,

and sled dogs for the Mahlemut people, an Innuit tribe. The

dogs were vital to the peoples’ survival. In the mid-1900s,

Malamutes were used in many of the Artic exploratory expeditions and also served in World War II.

This breed is large and substantial, standing 23 to 25 inches

tall and weighing between 75 and 85 pounds, although many

are larger. His head is broad and deep, ears are upright, and eyes

are medium-sized, almond-shaped, and dark brown. With a

deep chest, powerful shoulders, heavy bones, strong legs, and

good feet, this is a breed designed to work hard. The outer coat

is thick and coarse; the undercoat is dense. The tail is a plume

that is carried low when working.

Malamutes need brushing at least twice per week, but during the shedding seasons, primarily spring and fall, daily brushing is needed to keep the hair under control.

Exercise is important; this breed is a working dog bred to

carry packs or pull sleds. A long, brisk walk morning and

evening and a play session in between is the least exercise this

dog can tolerate. A Malamute would be thrilled to have an

owner who does skijoring, sled dog training, carting, hiking, or

backpacking.

Although they were bred to work, and Malamutes love to

have something to do, they can also be a little independent and

often have a touch of stubbornness. The key is to make training interesting and fun. Don’t battle a Malamute; intrigue him

instead and teach him compliance. Socialization is also important and should begin early.

This breed is a wonderful companion for people who are

leaders; he can be domineering over people who are too soft.

The breed may be dog-aggressive; males especially may be

aggressive toward other male dogs. All interactions with small

pets should be carefully supervised. Health concerns include

hip dysplasia, bloat, and torsion.