Last Updated on September 12, 2024 by Kieran Beckles
Alaskan Klee Kai are often nicknamed “Mini Huskies”.
If you’re enamored with husky-type dogs but don’t feel capable or ready to handle a medium-to-large dog, or you don’t have the space for an Alaskan Husky or Siberian Husky, a Klee Kai could be the solution.
They’re a small dog breed that shares some of the same personality traits as the Alaskan Husky and Siberian Husky.
While there are some similarities, Alaskan Klee Kai differ a lot. They’re not necessarily as outgoing as Siberian Huskies.
The Alaskan Klee Kai was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1997 but hasn’t been granted status by the American Kennel Club (correct at the time of writing).
In this article, we’re going to take a look at the three different sizes of the Alaskan Klee Kai breed (with help from the breed standard).
Alaskan Klee Kai Size
The length of an Alaskan Klee Kai’s body should be just slightly longer than the height (as highlighted by the picture of Skye above).
Alaskan Klee Kai comes in three different sizes: standard, miniature and toy. It’s important to note that, unlike other dog breeds, the Alaskan Klee Kai’s size is determined by height rather than weight. Their height should be measured from the withers to the ground.
Here’s a further explanation cited from the United Kennel Club.
It is intended that the Alaskan Klee Kai remain a small to medium-sized dog. Height is measured from the withers to the ground. Weight should be proportionate to height and bone structure, appearing neither too heavy nor too thin.
Alaskan Klee Kai breed standard
A Toy Alaskan Klee Kai has a height range of up to and including 13 inches. Copper and Skye are right on the cusp of the 13-inch range.
A Miniature Alaskan Klee Kai should be over 13 inches and up to and including 15 inches – ever so slightly bigger than the Toy Klee Kai.
A Standard Alaskan Klee Kai is over 15 inches but shouldn’t be any bigger than 17 inches. These are the biggest of the Klee Kai dogs.
It’s important to note that Alaskan Klee Kai over 17 inches aren’t allowed and would be considered a fault if you’re abiding strictly by the breed standard outlined on the United Kennel Club’s website.
Alaskan Klee Kai Weight
Alaskan Klee Kai is measured by height rather than weight.
The United Kennel Club explains that “weight should be proportionate to height and bone structure, appearing neither too heavy nor too thin”. So, an Alaskan Klee Kai’s weight will vary depending on each dog.
Copper weighs 17.5 pounds, but Skye is slightly lighter, with a weight of 16.5 pounds.
Wrapping Up
So there we have it! The Alaskan Klee Kai comes in three sizes.
You can find Standard, Miniature and Toy Alaskan Klee Kai.
As we’ve already mentioned, Toy Alaskan Klee Kai can be up to 13 inches tall, Miniature Alaskan Klee Kai can range from 13 to 15 inches and Standard Alaskan Klee Kai start at over 15 inches up to 17 inches.
Over 17 inches is considered a fault according to the breed standard.
Kieran runs Life With Klee Kai on social media and other online platforms alongside his wife Yasmin. With over 10 years of experience as a journalist and a passionate dog owner, Kieran loves to combine his passion for pets and writing to share useful insights and product reviews to help other dog owners.