A Note from Linda Spurlin
Developer of the Alaskan Klee Kai, as posted on the Original website
Welcome to the newly established website for the Alaskan Klee Kai Association of America. I hope you are enjoying the information and photographs of our little huskies. Although they are a very new breed to the dog world, they have come a long way in a short period of time. The Alaskan Klee Kai Association of America (AKKAOA for short) has worked very hard over the years to both promote the breed and to educate the public and potential breeders. Mostly due to their dedication to the breed, and having the good fortune to have found a few dedicated breeders who followed their guidance, the Alaskan Klee Kai is most recently accepted by the United Kennel Club and can be seen and admired by dog fanciers nationwide. The Alaskan Klee Kai is also becoming a more common sight in several foreign countries too!
This Club was actually started at my kitchen table in Alaska many years ago. When Eileen Gregory took over the paper shuffle for me, I gratefully turned the computer work over to her and went back to cleaning kennels. Until recent years, I offered my services to the Board as an Advisor, asthey have been the only group that have shown continued interest in the future goals I originally intended for the Alaskan Klee Kai. Until ordered to stop by UKC, they required regularly updated information from every owner and breeder in an attempt to track medical, as well as other, information on the dogs. This encouraged better breeding because only the better dogs were allowed to be bred, thus discouraging personality, conformation, or potential medical problems from being passed on through future generations of puppies. It was the original intent for AKKAOA to become the Parent Club for the breed, and I quote from 1990 documentation in my files ” To initiate the initial parent club, as suggested by nationally recognized kennel clubs, so as to promote and improve knowledge of a newly developed breed of dog hereafter known as the ‘Klee Kai’. This initial organization will educate and set the standards by which future groups interested in forming similar dog clubs of this breed shall have a set guideline for which to base their club’s activities. ” Therefore it is my hope that AKKAOA will continue to work with UKC in the quest to become the Parent Club for the breed. What I had originally assumed was automatic has proven to be a long and drawn out process.
Although other Alaskan Klee Kai clubs now exist, AKKAOA remains closest in my heart. It is my hope that they will continue to educate and encourage breeders as well as puppy lovers, never forgetting that dogs were created to be man’s best friend long before they were deposited into show rings. The future of the breed can be best controlled by well planned breedings, by stressing the importance of spay and neuter, and by educating the public through seminars on training, nutrition, and health issues.
The Alaskan Klee Kai have graced the halls of Nursing Homes as Therapy Dogs, as well as darted through tunnels in Agility Trials. They have warmed the hearts and laps of the elderly and children. They have danced around show rings and have guarded the dash boards of motorhomes. They have traveled from Alaska to nearly every state, drawing interest wherever they have gone. And most importantly, they have given love and received love in return. In the right hands, this breed can offer a variety of opportunities for dog lovers to enjoy. But remember, not every breed is for everyone, no matter how cute it is! One must always take into consideration your available time, lifestyle, and location before purchasing any pet. Always research the dog you are interested in very well, for a living soul should be loved and cared for from beginning to end.
I wish you many paw prints on your heart, and warm wet kisses when you need them the most. May your sofa be covered with dog hair, and may your heart rejoice when you hear your dog greet you as you come in the door. Of all the relationships you will have in your life, your dog will love you the most and expect the least in return. Be worthy of that love.