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UKC Top Ten Standings

The UKC Top Ten program recognizes the top-ranking show dogs in each breed every year. From January 1 to December 31 of each year, a “regular licensed class” (not spayed/neutered) show dog is automatically awarded Top Ten points every time he/she wins a “Best of Breed” (BoB) award. Using the Alaskan Klee Kai (AKK) breed as an example, an AKK BoB winner receives one point for each AKK dog defeated in the same competition, provided that there are at least two AKK of any sex correctly entered and shown in that show. The number of dogs that are disqualified or excused from competition does not count for Top Ten points.

Some common strategies for accumulating Top Ten points are: 

(1) “win big” – the dog wins BoB in one large competition over many entries (for example, a BoB win at UKC Premier, or Claremont AKKAOA Specialty, that usually have 21+ AKK participating in “regular licensed class” competition, would allow the winner to collect 20+ points); or 

(2) “win lots” – the dog wins BoB many times in small competitions over few entries (for example, 10 BoB wins at various shows with a total of 3 “regular licensed class” dogs entered each time, would allow the winner to collect 20 points). 

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It takes the combined effort of an outstanding dog, a remarkable handler, dedication and hard work to earn Top Ten ranking by participating in competitions across the nation and under different judges.

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The final Top Ten results are tallied by January 31 of the year following the competition year. The ten top-ranked dogs in each breed may be invited to participate in a Top Ten invitational competition held, usually at the UKC Premier event, in the same following year.

  • Does the temperament of this breed most equal the Siberian?
    They can look like small Siberians, but they are their own breed. While loyal and affectionate with family members, the Alaskan Klee Kai is reserved and cautious with strangers and in unfamiliar situations. Their loyalty and alertness make them an excellent watchdog. The Alaska Klee Kai can be an escape artist and a runner, like their cousin the Siberian.
  • Is this breed typically successful in dog performance and dog sports?
    They are extremely smart. You will find Alaskan Klee Kai succeeding not only in the conformation ring, but in performance events as well, like Obedience, Agility, Rally-O, Nosework and Weight Pull. They excel in dog sports, like Nose Work and Barn Hunt, two of the newest activities where you find Alaskan Klee Kai getting involved. They make wonderful Therapy and Service dogs. The Alaskan Klee Kai are very intelligent and trainable. Training takes patience, consistency and an understanding of the northern breed dog character. They learn best using positive training methods.
  • Is there an estimate of the number of AKK's in the world?
    By the end of 2018, per a UKC registration, there were just under 10,000 AKK ever born.
  • What percentage are pets versus breeding or potential breeding stock?
    It is not known at this time. Some dogs that are potential breeding or show quality dogs may be spayed or neutered by an owner who does not wish to pursue those aspects of owning an AKK.
  • What is the typical lifespan of the breed?
    Approximately 15 – 17 years.
  • Does the AKK enjoy being with the family or would it prefer to be outside?
    They became part of the family pack unit. They are companion dogs who prefer to be with their caregiver, wherever that may be. They can enjoy hiking, swimming, boating, training, sports, and/or relaxing by their owners. They are not dogs to be kept outside like the typical sled dog.
  • What is a good day for an AKK?
    Play (preferably with you), eat, training, nap, play, eat, training, nap, get attention, and play some more and then go to bed.
  • How can I contact Alaskan Klee Kai National Rescue?
    You can find out more about them on their website: akkrescue.com
  • What is the plural of Alaskan Klee Kai?
    If you'd like to show how familiar you are with the breed, you will know that the plural of Alaskan Klee Kai is Alaskan Klee Kai. There is no such thing as Alaskan Klee Kais. It is a common error used often, even though it is incorrect.
  • How much does an AKK cost?
    AKKAOA does not govern what breeders should ask for their Alaskan Klee Kai. Some things that may influence the price may be, location of the breeder, your location, what quality you are looking for, bloodlines and the potential quality the dog/puppy. On an average anywhere from about $1500 to $3000 (more or less). You might find one that is being re-homed from a breeder that would be less or if you go through the Alaskan Klee Kai National Rescue group.
  • Can the Association recommend a good AKK breeder for me?
    AKKAOA does not make recommendations on breeders. However all of our member breeders have declared by their membership to subscribe to the purposes of this Association and uphold the Association's Code of Ethics. AKKAOA strongly recommends you interview several breeders and expect to be interviewed as a prospective owner in return. Be sure you are getting your AKK from a reputable breeder who is registering their dogs and puppies with UKC, and is health-testing their breeding stock. Keep in mind the relationship between breeder and owner should be a long term relationship, so be sure the person(s) you choose to get an AKK from is someone that willingly answers your questions and someone you will not mind staying in touch with for the lifetime of your new dog.
  • Where can I learn more about reputable breeders?
    Please read through this website for more information on reputable breeders, and be very cautious to avoid AKK scammers, stores, and puppy mills which are growing in numbers with the popularity of this breed. These dogs can have questionable pedigrees, and multiple health, structure, or temperament issues that you will want to avoid. Understand that certification does not mean UKC registration which tracks the pedigrees of our breed back to the original foundation dogs. Visit our Breeder Directory for breeders that are members of AKKAOA who follow the Code of Ethics in breeding and caring for their AKK.
  • How many generations has this breed been breeding true?
    Since the AKK were available to the public in 1988. There are at least 15 generations documented through the UKC.
  • Are the dogs and bitches that are being used for breeding able to reproduce themselves consistently or there is a large variation in type?
    At this time, you could get any size (toy, miniature, or standard) pup from any of the sizes of dog and bitch. The standard colors are bred for black and white, grey and white, or red and white, and a litter can have one or more pups of the same or different standard colors. Occasionally, a litter can have a white (from the American Eskimos) or all dark (from the Schipperke), but these do not meet breed standards and are usually avoided in breeding with DNA testing and selective breed pairings. We do not have a lot of pups going oversized (over 17 ½”), but there are still some.
  • What kinds of health checks does this parent club recommend for the breeding stocks? hips, eyes, elbows, etc.?"
    Dr. Jean Dodds established an AKK blood panel for this breed that includes CBC, Differential, & Chemistries, including liver enzymes and Thyroid profile of T3, T4, free T3, free T4, T3 autoantibodies and T4 autoantibodies. Because patella luxation can be seen in the smaller breeds, this should also be part of the annual exam, as well as a cardiac exam. Many breeders also do eye checks, or CERF, although cataracts are rarely seen in the breed. Of course, FVII DNA testing is still ongoing to assure that we do eliminate this as a potential health issue from the breed. AKKAOA has a Health and Medical Committee that works to learn and track health conditions in the AKK.
  • Where is the Alaskan Klee Kai Association located?
    AKKAOA is a National Association with Officers, Directors and Members from all over the USA and a few international memberships as well.
  • Do I have to own an AKK to be a member of AKKAOA?
    No, you do not have to own an Alaskan Klee Kai to be a member. Membership is open to any breeder, owner or fancier of the Alaskan Klee Kai breed who subscribes to the purposes and objectives of the Association and who is in good standing with the U.K.C.
  • At the time I filled out my application for membership I was not able to volunteer for any committees, but now I am, who should I contact about this?"
    You should contact the Membership Secretary at membership@akkaoa.org and regarding your willingness to volunteer and your areas of interest for volunteer work. Alternatively, you can directly update that information at the Membership Profile page if you have set up your online access.
  • What kinds of records are required by the UKC, as per the association's Code of Ethics?"
    UKC owns the registry. They are in control of all dogs that are registered or not.
  • Are these records available to the public?
    No, they are not, per UKC policy.

You can track the current Top Ten Standings on UKC’s website located here: UKC TOP 10 BREED STANDINGS

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