How Much Does an Alaskan Klee Kai Cost?

Alaskan Klee Kai Cost Square

Alaskan Klee Kais, or AKKs are a relatively new breed. They were bred in the 1970s or 80s by a lady named Linda Spurlin in Wasilla, Alaska. She got fascinated with a small Siberian Husky she met in Oklahoma and decided to breed something like it.

Although today, the American Kennel Club does not recognize AKKs as a pure breed, other clubs like United Kennel Club have already done so.

Despite this, very few breeders have devoted their lives to propagating their genes.

How Much are AKKs?

The Alaskan Klee Kai price can skyrocket from $1,500 to $2,500. For champion bloodlines and those with pedigrees, prices may go up to $5,900. And because they are not yet registered to AKC, some might harbor suspicions about the authenticity of their would-be pet.

If you are one of them, you need not worry-the United Kennel Club in which the AKKs are formally recognized is just as reputable in handing out registration certificate as the American Kennel Club.

Why is it This Expensive?

Aside from the fact that the breed is relatively new compared to its breeding parents; the Alaskan and the Siberian Huskies, the AKK is still being developed to further enhance its qualities as a pet.

The prices may vary depending on:

  • The parentage of the litter where your pup belongs (the more recognized the parents are in terms of pedigree and bloodline, the more expensive the pup);
  • The breeding or showing quality (for those who want show dogs, they might end up giving more cash than usual because they are also paying for the physical attributes and acquired genetics from the parents);
  • The specific needs of the buyer (those who want a specific color of the coat and eyes may have to wait longer and pay more to have one); and
  • Care and maintenance expenses (these may or may not include registration certificates, initial vaccination shots and other medical needs, and travel costs to bring the pup to your home).
Alaskan Klee Kai Cost
How Much Does an Alaskan Klee Kai Cost? 3

What Expenses Should You Expect to Keep It Alive and Well?

For this section, we will divide the expenses into two categories: one-time and recurring.

One-time Expenses – This part would include expenses that would only break your bank only once in your whole dog-mom or dad life; or, at least until the material lasts.

  • Shelter

Alaskan Klee Kais are ideal companion dogs for those who are living in apartments. They are small, easily pleased, and require minimal physical care.

The disadvantage of leaving AKKs in an apartment, though, is the fact that they can yap really loudly and annoyingly if they can sense that you will leave them to fend on their own. This could become a problem once the neighbors next door start banging at your door.

To avoid this, you can apply for soundproofing. Using foam panels can help in preventing disruption. At $10, you can already buy twelve pieces of 1” x 12” x 12” panels that you can stick into your walls and ceiling.

Although AKKs are suitable for apartments, families who live in large homes can still benefit from their companionship. However, this requires shelter preparation that can cost more than soundproofing.

For example, AKKs are high jumpers like cats, so having a high fence if you plan to let it roam around the yard may mean hiring a professional to install one for you-a carpenter in the US usually charge an average $18.60 per hour of work.

If you want to save up on labor costs, DIY-ing your fence can also do the trick. Fence picket boards can be priced from $1 to $9 depending on the quality of wood.

  • Transportation cost

Alaskan Klee Kais, as previously mentioned, are still a rare breed, so finding one within or around your state can be difficult. To know if there is anyone near you, you can visit the Alaskan Klee Kai Association of America website and check out its list of breeders.

Some breeders like the one in Colorado usually delivers AKK puppies through air travel. A reputable pet travel service may charge from $350 to $875 for domestic flights, specifically within the continental US and Puerto Rico, while international ones can charge up to $3,500 per pet.

This service may or may not include the purchase fee, consultation price, and other services you specifically want for your AKK. For international air travel, you might need to shell out additional money for customs fees which may vary from country to country.

If, however, you chose a breeder that is near you, you might only need to worry about the cost of fuel (if you have a car) or public transportation (if you plan to commute).

  • Documentation

It is highly advisable that you only buy Alaskan Klee Kai puppies which are already UKC-registered to ensure that your new pet is a legitimate breed. However, if you do prefer to buy an undocumented one or, better yet, adopt an existing AKK puppy, you must be aware of the fees involved in registering it.

The United Kennel Club is transparent when it comes to its registration fees. For AKKs that are below one-year-old, be prepared to pay from $24 to $60 per pup. For the one-year-olds and up, it goes from $49 to $85, excluding the late fee of $25 per pet.

To avoid the $25 surcharge, register your AKKs immediately after receiving them.

Recurring expenses – This section would discuss the expenses you may incur as long as your AKK is alive.

  • Food

Alaskan Klee Kais are highly inquisitive and energetic so their nutritional requirements must be able to compensate for all the calories they spend every day. The goal is to maintain their weight between 10 and 15 pounds.

They are not known to be picky eaters so you may be able to choose what kind (human, wet, dry, or combination) and what brand of dog food you want to give your pets. For $40, you can already buy a bag of dry dog food from a reputable brand that can feed them for half a month.

In picking a brand, make sure to check the ingredients list and see that the first 3 or four items come from meat. If not, it is best to steer clear of its products.

  • Medical care

Alaskan Klee Kais encounter very minimal medical problems except for those that are commonly associated with small breed dogs.

An example of this would be patellar luxation, a condition wherein the kneecap or patella moves away from its original position which is on the dent on top of the thigh bone or femur. This illness is characterized by a sudden lameness and skipping while walking and an occasional raising of the hind legs for a few minutes to ease the pain.

Veterinarians commonly suggest surgical treatment, specifically, medial patellar luxation stabilization which can cost around $950 to $1,100. Prices may vary due to the pre-surgery and post-surgery checkup fees, professional fee, overnight stays, and the severity of the condition.

To prevent patellar luxation and other similar problems, have your pet visit a veterinarian for routine checkups and prepare around $60 for each session.

As previously mentioned, most AKK breeders include vaccination fees and other healthcare costs to the selling price of the pup. Once received, it is now your job to follow-up on these shots to keep your AKK from known dog diseases such as rabies and distemper.

For these, prepare about $19 to $35 per shot. Some clinics, however, offer vaccine shot packages at a lower price than when you purchase each one separately.

  • Grooming needs

Unlike other dog breeds, Alaskan Klee Kais know how to groom themselves. This means fewer costs on shampoo and other dog cleaning products. The bad news is that when they do shed at least twice a year, your house might bear the consequences.

To avoid the damage caused by too much fur on the floor and your furniture, have a lint brush around to absorb all the stray hairs from your pet. It only cost around $8 to $10, and you can use it not just for removing dog fur but also in clearing out glitters and broken shards of glass brought by an accident!

  • Miscellaneous

As previously mentioned, Alaskan Klee Kais are energetic, spunky dogs. In order to expel the excess energy they have, bring them to walks daily. The only hazard you might encounter as you bring AKKs around your block is the fact that they attack small preys such as rabbits and squirrels along the way.

To avoid this, purchase a strong and sturdy harness and leash that can help you in yanking your dog away from the path. Harnesses made by trusted manufacturers can cost around $9 to $32 depending on the brand.

Another way to keep your Alaskan Klee Kai from getting bored and to distract it while you are away is to buy toys. These goodies are not just for entertainment. Studies show that toys can also help in stimulating its mind and in sharpening its teeth (for chew toys).

Plus, they don’t cost much. You can already buy a decent toy for $10 or less. But if you prefer the more sophisticated and interactive ones, prepare to shell out as much as $45 apiece.

What Should You Remember Before Buying an AKK?

To avoid any problems in the whole process of purchasing your pet, make sure to:

  • Check if the breeders are legitimate and endorsed by the UKC or Alaskan Klee Kai Association of America. These clubs ensure that the AKK puppy was raised carefully, legally, and ethically.
  • Take the time to visit the breeder’s place to see the living conditions of your future pet. This can also help you in observing its behavior both in isolation and with other dogs instead of relying on everything the breeder says.
  • Ask if the whole family agrees to bring an AKK puppy home. Animals sense fear and dislike which can add stress and anxiety to an already-foreign environment. Delegate tasks like who will wash the dog, bring the food, etc.
  • Dog-proof your home ahead of time. Prepare all the necessary stuff the pup needs, like food bowls, dog bed (if any), and toys, among others.

Already have an AKK puppy? What now?

If you already got your Alaskan Klee Kai, congratulations! To keep the peace within your household, here are some tips:

  • Avoid introducing the whole family all at the same time. Give the puppy a chance to get used to your home. After that, introduce each family member one at a time. Be extra careful when introducing toddlers and small children.
  • If you have other dogs, keep them away from the newcomer until such time the pup gets acquainted with the humans. AKKs easily warm up to other dogs than to humans, so you must overcome the latter first before jumping on the former.
  • If you have small animals such as bunnies or hamsters, keep them away from the AKK’s sight at all times. As previously mentioned, their breed loves hunting small preys.
  • Schedule daily walks and playtimes. AKK needs it.
Megan Kriss

Megan currently lives in Georgia with her husband, Matthew, their Border Collie, and Chow Chow mix, Ginger, and their two cats, a tabby named Pepper and a Birman named Misha, though she’s always hoping to add more animals.

Leave a Comment