Alaskan Klee Kai health: what owners should know

The breed is fairly young and its gene pool is small. Known issues include slipping kneecaps (patellar luxation), eye conditions such as juvenile cataracts, heart conditions, thyroid disease and factor VII deficiency, an inherited clotting disorder for which a DNA test exists. Responsible breeders use the available DNA tests, have knees, eyes and hearts checked and speak openly about health in their lines.

Keep your Klee Kai lean, active and cool in summer, and brush its teeth several times a week, since small mouths collect tartar quickly. See a vet if you notice skipping or holding up a back leg, cloudy or bluish eyes, bleeding that takes a long time to stop or unexplained bruising, unusual tiredness, or changes in weight or coat that you cannot explain.