The Alaskan Klee Kai can be considered the miniature version of the Alaskan and Siberian Huskies. This spitz-type dog is available in three sizes: standard, mini, and toy. It is a popular purebred dog but is not recognized by the AKC.
The term ‘Klee Kai’ means ‘little dog’. Understandably so, since the weight range of the Alaskan Klee Kai (or simply Klee Kai as they are fondly known) is between 5 and 22 lb.
Are you planning on bringing home an Alaskan Klee Kai? Then allow us to congratulate you! It is a great decision as this cute, loyal dog is sure to become an indispensable part of your household.
One of the first questions you may have in mind as a potential AKK owner is its cost. You’d want to know how much an Alaskan Klee Kai puppy costs. The answer to this question varies from breeder to breeder. In general, though, you can expect to pay between $1800 and $5000 for a puppy from reputed breeders.
In addition to the purchase or adoption costs, you may also want to have an estimate of the total cost of raising an Alaskan Klee Kai. As a potential dog owner, it is good to know how much you would spend on your AKK’s food and medical costs.
We will cover all these costs in detail in this guide. We will tell you exactly how much you might spend on your pet’s food and treats, medical costs, training costs, and costs of basic dog supplies.
Here is a brief summary, just in case you’re in a hurry:
Let us cover these costs in detail.
How Much Does an Alaskan Klee Kai Puppy Cost?
Where to buy your Alaskan Klee Kai?
According to the AKKOA – which is the official AKK Club website -there are nearly 45 breeders working towards the welfare of this breed in the United States.
The AKKOA urges potential dog owners to only go to such breeders that are registered on their site. They also urge people not to buy their puppy from a pet shop or any random puppy finder site.
Nordic Mini Huskies are a top breeder on the West Coast of the US. They charge between $2500 and $3000 for their AKK pups.
You can also adopt your AKK. There are a few rescue shelters working for rehoming abandoned AKK. The Alaskan Klee Kai National Rescue is a good place to search for a rescued AKK.
To give you an idea, here is a table showing the price range for AKK
| Minimum price of Alaskan Klee Kai | $1500 |
| Maximum price of Alaskan Klee Kai | $5000 |
| Price range | $1500-$5000 |
| The average price of an Alaskan Klee Kai puppy | $3000 |
Factors Affecting Alaskan Klee Kai Cost
Colors
Alaskan Klee Kai comes in various coat color combos like red-white, gray-white, black-white, and plain white. Black and white is the most common combination but there may be variations in it like jet black, diluted black, or pepper-black and white, etc. Some colors simply cost more as they are very popular.
In addition to the coat colors, potential owners also demand certain eye colors in their AKK. Blue-eyed Alaskan Klee Kai is more popular. Also, the combination of a red and white coat with amber or green eyes is quite rare and breeders tend to charge more for these pups.
Health guarantees
A puppy health guarantee is a document of proof that the breeder has tested the pup for genetic health issues and also has it vaccinated against certain diseases. Good breeders declare these guarantees on their website. You can also ask your breeder for a written and signed copy – just in case. Such pups tend to cost more since the breeders want to recover these costs.
Basic Supplies for your Alaskan Klee Kai
Whether you are purchasing an Alaskan Klee kai puppy or adopting an older one, the following equipment and supplies will make your pet’s stay more comfortable. You can considerably reduce the stress of transition by buying these items beforehand:
Crate
This can be wire or plastic. A crate can provide a safe and secure shelter for your Klee Kai pup. The price of a sturdy crate is about $30. Line the crate with a washable liner or add in some chew-proof bed, blankets, and crate pads. These cost between $20-$70.
Chew toys
Select safe and sturdy chew toys to add inside the crate. These will keep your puppy engaged and also soothe its gums when it is teething. Cost – $20-$40.
Bowls
Select tip-resistant and skid-proof bowls for feeding your AKK. Some dog owners use heavy, food-grade plastic bowls but you can also get metal or ceramic ones. Cost – $20.
Outdoor play toys
Balls, frisbee, rope toys, and other toys can help you exercise your young pet and expend its energy. Avoid toys with buttons, beads, and tassels as they could pose a risk of choking. Cost – about $30.
Training supplies
You will begin potty training your AKK from day one. So you must invest in dog training pads, poop bags, or poop scoopers, as well as a collar and a leash. The cost of all training supplies can be around $50 for this small dog.
Here is a table summarizing these costs:
| Item | Cost |
| Collar, harness, and leash | $50 |
| Bowls | $20 |
| Dog grooming tools – brushes, shampoo, nail trimmer | $50 |
| Chew toys, dental treats, outdoor toys | $50-$75 |
| Training tools – poop bags, clicker, dog potty pads | $50 |
| Crate, bed, liners | $100 |
Alaskan Klee Kai Training Costs
Alaskan Klee Kais need firm handling and training without which they can get out of hand. An untrained AKK will bark for no reason, show aggression, soil indoors, and even disobey its owners.
You can choose from different types of dog training: private lessons, group classes, or boarding and training, etc. These are all priced differently. Private classes are priced between $20 and $50 per session. They are usually more effective than group classes which are cheaper but could distract a young Klee Kai due to the presence of other dogs.
You can also select the board-and-train option but this can be expensive – almost $1250 per week. Your dog will stay with the trainer and learn basic commands, obedience, and potty training.
Dog training costs also vary from location to location. The following table will show you the breakup of training costs:
| National average cost | $50 |
| Minimum cost | $20 |
| Maximum cost | $100 |
| Average range | $30-$80 |
| Dog boarding and training | $1250-$2000 per week |
| Group classes | $20-$40 |
Alaskan Klee Kai Food Costs
In addition to the basic supplies mentioned earlier, your Alaskan will need healthy food. Ask the breeder or your vet about the correct food to feed your puppy. Once your pet has settled in, you can transition to another food. Always make dietary changes slowly since sudden food changes can cause stomach upset in young dogs.
Most Alaskan Klee Kai prefer wet or canned food as it is tastier, has a richer scent and flavor, and also keeps them hydrated. However, dog owners often prefer to feed dry food or kibble as it is less messy and also removes plaque and tartar from your pet’s teeth.
When in doubt, check with your vet about the right kind of food for your pet. Here are the feeding guidelines for puppy and adult Klee Kai:
- Feed a 7-8 week old puppy 3 meals a day.
- Cut back on the number of meals once your pet reaches adulthood. Most owners feed their Alaskans 2 meals a day.
- An adult Klee Kai weighs between 10 and 20 lb. If your dog weighs 10 lb., feed it 3/4th cup of kibble per day. If it weighs about 15 lb. feed it one cup per day. You can divide this into 2 smaller meals.
- If you choose to feed wet or canned food, then your Klee Kai needs 10 oz. wet food if it weighs 10 lb. Again, you can divide this into two meals.
- Some dog owners feed freeze-dried food. Your 15 lb. Klee Kai will need 20 nuggets or 1.5 ounces of freeze-dried food.
Here is a table showing the monthly cost of Alaskan Klee Kai food:
| Type of food | Quantity per month for a 15 lb. Klee Kai | Cost per month |
| Dry dog food/kibble | 6 lb. | $10-$20 |
| Wet or canned food | 15 lb. | $30-$50 |
| Freeze-dried raw food | 10 lb. | $40-$60 |
| Raw food | 20 lb. | $15 |
Dog Food Cost Comparison
Generally, high-quality dog food that incorporates proteins, vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats is the best for your Klee Kai. The food should also be balanced for your pet’s age. Puppies, senior Klee Kais, lactating or pregnant bitches will need different food.
Today, there are many dog food brands making premium foods for dogs. Your vet can also make a recommendation regarding the right food that contains balanced nutrition in palatable and digestible form.
Look for food containing meat as the first ingredient. It could be chicken, fish, turkey, lamb, or beef. Avoid foods with by-products, preservatives, colors/dyes, or artificial flavors. These do not provide any real nutrition to your AKK and can even cause food allergies or sensitivities.
Here are some top food brands for Klee Kai with their costs:
| Name | Features | Cost per pound |
| Instinct Raw Boost Grain Free Dry Dog Food, High Protein Kibble + Freeze Dried Raw Dog Food | Made in the USA, grain-free, high protein content. | $3.33/lb. |
| Purina Pro Plan with Probiotics Shredded Blend High Protein, Adult Dry Dog Food Chicken & Rice | Great taste and texture for picky dogs, fortified with live probiotics for digestion. | $1.43/lb. |
| CESAR Small Breed Dry Dog Food Spring Vegetables Garnish Dog Kibble | Gourmet dog food with all the nutrients that small dogs need | $1.04/lb. |
| Royal Canin Small Breed Adult Dry Dog Food | Great for skin health, weight management, small kibble for small jaws. | $4.74/lb. |
Alaskan Klee Kai Medical Costs
It is important for every AKK owner to know about preventative practices, have their pet vaccinated, and regularly checked by their vet. Vaccines can protect your Klee Kai from many deadly canine diseases including parvovirus, canine distemper, hepatitis, and influenza.
Regular vet visits will also help you identify concerns and problems. Plus it will keep you up-to-date with your Klee Kai’s vaccines and booster shots.
Different veterinary practices charge different fees for vaccines and routine exams. Even though cost shouldn’t be a determining factor here, you have the right to call different veterinary offices and get their prices for routine procedures like spaying, neutering, vaccinations, dental exams, etc.
The following tables will show you the costs of compulsory/core vaccines, non-core/optional vaccines, deworming, flea and tick prevention, as well as routine medical costs and emergency medical costs.
Core vaccines
| Core vaccine | Age of puppy | Cost |
| Distemper | At least 3 doses to be given between 6 and 16 weeks of age. (2 doses to be given 3-4 weeks apart) | $15 to $25 |
| Parvovirus | Same as above | |
| Adenovirus, type 1 (CAV-1, canine hepatitis) | The intranasal vaccine may be boostered at one year. Your Cavalier will also need a booster at 1 year after completing the initial series, then again, every 3 years. | $15-$50 |
| Adenovirus, type 2 (CAV-2, kennel cough) | Between 6 weeks to 16 weeks, at least 3 doses. | $15-$50 |
| Rabies 1 and 3 years | Can be given as early as 3 months of age. States have laws about this core vaccine | $35 to $50 |
Non-core vaccine costs
| Non-core vaccine | Age of puppy | Cost |
| Parainfluenza | Administered at 6-8 weeks of age, then every 3-4 weeks until 12-14 weeks old. Depending on the manufacturer’s recommendation, a booster may be needed after a year and re-vaccination every 3 years. | $15-$35 |
| Bordetella bronchiseptica (kennel cough) | 2 doses of injection or one dose of intranasal vaccine given based on manufacturer recommendation | $15-$50 |
| Lyme disease | Given at 9 weeks and repeated after 2-4 weeks | $20-$40 |
| Leptospirosis | 2 doses at least 2-4 weeks apart. First dose around 8 weeks. | $15-$35 |
Other medical costs dog owners incur
| Name of test | Cost |
| Routine checkup | $50 and $250 |
| Spaying or neutering | $160-$200 |
| Physical exam | $45 – $55 |
| Fecal exam | $25-$55 |
| Heartworm test | $45-$50 |
| Dental cleaning | $70-$400 |
| Allergy testing | $195-$300 |
| Flea and tick prevention | $25 – $50 for a 3-month supply |
| Deworming | Between $8 and $30 depending on the brand of medicine. |
Emergency costs
| Name of test | Cost** |
| Bloodwork | $80-$100 |
| X-ray | Up to $200 |
| USG | Up to $500 |
| Hospitalization | $600-$3500 |
| Emergency surgery | Up to $2000 |
Common Health Issues in Alaskan Klee Kai
If you buy your AKK from a reputed breeder, chances are they will provide health guarantees through test records for common genetic issues. This can ensure that your Klee Kai won’t have those health problems. In general, the following illnesses are common in the breed:
Juvenile cataracts
In juvenile cataracts, the eye lenses become cloudy. It can result from poor diet, diabetes, or environmental issues. The cost of surgery is $2000-$3500.
Cardiac issues
In young Klee Kai pups, heart-murmur is a common issue. Mostly though, it goes away as the pet gets older.
Thyroid- issues
A good breeder will prevent breeding dogs with thyroid-related disorders. Also, they will do a complete thyroid profile on their puppies before handing them over to potential pet owners. The monthly expense to treat hypothyroidism is about $20-$50 for most dogs.
Factor VII Deficiency
This is a blood clotting disorder that is inherited. Again, a reputed breeder will not let anyone take such dogs home. Most Klee Kai with factor 7 deficiency tend to remain healthy but could have a tendency to bleed. Some clotting agents and replacement therapy can increase the factor VII in the affected pet.
Buying Pet Insurance for Alaskan Klee Kai
While health insurance for you and your family may be common, most people still hold back while buying pet insurance. After all, pet insurance could be expensive. However, if you look at the long-term benefits, you will find it very beneficial.
Many dog insurance plans cover everything from routine visits to emergency costs. Some even cover accidents, existing conditions, injuries, diagnostics, and hospitalization.
The main thing to do is to look up several insurers online. See exactly what they will cover for the amount you’ll pay each month.
Here are some pet insurance companies and their pros and cons along with basic plan costs.
| Name | Cost | Pros | Cons |
| Figo Insurance | As low as $1.5 per day | You can choose your annual benefit, deductible, and reimbursement rate. They have a Pet Cloud app that connects policyholders to a live vet 24/7
| May not cover pre-existing conditions. |
| Embrace Insurance | Basic coverage starts under $7 | Covers most types of cares | They have hidden fees. |
| PetsBest | About $20/month | Their plans offer customizable annual limits, annual deductibles, and 70, 80, or 90% reimbursement. | Limited annual limit options. Also, end-of-life expenses not covered. |
| Farmer’s Pet Insurance | Start at $16/month | Has an excellent rating by Better Business Bureau. Has 24 x 7 claims reporting. | Some users reported higher premium rates. |
Additional Costs of Raising your Alaskan Klee Kai
Your Klee Kai will provide invaluable companionship to you but there are some other costs you need to be aware of in addition to its food, training, and medical costs. These are:
Microchipping and license
This is a small one-time expense that you’d incur in the first year. The cost of microchipping is about $45 and it includes the vet’s fees for the procedure as well as the licensing fees. This fee can vary from state to state but is usually the same for all dogs despite their size.
Grooming
Klee Kais are double-coated dogs and they blow their coat from time to time. You can curb the amount of hair on your furniture and clothes by regularly brushing your pet. Many Klee Kai parents also prefer to get their pets professionally groomed. The cost of basic grooming is $45 to $75 and it varies from city to city. Basic grooming includes ear cleaning, anal gland expression, shampooing, and nail trimming.
Dog walking
Your tiny dog does not need too much exercise but that does not mean that it can be a couch potato. If you’re too busy to walk your dog, you could consider hiring a dog walker. Dog walking services are readily available everywhere. Most walkers charge between $10 and $40 for a short walk.
Travel and pet-boarding
There is bound to come a time when you need to leave your pet due to a business or pleasure travel. If you cannot take your pet with you, you could consider boarding it. Pet boarding hostels charge around $40-$75 per day depending on the facilities. You can also travel with your dog – the cost is about $125-$250 per trip by flight. You’d also need an airline-approved dog carrier.
Key Takeaways – How Much Is An Alaskan Klee Kai?
Owning a Klee Kai can be expensive so it is a good idea to set aside a monthly and annual budget. Here is a summary of costs you might incur once you bring home your pet:
First-year cost
In the first year, expect to pay around $2000 on your Klee Kai. The cost of purchasing your puppy from a reputed breeder will be around $3000. You’d also get your pet vaccinated, dewormed, and neutered which can bring the costs in the first year to around $2000. If you adopt your dog, expect to pay around $400 in fees. You might also spend on some one-time costs like basic supplies, beds, toys, etc.
Monthly costs
Your small dog will need nutritious food along with training, regular grooming, deworming, and flea and tick prevention. If you spend around $50 on food, $200 on medical costs, $20 per month on insurance, about $20 on toys and treats, and $200 on dog walking, then the monthly costs will be around $500.
Annual costs
Yearly vet visits, food costs, grooming, travel, insurance, training, poop bags, etc. can bring your annual expenses of raising your Klee Kai to around $1000.
Lifetime
The average lifetime cost of Alaskan Klee Kai is around 10-13 years. So, you can expect to pay $13000 over its lifetime, assuming your dog does not develop any major health issues.
Please note that these costs are just an estimate and can vary greatly depending on your style of dog parenting. We hope this guide helps you plan financially for your little pet.
