The Thai Bangkaew dog is not recognized in the United States, but he is recognized in Thailand, the Asian Kennel Union, and the FCI. This spitz breed is said to be the product of a “black and white” dog owned by a Buddhist abbot and a now-extinct wild dog, eventually built into a new breed in the early 1900’s. They were believed to have originated in the village of Bangkaew – hence the name.

The TBD is a loyal spitz that can become very attached to and protective of his owner. Extremely alert, he is wary of strangers and is known for his watchdog and guard dog abilities in Thailand. He has also been used for hunting and as a devoted family companion – he is not a one-man dog and is affectionate to all members of the family. This isn’t a loud dog unless he needs to be – if someone is encroaching on the property for example. This is a confident, no-nonsense breed with a fearless and occasionally dominant temperament – not for the novice dog owner. Although a great companion in the right hands, he is territorial and does require owners with dog experience. He shouldn’t be outright aggressive for no reason however this requires knowledge, early socialization and training.

Bangkaews are intelligent and can be obedient when trained. Some have even been used by the Thai police and customs services because of their serious, hardworking aptitudes and versatile nature. That said, there is a stubborn streak stemming from their independent characters and they do best when training lessons are broken up into short, reward-based sessions. Consistency is key, as is patience. Although they can be good workers, they aren’t always the easiest to train initially. They also tend to get bored easily. They require plenty of respect, but also need owners who won’t put up with bad, pushy behavior. A confident owner is absolutely required as this breed will strive to control the household if he feels there isn’t a strong leader in the midst.

The Thai Bangkaew, in general, tends to love the water and enjoy swimming. The coat is even water repellent! They are athletic and sturdy, and able to take any sort of exercise thrown at them. They do need plenty of daily workouts (and lots of it) to stay healthy and temperamentally sound. Likewise they also need mental stimulation in the form of training, games and even dog sports such as agility. Finally, routine vet care (just like any other dog) should also be provided. Most TBDs are very healthy although some do suffer from eye disease, ear infections or hip dysplasia. Average lifespan is about 11-12 years.

Bangkaew Dogs are medium sized, squarely-built dogs with long legs. Ears are small and pricked on top of a wedge-shaped head. The coat is thick and double-coated, medium length overall with a visible ruff around the neck and shoulders. Color is always white with patches of another color – either red, tan, lemon, fawn, gray or black. Occasionally the coat has black tips giving a sable pattern over the colored parts of the dog. The tail is carried moderately over the back. Coat care is easy as long as routine brushing is kept up with. The thick coat does need regular attention to keep mats from forming but there is no special trimming required.

The Thai Bangkaew Dog tends not to get along well with other dogs but can live with other large pets if socialized early. He is playful but prefers to play with humans as dog-dog aggression is unfortunately common in the breed. Smaller pets are risky because of his prey drive. He can be trustworthy around children although older, thoughtful kids are a better match for this breed. Supervision is required around younger children, and the dog must be raised with them from puppy-hood.

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The Black Norwegian Elkhound was developed from several spitz breeds along the Norwegian-Swedish border. This is not a new or “fad” variation of the more-commonly known Norwegian Elkhound, but is actually an old breed that has existed since the mid 1800’s – at one point even becoming fairly popular in Norway. Today, the popularity of the gray Elkhound has dwarfed the Black, and the darker breed isn’t known in most parts of the world. At one point facing extinction, luckily the breed was saved by fanciers and now between 90 and 150 puppies are registered each year in Norway. This is the smallest of the elkhound breeds in terms of size, the largest males topping out at 19 inches. He is an adept hunter of game including moose and bear, capable of tracking scents on lead, and has also been used to pull sleds as well!

Black Elkhounds are intelligent although can be headstrong and independent. This said, they are very trainable as long as the owner has patience and starts the training early. Many can be trained to stay nearby when not on a leash – although this does require plenty of distraction “proofing”. As with many working spitz breeds, he does need a job to do and should be given both mental and physical exercise on a daily basis. Black Elkhounds are often more interested in work than their gray counterparts, but also have more energy to be drained and are more likely to suffer behavior problems if not given regular tasks and exercise. Some possible outlets include tracking and agility – dog sports that allow them to use their natural abilities!

The Black Norwegian is a loyal spitz that makes a lovely family companion for those who can meet his needs. He also makes a fantastic working dog as well. Courageous, agile and hardy – he is a fantastic choice for an experienced hunter. When raised correctly he should have a level temperament, and even gets along with well-behaved children. The biggest downfall for most owners is his penchant for barking – a pastime that he enjoys a little too well! The breed is always alert to happenings around the property and will announce any changes or events, making him a good watch dog although may get a little carried away with this role. When friends come to visit, he can often be found excitedly greeting them at the door.

Black Norwegian Elkhounds are squarely built dogs with pricked ears and a high-set tail carried over the back. The coat is medium in length and dense with a rough texture. Coat texture and quality is very important as these are outdoor all-weather dogs that need a protective and warm pelt! The color (as obvious by the breed’s name) is always a shiny black. This coat does need to be brushed somewhat extensively, especially during shedding seasons. Luckily, these dogs keep themselves fairly clean and don’t tend to have a doggy odor, which means bathing can be kept to a minimum.

Black Norwegians can be standoffish around people they don’t know well. At worst, some are prone to anxiety or even aggressive behaviors around people or animals that they don’t know. It is for this reason that puppies must be socialized from an early age. Furthermore, not all get along great with other pets in general, especially those that are smaller than them. This is due to their high prey drive. Dog aggression and particularly same-sex dog aggression also seems to be in many lines.

The Black Elkhound is usually a fairly healthy breed that lives 12-15 years and has plenty of stamina and strength throughout his life. There are instances of hip dysplasia in some lines, which means that prospective buyers should check to make sure that any potential breeders tests hips in their dogs. Elbow dysplasia is a less common issue, as well as the occasional kidney or eye issue. These aren’t often seen although it’s always good to discuss all concerns with a responsible breeder who knows their lines. For the most part, this is an exceptionally healthy and hardy dog that is always ready for outdoor activities and work!

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The Kintamani-Bali Dog originated in Indonesia as a household pet, and is the national breed of the country. While his genealogical history remains unknown, some believe that the Chow Chow is in this spitz’ background, as well as Balinese feral “street” dogs. We do know that this breed has had a parent club and has been shown since 1985. It is also the first Indonesian breed to gain international recognition, and is a provisional member of the FCI. This said, they are still a rare breed in the United States and a prospective owner will very likely need to import a dog from overseas if a puppy is desired.

Kintamani are said to be extremely intelligent and easy to train, although they do have an independent streak like many spitz breeds. With dedication (and a pinch of patience) from their owner, the Kinta can be successful in many dog sports such as agility or obedience! They do best with trainers that utilize fair and balanced methods, as overly harsh training can cause the dog to shut down or even react aggressively. Furthermore they do best when training is made fun and interesting, as many get bored easily.

The Kinta makes an excellent watch dog, as he will bark if he hears an unexpected sound or sees a stranger out the window. He can also be extremely territorial towards those who enter his property – particularly other dogs – even becoming aggressive if the situation warrants it. As this is also a climbing breed (it isn’t unexpected to see them scaling walls or sitting atop fences in Bali), care must be taken to ensure the property is safely escape-proof so he doesn’t become a liability. His somewhat alarming guarding behavior is in sharp contrast to the gentle and affectionate nature that he shares with those whom he loves. He is very faithful and loyal to those he considers his family. One of his original purposes was to guard the property, so these traits are valued and a natural part of his temperament.

The KBD has plenty of energy and needs regular exercise, especially younger dogs. Hiking is a great activity, as well as swimming, jogging and even exercise that incorporates fun games! Many particularly enjoy swimming and have a natural talent for it, which means regular visits to a beach or pool are especially appreciated by the dog! They aren’t a great match for someone looking for a couch potato, for while they do calm down with age, they definitely require some sort of engaging activity throughout their lives.

Kintamani-Bali Dogs tend to get along well with children (when socialized to them) and can make very good family pets in the right setting. Take note that some don’t get along with other dogs (especially strange dogs approaching their territory) so this may not be the best choice for someone who wants a very dog-social dog. Many also are not cat-safe. Because of their higher energy level and propensity to bark frequently, they also aren’t the greatest idea as an apartment dog. While some members of the breed are easier than others, even being able to live with novice owners, their upbringing and the living situation makes all the difference!

The Kintamani is characterized by a broad, wedge-shaped head and rectangular erect ears. The overall body of the Kinta is slightly rectangular with a level topline. The coat is a medium length, double coat with a harsh texture. A bushy “frill” of longer hair should surround the neck and withers, as well as the tail. Colors allowed are white, fawn, black and brindle. While it may look difficult to care for, the coat is actually fairly easy as long as a grooming schedule is kept at home. The coat needs brushing only once or twice a week during most time of the year, except during shedding season which may require daily care.

The Greenland Dog is said to be one of the oldest breeds in the world. Hailing from the Arctic regions, and the only (surviving) dog from Greenland, this spitz breed is lesser known than similar sled dogs but well favored by those who do. They were originally used by the Eskimos for hunting and pulling sleds and can be said to be a mid-range hauling dog – somewhere in between the sizes of the larger Alaskan Malamute and the smaller Siberian Husky. Although a pack animal, they need to live indoors with the family if they don’t have the company of other dogs. With other household canines, the breed can have issues with members of the same sex unless and until a pecking order is established. Around strange dogs, they can be territorial and defensive. While they might not always start a fight they most definitely will not back down if a scuffle starts.

It is said that one must have plenty of patience when training a Greenland, but because of his size and strength, training is a necessity! He is recommended for experienced dog owners only as he can tend toward dominant behaviors. He needs firm, consistent training throughout his life, but especially during his adolescent years up to the age of 3 when he is most likely to challenge his owner. This is an independent-minded spitz that is intelligent but very stubborn. Aside from the important fact that he needs rules and structure to keep him from taking advantage of his owners, he also needs the mental stimulation that training provides to keep from becoming bored. A dog that was born to do a job – along with obedience training he will be happiest when given activities such as tracking or agility – or even better, opportunities to pull a sled!

Greenlands can be escape artists, and not only do they need a fence but that fence must be equally secure. This means it should be have features that keeps a dog from jumping over as well as digging out. A fenced yard will provide a nice exercise area, however this working breed also needs extensive daily walks – as much as two hours a day for some individuals! Keep in mind this athletic breed would pull sleds for extended periods of time and this energy has not been bred out. He is still capable of this task and owners with the means to do so would do well to let him pull a sled to help release some of that energy! Those not in a snowy climate can substitute carting, or another physically tasking job such as hiking. Without enough physical exercise the dog can become destructive which may result in massive holes dug in the yard or other frustrating behaviors.

The Greenland Dog is a happy and affectionate, non-aggressive breed with a fairly extroverted nature although he has a reserved way of showing it. He loves all members of the family equally and is quick to make friends, yet doesn’t seem to suffer from separation anxiety as frequently as some other social breeds – probably due to his independent side. When playing, he does so boisterously and with much enthusiasm! He is not a guard dog, however is nonetheless intimidating in appearance and can be a deterrent to many would-be buglers who don’t know the difference! The breed is large in height, has a muscular build, and is likely to bark if someone comes to the door; giving many criminals second thoughts.

As might be surmised by his thick, medium length double coat, the Greenland Dog is a shedder and needs to be brushed several times a week. His thick, protective coat allows him to live outside in very cold weather if needed but also means he needs extra protection from the sun and the heat. The top coat is straight and coarse to the touch, providing a protective barrier between his body and the snow (or cold weather) while the plushy undercoat keeps him insulated. This double coat should never be clipped or shaved down, as doing so will ruin the natural ability to insulate him in increment weather. The coat of this colorful spitz can be seen in almost any color, save for albino.

The Greenland doesn’t bark as much as he sings, screams and howls. Groups of Greenlands are known for singing together which results in a beautiful serenade that may or may not impress the neighbors. The ancient roots of this spitz breed certainly show! DNA evidence places them more closely related to the extinct Taimyr Wolf than the Gray Wolf, which is relevant because this means they (and their relatives) are descended from an even older strain of wolf than most other breeds! The breed’s stoic nature, higher prey drive and quiet reserve are all traits often seen in wolves and very ancient dogs.

Photo By sannse

The Volpino Italiano is an ancient breed from Italy. At one point they almost went extinct due to lack of interest but were then saved in the 1960’s. The word volpino means “little fox”, so essentially the breed name means “little fox from Italy”.  Although this rare spitz has only recently been granted membership to AKC’s FSS program (a service that helps breeds eventually gain full recognition), ancestors of the breed might possibly date back all the way to 350 BC! Close relatives include the German Spitz, the Pomeranian and also the American Eskimo Dog – in fact Eskie breeders used the Volpino to help create the toy variety of their own breed.

Volpini (the plural form of the name) are energetic in the home and do need regular exercise. That said, this is a tiny breed so a little exercise for you equals out to a lot of exercise for him! A brisk walk for most humans is enough to get him into a jog, which means that walking even a short length can amount to a decent workout. Once he’s back home, he’ll probably be more than happy to take a long nap in his bed (or your lap).

The Volpino Italiano is an affectionate and loyal little spitz that is good with children, other dogs and cats. Because of his tiny size and overall delicate frame, he is not recommended for those with very small kids. Like all dogs bred to be companions, he needs to live in the home and have plenty of interaction with his owner/s. He can get lonely without enough companionship and doesn’t do well when his people work all day, even becoming destructive. This devoted spitz forms a very tight bond with those whom he lives with! With strangers he is often more suspicious and may even vocalize his concerns when out in public.

Many Volpini share the trait of being yippy, particularly in homes with lots of guests or passers-by to the property. They will announce when they see people walking outside or that they hear in the hallway so while they can be apartment dogs, they must be trained to be quiet – not always an easy feat. (Historically they were appreciated for their “guarding instincts”, which speaks volumes of their voices and enjoyment of barking.)

The Volpino Italiano is easy to train and can even do well in dog sports such as agility, nosework and rally! His curious nature, love of food rewards and great desire to please means he also tends to enjoy learning obedience. Like his active body, he also has an active mind that needs mental stimulation in the form of training, games and challenges. Very playful, he especially likes training that seems like a game. Like most spitz breeds he’s not an obedience robot and does have a mind of his own when he decides on “a better way” to perform a command – leading to some calling him stubborn. He also tends toward bossy behavior if rules aren’t started (and enforced) from puppyhood!

The Volpino can be prone to eye problems so it is highly recommended to only purchase dogs from breeders who test for primary lens luxation before breeding. Breeders should also test parents for patellar luxation, a kneecap problem. Thankfully, many Volpini live healthy and non-eventful lives in terms of health, and can live up to 15-16 years – a long time compared to many other breeds. Thankfully the adaptability of the breed means he can transition easily to different lifestyles as his owner matures and changes throughout the years, as long as his basic needs are always met.

Volpini Italiano are a low-to-medium shedding breed. Their coat is medium-long in length but double-coated which lends to it’s extra fluffy appearance. The coat isn’t difficult to groom but does require regular care – at least twice a week of brushing. Check the eyes to make sure they’re clean with no discharge, and clean the ears every week. They require no special trimming with the exception of evening out the hair under the feet so they don’t slip and slide. Finally, bathe every few weeks or so using a shampoo formulated specifically for dogs. Keep nails clipped short and teeth brushed regularly, and he’ll be all set!

Photo by Canarian

Although the Swedish Elkhound (also known as the Jamthund) wasn’t recognized until the 1940’s, it is actually an ancient breed. Originally lumped together with the Norwegian Elkhound in dog shows, this spitz was used for hunting not only elk, but also lynx and bear. Some were also used to pull sleds in Northern Europe. Affectionate with his family but possessed with a strong prey drive – this normally composed dog turns into a chasing/hunting machine if he catches wind of a prey animal! He may or may not do well in homes with cats or other small animals, and supervision will likely be necessary in those circumstances.

Swedish Elkhounds are known to be dominant with other dogs. With proper socialization, they don’t tend to get startled easily nor do they get phased by new experiences, and this confident attitude can cross over into assertiveness (or even over-confidence) with other canines. That said, this “can do” attitude makes them adaptable to many different living situations, and it’s not uncommon for them to hunt all day with their owners and then come home and calmly play with the children at home. Many take on a protective role of the kids in the family and see it as their job to keep young ones safe.

With training, the Swedish Elkhound loves to please and enjoys learning new things! In fact, this working breed needs a job to do in order to stay mentally stimulated so obedience training should be included in his life. Be aware that he can be independent despite his loyal nature, so he may need plenty of engagement training up front to keep him focused on his handler. Take note that it is very important to socialize young puppies extensively before even beginning formal training. Under-socialized members of this breed can develop undesirable traits such as overly-protective behaviors around strangers, as well as reactivity around other dogs. Starting young and getting them used to being in situations such as these (in happy or even neutral ways) can help to keep them from developing issues later on.

The Swedish Elkhound has been described as patient and stable, but because of his independence and tendency toward dominant behaviors, does best with experienced owners. He, along with related breeds, is more closely related to the wolf than some other breeds and it shows in his personality. One can even see this ancient wolf-y lineage in his appearance such as his grey coloration (accompanied by lighter grey or cream markings) and his tapered muzzle. He has a quiet intelligence and a strong will that, while admirable, can also make him stubborn and difficult to live with for some. He needs a strong authority figure as an owner.

Swedish Elkhounds need regular exercise to stay both fit and happy – otherwise they can become bored and destructive. They need a bare minimum of 30 minutes strenuous work with their owner in addition to a large fenced yard to stretch their legs and run. This is a large, high energy breed that is known for their endurance and power and therefore requires plenty of time and space. Furthermore, an owner can’t use the excuse of bad weather to forego daily exercise – this spitz is well-adapted to working in extremely cold weather conditions! The breed loves being outdoors and the colder, the better!

The coat of the Swedish Elkhound is short but thick, with a close laying topcoat and abundant undercoat. It requires only infrequent baths but does need to be brushed several times a week so the woolly undercoat doesn’t get out of control. Keep in mind that this spitz lives between 12-13 years and will need this brushing his entire life in order to stay comfortable! Shaving is not an option. As mentioned above he also needs plenty of attention, exercise and training but when his needs are met, this is a unique dog with a special and loyal temperament.

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The Saarlooswolfdog hails from the Netherlands and was created in the 1930’s by crossing a German Shepherd with a Eurasian Grey Wolf, and then developing the resulting offspring into a breed over time. Some of the dogs were used as guide dogs for the blind, but nowadays they aren’t often used for this task as the particular traits needed for this work are rarely seen in the line. Their current primary purpose is as a devoted pet – albeit one which requires the right home. They are not a breed for just anyone and do require experienced homes only! The breed was officially recognized by the Dutch Kennel Club in 1975. They are intelligent, sensitive to their owner’s emotions and curious about the world around them.

The SWD is a rare breed with a small gene pool, which means breeders must be dedicated and willing to put much thought into each litter, making sure to keep the breed as a whole as healthy as possible. In order to expand the gene pool, a couple of outcross programs are being conducted and strictly recorded in the Netherlands. Look-alike breeds such as the White Swiss Shepherd and Siberian Husky (among others) are being crossed with the breed in order to produce a new generations of dogs (F1) which are then health tested, evaluated and bred back into the main line. After 4 generations the resulting offspring will again be able to be called Saarlooswolfdogs. This endeavor is helping keep the breed healthy and hopefully in existence for many years to come! As it is, most individuals live around 15 years and are healthy, but the outcross programs are in place to keep this so.

Although Saarlooswolfdogs look very similar to wolves and even have wolf ancestry in their lines, they are not wolves themselves. In fact, some are further back from wolves lineage than modern high-content wolf hybrids. This isn’t a bad thing at all – in fact, living with a high-content wolf hybrid is not for the faint of heart and can be more akin to living with a wild animal than a dog! Whereas a SWD has the best of both worlds – a true dog with a “dog brain” that looks very similar to a wolf. Although he has some “wolfy” characteristics (such as a high awareness of pack dynamics), it is more like living with a primitive breed than a wild animal (primitives are a group of dogs which are more independent in general). A 2019 genomic study found that there was between 18-33% Grey Wolf in the breed, depending upon the individual.

The SWD is a very intelligent breed that loves to learn and, in fact, requires a job in order to be happy. Like his Shepherd ancestors he has a large drive to “do” and should be given obedience training from an early age, followed by opportunities to work. Unlike Shepherds, he does not make a good guard dog (too skittish around strangers) and so his job/s probably shouldn’t involve guarding work. Before training even begins, it is vitally important that thorough socialization takes place as this breed requires extensive socializing to people, places and situations!

What type of owner is a good match for the Saarlooswolfdog? For starters, the SWD should only be owned by active people who are willing to spend plenty of time exercising the dog’s body and mind. A potential owner must also understand that this breed is quite reserved around strangers and isn’t going to say hi to everyone they meet while out on a walk. Rather than meeting people with excitement or aggression, the natural tendency is to run or hide behind their owner. In addition, they can suffer from separation anxiety and require that the owner be home frequently. Don’t let their highly-independent personalities fool you – they need plenty of company throughout the day. Living with another dog can help with their social neediness but one must be more cautious when introducing cats or small pets as the SWD does have an innate prey drive. Finally, this dog may do better in a home without young children.

The size of the SWD can definitely cause heads to turn – this breed can range from 24 up to 30 inches tall, which combined with the average weight of 100 pounds make this a giant breed. With an athletic but rangy build, he comes across as a huge wolf at first glance. Even his coat, which is short yet thick and often including a thick “mane” of hair around the neck, is very wolf-y in appearance. Colors range from shades of gray or brown (both with lighter markings underneath the dog), to solid cream or pure white.

The Japanese Akitainu is the “original”Akita dog. In most parts of the world aside from the USA and Canada, the Akita has split into two separate breeds – the Japanese Akita and the American Akita. Here in the U.S., the UKC has recognized both, however AKC (by far, the bigger of the two registries) has not. This may be changing in the future however, as the Japanese counterpart has just been admitted into AKC’s FSS program. To make things even more confusing in America, there are AKC breeders with Japanese Akitas whose dogs are registered “Akitas” (read: American) however are in all actuality Japanese because of their pedigree! If the Japanese Akita gains full recognition here as it is in the rest of the world, this confusion should die down a bit as the two separate strains will be labeled as such.

While sharing similar bloodlines, there are still a number of differences between the two breeds. Appearance-wise, the Japanese are slightly smaller and with less substance than their American counterparts, however they are still large dogs! This said, they are perhaps more athletic and agile than the bigger American Akitas that are known in this country. There is also an obvious difference in the heads and expressions of both breeds – the Japanese being more wedge-shaped with smaller eyes and the Americans with blockier faces and eyes set further apart. Finally, when it comes to color the American standard has much more allowance to colors and patterns while the Japanese has stricter rules for both. Only red (with particular markings), brindle (with those same particular markings) or solid white are allowed. Unlike American dogs, Japanese Akitainu cannot have a black mask, nor can have pinto markings.

A noble breed, the JA can be aloof and standoff-ish towards strangers. He has a serious and “I-mean-business” personality, especially when it comes to protecting those he loves! In fact, his loyalty and dedication to his owner is paramount. A working breed through and through, any prospective owners worth their salt should do plenty of research beforehand to make sure they are prepared to handle this large spitz. This is a breed for experienced dog owners only.

The JA is known to be dog-aggressive, particularly to members of the same sex. In addition he can have a high prey drive. For both of these reasons it is paramount that he only be owned by responsible people who can keep their dogs secure on leash or in a fenced area, lest he get loose and run after other dogs or small animals. This is not to say that he is an untrustworthy or “bad” dog, but his drives are fairly hardwired and it’s important to be aware of them. Well socialized and trained dogs can easily enjoy outdoor activities under the watchful eye of an experienced dog owner, but it does take work. It is also particularly important to socialize the dog extensively while still a puppy.

The Japanese Akitainu does not require a lot of grooming except when he is shedding, which he does twice a year. This shedding period is profuse because he actually has a triple coat! At this time, brushing should be increased from 1-2 times a week to daily (depending upon how much you mind dog hair in the home). Other than this, keep the nails trimmed, teeth brushed and give the occasional bath. No special trimming is necessary.

The Japanese Akitainu is an intelligent breed who needs an outlet for his mind. Using obedience as a foundation, one can also assign other tasks or dog sports to give him a job – which is a good way to enrich his active brain! As with other highly intelligent dogs, he does best with several small obedience sessions broken up throughout the day rather than a large chunk of training all at once. Keep in mind that stubbornness and manipulative behaviors are not uncommon – be prepared to make training fun while keeping an eye out for flat-out-refusal… and work through it!

Photo By Peter Theakston

Alaskan Klee Kai are said to be “Alaskan Huskies in miniature”. Unlike Alaskan Huskies, however, this is a purebred dog that has been around since the 1980’s and is currently recognized by the UKC as well as AKC’s FSS program. The name Klee Kai means “little dog” in Eskimo and plays true to form for this little spitz. The breed comes in three sizes – toy, miniature and standard, and even the tallest standard should never go over 17.5 inches. A natural showman who enjoys being watched by his family, this companion dog enjoys being the center of attention!

Klee Kai are affectionate toward their families but more guarded when it comes to those whom they don’t know. They also may take a little extra time to warm up and gather their bearings in strange situations or places. When at home, they are alert and are good little watchdogs ready to sound the alarm when a stranger comes to the door. Tending to form close bonds with their owners, they prefer to be in the company of “their people” as much as possible. This is not a dog that can be thrown outside all day and expected to entertain themselves alone. While they enjoy all sorts of outdoor activities… they enjoy being outside with YOU! As with all highly social breeds, they can develop separation anxiety and are not good candidates for people who spend most of the day working.

The AKK has a few particular traits that prospective owners should be aware of. First, like many of his spitz relatives, he can be an escape artist. Once he gets out, he can run faster than one might expect! It’s therefore important to make sure the yard is secure and escape-proof. Extra precautions may be needed to make sure this is so, as some are even able to open crates, gates and door handles. Next, the breed is known for their curious sounds! Instead of barking, he will also “talk” which includes a mixture of murmuring, yowling, yodeling, singing… and the occasional screaming when he doesn’t get his way! Take note, he may not be the best choice for a thin-walled apartment complex. Finally, despite being a companion breed he does have some prey drive and needs to be kept on a leash when not in a fenced area.

Alaskan Klee Kai are intelligent and take well to all sorts of training when the owner/trainer is consistent. As with most northern spitz breeds they may also require a bit of patience. While they learn readily they are also apt to put their own spin on things when they get bored. A sense of humor is recommended! This said, owners of AKK have been successfully competing in a number of dog sports including agility, nosework, lure coursing, dock diving, obedience, conformation, therapy work, weight pull, carting, trick dog and freestyle – quite the feat considering that this is still a rare breed with relatively low numbers! These dogs enjoy being given tasks to do, especially when they can use their brains and bodies to solve puzzles.

One of the distinctive physical features of the Klee Kai is his symmetrical and contrasting facial mask and body markings. Colors include black/white, gray/white or red/white. The coat is a double coat that sheds continuously and profusely. It’s important to brush him a couple times a week in order to naturally pull the dead hair out. Nails should be trimmed regularly but the coat itself does not need to be trimmed (and should never be shaved – it serves to insulate from both cold and heat!). This little dog doesn’t have a strong doggy odor and doesn’t need to be bathed that frequently unless desired (or is being shown).

The AKK is an energetic little fellow who needs daily exercise. Although this is a companion breed never used for working purposes, his background includes several breeds that required lots of stamina and energy in order to do their jobs. As such, he himself has a medium-high energy level and definitely benefits from regular outings. Despite his small size, this is a great candidate for hiking, swimming, kayaking and camping! While he doesn’t necessarily require this degree of exercise, he does enjoy it and will be ready to go as long as he is built up to it. A daily walk or similar type of activity will suffice as well, which means that he can be a good match even for an active elderly individual. With zero exercise, he can be destructive so any potential owner must commit to a certain amount of regular exercise with the dog.

Alaskan Klee Kai are generally healthy, however responsible breeders are making sure to screen for particular health issues including autoimmune thyroiditis, patellar luxation, eye disorders and a bleeding disorder called Factor VII.  Prospective owners are urged to only buy from those that run all the tests recommended by the breed club! While still a rare breed with a mostly responsible base, there are a few “bad apple breeders” trying to make a quick buck… which means skipping the health tests. Run, don’t walk, away from anyone who doesn’t screen! When bred and raised correctly, most individual dogs live 15-16 years.

The Canadian Eskimo Dog is an ancient breed, and certainly one of Canada’s oldest purebred dogs. This is a happy and enthusiastic breed which loves to work, play and explore – doing it all with plenty of vigor and hardiness. He particularly loves to be outside – and the colder, the better! Despite his robust frame and considerable strength he has the capabilities to be gentle and relaxed. With his human family he is a loyal, affectionate and courageous companion. He may be better in homes without small children because of his size, “zest for life”, and occasional resource guarding (an issue that should be addressed before it has a chance to begin).

The CED is an intelligent breed with a long memory. Once trained, he doesn’t tend to forget. Furthermore he is more submissive and also easier to train than many other spitz breeds of similar ancestry. However, don’t let these descriptions convince you that this is an “easy” dog. Being more primitive and more active than many breeds, this dog needs to be given lots of mental training tasks on a daily basis. He doesn’t just enjoy a job, but requires it! Furthermore this large and powerful dog may require someone just as physically fit as himself to work with him. Finally, in multi-dog households an owner should be experienced with managing pack dynamics and have exceptionally good leadership skills.

Canadian Eskimos need plenty of exercise and do best with owners who love outdoor adventures just as much as they do! For those that live in snowy climates and have several dogs, this is a great dog for mushing (sled pulling). If not – hiking, skijoring, bikejorring, canicross and/or weight pull are all great alternatives. The breed has plenty of stamina and needs long exercise sessions – at minimum two long walks a day, as well as mental exercise such as the dog sports listed above. A team of CEDs can cover 70 miles a day pulling a sled, and do so pulling at least twice their weight! It’s no wonder that they need more exercise than the average dog!

Some Canadian Eskimo Dogs have a high prey drive. This is because (besides pulling sleds) they were also used for hunting ox and polar bears. Some were also expected to scavenge and hunt for their own food. This makes many of them likely to take note of small “prey” animals running around, and be ready to race after it at a moment’s notice. As this is a powerful large breed, it is important for owners to train their dogs and keep them under control. A strong dog such as this runs the risk of pulling away to chase a running animal, leaving their owner behind! This is why it’s so vital to start training while young. In addition, the breed can be quite adept at escaping the yard to chase prey or go on adventures. Make sure your fence is dig-proof and climb-proof.

The CED is a rare breed but is recognized in the United States by the UKC. Previously recognized by the AKC as well, they were dropped in the 50’s because of low numbers. Most individuals today reside in the Arctic regions and can be seen in sledding teams and in some “Arctic tourism” teams in which members of the public are offered sled rides. This said, sadly the breed is currently threatened with extinction. The low numbers are a partially a result of the invention of the snowmobile, which gave people another way to travel across the snow and essentially took away this dog’s primary job. Today, a number of people and organizations (such as the Eskimo Dog Research Foundation) are working toward increasing the numbers of this historical breed.

The coat of the Canadian Eskimo is very thick. This double coat does shed at least once a year (more in warmer temperatures) and needs to be brushed daily during shedding season. Otherwise he can be brushed/groomed once or twice a week. Without regular brushing, the coat can become very uncomfortable to the dog and can diminish his ability to regulate temperature, making him more prone to heatstroke. He comes in a rainbow of color possibilities, both solid colored as well as parti (with white), and can have a number of different markings on the body and face. This means that every member of this breed is an individual and can usually be picked out of a crowd of other CEDs fairly easily.

Canadian Eskimo Dogs are ever-alert to their surroundings and can be quite vocal when they spot something interesting. They don’t tend to bark like other dogs, instead they howl or sing. This may make some neighbors second-guess that the dog in your backyard is actually a dog… and cause concern that you are instead housing a wolf! This said, despite their extremely wolf-y appearance and voice, there is no wolf blood in this dog breed.