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Are Alaskan Klee Kais Hypoallergenic?

By Kerry
Updated on

Alaska is home to many wonderful breeds of dogs, including the Alaskan Malamute, Siberian Husky, Alaskan Klee Kaï, and more. The Alaskan Klee Kaï is an extremely unique breed that originated in Alaska.

Alaskan klee kai playing on grass

These dogs are known for their friendly personalities, making for great family pets. They are also very active and will therefore require plenty of exercise.

We are going to be taking a closer look at this beautiful dog breed to see if they are hypoallergenic, as well as diving into their history a bit more.

The History Of The Alaskan Klee Kai Spitz Breed

The Alaskan Klee Käi is one of the most popular breeds in Alaska. It was originally bred by the Inupiat people who lived there during the early 1900s. At first, these dogs were used for hunting and herding purposes, but later on, they became pets too.

Today the Alaskan Klee Käi is still being raised by the Inupiat community and is considered a traditional part of their culture.

Characteristics Of The Alaskan Klee Käi

Grey alaskan klee kai with tongue out

The Alaskan Klee Käi has a short coat with a double-layer undercoat. This makes them easy to groom because you only need to brush the top layer of hair. Their coats come in different colors such as black, brown, gray, white, or red.

They have large ears that are rounded off and covered in fur. Their eyes are dark and almond-shaped. Their tails are bushy and long and they tend to weigh between 50–80 pounds.

They are known for having a similar look to their cousins, the Alaskan Husky and the Siberian Husky. They are often referred to as a “mini husky” due to their resemblance to their larger brethren!

Now that we have a grasp on the Alaskan Klee Käi as a breed, let’s take a look at some information in regard to dogs and the allergic reactions that some can have to them.

People And Allergies To Dogs

There are so many different types of dog breeds out there that it’s hard to know which ones might cause allergies. But luckily, there are some breeds that are generally considered to be less likely to cause allergy problems.

If you or your child does seem to have an allergy to dogs or any other pet allergies, then you should consider getting them a pet from one of these hypoallergenic breeds.

Reactions To Dog Allergies

Allergic reactions to dogs vary depending on the person and the severity of the allergy. For example, some people will experience skin irritations – such as hives and itching- while others could have more intense reactions, such as feeling like they are having a severe asthma attack. Symptoms can range from mild to severe.

When dealing with a particularly severe allergy to a dog, it’s important to seek medical attention right away. You could end up needing medication to help control your symptoms.

Hypoallergenic Dog Breeds

Hypoallergenic refers to how much of a certain allergen a particular species of the animal carries. For example, cats carry high amounts of Fel d 1 (Felis domesticus 1), while dogs carry low amounts of this protein.

There are two main ways to measure the number of allergens present in a given animal. One way is to use ELISA tests, which tests for specific proteins.

Another method is to use skin prick testing, where a small needle pricks the skin and measures the amount of histamine released as a result. Both methods can give similar results.

A hypoallergenic animal is one that is less likely to cause a reaction when coming into contact with someone who is allergic to other animals. There are several reasons why dogs may and may not be hypoallergenic.

Some dogs are just naturally low maintenance and don’t shed much hair, making them less likely to cause allergic reactions. Others are kept indoors all day and never get dirty. And others are simply too small to cause a problem.

On the other hand, some may have thick coats that shed regularly and create a lot of dander, which could lead to allergies. With this in mind, let’s take a look at whether the Alaskan Klee Kai is a dog breed that can be considered hypoallergenic.

Is The Alaskan Klée Käi Hypoallergenic Dog Breed?

Alaskan klee kai lying down on bed with tongue out

This breed of dog is not classified as a hypoallergenic dog breed. However, it does have some characteristics that make it easier to keep your child safe from its allergens. For example, although the Alaskan Klee Käi’s thick double coat can help to trap dust mites and other allergens, it sheds less than most other breeds.

If you do decide to get a dog from this breed, it’s best to first talk to your doctor about whether, or not, you or your child is at risk for developing allergies.

Then, if you decide to go ahead with the adoption, take your time looking for a reputable breeder. It’s also a good idea to look for a reputable rescue group before adopting.

The allergens that are more likely with this breed are mostly related to their fur due to them being a seasonal shedder with a double, outer coat. The Alaskan Klee Kaï is not a particularly hypoallergenic breed in terms of their saliva or urine.

That doesn’t mean that they can’t trigger a reaction in allergy sufferers, but these allergens are less likely to do so.

However, the Alaskan Klee Käi does have a very thick double coat that traps dust mite allergens and keeps them out of the air. This makes it easy to keep you or your child free from allergens.

Regular brushing will help with allergies related to their coat and should hopefully keep allergic reactions to a minimum.

Although the Alaskan Klee Kaï is not classified as a “hypoallergenic” dog breed, they are still a relatively low-maintenance breed of dog. That said, it is important to note that- as we said- this breed of dog is not completely hypoallergenic either.

In fact, the Alaskan Klee Kaï is actually a little higher on the list of breeds that can cause allergies. This is because of that shedding problem that we mentioned, as they have a lot of hair. This will increase your chance of getting a dog that will trigger allergies.

However, if you are determined to own an Alaskan Klee Kaï, then you can definitely do so if you are willing to make an effort to look after your dog and groom them regularly as well as protect yourself and your children from pet allergies

Is Any Dog Breed Completely Hypoallergenic?

The short answer to this is no! While some breeds aren’t known to cause allergies, there are still plenty of other factors that play a role in whether or not a dog causes allergies.

These include:

  • The size of the dog
  • The age of the dog
  • How long the dog has been exposed to allergens
  • Whether, or not, you’re keeping the dog inside
  • What type of environment do you live in (e.g., dry vs humid)
  • Your family history of allergies
  • In addition to this, there are certain breeds that are
  • Whether, or not, the dog is indoor/outdoor
  • What kind of diet the dog has
  • How often does the dog get bathed
  • Whether, or not, the dog is neutered

And more! Do your research thoroughly and you should be able to get a handle on the different factors that go into the allergens that a dog can produce.

No matter what breed you choose, it’s always a good idea to check with your doctor before bringing home a new pet.

If you think you or your child might be allergic to a dog, then it’s best not to adopt one until you know for sure and have a plan in place to look after yourself and your chosen pet. Otherwise, it won’t be fair on either you, your family, or the dog.

Final Thoughts

As we mentioned earlier, there are many different factors that contribute to whether or not a dog triggers allergies.

While the Alaskan Klee Kaï isn’t classified as a hypoallergenic dog breed, they are still a fairly low-maintenance dog breed that is able to be kept as a pet even if you have allergies (as long as you are willing to take the necessary precautions and groom your pup regularly).

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About the author

Kerry

Kerry White is an avid dog lover and writer, knowing all there is to know about our furry friends. Kerry has been writing for PetDT for three years now, wanting to use her knowledge for good and share everything she can with new dog owners.Kerry has two dogs herself - a German shepherd called Banjo and a chocolate labrador called Buttons. Kerry knows more than anyone how adjusting to new life with a puppy can turn your life upside down, and she wants to ease some of the burdens through her articles.