So, you ask, “Does the Alaskan Klee Kai (miniature Husky) shed?”
My answer is yes.
However, I find it is very manageable to keep the house, car, and clothes almost hair-free.
The Alaskan Klee Kai has been bred to be a miniature version of the Alaskan or Siberian Husky. This means, like their full-grown counterparts, they are double-coated.
While single-coated dogs have only one layer of fur, the Alaskan Klee Kai has two: a top coat and an undercoat. The top coat consists of longer, thicker guard hairs that help repel dirt and water while protecting the dog from the sun. The undercoat is a softer, downy layer that helps trap warmth in cold weather (that’s what I tend to call ‘fur’ rather than ‘hair’).
Bi-Annual Shedding
An Alaskan Klee Kai will shed year-round, a little every day (just like we shed our hair and skin); this hair is usually the top coat.
Twice a year, though, usually in the spring and fall, they shed their undercoat. Shedding will start at the hind quarters of the dog, where you will see clumps/chunks of fur sticking out, then work its way up to their head. I know I love to sit and pull the clumps out, though sometimes my dogs do not like it!
This bi-annual shedding will usually last for between two weeks and a month, and is called blowing their coat. Once they have fully shed their undercoat, they return to their normal amount of daily hair loss.
How to Manage Grooming a Double-coated Alaskan Klee Kai
First, I like to take my Mini Huskies in to the groomer every two weeks, where I do not allow them to bathe them but I ask for a brush and fluff.
This is where they spray product on your cute puppies, work it down to the skin, then give them a good brushing. After that, they will fluff them up with the hair dryer. The groomers will also clean their ears and trim their nails, if needed.
When you pick up an Alaskan Klee Kai from a professional dog groomer, they will smell wonderful, be extremely soft and free of any loose hair, and will remain so until the next time they go (if on a schedule like mine). The cost for this is minimal, usually around $25 per visit.
I bathe my Alaskan Klee Kai dogs a few times a year, when they are shedding their undercoats. I take them to the groomers to have them bathed and de-shed. I will do this up to three times while they are blowing their undercoat. The bath really helps to loosen all their undercoat, plus the product the groomers use works wonders in getting the hair loose so they can brush it out.
To combat daily shedding, I keep a lint roller made of tape around. I have one in my car, and couple inside my home. I use them to get any stray hair off my clothes or furniture. I cover my couch/bed with a blanket that I wash weekly, too. I have a pet hair seat cover for the car. I will regularly brush my Klee Kai if needed as well.
What if You are the DIY Type of Mini Husky Owner?
Well, then you should brush your dog daily to keep the shedding to a minimum. I do not recommend the furminator because it pulls their hair out, and destroys their coat. Get the normal shedding brush. When they start to blow their coat, then you will bathe them.
Do not bathe them more frequently than once a week, as it will dry out their skin and cause skin irritation. There are some really nice de-shedding shampoos, cream rinses, and de-shedding nozzles for sale. Remember to clip their nails once a month; if you are not able, take them to the vet or groomers to have them clipped.
Lastly, understand that with all the love, joy, humor, and companionship your Alaskan Klee Kai—a little fur around the house is not much to worry about!
