Rat Terrier vs Alaskan Klee Kai - Breed Comparison

Rat Terrier vs Alaskan Klee Kai - Breed ComparisonBoth Alaskan Klee Kai and Rat Terrier are originated from United States. Alaskan Klee Kai may grow 8 cm / 4 inches higher than Rat Terrier. Alaskan Klee Kai may weigh 11 kg / 25 pounds more than Rat Terrier. Both Alaskan Klee Kai and Rat Terrier has almost same life span. Both Alaskan Klee Kai and Rat Terrier has almost same litter size. Both Alaskan Klee Kai and Rat Terrier requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Companion dog
Terrier dog
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United States
United States
Height Male:
33 - 44 cm
12 - 18 inches
20 - 36 cm
7 - 15 inches
Height Female:
28 - 40 cm
11 - 16 inches
20 - 36 cm
7 - 15 inches
Weight Male:
3 - 15 kg
6 - 34 pounds
3 - 4 kg
6 - 9 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 12 kg
6 - 27 pounds
3 - 4 kg
6 - 9 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 16 Years
15 - 18 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
5 - 7
Size:
Small
Small
Other Names:
Klee Klei
Rattie, American Rat Terrier
Colors Available:
Grey, White
Mix of colors - mostly tri-colored - white, tan, black
Coat:
medium
Single coat, short and smooth
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Moderate, Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Social, Sweet
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

alaskan klee kaiAlaskan Klee Kai breed is created in Alaska by Linda S Spurlin with help of her family. When she saw a smaller type of Siberian Husky, she immediately wanted to create a smaller type of Husky that will be a great companion dog. She did not create this breed with dogs that suffer from dwarfism as if it’s the case with most other breeders. She breeds Alaskan Husky with smaller dog breeds that looked a like a husky. Breeds like Alaskan Eskimo Dog or Schipperke. They are still not recognized by some Kennel clubs, but their popularity is constantly on the rise.

rat terrierKnown also as the American Rat Terrier or even as the Rattie, this American dog breed is a farm dog, common on family farms during the 1920's and 1930's.

Miniatures or Standards, these dogs are also recognized by the American Kennel Clubs and thought of today as a multi-purpose companion dog.

He is an American dog breed, having come about from Fox Terriers, Old English White Terriers, Bull Terriers, Manchester Terriers and others. Whippets and Italian Greyhounds have also come into the mix to add speed as a characteristic.

The Rat Terrier started to decline in numbers, and by the 1950's the numbers of the dog were so low that breeders stepped in to restore numbers.

Description

alaskan klee kai puppy - descriptionWeight of the Alaskan Klee Klei variates from dog to dog, but average male size is between 33-44cm. While females size is 28-40cm. The weight of the average male, an adult dog is 13 to 15kg. As you may see Klee Klei can be very small dogs, and that depends on every dog.

A lifespan of Klee Klei is 12-16 years.

Litter Size of the breed again depends on every dog but normal size for this breed is between 4-8 puppies.

Other Name for Alaskan Klee Klei is just a Klee Klei.

rat terrier puppy - descriptionThere are different sized Rat Terriers, but the mid-sized one stands roughly between 20 and 36cm in height and weighs between 3 and 4kg.

The single coat is short and smooth and comes in colors such as tan, grey, chocolate, black and in solid colors too such as white. They are mostly in tri-colors - white, tan, black. Ticking is also seen.

With his short coat he is seen as a low maintenance dog even though he is still a shedder, with heavier seasonal shedding.

The ears can sometimes be erect, otherwise they are half-erect, half floppy. The tail has always been traditionally docked, giving him a nice, distinctive look, but today the tail is often just left un-docked. It isn't unusual for a puppy to be born with a short or long tail.

Temperament:

Intelligent, wary, loyal, loving, playful but stubborn, your Rat Terrier is a little bit wary around strangers. Training and socialization can be good for this dog and help him t be obedient and well mannered in all situations. These dogs also want to please. He is an active dog too and makes a great playmate for children, getting on well with kids and other pets in the home.

Characteristics

alaskan klee kai dog - characteristicsKlee Klei is very intelligent breed with a lot of energy. They love spending time with the family, especially in the outdoor activities. Klee Klei is very friendly towards children and new people, but they will also be excellent watchdogs too. Due to their intelligence, they are very easy to train. You should practice a positive way of awarding for them. They love pleasing and they love food, so it is a match made in heaven for training the Klee Klei. They will enjoy playing with other animals because they love to run and spend time with them, but you must socialize them from the early age. It is very important to socialize them with other animals and you will not have anything to worry about. They have a high prey drive so you will have to keep them on the leash while walking because if they notice something they will run towards it immediately. So for your, and your pet's safety, it is the best to keep the leash on. They do not bark a lot, but they will express when they are not pleasured because they can be very sensitive

rat terrier dog - characteristicsThe Rat Terrier is such a clever, bright dog. These characteristics make him an excellent watchdog with strong jaws for his role of getting rid of rats on farms.

Even though he is a small dog, he isn’t particularly suited to life in the city on a small property as he has quite a shrill bark.

Because of him being small to medium in size, he is well suited to many homes, but you just have to watch out in the city if you live close to your neighbors as he is fairly noisy and active.

He would love a large property where he can just be himself. Provide him with the right home, and you’l have a friend for life.

Health Problems

alaskan klee kai puppies - health problemsAs most of the small breed dogs that are mixed with various breeds, this is one of the healthiest breeds. They do not have a lot of health issues, and usually, they tend to live a lot. Of course, you must be careful where are you buying your dog, and it is very important to choose the right owners that are taking care of the dogs and puppies. Some of the issues that this breed might have are luxation patella, thyroid disease, heart conditions, liver shunts, factor VII deficiency, and cataracts.

rat terrier puppies - health problemsRat Terriers are generally feisty, healthy dogs who, with good care, can live to the ripe old age of 16, 17 or 18 years of age.

Just like with many other dogs, he can develop some of the more common dog illnesses there are. If you're opting for a puppy, find a good, reputable breeder.

Allergies:

It can be tricky trying to decide what kind of allergies are causing such problems with your pet. A skin allergy can cause a lot of itchiness and pain for your canine friend and he will bite and lick on the affected spots and make the situation worse. You will need to get him to the vet for some kind of treatment, as such an ailment can drive him mad.

Patellar Luxation:

This is a common problem in dogs, with the kneecap or patella being dislocated. It can cause a lot of pain and can be crippling for your dog.

Caring The Pet

Feeding Klee Klei

alaskan klee kai dogs - caringSince they are highly energetic dogs they will need a lot of fuel for playing and spending time outside. Feeding of your dog depends on daily activity, but overall you should consult with dog nutritionist for a better understanding of your dog needs.

Feeding puppy

Puppies need more food divided into 3-5 meals per day. They would eat everything you have for them. 3-5 high-quality dry food would be enough with additional vitamins and minerals.

Grooming Alaskan Klee Klei

Normally, Klee Klei groom themselves, so you won’t have to do it too often. Again, you will have to take care of your dog with occasional baths and brushing. You will know when is the time to take care of your lovely Klee Klei, but they will do most of the work.

Diet:

rat terrier dogs - caringYour Rat Terrier can easily reach 16, 17 or 18 years of age with good food. While you do get some excellent commercially manufactured dog foods, you want to add variety by including some nutritious home-made food too.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots are a healthy choice for your pet. Chop it up and add it into the dry kibble a couple of times a week.No complications - just plain and simple - the way dogs love it.

Some raw meat added in from time to time will help his skin and coat remain healthy. Never leave him without a constant source of fresh, cool water.

Exercise:

The Rat Terrier is an active dog. He just loves to dig too, so if you live close to a beach, he will love running and digging in the sand. If this isn’t possible, he will be happy to be taken on walks with you and maybe for a run in the park.

He loves all ball games and running after a frisbee, and he’s so clever, maybe you can even teach him to fetch the frisbee for you.

Grooming:

The Rat Terrier is a low-maintenance dog and only requires having his coat brushed twice a week.

Check inside his mouth for bad teeth. You can even brush his teeth with special canine toothpaste and brush to remove tartar buildup.

Keep his nails trimmed too if he doesn’t wear them down naturally so as to prevent them hooking on things and ripping into the flesh.

Check inside your dog’s ears too. If you’re not experienced with trimming dog nails or cleaning inside dog’s ears, your vet or professional groomer will do it for you.

During these grooming sessions with your Rat Terrier, check for fleas and ticks as well as for any sores or new lumps. Also, his eyes should be clear and bright with no discharge or redness.

Comparison with other breeds

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  9. Rat Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Rat Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
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  26. Alaskan Klee Kai vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Alaskan Klee Kai vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Alaskan Klee Kai vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Alaskan Klee Kai vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Alaskan Klee Kai vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Alaskan Klee Kai vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Alaskan Klee Kai vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Alaskan Klee Kai vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Alaskan Klee Kai vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Alaskan Klee Kai vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Alaskan Klee Kai vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Alaskan Klee Kai vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Alaskan Klee Kai vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Alaskan Klee Kai vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Alaskan Klee Kai vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Alaskan Klee Kai vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Alaskan Klee Kai vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Alaskan Klee Kai vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Alaskan Klee Kai vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Alaskan Klee Kai vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Alaskan Klee Kai vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Alaskan Klee Kai vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Alaskan Klee Kai vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Alaskan Klee Kai vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Alaskan Klee Kai vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison