Turnspit Dog vs Alaskan Klee Kai - Breed Comparison

Alaskan Klee Kai is originated from United States but Turnspit Dog is originated from United Kingdom. Alaskan Klee Kai may grow 14 cm / 6 inches higher than Turnspit Dog. Both Alaskan Klee Kai and Turnspit Dog are having almost same weight. Both Alaskan Klee Kai and Turnspit Dog has almost same life span. Alaskan Klee Kai may have more litter size than Turnspit Dog. Both Alaskan Klee Kai and Turnspit Dog requires Low Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Companion dog
Working dog
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United States
United Kingdom
Height Male:
33 - 44 cm
12 - 18 inches
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
Height Female:
28 - 40 cm
11 - 16 inches
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
3 - 15 kg
6 - 34 pounds
9 - 14 kg
19 - 31 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 12 kg
6 - 27 pounds
9 - 14 kg
19 - 31 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 16 Years
10 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 8
1 - 4
Size:
Small
Small
Other Names:
Klee Klei
Vernepator cur, kitchen dog
Colors Available:
Grey, White
White, gray or black., reddish-brown
Coat:
medium
Shortish
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Social, Sweet
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, 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.

It is amazing that this small dog’s popularity comes from him being used in the kitchens to roast meat. The British enjoyed eating their meat which they roasted on a fire.

These dogs were essentially regarded as a tool – a means to an end, and when kitchens were modernized, they were no longer needed, and they became extinct.

Referred to as the kitchen dog or cooking dog, the first mention of these little dogs was made in 1576. By 1850 the dogs had become scarce and by 1900 it seemed as though there were none left.

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.

The Turnspit was a small long-bodied dog, standing at between 20 to 30cm in height and probably weighed anything between 9 and 14kg in height.

The legs were somewhat crooked or bandy and Edward Jesse, who wrote ‘Anecdote of Dogs’ in 1846 described them as ugly dogs with a miserable look to them. That was probably due to him having to fit into the hamster-like wheel contraption that turned the meat being roasted in the kitchens.

They were low-bodied dogs, similar to a Dachshund or a Corgi with short, stocky legs, short floppy ears, and a short coat. The long tail curled over its back. It is believed that the coats were white, reddish-brown, gray or black.

Temperament:

The dog was certainly feisty, energetic and hard-working with not much being written about his temperament. He was a working dog, but given the chance, he would no doubt have been loving and loyal, longing for the chance just to be part of a human family and to be loved.

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

The Turnspit dog had a tough life, but would no doubt have made a wonderful little pet had he just been allowed to be a companion dog.

When he was no longer needed, he was discarded.

Make sure that when you buy a dog, you don't just put him in your backyard and forget about him. Give him the love and care he deserves.

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.

The health and lifespan of a dog is influenced by quite a few things such as food, care, love, exercise and the type of breed it is. Generally smaller dogs live longer than big dogs, and mixed breed dogs live longer than pure breeds.

The Turnspit dog, if he had received the proper care, could have lived to between 10 and 15 years of age.

Some of the health issues facing small dogs like these would include -

Hypoglycemia:

Stress can bring on a sudden drop in blood sugar. The Turnspit had reason to be stressed, working hard in horrible conditions. Dogs become weak and lethargic and can scarcely maintain an even gait. A sudden drop in blood sugar can cause a small dog to go into a fatal coma.

Pancreatitis:

This ailment seems to occur more often with smaller dogs. The pancreas becomes inflamed and your dog has vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and dehydration. Pancreatitis can come about because of trauma, metabolic disorders or infection.

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.

A dog is man's best friend, but the Turnspit was essentially just a working dog and most likely didn’t receive the proper care he deserved.

Small dogs like these would have had basic needs. Their owners would have had to pay attention to the dog's health, because he needed to work.

We look at ways in which a small dog like the Turnspit should have been cared for -

Diet:

One wonders if the Turnspit was allowed to eat any of the roast meat he worked so hard on to get ready. Every dog should have a regular meal.

Most adult dogs should be fed 2 meals of kibble a day. If the Turnspit wasn’t extinct he would have required a high quality ‘small dog breed’ commercial dog food. Home-made food would also be a requirement – some boiled chicken, brown rice and vegetables. Dogs want and appreciate simple, wholesome foods that won’t upset their digestive systems.

Along with good food, dogs need cool, fresh water constantly available to stay healthy.

Provide your dog with a warm dry, quiet, comfortable place to sleep.

Make sure he gets to the veterinarian if he is sick, but also for his vaccines to prevent him from getting some of the worst dog diseases there are.

Spay or neuter your dog if you don’t intend to breed your dog,

Groom your small dog regularly. The Turnspit had a shortish coat and would have required a brush twice a week. Other grooming procedures for a small dog like the Turnspit would have been keeping his nails trimmed and checking the inside of his ears and his mouth for ear infections and dental disease.

Exercise for a small dog is important – walks and ball games.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Turnspit Dog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  5. Turnspit Dog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Turnspit Dog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Turnspit Dog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Turnspit Dog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Turnspit Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Turnspit Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Turnspit Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Turnspit Dog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Turnspit Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Turnspit Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
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  16. Turnspit Dog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Turnspit Dog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
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  24. Turnspit Dog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Turnspit Dog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  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