When Andrew and I started talking about getting a puppy, we started researching what breeds we would be interested in. Both of us had our sights set on a Lab or a German Shepard, something bigger, but our apartment complex limits pet weight to a maximum of 25 pounds, so we had a lot of work to do to find the perfect dog. Neither of us wanted an “ankle-biter” or a “yapper,” two things commonly associated with small dogs, and to make it even more difficult, we wanted a proportionate puppy—something that literally looked like a miniaturized dog.
After weeks of debating whether or not we were ready for a dog, and weeks more of trying to find the breed that was right for us, we struck gold and found it: Alaskan Klee Kai. Andrew and I immediately agreed on it and got to work looking up the temperament, habits (good and bad), and breeders of AKK. Within a month or so, we had our beautiful Sammy and have become so attached to her, that neither of us could dream of owning a different dog.
Obviously we are partial, but BuzzFeed inspired me with their own AKK article, and I wanted to go a little more in-depth (and also shamelessly brag about my puppy) about why I think AKK are the best dogs. And also everyone should own one so we can all be friends and our puppies can play together.
She’s Smart
Seriously, though. I taught her how to sit in five minutes when she was about nine weeks old. Recently, she just started playing fetch with us. Neither Andrew nor I have preempted this or really tried in the past; one day, Sammy jumped on the couch with a toy and when we threw it for her, she fetched. Now she won’t stop, but it is so cute that why would I want to?
She’s Family-Oriented
Sammy isn’t a big fan of other people. She is curious about them and doesn’t really bark, but at the end of the day only cares about spending time with Andrew and I. Which, at the end of the day, is exactly how I like it. One of the reasons we got a dog was to keep us company, and Sammy is perfect at that. Could I do without her trying to push me off the bed every night? Probably, but at least she’s only 12 pounds and I can easily move her over.
She Talks to You
Not in the “I’m a crazy cat lady and think that they all know what I’m saying” kind of way, but actually talks, very similar to a Husky. (Side note, I love cats and would be a crazy cat lady if Andrew wasn’t allergic to them.) It’s the cutest thing ever, especially when she is being sassy, which she loves to do if she sees other dogs on TV.
She’s the Best Cuddler
Because she’s so little, Sammy fits perfectly on my lap or snuggled by my side. Have you tried cuddling with a big dog? I have, and although it can work and be satisfying, I like having a dog who is not going to crush me if she lays on my chest.
She’s a Forever Puppy
Sammy’s birthday is February 28, so she is only six months old. And she is 12 pounds, and not going to gain more than about 10 more. So she’ll just be a little tiny baby pup her whole life.
She’s Independent
As much as Sammy loves hanging out with us and is definitely a pack animal, she also is great at doing her own thing. If we are cooking dinner or just watching TV and not paying a whole lot of attention to her, she’ll just grab a toy and play by herself.
She’s Just So Darn Cute
Just look at her little face. I can’t get over how adorable and perfect she is.
