Is the Alaskan Klee Kai Better than the Harrier as a Pet? Our Answer.

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Alaskan Klee Kai Versus Harrier: Introduction

Are you thinking of getting a new pet dog, and you have narrowed down your choices to the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Harrier? Well, you have come to the right place. Because in this article, we will provide you with a detailed comparison of these two dog breeds to help you decide which of the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Harrier better suits you.

We will provide you a detailed discussion and comparison of dog attributes such as intelligence, price, general health, friendliness, etc, for both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Harrier.

Furthermore, we will let you know which one of the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Harrier is better suited for new dog owners, for owners with kids, for owners that live in apartments, for owners with dog allergies, etc.

Importantly, we did some analysis and calculation and we obtained a number that we call the Better-Pet Score™ for both the Alaskan Klee Kai and for the Harrier. The dog breed with the higher Better-Pet score is the `better` pet. We hope that these Better-Pet Scores will provide you with more insight into deciding which pet to get between the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Harrier.

Our only goal here is to help you make a well-thought-out decision on your next long-term companion, be it the Alaskan Klee Kai or the Harrier.

Alaskan Klee Kai versus Harrier: Overview

A very important difference between the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Harrier is the size difference between the two dog breeds. The Alaskan Klee Kai is a small-sized dog while the Harrier is a medium-sized dog.

Furthermore, the Alaskan Klee Kai belongs to the Companion Dogs group. Companion Dogs were bred to be companions for humans. Their main goal in life is to be with people, and they will be very sad if left to themselves for long hours day after day.

On the other hand, the Harrier belongs to the Hound Dogs group. Hound Dogs were bred to pursue and hunt warm-blooded animals. Hounds hunt by using their good sight or their good sense of smell. Dogs that belong to the Hound Group have strong prey drives and often will stop at nothing to catch what they are pursuing.

Alaskan Klee Kai versus Harrier: Comparison Table

The table below compares the Alaskan Klee Kai to the Harrier based on different important factors such as Price, Health, Kid-friendliness, etc.

When a dog breed scores higher for a factor than the other dog breed, the box of the breed that scores higher is shaded green and the box of the breed that scores lower is shaded red. When there is no difference between the breeds for a particular factor then the box is shaded gray for both pets. Also, when the factor is not important in picking a pet, or when the factor cannot be compared between two pets, the box for the factor is shaded gray for both pets

Most of the factors in the table for each dog breed are ranked on a scale of 1 to 5. “1” means “worst”, and “5” means “best”.

However, some factors such as “Price”, “Average Lifespan”, etc. cannot be on a scale of 1 to 5, so they are not on a scale of 1 to 5 in the comparison table.

Later in this article, we will further explain each factor as it applies to the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Harrier

Factor Alaskan Klee Kai Harrier
Weight 10 to 15 pounds 45 to 60 pounds
Life Span 12 to 16 years 10 to 12 years
Height 13 to 17 inches 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder
Good For Novice Owners 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Being Alone 2/5 3/5
Tolerates Hot Weather 2/5 4/5
Dog Friendly 2/5 5/5
Friendly Toward Strangers 2/5 5/5
Does NOT Drool 4/5 5/5
Potential NOT to Gain Weight 4/5 3/5
Does NOT chew on things 4/5 3/5
Calmness/ Low Vigor 4/5 2/5
Adapts Well To Apartment Living 3/5 1/5
Kid-Friendly 3/5 5/5
Does NOT Bark or Howl 3/5 2/5
Easygoing 2/5 4/5
Affectionate With Family 4/5 4/5
Does NOT Shed 2/5 3/5
Easy To Groom 4/5 5/5
General Health 4/5 5/5
Easy To Train 4/5 2/5
Intelligence 4/5 4/5
Tendency NOT to Wander 2/5 1/5
NOT Rambunctious 2/5 1/5
Minimal Exercise Needs 2/5 1/5
Potential For Playfulness 4/5 5/5
Tolerates Cold Weather 5/5 3/5
Low Prey Drive 1/5 2/5
Average Lifespan 14.0 years 11.0 years
Average Price $2760 No Data
Price Range $2500 – $3200 No Data
Common Health Problems and Recommended Health Tests
  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • FACTOR VII Deficiency DNA test
  • Patellar Luxation
  • PennGen
  • VetGen
    		•
  • Eye Examination- minimum age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia
    		•

    Next, we added the scores of the factors that can be added together for the Alaskan Klee Kai in the table (that is, `Ease of Grooming` score + `General Health` score + `Calmness` score + …etc) and we compared it to the corresponding total score for the Harrier. We call these total scores the Better-Pet Scores, as we mentioned earlier. We called this score the Better-Pet score because the better dog breed will have a higher score. This is because the pet will the higher score will have minimal needs and be easier to have as a pet.

    The Better-Pet score for the Alaskan Klee Kai is 75 out of 125 while the Better-Pet score for the Harrier is 81 out of 125.

    Based on their Better-Pet scores, the Harrier is a better pet than the Alaskan Klee Kai. So, you should get the Harrier!

    Although we have done our best to analyze these two dog breeds in a very unbiased way, however, we will like to let you know that there are some dog attributes that cannot be assigned a number for comparison. We cannot put a number on how cute a dog breed is, for example. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

    Also, the dog breed that best suits you will depend on your peculiar lifestyle, your taste, and your priorities, which we do not know. So, for you to decide on which breed is right for you, read through the rest of the article to further understand both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Harrier so that you can make your own well-informed decision on which pet to get.

    The Most Remarkable Differences Between the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Harrier

    Below is a list of where the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Harrier are most different:

    • Alaskan Klee Kais do not get along well with other dogs. However, Harriers get along well with other dogs.
    • Alaskan Klee Kais are not very friendly towards strangers. However, Harriers are very friendly towards strangers.

    The Similarities Between the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Harrier

    The Alaskan Klee Kai and the Harrier are very similar in certain aspects. Below is the list of where the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Harrier are most similar:

    • Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Harrier are not the best dogs for new dog owners.
    • Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Harrier do not like to be left alone.
    • Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Harrier do not have the tendency to drool.
    • Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Harrier are not prone to gaining weight easily.
    • Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Harrier are not prone to nip and chew at things.
    • Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Harrier are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.
    • Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Harrier shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.
    • Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Harrier are very easy to groom.
    • Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Harrier are very healthy. They do not suffer from a lot of health problems compared to other dog breeds
    • Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Harrier are highly intelligent.
    • Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Harrier have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.
    • Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Harrier have very high energy levels. They need a lot of exercise time to release their high energy.
    • Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Harrier require a lot of exercise. They are good for owners who like to exercise.
    • Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Harrier are very playful.
    • Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Harrier have a high prey drive. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Size Comparison of Alaskan Klee Kai versus Harrier

    Now, let us discuss the difference in size between the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Harrier.

    Alaskan Klee Kais weigh 10 to 15 pounds when fully grown. Alaskan Klee Kais are 13 to 17 inches when fully grown.

    On the other hand, Harriers weigh 45 to 60 pounds when fully grown. Harriers are 19 to 21 inches tall at the shoulder when fully grown.

    Lifespan of Alaskan Klee Kai versus Harrier

    The lifespan of Alaskan Klee Kais is between 12 to 16 years. The average lifespan of Alaskan Klee Kais is 14.0 years.

    The lifespan of Harriers is between 10 to 12 years. The average lifespan of Harriers is 11.0 years.

    Alaskan Klee Kais live longer than Harriers.

    Health Problems of Alaskan Klee Kai versus Health Problems of Harrier

    Every dog breed has its own set of health problems that it has a tendency to develop. There is nothing like a perfect dog breed.

    Both the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Harrier are prone to certain genetic health conditions. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is the organization that keeps track of health problems in dogs. Based on the extensive records that the OFA keeps, the OFA knows what health problems each dog breed is naturally prone to develop. Hence, the OFA recommends which health screening that breeders should perform on a dog breed to make sure that the breeders won`t breed `defective` dog parents that can pass down defective genes to their puppy offspring.

    The more health problems a dog breed is prone to develop, the more health tests the OFA will recommend for that dog breed.

    Based on our review of OFA records, we found that the Alaskan Klee Kai is prone to more genetic health problems than the Harrier.

    This is because the OFA recommends more screening health tests for the Alaskan Klee Kai than for the Harrier.

    7 health tests are recommended for Alaskan Klee Kai while 2 tests are recommended for the Harrier.

    Below is a detailed discussion of health problems in Alaskan Klee Kais and in Harriers.

    Alaskan Klee Kai Health Problems

    Alaskan Klee Kais are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Alaskan Klee Kai puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Alaskan Klee Kai puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Alaskan Klee Kai breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Alaskan Klee Kais for:

  • Autoimmune thyroiditis
  • Cardiac Evaluation
  • Eye Examination
  • FACTOR VII Deficiency DNA test
  • Patellar Luxation
  • PennGen
  • VetGen

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Alaskan Klee Kais here.

    Harrier Health Problems

    Harriers are genetically prone to certain health problems. However, breeders can reduce the chances of producing Harrier puppies with genetic defects by making sure that a puppy`s parents are free from genetic health problems before allowing the parent to make puppies.

    The OFA provides breeders recommendations on which genetic diseases that breeders should screen their dog parents and puppies for.

    If you want a Harrier puppy that will grow up to be healthy, make sure that your Harrier breeder screens your puppy or your puppy`s parents for the health problems that the OFA recommends for your puppy`s breed. This will increase the chances that your puppy is free from genetic defects.

    The following are the health tests that Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) recommends that breeders should screen Harriers for:

  • Eye Examination- minimum age 12 months
  • Hip Dysplasia

    • You can find out more about OFA`s recommended tests for Harriers here.

    Tolerates Being Alone: Alaskan Klee Kai versus Harrier

    Alaskan Klee Kais do not like to be left alone.

    Harriers can be left alone only for a short time.

    Do Alaskan Klee Kais shed more than Harriers?

    Alaskan Klee Kais shed. They are not recommended for people with dog allergies.

    Harriers shed moderately.

    Which one drools more, the Alaskan Klee Kai or the Harrier

    Alaskan Klee Kais do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Harriers do have a very low tendency to drool.

    Which is Easier to Groom, the Alaskan Klee Kai or the Harrier?

    Alaskan Klee Kais are very easy to groom.

    Harriers are very easy to groom.

    Does the Alaskan Klee Kai Have a Higher Prey Drive than the Harrier?

    Alaskan Klee Kais have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Harriers have a high prey drive. They have the tendency to chase after smaller animals and pets. They do not get along well with other pets.

    Do Alaskan Klee Kais Bark and Howl? What about Harriers?

    Alaskan Klee Kais bark and howl, but not very much.

    Harriers are highly vocal. They have the tendency to bark and howl.

    Can Alaskan Klee Kais Tolerate Cold Weather? And can Harriers Tolerate Cold Weather?

    Alaskan Klee Kais can very well tolerate cold weather.

    Harriers can moderately tolerate cold weather.

    Wanderlust Potential: Alaskan Klee Kai vs. Harrier

    Alaskan Klee Kais have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Harriers have a high tendency to wander. They are easily distracted by other animals or objects.

    Can Alaskan Klee Kais Tolerate Hot Weather? Can Harriers Tolerate Hot Weather?

    Alaskan Klee Kais cannot tolerate hot weather. They are not suited for hot environments.

    Harriers can tolerate hot weather.

    Which Dog Breed is more Dog-Friendly, the Alaskan Klee Kai or the Harrier?

    Alaskan Klee Kais do not get along well with other dogs.

    Harriers get along very well with other dogs.

    Are Alaskan Klee Kais good family dogs? What about Harriers?

    Alaskan Klee Kais are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    Harriers are great family dogs. They are very affectionate with family.

    How Kid-friendly are Alaskan Klee Kais and Harriers?

    Alaskan Klee Kais get along fairly well with kids. They are quite kid-friendly.

    Harriers get along well with kids. They are kid-friendly.

    Is the Alaskan Klee Kai Easier to Train than the Harrier?

    Alaskan Klee Kais are very easy to train.

    Harriers are not easy to train.

    Is the Alaskan Klee Kai Better for Apartment Owners than the Harrier?

    Alaskan Klee Kais adapt moderately well to apartment living.

    Harriers do not adapt well to apartment living.

    Which is Better for New Dog Owners, the Alaskan Klee Kai or the Harrier?

    Alaskan Klee Kais are not the best dogs for new dog owners.

    Harriers are OK for new dog owners.

    Conclusion: Alaskan Klee Kai versus Harrier. Which One is a Better Pet?

    In summary, there is nothing like a better dog breed or a worse dog breed. The important question to ask is which dog breed better matches your interests and lifestyle. We hope our discussion above will help you in deciding which dog breed between the Alaskan Klee Kai and the Harrier better suits you and your family.