Several breeds call for symmetry in a dog’s markings:  The Greater Swiss Mountain, Papillion, Bernese Mountain Dog, and Japanese Chin among them. For the Alaskan Klee Kai, however, its most distinctive characteristic is its contrasting symmetrical facial mask and body markings. In fact, asymmetrical markings are so non-negotiable in the breed that it is a disqualification.

To our knowledge, there is no function purpose to this symmetry other than to hold true to the breed developer’s original vision of a small northern-type companion breed.

And it is stunning.

The Klee Kai’s symmetrical markings come from a mix of genes that control where dark and white fur appears on their body, especially on a dog’s face. One main gene, MITF,  determines where white patches go, while other genes, i.e., the agouti and extension genes, control the dark “mask” and back coloring. During a  puppy’s development, pigment cells spread out in patterns set by these genes; Barring any surprises, we get a perfectly balanced, mirror-image look on both sides of the dog.  A “surprise” would be a mutation (e.g., recessive alleles) that disrupts the symmetry of white patches, leading to random, uneven splotches instead of the breed’s balanced “goggles” and markings. Markings can end up uneven or in the wrong places. Even with intact genes, melanocytes (or pigment cells) might migrate unevenly during embryonic growth which can also create patchy or one-sided markings, despite the dog’s correct genetics.   A Klee Kai with a MITF mutation might have, for instance, mismatched “eyebrows,” or aa white blaze skewed to one side. In the end, markings have no impact on the loving companionship afforded by this breed,  but a lack of symmetry disqualifies a Klee Kai’ from a conformation ring.

Perhaps it’s just us, but examining an Alaskan Klee Kai markings for perfect symmetry is entertaining, and not unlike a visual puzzle. Each dog’s face and body are supposed to be mirror images from left to right, and spotting subtle differences can be surprisingly fun.

Collage images by  ©Bon Koo,©Nadzeya Haroshka and © Gianpierolauretta