Excelsior Klee Kai

Melissa W.

Breeder of Alaskan Klee Kai

  • Grand Rapids, MI
  • Responds within a few days

Meet the breeder

I'm Melissa W., the breeder behind Excelsior Klee Kai located in Grand Rapids, MI. I'm a home-based breeder focusing on structure and temperament. My dogs excel both in the show ring and as beloved companions. They have completed all their required health testing as outlined by the Alaskan Klee Kai Association of America. I believe in well-rounded dogs and actively show in UKC conformation with performance titles as well.

Q. & A. with Melissa

  • Why did you start breeding?

    I purchased a puppy that the breeder had considered holding back for a show prospect. I was committed to that puppy and said I’d show her even though I’d never shown a dog before. We hit the ground running campaigning through the summer and earned two nose work titles! My breeder was impressed and we decided the dog was suitable to breed. I got a crash course in structure, genetics, politics, and then developed my own program!

  • What makes your program special?

    Klee Kai are not often taken seriously as anything more than a novelty. The breed did not always have the best reputation in the show community. I am setting out to prove these dogs can be serious performance contenders. The stereotype of unstable, nervous screaming toy dogs will soon be a thing of the past.

  • Where do your breeding dogs live?

    They live in my home.

Getting a puppy from Melissa

Melissa has been certified by Good Dog’s screening team for responsible and trusted breeding practices. When you’re ready to reach out, feel free to ask any questions about the breed, their program, or specific puppies.

Together, you’ll choose the puppy that’s right for you, stay in touch with regular updates, and plan how to bring your new puppy home.

Price

Puppy prices include a $500 refundable deposit and between $2,000 - $2,500 final payment, before taxes & fees.

“A deposit is taken only when a puppy is matched with a buyer.”

Contract & health guarantee

Melissa may provide a written contract or health guarantee when you purchase a puppy. This helps protect both you and your breeder, ensuring that you both have a clear understanding of the terms of your puppy purchase. If Melissa offers a contract or guarantee, the details will be personalized by them. If you have any questions or want to know more, don’t hesitate to reach out to Melissa directly.

Always communicate and pay on Good Dog.Learn more

What’s included

    • From Good Dog
      • Lifetime support from Good Dog’s Care Team
      • 10% lifetime discount on Figo pet insurance
      • Puppy Training Program & private community
    • Puppy health practices
      • Vet check
      • First round of shots and deworming

Location & pick-up

You can drive or fly to pick up your puppy from Melissa.

Breeder’s location

Meet in Grand Rapids, MI

Other pick-up locations

Meet at Gerald R. Ford Airport

More about Melissa

  • Club memberships

    Melissa is a member of Alaskan Klee Kai Association of America.

  • Melissa has been a member of Good Dog for almost 5 years

    Melissa was screened for responsible practices and has been a member since 2021.

  • Melissa’s links

Melissa is a trusted Good Dog breeder

Excelsior Klee Kai meets or exceeds our community standards in these areas:

  • Responsible breeding practices
  • Health of breeding dogs and puppies
  • Puppy environment and enrichment
  • Buyer education and policies

Parent health testing

Breeder-Reported Testing

Excellent level

Excelsior Klee Kai reports to performing the health tests below on their breeding dogs. Ask your breeder about the tests performed on the parents of your litter. Learn more about health testing for Alaskan Klee Kai.

  • Eye Certification (CAER, registered with OFA)

    Eye testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide range of hereditary eye illnesses including retinal dysplasia, lens luxation, and glaucoma, which can cause impared vision or blindness.

  • Cardiac Evaluation (registered with OFA)

    Heart testing reduces the chance of passing down congenital heart disease, which can cause a range of symptoms ranging from trouble exercising to heart failure.

  • Patellar Luxation

    Knee testing reduces the chance of passing down Patellar Luxation, which results in the kneecap becoming displaced or dislocated and can cause mild to severe joint pain.

  • Thyroid (Autoimmune Thyroiditis, registered with OFA)

    A breeder may perform additional tests on their dogs that do not fall into these general categories. These tests may be more uncommon or very specific to a particular breed.

  • Factor VII Deficiency, Alaskan Klee Kai Type

    Genetic testing reduces the chance of passing down a wide variety of hereditary diseases of differing prevalence and severity such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disease) and Von Willebrand's Disease (a blood disease).

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