Jennifer Hsia
1. My name is Jennifer Hsia and I’m the human behind Thurisia – Alaskan Klee Kai, based out of sunny Southern California. As it goes with most people in this breed, I had loved Siberian Huskies (from afar), but knew owning one in Southern California could be challenging given the living space limitations. In 2009 I learned about the Alaskan Klee Kai from a coworker. I researched and reached out to several breeders, and in 2011 I picked up my first Alaskan Klee Kai, Maya. She was the best thing that had happened to me at the time, and we added in our second AKK, Kodah, in 2012. I got involved in UKC altered Conformation, trained in Rally Obedience and Agility, and just had a lot of fun with my AKK. Eventually, this led me to a wonderful mentor in December 2014, and I brought home my first breeding potential puppy. We now actively compete in Conformation, Rally Obedience, Obedience, Agility, Scent Work, Weight Pull, Tracking, Barn Hunt, Dock Diving, and other Performance events. The overall goal of my program is to raise well-rounded Klee Kai that are successful not only in the Conformation ring but also in the Performance world, and in their daily lives.
2. As a newer breed, I feel that we are in good overall condition healthwise. Popular stud syndrome can sometimes be a concern with fewer titled males, but I also feel that this is something that ebbs and flows over time. As a whole, breeders are doing a great job working on a consistent type, and some have really done their due diligence in improving our temperaments.
3. It’s definitely been a little harder to find good show homes lately, especially for a breed that is limited to only entering Open Shows, and then not having many clubs in our area willing to host. However, that being said, being patient in finding those homes, and having them be patient in waiting for the right puppy, definitely pays off. I have found some absolutely amazing homes that have done wonderful things with their Alaskan Klee Kai: First Certificates of Merit, first Prefix AKC title (RACH), multiple Best in Open Show wins, and so much more. With regard to judging, we’ve definitely had some wonderful judges. Several have made sure to read our Breed Standard, asked questions during judging, and then asked additional questions afterward. Having the experience of showing to more judges who are willing to take that time to learn our breed will really pay off in the long run.
4. One of the biggest challenges encountered has honestly been finding enough clubs interested in hosting Open Shows, as those are the only avenue for FSS breeds to be exhibited. When in Miscellaneous, we can also show in all-breed shows; however, we are limited in points to only other MISC dogs entered, which can be few to none. In the past couple of years, I’ve really only seen two clubs in Southern California host Open Shows, and maybe only a couple more if we include Northern California and Nevada. With so many AKC clubs in these areas, I would hope that more would be willing to host Open Shows for us to attend, and to help us move toward full recognition. As mentioned previously, this in turn makes things difficult to make the breed enticing to Conformation enthusiasts since opportunities can be rather limited.
5. With the introduction of social media, there is a plethora of Facebook groups for health and training support, as well as mediums by which to broaden the way that shows can be announced, advertised, etc. There also are some positive pages that allow for people to ask about show grounds, judge experience, ask for increased counts, and more. However, this also has negative consequences. News of a bad experience travels quickly, and cancel culture can be incredibly harmful. I think social media is something that needs to always be taken with a grain of salt.
6. I feel that the above question factors into this one as well. A big challenge is the negative side of social media, not to mention the “adopt don’t shop” movement. It can be difficult to teach others about preservation breeding and that Conformation dogs can be pretty for the show ring and then completely loved and spoiled at home. I think the dog show community can be better about being welcoming to new exhibitors as well as new breeds. We all started somewhere.
7. While they may be fewer, I feel many of the newer exhibitors come in with passion and heart. It is always wonderful to mentor new fanciers, especially when you see them succeed and are able to share that joy.
