Black Bay Park Pet Photography

Photographing pets is always an adventure—and when that pet is an Alaskan Klee Kai celebrating his first birthday, it's bound to be extra special. Recently, I had the joy of meeting Swagger, an energetic and wildly photogenic pup with a whole lot of personality. We met at one of my favorite local photo spots, Black Bay Park in Post Falls, Idaho, just as the wildflowers were putting on their springtime show.

What Is an Alaskan Klee Kai?

Before I dive into our session, let’s talk a little about Swagger’s breed. The Alaskan Klee Kai is a relatively rare and newer breed developed to be a companion-sized version of the Alaskan Husky. “Klee Kai” means “little dog” in an Inuit dialect, and it’s an apt description. These pups pack all the boldness, beauty, and brainpower of their larger cousins into a smaller frame—perfect for those who love the Husky personality but are looking for a more compact companion.

Planning a First Birthday Adventure for Swagger

Swagger’s mom, Mary Jane, reached out to celebrate his big 1st birthday milestone. She wanted something meaningful that captured his personality—and boy, did we. We chose Black Bay Park for its natural beauty and the blooming wildflowers that make the space feel downright magical in the spring.

As we explored, Mary Jane shared her deep connection to the Husky world. After years of showing and then sled racing Huskies, she transitioned to the Klee Kai after her last sled dog passed away at the long-loved age of 18. Enter Swagger—the spirited, handsome boy who’s been stealing hearts ever since.

Getting to Know Swagger

At first, Swagger gave me the typical cautious sniffs, but with the help of some tasty treats (I always come prepared), we became fast friends. Within minutes, he was posing like a seasoned pro—sunlight streaming through the trees and wildflowers framing his expressive face.

Swagger has a regal presence, and he showed it off as we climbed the park’s rock formations. One moment, he’d be stoically gazing into the distance, and the next he was peering playfully into my lens as if asking, “Did you get my good side?”

Swagger’s session had everything: flowers, rocks, riverside views, and a good dose of athletic flair. At one point, he leapt effortlessly over a downed log, showing off his agility. Eventually, we made our way to a stunning overlook of the Spokane River, where he took in the scene like the adventurer he is. It was the perfect way to wrap up a session that felt more like a storybook than a photoshoot.

A Sweet Surprise to End the Day

But wait—what's a birthday without cake? As we wrapped up the session, I had one last surprise for Swagger: a pup-friendly birthday cake! He wasted no time diving in and put a serious dent in it with pure puppy enthusiasm. Once he had his fill, we packed up the rest so he could share his tasty treat with his friends at home. Because let’s be honest—every good boy deserves a party favor.

If Swagger Could Tell You His Story…

“I was born into a big Klee Kai family in Klamath Falls, Oregon, and my mom drove a long way just to meet me. It was love at first sight. Now I live in Post Falls, where I’ve grown from a fuzzy pup into a sleek young adult. I chew everything—sticks, toys, you name it—and my favorite treat is freeze-dried duck hearts. I love playing with my ball, but if you throw it, you better go get it! I sleep on my mom every night because she’s just that cozy. And if you’re reading this, I can’t wait to meet you—I know you’ll make me look extra handsome.”

FAQs About Alaskan Klee Kais

Are Alaskan Klee Kais good family pets?
Yes! They’re known to be affectionate with their families, intelligent, and trainable. However, they can be a bit reserved with strangers—just like Swagger was at first—so socialization is key.

Do they require a lot of exercise?
Absolutely. These pups are energetic and love to play. A good walk, play session, or run around the yard is a must.

Are they easy to groom?
They do shed, especially during seasonal coat changes, but regular brushing helps keep things manageable.

How big do Klee Kais get?
They come in three sizes—Toy (under 13”), Miniature (13–15”), and Standard (15–17”). Swagger fits right into the Mini range.

Whether you're a fellow Klee Kai enthusiast, a dog lover in Post Falls, or someone looking for inspiration for your own pet photo session, I hope Swagger’s story made you smile. Want to book a session for your furry friend?

Book Now

Wish Swagger a happy birthday....

0 Comments

Previous Post Next Post

Robbie & Freki-BFFs

May 10, 2023

Jake & Chili's Black Bay Adventure

August 13, 2023

A Tibute to River

November 1, 2023

The Gentlemen Milo

February 8, 2022

Swagger the Alaskan Klee Kai Turns One