Dog Breeds

Kai Ken

Published

3 years ago

October 23, 2021

The modern Kai Ken is descended from ancient Japanese dogs that lived in the mountain province of Kai.

History

Due to the geographic isolation of this province, the Kai Ken is believed to be the purest of all Japanese dog breeds. Traditional Japanese writings identify the dog as a natural hunter, the master of its domei. The Kai Ken is known to take it to the extreme in hunting game, going so far as to be able to swim or even climb trees. The Kai Ken was recognized by the Japanese Kennel Club in 1934 and was first brought to the United States by the military in the 1950s.

It is unknown if any of these original dogs survived, but a young male and several females were brought to the United States in the 1990s, these dogs are the basic strain of the modern American-bred Kai Ken. This dog breed is also known as Kai or Kai Tora-ken. The Kai Ken has yet to be officially recognized by the AKC. Currently the breed is part of the Foundation Stock Service Program, once the number of registered Kai Ken dogs in the US reaches 150 the breed will be fully accepted by the AKC.

Life expectancy: 14 – 16 years

Weight: 14 – 18 kg

Height at the withers: 43 – 56 cm

Character of the Kai Ken

An intelligent and active breed, the Kai Ken is also known for its friendly demeanor. This dog enjoys being with his family and forming close bonds with his human companions. They get along well with children and are not usually aggressive towards other dogs. Given that the Kai is a hunting breed, it’s best to introduce him to other pets early on. Kai dogs are usually reserved with strangers which makes them a very good watchdog who will sound the alarm when needed. Whether you train him to hunt or not, the Kai Ken makes a great family pet.

As a hunting breed, the Kai Ken is moderately active, but the breed has only moderate need for exercise. This breed can be adapted to apartment life and can do without a yard as long as daily exercise needs are met. Because this breed is so intelligent, the Kai Ken requires frequent mental exercise and physical exercise.

Health

Given the genetic purity of the breed, the Kai Ken is not known to have many congenital health problems. However, like all dogs, the breed is prone to several minor health issues.

Care of Kai Ken

The Kai Ken has a harsh, medium-length coat with a furry tail that is carried over the back. Most have dark fur with varying shades of brindle markings. Dogs with mainly black coloring are called Kuro-tora while red Kai Kens are called Aka-tora, the Chu-tora is somewhere in the middle.

The Kai Ken is a very clean dog by nature, so you don’t have to worry about body odor or frequent bathing. The breed’s coat is easy to maintain, requiring only regular brushing to control shedding. Given that the Kai Ken is a naturally active breed, you should consider feeding him a dog food formulated specifically for active dogs.

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