| Training | |
| Sensitivity to strangers | |
| Affection for family | |
| Suitable for first-time owners | |
| Ease of grooming | |
| Energy level |
Contents
The Kai Ken is considered a natural national heritage of Japan, an ancient and primitive hunting companion dog.
The Kai Ken, also known as “Tiger Dog” is one of the oldest and most famous breeds of Japan, it was close to being extinguished, but fortunately it has successfully recovered and nowadays is highly popular in Asia and in the Americas. It is said that this dog breed has its origins in Kai, an ancient Japanese province.
This breed was declared Japanese natural national heritage back in 1934, and was named after the place these dogs lived originally: Kai, a province surrounded by mountains where we can find worldwide famous Mount Fuji. Around 1950 these dogs gained popularity in America.
Formerly, they were used as hunting dogs of wild boars and deer, Kai Kens have an incredible hearing, sense of smell, and they are athletic, slender and agile. All of these characteristics and abilities make them excellent guardian and companion dogs.
They kept the purity of the breed thanks to their primitive inner nature of staying in packs.
Kai Ken: Temperament
The Kai Ken is a skilled hunting dog; they have an excellent sense of orientation and temperature resistance. As we mentioned before they also have a well-developed sense of smell and hearing. The Kai Ken is highly intelligent and clever; it will always be mischievous and get away with it. If you train it correctly during puppyhood it can be obedient and follow its owner’s orders.
Like most hunting dogs, the Kai Ken is independent and self-confident, it is not afraid of being alone for long periods of time, it will patiently wait for its humans to arrive or find some activity to keep itself entertained. This primitive dog has a tendency to escape and live adventures by itself, so it is advised to have a house with a backyard with a firm fence. They can get adapted to the life in the city but you must take them for walks regularly to drain its energy.
The Kai Ken does not really bark unless it has a reason, this is a quality that makes it an excellent guardian dog, it will alert you if there is any suspicious situation, and it is a highly protective dog.
In fact it is a playful animal with a lot of energy and loves to play, even though at first it could be reluctant to cuddle, it is still a faithful and loyal friend. It is fearful and mistrustful with strangers but never aggressive.
Although it could seem it is a rebel without a cause, this adorable Japanese friend is faithful, loyal and loving with its owner and family. It will always be willing to go on adventures, so it will be the ideal dog pet for athletes and active people.
Kai Ken: Physical Characteristics
Kai Kens are medium-sized and slender, their height varies between 18 to 21 inches (47-55 cm) and their weight can be 33 to 44 lbs (15-20 kg). They are athletic and robust, have a perfectly proportioned body with muscled and straight back.
Even though the Kai Ken aspect is rustic, it has a refined and delicate face with little triangular-shaped eyes and pointed raised ears. Its muzzle is short and ends with a cute little black nose.
Perhaps the most distinctive and striking feature of this dog breed is its double coat which is short and rough on the top but has silky undercoat. During puppyhood it usually has one color but when the Kai Ken grows up its hair changes to a tabby coat; this process can last as long as four years. We can find Kai Kens with the following colors:
- Brown
- Grey
- Orange or reddish
Kai Ken: Health
In general the Kai Ken does not have major health conditions; like most medium-sized dogs it could have hip dysplasia or digestive problems. It does not require a lot of upkeep except for brushing and regular baths; and obviously visits to the vet like any other dog.
If you love hunting, and raised your Kai Ken to be a hunter dog, it is important to check its body regularly for ticks, which could cause complex diseases, such as: anaplasmosis, babesiosis, Lyme disease, among others. It could also have fleas and you have to pay attention to objects that could harm your dog during the hunting events.
Unlike other dog breeds, Kai Kens do not have genetic conditions, and they rarely get sick, they are healthy little creatures.
Kai Ken: Feeding
The Kai Ken must have a well-balanced and nutritious diet; this is a very active dog so it is important that it has the necessary energy to play and do its activities. A sedentary lifestyle and poor nutrition could cause overweight and obesity.
Due to the amount of energy the Kai has, it is always hungry, so it is imperative to feed it in the correct way, you can ask your vet for tips so your dog pet is happy, healthy and well-fed.
Kai Ken: Price, Breeders, and Puppies For Sale
The fact that it is not a highly popular breed around the world, makes this dog breed pricey, a Kai Ken puppy could cost around 1500 to 1700 dollars, 1200-1400 English pounds. You must take into account that this is a faithful, robust and long-live dog breed.
In this section you can find the best registered breeders in countries such as: England, Australia and in the US; but also New Zealand, Ireland, Canada, Scotland, India and South Africa; where you can find all the information you need. It is imperative to purchase from a reliable breeder, to insure that your puppy has been:
- Raised to have good character and good health;
- Carefully selected (its parents were chosen without any genetic diseases);
- Properly socialized, so that it is not too aggressive or fearful;
- Vaccinated and well-cared for.
When you adopt a puppy, a reliable breeder provides you with an official veterinarian certificate, in which it is formally stipulated that the animal is in perfect health and dewormed.
You can ask for a pedigree certificate, which allows you to check your dog breed’s purity. An animal with pedigree has certain characteristics that distinguish it among the others.
Now that we have mentioned the most important aspects, you can go to your new four-legged friend, who is certainly waiting for you.
You may be interested in reading another article related to other dog breeds such as:
- Sussex Spaniel
- Japanese Spitz
- Alabai
- Dalmatian
- Caucasian Shepherd
- Bullmastiff
- Newfoundland
- Irish Wolfhound
- Havanese
- English Mastiff
