Kai Ken

Other names : Kai, Tora Inu, Tiger Dog

Kai Ken

This stripy tiger of a Japanese dog is literally a national monument, celebrated and protected as one of the six Japanese breeds known collectively as Nihon Ken. Wedge-shaped in every direction and covered with a layer of fiery brindle, the Kai Ken’s affable expression completes the ‘easy on the eye’ package. Personality-wise, you can expect the same: reserved, yet pleasant, thawing with familiarity to become a warm and loyal colleague, whether that work is the trial of everyday life or hunting deer, boar, and bears in the mountains, her preferred habitat.

Key facts about the Kai Ken

Life expectancy :

7

19

12

14

Temperament :

Playful Intelligent High prey drive

Size :

Kai Ken: Origins and history

The Kai Ken was little known outside of the mountain province of Kai on the main island of Japan until the 1930s when she was discovered, categorised, celebrated, and finally entered into the annals of the Japanese Kennel Club. For this reason, today’s Kai Ken is thought to be among the purest of breeds. They were introduced to America by returning soldiers in the 1950s, but are today rarely seen outside of Japan, the United States, and the realm of the cartoon, in which they frequently appear.

FCI classification of the Kai Ken

FCI Group

Group 5 - Spitz and primitive types

Section

Section 5 : Asian Spitz and related breeds

Physical characteristics of the Kai Ken

Kai Ken

Adult size

Female : Between 17 and 19 in

Male : Between 19 and 21 in

Weight

Female : Between 33 and 44 lb

Male : Between 33 and 44 lb

Coat colour

Type of coat

Eye colour

Brown

Description

Whatever it is about the appearance of Japanese dogs that lends them to being illustrated in drawings, this pooch has it in spades. Perhaps it is the economic use and re-use of one key shape across her front end: a wedge-shaped beak, head, eyes, and ears, casually offset by a fluffy Basil Brush tail that curls around to meet her back. Those eyes are certainly part of it too, despite their mysterious darkness. The outer corners turn up with charm, while more to the point her brows are expressive, almost human. Fluffy tiger-dog that she is, with those black and flame stripes, all this teddy-bear adorability comes with a sense of strength and athleticism because she is, after all, a mountain dog.

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Kai Ken: Purchase price

We do not have enough data to set an average price.

Looking after a dog of this size typically costs between £70 to £110 a month, including food, medical/insurance, and incidental expenses.

Kai Ken: Shedding

She sheds her undercoat twice a year, when bathing and brushing will help the process along. 

Nutrition of the Kai Ken

Good quality food formulated for active dogs will fill this tiger’s tank.

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