Kai Ken

Other names : Kai, Tora Inu, Tiger Dog

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.

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Comment •

Life expectancy	The Kai Ken has a life expectancy of between 12 and 14 years
Temperament	Playful Intelligent High prey drive
Size	Medium
Adult size	Female Between 17 and 19 in Male Between 19 and 21 in
Adult weight	Female Between 33 and 44 lb Male Between 33 and 44 lb
Coat colour	Black Red Brindle
Type of coat	Short Hard
Eye colour	Brown

Good to know

It can be very hard to get hold of one of these dogs in the UK and potential families may need to undergo a lengthy import process that isn’t always kind on the dog (think: quarantine).

More details about the Kai Ken

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.

Physical characteristics of the Kai Ken

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.

FCI classification of the Kai Ken

Group 5 - Spitz and primitive types
Section 5 : Asian Spitz and related breeds

Kai Ken: Characteristics

Not very affectionate

She is faithful although she may perhaps save her affections for one key member of the family.

Very playful

The Kai Ken loves to play and it is important that her intellectual and physical faculties are engaged on a daily basis.

More or less calm

She is a very active, alert, dog.

High intelligence

She is highly intelligent and quick to learn.

High prey drive

She is a natural hunter and, with the correct training, can achieve hunting prowess of legendary standing.

Fearful of strangers

The Kai Ken is reserved among strangers in social situations, and vigilant while on guard.

Very independent

Like many primitive dogs, she is very independent.

Kai Ken: Behaviour

Tolerates being left alone

She is not too bad when left on her own for a while – if indeed you can bring yourself to leave her.

Moderately easy to train

She has a strong temperament, such that is can sometimes be difficult to get her to cooperate. If you can find a rapport, however, she can be trained to excellent results.

Moderately vocal

She has a loud bark but will rarely use it inappropriately.

Has a tendency to run away

Her predatory instinct and independence push her to follow tracks without taking into account the reminders of her master. The garden must be well fenced.

Can be destructive

She can be destructive if her needs aren’t met.

Very food motivated

She is a very good eater, which can be useful in training.

Very good watchdog

The Kai Ken makes an excellent watch or guard dog, being watchful and vigilant but also judicious in her use of force.

Training a Kai Ken

She has a strong temperament, such that is can sometimes be difficult to get her to cooperate. If you can find a rapport, however, she can be trained to excellent results.

Kai Ken: Lifestyle

Moderately compatible with living in a flat

It is possible to keep a Kai Ken in your flat as long as she gets plenty of outdoor exercise each day.

Needs a lot of exercise

A decent half-an-hour walk or run plus regular constitutional trips will be the minimum your kai ken requires. Additional play and the occasional adventure are also to be encouraged.