Kai Ken
Other names: Kai, Tora Inu, Tiger Dog
#46
Wamiz's Top Breed

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
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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 breed nomenclature
FCI Group
Group 5 - Spitz and primitive types
Section
Section 5 : Asian Spitz and related breeds
Physical characteristics of the 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
Black brindle, red brindle and brindle, though it may take a while to come through on a puppy born "plain".
Type of coat
Harsh and straight with a soft, dense undercoat.
Eye colour
Dark 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.
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).
Temperament
Behaviour of the Kai Ken
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Is the Kai Ken right for you?
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Compatibility
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.
Grooming
This is a naturally clean dog who requires just the occasional bath in occasion to regular brushing and nail-clipping.
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.
Health of the Kai Ken
Life expectancy
The lifespan of a Kai Ken is approximately 13 years.
Strong / robust
This dog is strong, robust, sturdy, durable - a rock.
Withstand heat
Moderately.
Withstand cold
She is well equipped to withstand harsh climates.
Tendency to put on weight
The Kai Ken is adept at regulating her own food intake, which is not to say that her human roommates should leave her to it.
Common illnesses
None to speak of.