Kai Ken

Indigenous to Japan, Kai Ken is a medium sized rare breed with an athletic body, wedge-shaped head, erect ears, robust and hardy limbs, well-developed hocks, and a curled or sickle-shaped tail. These intelligent and loyal dogs occupy a significant place in Japanese culture, preserved as their natural monument.

Kai Ken Pictures

History

Being one of the six native breeds of Japan to be maintained and protected by Nippo or Nihon Ken Hozonkai, it was developed as a hunting breed in the steep mountainous terrain of the Yamanashi region to track down deer, wild boar, bear and the Japanese serow (Kamoshika). This was possibly because of its great climbing ability as mentioned in traditional writings. With the creation of Nippo in 1928, the Kai Ken became Japan’s natural monument in the year 1933.  Recognized by the Japanese Kennel Club in 1934, there is little information regarding the breed due to language constraints.

It came to the United States in the 1950s, though it is unknown whether the original ones survived or not. When male and female puppies started being imported to the United States, the foundation of the American Kai Ken began.

Temperament

The Kai Ken with its reserved nature towards strangers makes for an excellent watch dog. They are even said to lookout for any intruders by choosing a point with good visibility like a balcony, hilltop or even a porch.

Besides climbing trees with ease while chasing their prey, they also have the innate ability of swimming that made them cross rivers effortlessly when at work.

It was described by Japanese people to be a loyal and trusted companion, immensely devoted to his master.

They are a perfect family dog, getting along well with children of the family, also being adaptable to any living conditions like a plush apartment or a big house in the countryside. Keeping their hunting instincts in mind, they should be acquainted with other pets of the house since their puppyhood to avoid any unpleasant occurrences.

Training

Owing to their gentle and loyal temperament, training them would not be too difficult a task, though requiring a firm and tactful handling.

• Leash train them to keep their chasing instincts under check.
• Since they are shy towards strangers, it is essential to give the Kai Ken puppies socialization training, acquainting them with people who are regular visitors to your house. Expose them to various situations and people so that they can differentiate the good from the bad.
• Give them obedience training early so that they are adept at following commands and stopping from chasing prey or doing any unpleasant thing when you utter the word “Stop.”

Feeding

Besides a good quality dry dog food, give your Kai Ken a nutritious diet containing sufficient amount of vitamins, proteins, and minerals to keep it energized.

Interesting Facts

• The Kai Ken’s brindle coloration earned it the name Tora, which meant tiger in Japanese.