Characteristics, History, Care Tips, and Helpful Information for Pet Owners
The Kai Ken, one of the six native dog breeds of Japan, is a well-loved and highly regarded animal. This extremely intelligent breed is known for its strong, close bonds to its owner and is said to go to great lengths to protect its special person.
The Kai Ken was originally found in the mountainous region of Japan near Mount Fuji and was widely used as a versatile hunting dog. The breed’s strong prey drive may take over around smaller pets, but each individual Kai Ken will differ. Always be sure to keep their nails trimmed, check for dirt in the ears, and brush their teeth regularly to keep up overall health. With the proper exercise and care, the Kai Ken can be a very loyal, special dog to own.
| Breed Overview GROUP: Working HEIGHT: 15.5 To 19.5 Inches WEIGHT: 20 To 40 Pounds COAT AND COLOR: Medium Length Double Coat In Brindle, Black Brindle, Or Red Brindle LIFE EXPECTANCY: 12 To 15 Years |
Characteristics of the Kai Ken
| Exercise Needs | High |
| Amount Of Shedding | High |
| Tendency To Bark | Medium |
| Intelligence | High |
| Trainability | High |
| Affection Level | Medium |
| Friendliness | Medium |
| Kid-Friendly | High |
| Pet-Friendly | Medium |
| Playfulness | Medium |
| Energy Level | Medium |
History of the Kai Ken
Originally found in the mountainous region of Japan near Mount Fuji, the Kai Ken got its name from the Kai province where it was found in 1929. This agile, intelligent breed quickly became a well-known hunter and was used to pursue a wide variety of prey. In 1934, the Kai Ken was identified by the Japanese Kennel Club.
Though the exact history of the Kai Ken dogs within the United States is a bit murky, it is believed that they were first brought in the 1950s. However, it was not until much more recently, in the 1990s, that more Kai Kens were imported and the foundation for the breed was established.
Kai Ken Care
With its firm loyalty and sharp intelligence, the Kai Ken is really a joy to train. These dogs learn new things very quickly, enjoy working with their owners, and respond well to positive reinforcement. Though some Kai Kens are trained to walk off-leash, be extremely cautious. Hunting is in their blood, and the Kai Ken has both a strong prey drive and a tendency to fulfill its need of adventure without you if you are not paying attention.
The Kai Ken is a strong, alert, and agile breed, making both mental and physical exercise important every day. Try activities where your Kai Ken has the chance to work with you instead of for you, such as agility and other team-based sports. This breed will also be a great hiking partner and enjoys swimming.
Because of their active nature, these dogs need daily attention and exercise. If their needs are not met they will find something to busy themselves and they could become destructive around the home.
Being a loyal, amiable and affectionate dog, the Kai Ken usually does well with respectful children and other dogs, especially if properly socialized at an early age. Its famous brindle coat acts as a natural camouflage, perfectly equipping this breed for the mountainous terrain.
Their famous brindle coat is of medium length and consists of two layers. This makes occasional brushing important to keep it in a healthy and shiny condition and to minimize shedding. The Kai Ken is a relatively clean dog, however, so baths shouldn’t be needed very often. Twice a year, the Kai Ken will lose its undercoat, resulting in much more shedding. More frequent brushing and baths may be needed during thcan be time. However, the Kai Ken is well-suited to taking part in dog sports, agility, and any other activity that involves working alongside their owner.
Common Health Problems
The Kai Ken is generally considered healthy, but there are a few breed-specific diseases to be on the lookout for. Of course, always be on the watch for common health problems that can affect any dog too, such as obesity and ear infections.
- Luxating patella
- Hip problems
- Allergies
- Seizures
Diet and Nutrition
To help your Kai Ken live a long, healthy life, always feed them high-quality dog food. Like any dog, it is important not to overfeed your Kai Ken. However, this breed is known for self-regulating how much it eats, so overeating is not usually a problem. Every dog’s dietary needs are unique, so consult your veterinarian for more information about your Kai Ken’s needs.
Pros
- Displays a strong sense of loyalty
- Highly intelligent
- Does well with children
Cons
- High prey drive
- Heavy shedding twice a year
- May exhibit destructive behavior if not properly exercised
Where to Adopt or Buy a Kai Ken
Because the Kai Ken is such an unique and prized dog, they may be difficult to find in shelters. However, it’s always a good idea to make inquiries.
When looking for a Kai Ken puppy, always look for reputable breeders to purchase from. Listed below are some Kai Ken rescues, breeders, and helpful pages to find a shelter in your area.
- Kai Ken Club of America
- Kai Ken Society of America
- ASPCA
More Dog Breeds and Further Research
The Kai Ken is an extremely loyal, intelligent dog sure to win over the heart of any dog lover. However, these canines require a high level of mental and physical activity.
Always be sure to do thorough research on breed-specific traits before bringing a dog into your home and, remember, that every dog is a big commitment.
If you are interested in dog breeds similar to the Kai Ken, check out:
- Shiba Inu
- Akita
- Shar-Pei