Dog Breeds - Kai Ken

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of warmth displayed by a breed towards their family members or familiar acquaintances varies. Certain breeds may exhibit aloofness towards everyone except their owner whereas others tend to treat everyone they know as their closest companion.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
The level of tolerance and patience a breed exhibits towards children's behavior, along with their overall family-friendly nature, is an important consideration. It is crucial to always supervise dogs when they are around young children or children of any age who have limited exposure to dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The general friendliness of a breed towards other dogs is worth considering. While it is essential to supervise interactions and introductions between dogs some breeds are naturally more inclined to get along with other dogs both in home environments and in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of fur and hair that a breed is expected to shed is an important factor to consider. Breeds with high shedding tendencies will require more frequent brushing are more likely to trigger specific allergies and may necessitate more regular vacuuming and lint-rolling.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
The grooming needs of a breed, including bathing, brushing, trimming and other coat maintenance, should be taken into account. It is essential to consider the time, patience and budget you have available for this type of care. Additionally, regular nail trimming is necessary for all breeds.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
The propensity of a breed to drool is an important aspect to consider. If you value cleanliness and are particular about avoiding ropes of slobber on your arm or big wet spots on your clothes breeds that have a tendency to drool excessively may not be the ideal choice for you.
COAT TYPE +
Double
COAT LENGTH +
Medium

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
The level of friendliness a breed typically displays towards strangers should be taken into account. Certain breeds tend to be reserved or cautious around all strangers regardless of the setting, while others are generally more amiable and welcoming, always happy to meet a new human whenever one is around!
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
The level of enthusiasm a breed displays towards play, even beyond puppyhood, is worth considering. Some breeds will continue to enjoy playing tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years, while others will be content to relax on the couch with you most of the time, prioritizing cozy companionship.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
The breed's inclination to alert you of the presence of strangers is an important characteristic to consider. Some breeds are more likely to react and notify you of any potential threats whether it's the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. These breeds are also likely to become more comfortable with strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
The adaptability of a breed to handle change is an important factor to consider. This includes assessing how well a breed can handle variations in living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily schedules and other day-to-day changes that may occur.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
The ease of training and willingness to learn new things should be considered when choosing a breed. Some breeds are highly motivated to please their owners and are generally eager learners, while others may have a more independent streak and prefer to do things on their own terms, wherever and whenever they want.
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
The exercise and mental stimulation requirements of a breed are important factors to consider. High energy breeds are typically ready for their next adventure, spending their time running, jumping, and playing throughout the day. They thrive on regular exercise and mental stimulation. On the other hand, low energy breeds tend to be more laid back and content with lounging around and snoozing. Understanding a breed's activity level can help ensure a good match between their needs and your lifestyle.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
The frequency of vocalization is worth considering when choosing a breed. Some breeds tend to bark at every passer-by or bird in the window, while others only vocalize in specific situations. It's important to note that even barkless breeds may still use other sounds to express themselves and communicate. Understanding a breed's vocal tendencies is important for those who may have specific preferences regarding noise levels.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
The amount of mental stimulation a breed requires to stay happy and healthy is an important consideration. Purpose-bred dogs that have jobs requiring decision-making, problem-solving, concentration, or other mental qualities will need regular mental exercise. Without adequate mental stimulation these dogs may find ways to occupy themselves that may not align with your preferences. Providing appropriate mental stimulation for your dog's breed will help keep their minds engaged and prevent them from engaging in unwanted or destructive behaviors.L

COLORS

PATTERNS

CARING WITH FAMILY

Independent

Lovey-Dovey

The level of warmth displayed by a breed towards their family members or familiar acquaintances varies. Certain breeds may exhibit aloofness towards everyone except their owner whereas others tend to treat everyone they know as their closest companion.

LOVE WITH CHILDREN

Unwise

Good With Children

The level of tolerance and patience a breed exhibits towards children's behavior, along with their overall family-friendly nature, is an important consideration. It is crucial to always supervise dogs when they are around young children or children of any age who have limited exposure to dogs.

BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS

Unwise

Good With Other Dogs

The general friendliness of a breed towards other dogs is worth considering. While it is essential to supervise interactions and introductions between dogs some breeds are naturally more inclined to get along with other dogs both in home environments and in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT

No Shedding

Hair Everywhere

The amount of fur and hair that a breed is expected to shed is an important factor to consider. Breeds with high shedding tendencies will require more frequent brushing are more likely to trigger specific allergies and may necessitate more regular vacuuming and lint-rolling.

COAT GROOMING STANDARDS

Monthly

Daily

The grooming needs of a breed, including bathing, brushing, trimming and other coat maintenance, should be taken into account. It is essential to consider the time, patience and budget you have available for this type of care. Additionally, regular nail trimming is necessary for all breeds.

DROOLING INTENSITY

Less Likely to Drool

Always Have a Towel

The propensity of a breed to drool is an important aspect to consider. If you value cleanliness and are particular about avoiding ropes of slobber on your arm or big wet spots on your clothes breeds that have a tendency to drool excessively may not be the ideal choice for you.

COAT STYLES GUIDE

Double

COAT SPECTRUM

Medium

FRIENDLINESS

Reserved

Everyone Is My Best Friend

The level of friendliness a breed typically displays towards strangers should be taken into account. Certain breeds tend to be reserved or cautious around all strangers regardless of the setting, while others are generally more amiable and welcoming, always happy to meet a new human whenever one is around!

LIVELINESS

Only When You Want To Play

Non-Stop

The level of enthusiasm a breed displays towards play, even beyond puppyhood, is worth considering. Some breeds will continue to enjoy playing tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years, while others will be content to relax on the couch with you most of the time, prioritizing cozy companionship.

VIGILANCE INTENSITY

What's Mine Is Yours

Vigilant

The breed's inclination to alert you of the presence of strangers is an important characteristic to consider. Some breeds are more likely to react and notify you of any potential threats whether it's the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. These breeds are also likely to become more comfortable with strangers who enter the house and are accepted by their family.

ADAPTATION CAPACITY

Lives For Routine

Highly Adaptable

The adaptability of a breed to handle change is an important factor to consider. This includes assessing how well a breed can handle variations in living conditions, noise levels, weather, daily schedules and other day-to-day changes that may occur.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL

Self-Willed

Eager to Please

The ease of training and willingness to learn new things should be considered when choosing a breed. Some breeds are highly motivated to please their owners and are generally eager learners, while others may have a more independent streak and prefer to do things on their own terms, wherever and whenever they want.

STAMINA LEVEL

Couch Potato

High Energy

The exercise and mental stimulation requirements of a breed are important factors to consider. High energy breeds are typically ready for their next adventure, spending their time running, jumping, and playing throughout the day. They thrive on regular exercise and mental stimulation. On the other hand, low energy breeds tend to be more laid back and content with lounging around and snoozing. Understanding a breed's activity level can help ensure a good match between their needs and your lifestyle.

VOCALIZATION

Only To Alert

Very Vocal

Medium

LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL

Happy to Lounge

Needs a Job or Activity

The amount of mental stimulation a breed requires to stay happy and healthy is an important consideration. Purpose-bred dogs that have jobs requiring decision-making, problem-solving, concentration, or other mental qualities will need regular mental exercise. Without adequate mental stimulation these dogs may find ways to occupy themselves that may not align with your preferences. Providing appropriate mental stimulation for your dog's breed will help keep their minds engaged and prevent them from engaging in unwanted or destructive behaviors.L

COLORS

Description	Registration Code
Red Brindle	148
Black Brindle	279
Brindle	057

PATTERNS

About The Breed

The Kai Ken is a medium-sized dog breed and one of the six native Japanese breeds. Known for their traditional use in hunting a variety of game in the mountains of Japan, they are considered rare even within their home country. The Kai Ken is highly intelligent and has a quick learning ability comparable to other Japanese breeds or even faster. They are typically less independent and more willing to please their companions.

Described as a trustworthy guardian and extremely devoted to their master, Kai Kens are known for their athleticism, intelligence, and strong hunting instincts. They have a tendency to be independent thinkers and can form a strong bond with their family. They excel at activities like swimming and climbing, and they have been observed climbing trees and swimming rivers in pursuit of game.

The Kai Ken has a unique brindle coat that comes in three colors: Black Brindle (Kuro-Tora), Brindle (Chu-Tora), and Red Brindle (Aka-Tora). The red brindle color is the rarest. The brindle pattern and amount of brindle can vary from dog to dog, and it gradually emerges as puppies age, continuing to change for approximately the first five years of their lives. The brindle coat helps them blend into the mountainous forests they traditionally hunted in providing camouflage against both prey and predators.

In terms of care, the Kai Ken requires basic canine care. They can adapt to apartment living as long as they receive regular exercise through leashed walks. They are naturally clean dogs, so bathing should only be done when necessary. Brushing is recommended especially during their biannual coat blowing periods.

What to Expect When Caring for a Kai Ken

Owning a dog is indeed a significant responsibility that extends far beyond providing the basic necessities of food and shelter. Dogs as sentient beings require a comprehensive level of care that encompasses physical health emotional well-being, and mental stimulation.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Kai Ken: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	Responsible breeders of Kai Ken will prioritize the health of their breeding stock. This includes screening for potential health conditions such as allergies, luxating patella (knee problem) and seizures. By performing genetic testing on their breeding dogs, breeders can reduce the risk of passing on these diseases to the puppies. Working with a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health and well-being of their dogs is crucial for prospective owners to ensure that they are acquiring a healthy Kai Ken puppy. These breeders can provide valuable education about the specific health concerns within the breed and guide potential owners through the process of selecting a healthy puppy. Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club:

Grooming

	The Kai Ken has a medium-length double coat that requires moderate grooming. They are naturally clean dogs that generally only need occasional baths. However, during their shedding seasons when they lose their undercoat, additional bathing and brushing can help to remove the thick undercoat effectively. Regular brushing when they are not shedding will help keep their coat in good condition and prevent matting. It's important to note that the frequency of brushing may vary depending on the individual dog and their coat condition. Nail care is also important for Kai Kens. Regular trimming with a nail clipper or grinder is necessary to prevent overgrowth, splitting and cracking of the nails. Routine ear checks are essential to prevent a buildup of wax and debris which can lead to ear infections. Cleaning the ears as needed and consulting with a veterinarian about proper ear care can help maintain good ear health. like all dogs, oral hygiene is important for the Kai Ken. Regular teeth brushing with a dog-specific toothpaste and toothbrush will help keep their teeth clean and prevent dental issues.

Exercise

	The Kai Ken is a moderately active breed that requires daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay happy and healthy. Providing regular exercise is essential for them. This can be achieved through playtime in a safely enclosed backyard, walks multiple times a day or engaging indoor activities like hide-and-seek, fetch with a rolling ball or learning new tricks. While Kai Kens can adapt to apartment living it's important to meet their exercise requirements even in a smaller space. As long as their exercise needs are adequately met, they can live happily in an apartment. However, it's crucial to note that if the Kai Ken does not receive the proper amount of exercise and mental stimulation, they can become bored, restless and potentially destructive inside the home. By ensuring they have regular opportunities for physical and mental exercise owners can provide a suitable environment for the Kai Ken and help prevent any behavior issues that may arise from insufficient stimulation.

Training

	Indeed, with the proper attention, training, and exercise, Kai Ken can make wonderful companions. It's important to approach training with a positive and patient mindset, as Kai Ken are generally considered to be "soft" dogs, meaning they may be sensitive to harsh training methods. Using positive reinforcement techniques, such as reward-based training and consistency is highly recommended to bring out the best in them. Early training is beneficial not only for establishing a solid foundation but also for providing socialization opportunities. Early socialization helps Kai Ken become well-rounded dogs and prepares them to interact positively with people, other animals and different environments. Considering their strong hunting instincts, it is generally not advisable to allow Kai Ken off-leash in unfenced areas. Their instincts may lead them to give chase or wander off in pursuit of a scent or prey, potentially putting them in dangerous situations. Keeping them on a leash or in a securely fenced area is a responsible approach to ensure their safety.

Nutrition

	The Kai Ken should be fed a high-quality dog food, either commercially manufactured or home-prepared under the supervision and approval of a veterinarian. The diet should be appropriate for the dog's age, whether they are a puppy, adult, or senior. Treats can be a useful aid in training but it's important to be mindful of the quantity given to prevent obesity. Overindulging in treats can lead to weight issues so it's best to use them in moderation. It's crucial for owners to be aware of which human foods are safe for dogs and which should be avoided as some foods can be harmful or toxic to canines. Consulting with a veterinarian or doing research to educate oneself on safe and unsafe foods is highly recommended. Kai Ken are known for their ability to self-regulate their food intake, which means it's not uncommon to see variations in the amount of food they consume. However, if there are concerns about the dog's weight or diet, consulting with a veterinarian is always a good idea.

Historiography

The Kai Ken is indeed one of the six native Japanese breeds and has a fascinating history. It was discovered in 1929 in the mountainous regions of Kai province near Mount Fuji. The Kai Ken Aigokai formed in 1931, is the oldest and largest registry dedicated to Kai Kens. This breed's hunting prowess and agility made them well-suited for a wide range of game hunting, from pheasants to bear.

The Japanese Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1934. Limited information is available due to the language barrier, but it is believed that the first Kai Kens were brought to the United States in the 1950s by US servicemen stationed in Japan. A pair of Kai Kens was also sent to Salt Lake City during this time although their fate and the existence of any surviving offspring is unknown.

The next known arrival of Kai Kens in the United States occurred in 1990 when a four-year-old male and three female puppies were imported. In 1991 an additional six puppies were brought over followed by one more male puppy in the subsequent year. These dogs formed the genetic foundation for all the American-bred Kai Kens, shaping the breed as we know it today.

Originally, there were two types of Kai Kens with distinct characteristics inherited from their foundation studs. Kaikuro known for its bear-like face, contributed to the "shishi-inu-gata" type, which was stockier and thicker. Dario renowned for deer hunting, influenced the "shika-inu-gata" type, which possessed a slimmer body and a more foxlike face. Each type contributed unique qualities, including strength, speed, agility and quick thinking which are evident in today's Kai Ken breed.

In Japan, the Kai Ken is held in high regard by the Japanese people, who no longer distinguish between the two types. One type is not preferred over the other. The Japanese describe the Kai Ken as a reliable guardian that is extremely devoted to its master. They believe that a Kai Ken will sacrifice its life to protect its owner. The breed is highly cherished and protected in its native country where it is considered a cultural treasure.