Kai Ken breed: Japan’s National Treasure

The reliable, loyal guardian would give its life for its owner; for prey, it can climb mountains, swim across rivers, or even run up a tree.

The Kai Ken is a medium-sized dog and one of the six native Japanese breeds. Originally used in mountainous regions for hunting various wild species, this extremely intelligent and quickly learning breed is considered rare even in Japan.

History

In 1929, the Kai Ken was discovered in the mountainous areas of the Kai Province, near Mount Fuji, and the breed has been officially recognized by the Japan Kennel Club since 1934. Originally used for hunting due to its abilities and agility, this breed assisted its owner in capturing any type of game, from pheasants to bears.

Originally, the breed was classified into two types. The “shishi-inu-gata” type, characterized by a thicker, more compact body and a bear-like face, was associated with the Kaikuro male. The other type, known as Dairo, represented the “shika-inu-gata” type, with a thinner, longer body and a more cunning face. Both dogs reinforced endurance, speed, agility, and quick thinking in their descendants, traits still evident in the breed today.

In Japan, the breed is highly regarded, and the distinction between the two types is no longer made. They are cherished and protected, considered a national treasure, and are strictly protected animals.

Breed standard

Based on the body proportions, the Kai Ken is longer than it is tall, with a height-to-length ratio of 10:11. Females typically stand 43-44 centimeters tall and weigh 11-15 kilograms, while males, in addition to their 15-20-kilogram weight, are 48-49 centimeters tall.

They have distinctive striped fur, which occurs in three variations: black striped (Kuro-Tora), brindle (Chu-Tora), and red striped (Aka-Tora) – the latter being the rarest. The unique color and striped pattern allow the breed to easily blend into the forested mountain environment, concealing itself from both prey and predators.

The quantity and pattern of the stripes can vary from individual to individual. Most puppies are born with completely black fur, and the stripes gradually develop, continuing to change over the first five years.

Character

The Kai Ken is exceptionally sharp-witted and sensitive. Born as a natural hunter, it is extremely loyal to its owner. It is generally reserved with strangers but friendly and affectionate towards those it knows. Athletic and intelligent, it possesses a strong desire for hunting. Additionally, it excels in swimming and mountain climbing; during hunts, it is not uncommon for it to climb trees and swim across rivers.

Ideal environment

The Kai Ken is a moderately active breed but requires daily exercise and mental stimulation. If its needs are met, it can be kept indoors; however, without sufficient exercise, its behavior can become destructive.

Early training of the breed is recommended to establish a strong bond between the owner and the dog and to prevent later socialization issues. Due to its strong hunting instincts, it is not advisable to walk the Kai Ken without a leash.

Care

The Kai Ken’s coat is double-layered, and it sheds its undercoat twice a year. During these periods, it is advisable to assist the removal of the shed undercoat through thorough bathing and brushing. To maintain the coat’s health, regular grooming is recommended even outside of the shedding season.

Trimming the nails is necessary to prevent overgrowth and cracking, and cleaning the ears is important to prevent inflammation. Regular tooth brushing is also recommended for this breed.

Common health problems

The Kai Ken is generally a healthy breed, but it is advisable to purchase one only from a responsible breeder. Responsible breeders conduct regular genetic tests to ensure the proper health condition of the animals they breed.