Kai
OriginJapan
SizeMedium
Lifespan12–15 years
GroupSpitz & Primitive
Summary
The Kai Ken is a medium-sized Japanese hunting dog, originating from the Yamanashi prefecture in the central mountains of Japan. It is the only Japanese breed whose standard requires a tricolor brindle coat, varying from light brindle to dark brindle. It was bred to hunt deer and wild boar in steep mountains. It is considered the most primitive and purest of the native Japanese dogs.
Physical Characteristics
- Size
- Medium
- Height (male)
- 47–53 cm
- Height (female)
- 42–48 cm
- Weight (male)
- 14–18 kg
- Weight (female)
- 12–16 kg
- Life Expectancy
- 12–15 years
- Coat
- Double; hard and straight outer coat; dense undercoat
- Common Colors
- Black brindle (kuro-tora), medium brindle (chu-tora), reddish brindle (aka-tora); urajiro always present
Temperament & Personality
The Kai Ken is a dog of sharp intelligence, very faithful to its owner and with a strong hunting instinct. With the family, it is deeply devoted and may develop exclusive bonds with a single person. It is reserved with strangers but rarely aggressive. Its hunting abilities include swimming and climbing trees to reach prey.
Activity & Exercise
- Energy Level
- High
- Recommended Daily Exercise
- 90 minutes
Grooming & Care
- Grooming Needs
- Low to moderate
- Shedding
- Moderate
- Bathing Frequency
- Every 6–8 weeks
Health
- Common Health Issues
- Generally very healthy breed due to rigorous natural selection
- Hip dysplasia
- Recommended Health Tests
- Hip evaluation
Compatibility
- With Children
- Good
- For First-Time Owners
- Not recommended
