The Kai Ken is a medium-sized dog that originated in Japan where it was most commonly used to hunt such large game as deer, wild boars and bears. It is known by a variety of different names including the Kai Ken, Tora Dog, Tiger Dog, Tora Inu, Kai and the Kai Tora-Ken. It is thought that wild Kai Kens were roaming the mountains of Japan more than 3,000 years ago. It is unclear as to when they first became domesticated; however, it is known that they have been used in Japan for centuries to hunt deer, wild boars and bears. The first Kai Ken was brought to the U.S. in the early 1950s.
The average size for an adult Kai Ken can range anywhere between 30 and 50 pounds. This is a short-haired dog that can be various shades of brindle including black, gray or red shades. It has a wedge-shaped head with triangular ears that sit high on the head and are held fully erect. They typically have light to dark brown eyes and a black nose. However, a brown or red nose is acceptable on dogs that are red brindle. This is a muscular dog with sturdy legs and a thick neck. The tail of the Kai Ken should be fuzzy, set high and should curl up and over the back. The Kai Ken is a medium-sized and athletic which is a very rare dog breed originally from Japan. Since Kai Kens are Spitz-type dogs, they have wedge-shaped heads with long, pointy muzzles and erect ears. Their tails may curl over their backs and they have medium-length, coarse coats that usually come in a variety of brindle colors. Grooming the Kai Ken’s coat requires some attention; they may need to be brushed frequently.
Personality
Kai Kens are extremely loyal dogs that love spending time with their human family members. They are very good with children and will get along fine with other types of pets so long as they were raised with them. They are also a highly intelligent breed that is quite easy to train. Your Kai Ken will need to be walked daily to keep it happy and in good shape. If you are looking for a pet that will be a devoted companion and a terrific guard dog, you should consider a Kai Ken. These dogs are extremely loyal to their owners and protective of them as well. Furthermore, Kai Kens are great with kids and will get along fine with other pets so long as they are raised together. The Kai Ken is a loving, loyal and affectionate breed. They are very active and need plenty of exercise. They like running, swimming and climbing trees, and are happiest when outdoors. The Kai Ken thrives on human companionship and can be very protective. They may be territorial and protective.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 12 – 15 years |
| Nicknames: | Kai Ken, Tora Dog, Tiger Dog, Tora Inu, Kai, Kai Tora-Ken |
Kai Ken Build Information
The average size for an adult Kai Ken can range anywhere between 30 and 50 pounds. This is a short-haired dog that can be various shades of brindle including black, gray or red shades. It has a wedge-shaped head with triangular ears that sit high on the head and are held fully erect. They typically have light to dark brown eyes and a black nose. However, a brown or red nose is acceptable on dogs that are red brindle. This is a muscular dog with sturdy legs and a thick neck. The tail of the Kai Ken should be fuzzy, set high and should curl up and over the back. The Kai Ken is a medium-sized and athletic which is a very rare dog breed originally from Japan. Since Kai Kens are Spitz-type dogs, they have wedge-shaped heads with long, pointy muzzles and erect ears. Their tails may curl over their backs and they have medium-length, coarse coats that usually come in a variety of brindle colors. Grooming the Kai Ken’s coat requires some attention; they may need to be brushed frequently.
| Size: | Medium |
Behaviour and Personality
Kai Kens are extremely loyal dogs that love spending time with their human family members. They are very good with children and will get along fine with other types of pets so long as they were raised with them. They are also a highly intelligent breed that is quite easy to train. Your Kai Ken will need to be walked daily to keep it happy and in good shape. If you are looking for a pet that will be a devoted companion and a terrific guard dog, you should consider a Kai Ken. These dogs are extremely loyal to their owners and protective of them as well. Furthermore, Kai Kens are great with kids and will get along fine with other pets so long as they are raised together. The Kai Ken is a loving, loyal and affectionate breed. They are very active and need plenty of exercise. They like running, swimming and climbing trees, and are happiest when outdoors. The Kai Ken thrives on human companionship and can be very protective. They may be territorial and protective.
| Activity Level: | Very Active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | Friendly |
Appearance
The Kai Ken does not require extensive grooming, but you will need to brush its hair at least once daily during shedding seasons. You should not need to bathe your pet more than once a month unless it becomes overly dirty. Check your pet’s ears regularly, and if necessary, you can wipe out any excess wax with the tip of a damp cloth. From time to time, you may need to trim your Kai Ken’s nails. If you think that your pet’s nails are too long, use a pliers-style nail clipper and trim just the hooks off of each nail. When trimming the nails, be extra careful that you do not cut into the tiny veins that grow within the center of each one.
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | Low Maintenance |
Kai Ken Common Health Conditions
A healthy Kai Ken can live anywhere between 12 and 15 years or longer. While this is generally a hardy breed, there have been a small number of Kai Kens that have developed canine hip dysplasia and/or progressive retinal atrophy.
Kai Ken Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
Not only are Kai Kens excellent swimmers, but they are also great at climbing trees! Kai Kens have often been featured in Yoshihiro Takahashi’s Manga. Kai Kens are considered natural monuments in Japan.
| Training: | Moderately Easy |
