Kai Ken

The Kai Ken is one of a handful of ancient breeds native to Japan. This medium sized dog, like the other Japanese native breeds, is related to the northern Spitz type dogs, and shares many physical traits with them. The Kai Ken was originally used to hunt wild boar and deer; reportedly it would not hesitate to climb a tree to get at a quarry. It is considered the most pure, and most ancient of the Japanese breeds. In 1934, Japan officially designated them a "Memorial of Nature,"� and they were designated a rare, and thus protected, breed. The Kai Ken is still occasionally used as a hunting dog in Japan. The territorial, protective Kai Ken can make a great watchdog; the Japanese say the Kai Ken is so devoted to his master than he will lay down his life in his master's defense. This breed is much loved in Japan. The Kai Ken stands from 17 to 20 inches tall on average, with the female averaging an inch smaller. Its lifespan is 12 to 15 years. The coat is a waterproof, all-weather coat with a soft, thick undercoat to protect the skin from the elements. Coat color is a brindle, from a black brindle called "Kuro-tora,"� to a brown brindle called "Chu-tora,"� to a red brindle called "Aka-tora."� Beautifully exotic in appearance, the Kishu Ken carries a bushy, luxurious tail that curves over its back like a sickle. The earliest known immigrants to Japan arrived on its shores around 7,000 BC. These settlers, known as the "Jomonjin"�, may have brought the ancestor of the Kai Ken with them. Archeological evidence suggests that their dogs were domesticated before 1,000 BC. They left structures known as "shell mounds"�, dated to the 3rd century BC, that contained along with human bones the remains of a canine with prick ears and a curved tail. From this animal developed the six modern uniquely Japanese breeds; they developed separate traits and sizes based upon specific region, and how they were used. The modern Kai Ken developed in the mountains of the Kai Province, located on the Honshu island of Japan; this is now called the Yamanashi Prefecture. For many centuries the Kai Ken lived isolated and wild on Honshu, untouched and unaffected by outside influences. Japanese culture valued its native dog breeds very highly from ancient times, and was conscious of a need to preserve the integrity of the breeds from outside influences. In the 7th century, the court of the Yamato established the official office of "dog-keeper"�, to which fell the responsibility of keeping careful records of pedigrees. Although laws existed against the cross-breeding of the Japanese breeds with breeds from other origins, there were transgressions through the centuries. Most notably, the 19th century brought European visitors who brought their pointers and setters with which to hunt. They were mixed with the Japanese breeds so carelessly and so frequently, that the Japanese began to fear for the extinction of the native breeds A preservation society for the Japanese breeds was formed in 1930. The Kai Ken was declared a national treasure in 1934 along with several other native breeds. Originally there were two types of Kai Ken: one was a stockier, heavier dog with a bear-like face. The other was a long, lean dog said to have a fox-like face, and well-known for its deer hunting ability. Today the Japanese do not differentiate between these types. There is documentation that the first Kai Ken arrived in the United States in the 1950's but there is no evidence that they were bred. Seven more were imported in 1991 to 1992 and it is believed that all the Kai Ken in the U.S. today are descended from those seven. The Kai Ken, like the other Japanese breeds, is a very healthy breed with few genetic weaknesses; most of these can be avoided with proper breeding and testing. These include patellar luxation (sliding kneecaps), hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and various often correctable eye issues such as entropion and cataracts. The most common ailment seen in the Kai Ken is allergies. This breed is easy to groom, but it must be brushed regularly to remove dead fur and keep the coat clean. Begin this daily vigorous brushing when the dog is a puppy so that it becomes accustomed early to the routine. The Kai Ken should be bathed infrequently, as doing so strips the waterproofing oils from its undercoat. Although a good indoor dog, this breed needs a great deal of exercise to be healthy and mentally stable. Daily walks are essential. Kai Ken are charming, energetic, and willful. It is bright, eager, and very trainable. It is very important that the owner is a strong leader with this little dog, lest it become a tyrant. It is good with cats and other dogs if it is raised with them. It must be taught to be well-mannered with visitors, because it is innately protective and may be jealous. It is not a barker, and will be moderately active indoors. It feels itself strongly part of the human pack, and does not like to be left alone outside. The Kai Ken is good with older, respectful children it does not take kindly to rough handling and may retaliate. Besides hunting with their dogs, Kai Ken owners enjoy involving their dogs in hunting, tracking, and agility competitions.

Back to iAnimals.com home page Copyright Notice: This website is © . All Rights Reserved.  Click Here to contact us. Link Partners: Animals Go to Heaven | Adopt Me | Salt And Pepper | Singing Animals | Animal Noises