Kai Ken Breed Guide

What is the history & origin of the Kai Ken?

The Kai Ken breed originated in Kai province near Mount Fuji in Japan. They were first recorded in 1929 and became so popular that the Japenese Government designated the breed as a natural monument in 1933.

The Kai Ken was originally bred to be used as a hunting dog due to its agility and intelligence and was renowned for being able to hunt many different types of prey. The Kai Ken was officially recognised by the Japanese Kennel Club in 1934.

It's thought that Kai Kens were first brought to the United States in the 1950s, but there were only a small number of them in the US until fairly recently.

In 2003, a starving Kai Ken puppy was rescued by Nancy Reagan in Los Angeles, which brought them to the attention of the American public and increased their popularity.

The Kai Ken remains a rare breed today, and the American Kennel Club doesn't fully recognise them. However, whilst they wait for full recognition, they are registered in the Foundation Stock Service.

Who are Kai Ken dogs best for?

Kai Kens are extremely energetic and very intelligent, so they need an owner who is willing and able to provide them with plenty of exercise and mental stimulation.

They require a lot of attention as they get bored easily and are best suited to owners or families looking for a dog that will be involved in everything they do. They're a good choice of pet for large families with children, but their prey drive can mean they don't do as well around very small kids.

So, if you have small children at home, it may be best to wait until they're older before you bring a Kai Ken home. However, if the Kai Ken puppy is socialised early enough, it will be used to the presence of young kids and should get along with them well.

Due to their great love of the outdoors, Kai Kens do best when they're in a rural environment with good access to walking and hiking, and they are also more suited to large homes with gardens than to apartments.

But, as long they're walked daily, they can adapt to living in more compact environments.

How much grooming does a Kai Ken need?

Kai Kens have a thick double coat that will need to be brushed every day to prevent it from shedding excessively and leaving lots of hair and dander around the home.

They only need to be bathed when they get dirty, which will be once a month at most. Bathing them any more than this could destroy the natural oils in their brindle coats and lead to irritated skin.

Their nails are particularly hard and thick and don't tend to file down naturally. If you can hear them tapping on the floor as they walk around, then it means it's time to trim them.

As their triangular ears stand upright, it means they're less likely to get ear infections than dogs with long, floppy ears. However, you'll still need to clean them out fairly regularly to be on the safe side.

Kai Kens are considered to be relatively high-shedding, but if you keep on top of their regular brushing routine, this should be reduced.

Do Kai Ken bark much?

The Kai Ken is not a very vocal breed but may bark at strangers and other dogs when encountering them for the first time. This is not usually aggressive behaviour, though, and is just a part of their protective nature.

They can become anxious and irritable if they don't get enough exercise which can sometimes lead to excessive barking. So, if you keep them fully satisfied, you'll have a happy, quiet pooch!

Do Kai Ken bite?

Biting is not usually an issue with the Kai Ken breed, and they tend to be friendly dogs. As with most other dog breeds, Kai Ken puppies nip and play-bite, especially when teething, but if properly trained, then this behaviour doesn't usually continue into adulthood.

What is the temperament & personality of a Kai Ken?

Although Kai Ken are known as tiger dogs, they have a loyal and affectionate personality and form very close bonds with their owners and families. They'll never leave your side and require a lot of attention, but in return, you'll have a devoted companion for life.

The key to a Ken Kai's heart is giving them lots of daily exercise and involving them in fun activities. If they don't burn off their energy, they can become very anxious, which sometimes results in destructive behaviour in the home.

What is the weight & size of a Kai Ken?

The Kai Ken is a medium-sized dog that will usually weigh between 11 kg to 18 kg, and its height is typically between 43 cm and 55 cm. A male Kai Ken may be slightly larger than a female.

How much training does a Kai Ken need?

Due to their great intelligence, loyalty, and eagerness to please their owners Kai Ken are renowned for being highly trainable, and the experience of training them is usually a very pleasant one.

As they were bred as hunting dogs, they do have a high prey drive and will tend to chase after small animals when off the leash. This also applies to any smaller pets you might have at home. This is part of their nature and can't be easily reduced.

Early socialisation around small children and other dogs is vital to make sure your Kai Ken is comfortable around them, and as they can be wary of strangers, it's best to introduce them to lots of new people when they're still young.

What are some of the most common health issues for a Kai Ken?

Kai Kens are mostly healthy dogs, but like all other dog breeds, they are susceptible to certain health issues, such as:

• Progressive Retinal Atrophy - a condition that causes the photoreceptor cells in the dog's eye to gradually deteriorate. This can lead to blindness.

• Hip Dysplasia - an abnormality of the hip joint, meaning that it doesn't snugly fit into the hip socket. It can be painful and results in limping and arthritis.

• Luxating Patella - a condition where the dog's kneecaps slip out of place, causing them to limp.

• Heart Murmurs - a condition where the blood flows turbulently through the heart. This can often be benign but is sometimes the sign of a more serious condition like heart disease.

What is the lifespan of a Kai Ken?

Typically, Kai Kens live to be between 12 to 16 years old, but with the right care and regular medical check-ups, they can exceed this.

How much should you feed a Kai Ken?

The amount your dog eats will depend on a few factors such as their age, size, and metabolism, but generally, you should give them high-quality dog food split over two meals. Your vet can help you to formulate a diet plan specifically tailored to your dog's needs.

Kai Kens are not known for overeating, so obesity isn't usually an issue for this breed.

What is the price of a Kai Ken in Australia?

Kai Kens are a rare dog breed, so they can be pretty expensive, and you will usually pay between $2,000 - $2,500 for a puppy. If you find a puppy for a lot less than this, then it may mean you're buying from a disreputable breeder who has not raised them in the right way.

Always make sure to buy from a reputable breeder and avoid puppy farms or mills.