Kai Ken Dog Breed Information

Group

Miscellaneous Class

Weight

11-18 kg

Height

43-55 cm

Lifespan

12-16 years

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About the Kai Ken

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

The Kai Ken is a majestic and rare breed whose wolf-like appearance and striped coat have earned it the nickname ‘tiger dog.’ Despite this name, they’re intensely loyal and become extremely attached to their owners, and make ideal pets for those looking for a devoted companion.

In this detailed guide, we’ve laid out all the information and key tips you need to get acquainted with this incredible breed.

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.

What is a Kai Ken breed?

The Kai Ken is known for its mysterious and wolf-like appearance with a muscular and athletic build that made it perfectly suited for hunting in the mountainous region it came from.

It’s often referred to as a tiger dog, or Tora Inu in Japanese, because of its striped coat, which can be black brindle, brindle or sometimes even red brindle. Its facial features are very distinctive with wide-set, brown eyes, wide foreheads and pointed, triangular ears.

Although they may resemble wild wolves, these dogs are known for their steadfast loyalty and are very protective of their owners, forming close, life-long bonds with the humans they love.

Who is a Kai Ken 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.

Kai Ken Grooming & Shedding

Kai Kens have a thick double coat which 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 Kens bark a lot?

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!

What is the average weight & height of a Kai Ken?

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

Are Kai Kens easy to train?

Due to their great intelligence, loyalty and eagerness to please their owners Kai Ken’s 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.

How do Kai Kens behave? A look at their temperament and personality

Although Kai Kens 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.

Does the Kai Ken have any common health issues?

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.

Other health concerns range from the Mendelian disease complex (which includes the formerly mentioned PRA) to canine cutaneous tumors.

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 does a Kai Ken need to be fed?

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.

How much can you expect to pay for 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.

Kai Ken FAQs

Is a Kai Ken ideal for a first-time dog owner?

Kai Kens can be a good choice for first-time owners as they’re easy and fun to train and don’t and form close bonds with the people they live with.

However, they do require a lot of mental and physical stimulation, which can be quite time-consuming. So, they are not suited to owners who can’t commit to this.

Do Kai Kens suffer from separation anxiety?

Kai Kens are particularly prone to separation anxiety when left alone for a long time. This is due to their strong need for human companionship and devotion to their owners. If left alone, this can result in destructive behaviour.