The Kai is one of the six native Japanese dog breeds and was discovered in 1929 in the mountains around Yamanashi. Today, this primitive dog is also suitable as a companion animal. It is a loyal, friendly and protective dog. These character traits he shows especially with his family. Towards strangers the Kai is reserved and alert. It is therefore a good watchdog. The Kai has a beautiful coat and is therefore sometimes compared to a tiger. Like a tiger, this dog has a hunting instinct. Would you like to learn more about this rare dog breed? Then read this article for more information!
History: one of Japan’s six indigenous dog breeds
The Kai, also known as Kai Ken, is native to Japan and was discovered in 1929. This dog was used as a hunting dog and originated from mountain areas around Fuji and Yamanashi. The Kai helped the hunters here hunt big game, such as boars, deer and bears. In fact, this breed is a great climber and can run quickly through the forests and mountains.
At the time, this breed of dog was too primitive to function as a pet. But today, this dog is a lot gentler and can also be kept as a companion animal. In 1950, the first Kai was brought to the United States by the US military. From there the breed has been further bred with. This dog breed is very popular in Japan and is considered as a rare breed.
The character: loyal, intelligent and brave
The character of a Kai is not always easy. A Kai is intelligent and eager to learn, but at the same time he can be stubborn. He is independent and can be hard on himself. Nowadays the Kai is milder than his primitive ancestors though, he is less independent than he used to be and he is now more willing to please his owner.
The Kai is alert and reserved towards strangers and is therefore a suitable watchdog. If a stranger enters the premises, the Kai may start barking to warn his owner. Towards acquaintances the Kai is more friendly and loyal. A Kai likes to build a bond with his owner and will be very loyal and devoted. With proper socialization, a Kai can also deal well with children. In general, a Kai is naturally calm and quiet and will do no harm.
This dog breed is courageous and still has the hunting instinct in it. Therefore, it is wise to keep a close eye on a Kai around small pets and young children. Its hunting instinct also makes it difficult to run a Kai off-leash outside.
The appearance of a Kai
The Kai is a medium-sized dog with a distinctive coat. Because of its brindle coat, the Kai is also called the tiger dog. The coat of a Kai consists of two layers. The outer coat is short, stiff and straight. The undercoat is thick, dense and woolly. The hairs around the ears, head and legs are shorter. On the body and tail the hairs are longer. The coat of the Kai consists of three colors:
- Black
- Grey
- Red
Puppies are born black and do not get red and gray markings over the body until they are adults.
A male dog has a height at the withers between 46 and 56 centimeters and weighs between 14 and 18 kilograms. A female has a height at the withers between 43 and 50 centimeters and weighs between 14 and 18 kilograms.
The head of the Kai is broad. The eyes are small, dark and are triangular in shape. The ears are medium sized, triangular and stand upright. The neck is powerful and muscular. The body and legs of a Kai are also powerful. The tail is set high and thick. Often coiled and carried over the back.
The care
It is important to take good care of the Kai to keep it in good condition. The coat of a Kai should be brushed every week. This keeps the coat free of tangles and mats. Twice a year a Kai sheds more than average, this period is also called the molt. During the molt, it is important to brush more often. This prevents the coat from looking unkempt and that your house is full of hair. Washing the coat only has to be done when it is dirty or soiled. In general, a Kai is a clean animal by itself and this is not necessary.
In addition, the ears and eyes should be cleaned thoroughly on a regular basis. By making this a part of the grooming routine, you prevent infections and inflammations. The nails should also be checked regularly. Nails that are too long can cause annoying inconveniences. Long nails can be trimmed with a special nail clipper for dogs. The teeth of a dog also need regular care. It is important to start early. Then the dog gets used to brushing his teeth and you can easily do this with him.
The Kai needs high quality dog food, this means food with lots of proteins, vitamins and minerals. Always adjust your dog’s diet to his age and make sure he always has access to clean and fresh water. A characteristic of this breed is that they are able to decide for themselves how much food they need, so don’t be surprised if sometimes they eat more than other times. Do you have trouble choosing the right food? Then you can always consult your veterinarian.
Are there any diseases that occur in this breed?
A Kai lives on average between 12 and 15 years. It is generally a healthy dog breed and there are no known hereditary diseases and disorders. This is because this dog breed has not been bred much.
It is a medium sized dog, so you should always take into account the joints. In a medium sized dog, hip and elbow dysplasia is more common than in smaller dog breeds. With this condition, the joint head no longer fits properly into the socket of the joint. You can prevent this condition by not allowing your dog to make any uncontrolled movements as a puppy and only engaging in intensive activities with him when he is fully-grown.
Even if there are no known hereditary disorders and diseases, it is always good to keep an eye on the dog’s health. Be alert to any changes in behavior or appearance. If in doubt, you can always contact the veterinarian for advice and further investigation. In addition, it is always wise to visit the vet at least once a year for a check-up.
Did you know?
Many people who buy a dog choose the safe and familiar options. They want to buy a dog that is well known and common in the US. Besides the popular dog breeds, there are many dog breeds that are unknown. Yet many of these dog breeds are suitable for you and/or your family. Our advice is to look beyond the popular dog breeds and to delve into other dog breeds. Who knows, you may discover a dog breed that suits you perfectly.
Dog training for this breed
For every dog it is wise to do some basic training. This is also recommended for a Kai. During a puppy course your dog will learn how to deal with other dogs. The basic commands will be discussed and the dog learns that he must listen to his master. By training with your dog, you will build a strong bond.
This dog breed is very eager to learn and learns just as fast as many other Japanese dog breeds, maybe even faster. So with the right approach you can train a Kai very well. With the Kai, it is important to use a consistent and firm approach. However, you should always use a soft hand.
The Kai is very intelligent, but also stubborn. Therefore, this dog breed is especially suitable for dog owners who have experience.
What does a Kai cost?
A Kai costs approximately between $1400 and $1800. The Kai is a rare dog breed and it is not easy to purchase one. If you are looking for this dog breed, it is wise to find a recognized breeder who breeds this dog breed. Unfortunately, there are not many licensed breeders who breed this breed, so it is wise to put yourself on a waiting list if you are interested in a Kai puppy.
Besides the costs for the purchase, you must also take into account recurring costs for example for food, the vet, deworming and dog tax. In addition, you make one-time costs when you take a dog into your home. Think of a basket, bench, leash, brush and toys. For the maintenance of a dog you pay approximately $90 per month. Before you take a dog into your home you should consider whether you can afford these costs.
How much exercise does this breed need?
The Kai needs average to a lot of exercise. It is a moderately active dog that likes to exercise. Daily walks are not enough for a Kai. They need even more exercise. This can be through playing in the garden, playing games with their owner or a longer walk in the woods. If you don’t have a large garden, you can also do certain activities inside. Think of hide and seek or ball games. A Kai is a very agile dog. The Kai can also get his exercise by doing these activities indoors. This also makes this dog suitable for people who live in apartments.
In addition to physical exercise, a Kai also needs mental stimulation. You can stimulate this by the activities you undertake with your dog. Games that require him to think are fantastic for a Kai. This will also build a better bond with your dog.
Recognition in the US
The Kai is not officially recognized by the AKC, but it was recognized by the Japanese Kennel Club in 1934 and by the United Kennel Club in 1997. However, the Kai is part of the AKC Foundation Stock Service, which means that this purebred rare breed can continue to be developed. If you want to know more about this breed, you can visit the breed association the Kai Ken Society of America. Their goal is to bring breeders and lovers of the Kai closer together and to inform those who are interested. They also encourage members, breeders and lovers to maintain a healthy breed.
Do you already have a Kai or are you planning on buying one?
The Kai is a rare dog and is difficult to obtain. If you are interested, then it is wise to find a recognized breeder and put you on the waiting list. A Kai is not recommended if you are inexperienced and have never had a dog before. This dog breed benefits from an owner who is experienced and has a consistent and friendly approach. With proper upbringing and socialization, the Kai will be a great companion for twelve to fifteen years. Do you already own a Kai or are you planning on getting one? Leave a comment below this article and get in touch with other dog lovers!
