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