Kai Ken
A brindle Japanese hunting dog from the mountains of Yamanashi, loyal to its family and agile on rough ground.
At a glance
- Size
- Medium
- Height at the withers
- Males 47–53 cm · Females 42–48 cm
- Weight
- Males 16–25 kg · Females 11–18 kg
- Life expectancy
- 12–15 years
- Exercise
- 60–90 min a day
- Grooming
- Once a week
- Coat
- Double coat, short
- Colours
- Brindle
- Bred for
- Hunting by scent, Companionship
- Country of origin
- Japan
- FCI
- Group 5, no. 317 · Spitz & primitive types
Breeders on Kuldo
No breeders on Kuldo have this breed yet.
Living with the breed
| Affectionate with family | 4/5 – High |
|---|---|
| Good with children | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Good with other dogs | 2/5 – Low |
| Good with cats | 2/5 – Low |
| Open to strangers | 2/5 – Low |
| Energy | 4/5 – High |
| Playfulness | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Needs mental stimulation | 4/5 – High |
| Easy to train | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Prey drive | 5/5 – Very high |
| Watchful and protective | 4/5 – High |
| Barking | 2/5 – Low |
| Shedding | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Grooming effort | 1/5 – Very low |
| Drooling | 1/5 – Very low |
| Good for first-time owners | 2/5 – Low |
| Suits apartment living | 2/5 – Low |
| Adaptability | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with being alone | 2/5 – Low |
| Copes with heat | 3/5 – Moderate |
| Copes with cold | 4/5 – High |
Kuldo's own guidance from the breed's typical traits. Every dog is an individual, so talk to the breeder.
Is it the right breed for you?
Great if you …
- enjoy hiking and rugged walks
- want a quiet, loyal companion
- have experience with Japanese or primitive breeds
Think twice if you …
- keep small pets
- expect a dog that loves everyone
- want reliable off-lead recall
Care
Temperament
Loyal, alert and reserved, it is affectionate with its own people and cautious with strangers. It is intelligent and has a strong prey drive.
Exercise
An hour or more daily of walks, hiking, scent work or agility suits it well; it is nimble on rough ground.
Grooming
The short double coat needs a weekly brush and more during seasonal shedding.
Training
It is bright and can be cooperative with a trusted owner, but it is sensitive and independent; keep training positive and varied.
Health
The breed is generally healthy; hip dysplasia, patellar luxation and some eye conditions are reported occasionally. Ask the breeder for hip, patella and eye results.
Health tests breeders usually do
- Hips (HD)
- Eye examination
- Kneecaps (patella)
Ask the breeder to show you the parents' results.
About the breed
The Kai comes from the old Kai province, now Yamanashi prefecture, where mountain hunters used it to track deer, boar and other game in steep terrain. It was named a natural monument of Japan in 1934 and is still rare outside the country.
It is a quiet, clean and agile dog that tends to attach itself to one person or a small family. It is reserved with strangers and has a strong hunting drive, so small animals and loose recall are concerns. Kai are often good climbers and swimmers and enjoy active, outdoor lives with an owner who understands independent breeds.
Did you know?
Kai puppies are often born dark, and their brindle pattern can become much clearer as they mature.