Other names Kai Scientific name Canis lupus familiaris | Common nicknames Tora Dog AKC FSS Life span 14 – 16 years | |
Coat Double coat of medium length FCI Group 5, Section 5 Asian Spitz and related breeds #317 Temperament Reserved, Alert, Agile, Loyal, Brave, Intelligent Height Female: 43–50 cm, Male: 46–56 cm Colors Gray Brindle, Red Brindle, Black Brindle Weight Female: 14–18 kg, Male: 14–18 kg Similar Kishu, Shikoku, Alaskan Klee Kai, Hokkaido, Akita | ||
The Kai Ken (甲斐犬, also called the Tora Inu or Tiger Dog) is a breed of dog that hails from Japan where it is a natural monument and has been bred for centuries. It is an extremely rare dog even in its native land and is related to the Japanese Spitz dog type.
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Appearance
The Kai Ken is a medium-sized dog with a wedge shaped head and prick ears. Males are typically 18 to 22 inches at the shoulder, while the females are slightly smaller, 17
Temperament
The Kai Ken is intelligent, agile, alert and brave. They are natural hunters and make good watch dogs, being reserved with strangers but loyal to their families. They are friendly, often good with children and are not usually aggressive towards other dogs. Many love to swim, and have been known to cross rivers and climb trees while chasing their prey.
History
The Kai Ken is considered to be the most ancient, and purest dog breed in Japan. It was developed in the isolated district of Kai (Yamanashi Prefecture) as a hunting dog. Kai were used to hunt boar and deer. This breed was designated a natural monument in Japan in 1934.
In popular culture
