Description:
Bred in Japan, this ancient breed was used for the purpose of hunting wild boar and deer. The Kai Ken Dog (also known as the Tiger Dog) is a very rare breed, almost impossible to purchase. Despite the fact that these dogs were considered to be too primitive, Kai Kens are truly loyal and loving companions. In 1934, the Kai Ken Dog was proclaimed as a national treasure of Japan.
Height: 17-22 inches Weight: 30-50 pounds Lifespan:14-16 years
Characteristics:
The Kai Ken Dog is a strong and muscular breed of medium size. Powerful and very courageous, Kai Ken Dogs move very fast. They are quite agile, which allows them to perform active exercises in the mountains and in any other terrain. The Kai Ken Dog is the only dog that can climb trees. The most distinctive feature of this amazing animal is its multicolored coat. It is no accident that this breed is also called the Tiger Dog. Comparable Breed: Japanese Spitz and Shiba Inu.
Character:
The Kai Ken Dog breed is extremely loyal, affectionate and very fond of its master. This dog is extremely cold and distrustful with strangers which make him a truly reliable watchdog. The Kai Ken Dog is great with children and can bear other dogs, provided that they grew up together in the same house. However, because Kai Kens have a very strong prey drive, they cannot bear cats or other small pets.
As a rule, the Kai Ken Dog gets closely attached to only one family member which becomes his owner. This dog is quiet by nature, and he behaves in accordance with house rules. The Kai Ken is not suitable for people who have no previous experience or people who lead a passive lifestyle.
Coat / Care:
The Kai Ken Dog is covered with a two-layered coat. The outer layer ranges from medium to long, it is straight and pretty tough. The undercoat is dense, thick and soft. The hair is shorter on the dog’s ears, head and legs, while the body and the tail are covered with slightly longer hair. Puppies are born black and fluffy, while the coat in mature dogs is colored in brown with stripes. In order to prevent the hair from tangling, the Kai Dog must be cleaned weekly with a special brush. As needed, you can bathe your dog. It is important to regularly inspect and clean the dog’s ears, as well as to periodically trim the claws.
Health Problems:
Since this breed is extremely rare, there is no specific data concerning health issues. The average lifespan of the Kai Ken breed is between 14 and 16 years.
Weight / Height:
The male Kai Ken dog breed’s height is around 20 – 22 inches and weighs around 40 and 50 pounds. Female dogs can reach a size from 17 – 21 inches and weighs between 30 and 45 pounds.
Training:
The Kai Ken Dog is an extremely dominant and stubborn breed. Therefore, it is absolutely mandatory to carry out early, prolonged and intensive socialization and obedience training. If you apply rough or despotic teaching methods, you will only cause indignation and disinterest in learning. Education should be based on firmness, fairness, patience and consistency.
Activity:
This breed is not suitable for living in a city apartment. Kai Ken Dogs require plenty of exercises and mental stimulation. Hence, these dogs thrive in a big house in the countryside where they will have enough space for hunting and exploring.
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