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Kai Ken

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Kai Ken
A Kai Ken
Other namesKai
Common nicknamesTora Dog
OriginJapan
Traits
Height Males 50–56 cm (20–22 in)
Females 45–51 cm (18–20 in)
Weight 25–55 lb (11–25 kg)*
Coat Double coat of medium length
Color Black brindle, red brindle and brindle.
Kennel club standards
Fédération Cynologique Internationale standard
NotesThe AKC does not have its own standard and instead links to that of the FCI
Dog (domestic dog)

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.

Description

Stuffed specimen of Kai Ken named "Kai-kuro-go" at the National Museum of Nature and Science, Tokyo, Japan.

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 to 20 inches at the shoulder. The tail may be curled over the back, or carried in a sickle position. Limbs should be strong and hocks should be well developed reflecting the dogs’ history of mountain life. The coat is of harsh texture, medium length, and comes in various shades of brindle (tiger stripes). The red is the Aka-tora, the black is the Kuro-tora and between them, the Chu-tora. Puppies are born a solid color and their brindle markings develop as they age, sometimes taking as long as five years before fully showing.

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.[1]

History

The Kai Ken is considered to be the most ancient, and purest dog breed in Japan.[citation needed] It was developed in the isolated district of Kai (Yamanashi Prefecture) as a hunting dog.[citation needed] Kai were used to hunt boar and deer. This breed was designated a natural monument in Japan in 1934.

See also

References

  1. ^ [1]
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