Kai Ken

by Amy Tokic

Published: August 20th, 2014

About Kai Ken

Weight

30-50 lb

Lifespan

14-16 years

Group

AKC Foundation Stock Service

Best Suited For

apartments, houses with yards, active singles, families with older children

Temperament

friendly, intelligent, loyal, athletic

Comparable Breeds

Japanese Spitz, Shiba Inu

Height

17-22 inches

Kai Ken Basics

If you picture a small dog with a dark coat, pointed ears and a fluffy tail, you have the image of a Kai Ken. These dogs hail from Japan where, even in their native land, they are still considered fairly rare. What makes these dogs unique is the tiger-like stripes that adorn their coats in various shades.

There are two variations of the Kai Ken – the shishi-inu-gata type and the shika-inu-gata type. The former is known for its stockier body and bear-like face. The later was famed for deer hunting and is known for its longer, thinner body and foxlike face. Today, the Japanese do not distinguish between the two types as both played a significant role in the development of the breed.

If you picture a small dog with a dark coat, pointed ears and a fluffy tail, you have the image of a Kai Ken.

Origin

The modern Kai Ken is descendant from ancient Japanese dogs that lived in the mountain province of Kai. Due to the geographical isolation of this province, it is believed that the Kai Ken might be the purest of all Japanese dog breeds. Traditional Japanese writings identify the dog as a natural hunter, the master of its domain – the breed has been known to go to extremes in hunting game, going so far as to swim or even climb trees.

The Kai Ken was recognized by the Japanese Kennel Club in 1934 and was first brought to the United States during the 1950s by service men in the military. It is unknown whether any of these original dogs survived but, during the 1990s, a young male and several female puppies were brought to the States – these dogs are the foundation stock of the modern American-bred Kai Ken.

Pedigree

The Kai Ken is an ancient Japanese breed and may very well be the purest dog breed in Japan.

Food/Diet

Given that the Kai Ken is a naturally active breed, you should consider providing him with a dog food formulated for active dogs.

These dogs are highly intelligent and respond very well to training, especially if it is started at an early age.

Training

Originally bred to hunt boar and deer, the Kai Ken makes a great hunting dog. These dogs are highly intelligent and respond very well to training, especially if it is started at an early age. This breed learns very quickly so, if you provide firm and consistent training you may be amazed at how much this dog can learn and retain. The Kai Ken is not as independent or strong-willed as some highly intelligent breeds – they have a natural desire to please their human companions.

Weight

The average weight for this breed at maturity is between 30 and 50 pounds.

Temperament/Behavior

An intelligent and active breed, the Kai Ken is also known for its friendly demeanor. This breed loves to be with its family and forms very close bonds with its human companions. They tend to get along well with children and typically are not aggressive toward other dogs. Given that the Kai is a hunting breed, it is best to introduce him to other pets early but he should have no trouble getting along. Kai dogs do tend to be reserved around strangers and they make very good watchdogs, likely to sound the alarm whenever necessary. Whether you train him for hunting or not, the Kai Ken makes a great family pet.

Common Health Problems

Given the genetic purity of the breed, the Kai Ken is not known to have many congenital health problems. Like all dogs, however, the breed is prone to several minor health issues.

Life Expectancy

The average lifespan of the Kai Ken breed is between 14 and 16 years.

Exercise Requirements

As a hunting breed, the Kai Ken is fairly active but the breed only has moderate needs for exercise. You will not need to take your dog out for hours every day – a long 30-minute walk or a brisk jog will be adequate. This breed is adaptable to apartment life and can get along without a yard as long as its daily exercise needs are met. Because this breed is so intelligent, it requires frequent mental exercise as well as physical exercise – plan to engage your dog in games often and consider agility training to keep him sharp and active.

An intelligent and active breed, the Kai Ken is also known for its friendly demeanor.

AKC

The Kai Ken has yet to be officially recognized by the AKC. Currently, the breed is in the Foundation Stock Service Program – once the number of registered Kai Ken dogs in the U.S. reaches 150, the breed will be fully accepted by the AKC.

Coat

The Kai Ken has a harsh, medium-length coat with a furred tail that is carried over the back. Most specimens of the breed have a dark coat with various shades of brindle markings. Dogs with primarily black coloring are called Kuro-tora while red Kai Kens are called Aka-tora – the Chu-tora is somewhere in the middle. The Kai Ken is a very clean dog by nature so you won’t have to worry about odor or frequent bathing. The breed’s coat is easy to maintain, requiring only regular brushing to help control shedding.

Puppies

As puppies, Kai Kens are born with solid-colored coats but their brindle (tiger-stripe) markings develop over time. In some cases, it may take a full five years before the markings appear.

Photo credit: Maxcorp/Deviantart; SaNNaS/Deviantart; 25 Media/Tumblr

Amy Tokic

Amy Tokic, Editor of PetGuide.com, is a passionate animal lover and proud pet parent of Oscar, a Shih Tzu/Chihuahua cross, and Zed, a Japanese Chin. Her love of animals began in kindergarten, when she brought her stuffed dog Snoopy into class with her every day. Now, she writes about her adventures in pet ownership and tirelessly researches products, news and health related issues she can share with other animal enthusiasts. In her free time, Amy loves perusing used book and record stores, obsessing over the latest pet products available and chasing squirrels with wild abandon (a habit attributed to spending too much time with her pooches).

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American XL Bully dogs will be banned by the end of the year after numerous attacks were reported across the United Kingdom. The term "XL Bully" typically refers to a type of  American Bully breed known for its muscular build and larger size compared to standard American Bullies. These dogs are often selectively bred for their size, strength, and temperament, so while they are not inherently aggressive, they have the means to do some damage if they are reared to be dangerous.The ban has owners of bully breeds across the UK scared and confused, so here’s what you need to know about the details of this edict. Starting from December 31st, all XL Bullies will have to be kept on a lead and have a muzzle while in public. What is more, from this date it will be completely illegal to advertise, breed, sell, exchange, gift, or abandon or let stray any XL Bullies. In short – it is a decisive strike against this breed, as announced by Prime Minister Rishi Sunak, earlier this year.Furthermore, a complete ban on people owning XL Bullies will come into force in the UK from February 1st, 2023. This had owners scared that their pets would have to be put down just because of their breed, but, luckily, that’s not the case. If the owner applies before the end of January, with the wish to keep their pet. With that, the household will receive an exemption certificate, but it will also have to comply with a very strict set of rules related to the breed. UK government department Defra has announced that it received more than 4,000 exemption applications so far and that a “majority” were approved. Their spokesperson said that “ "The majority of applications are successful and the majority of successful applicants are receiving their certificates in less than a week."This only supports the assurances that there will be no “forced” euthanization of these dogs. However, those people that do not apply for an exemption by the end of the deadline, will have to put their XL Bullies down. They will be granted £200 to cover the costs of a vet euthanizing their dog. Rescue and rehoming organizations can claim £100 per animal for the same purpose. The government's website states "the euthanasia must be performed by 31 January 2024" for these financial claims to be successful. Sadly, because of this new law, at least 246 XL Bullies will be put down in the coming period, as their owners did not apply for an exemption, or were not granted one. American XL Bullies are not the first dogs to be banned in the UK. Several breeds were banned in the past, and owning them is now completely illegal. These breeds include the  Pitbull terrier,  Japanese Tosa,  Dogo Argentino, and  Fila Brasileiro. Owning a banned dog breed can get you in plenty of trouble, specifically an unlimited fine and a six-month prison sentence. 

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28-pound Cat Named 'One Frosty Too Many' Finds a Forever Home

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Numerous studies have investigated the bond between humans and dogs, showing that canine companionship offers physical and emotional benefits, such as reduced blood pressure, increased oxytocin levels, and decreased levels of the stress hormone cortisol. However, few studies have looked at what happens in a person’s brain when they interact with a dog. A new study, led by researchers in South Korea did just that!In this study, researchers measured the participant’s brain waves during interactions with a four-year-old standard poodle, named Aro. The team wanted to find out how specific activities affected the participants’ mood.The study involved 30 healthy participants who were asked to engage in eight distinct activities with Aro. The activities included meeting, playing, massaging, feeding, grooming, hugging, photographing, and walking the dog. Before the activities began, the participants were asked to sit and stare at a wall for three minutes to minimize any stimulation that could affect the study’s results. The researchers used headsets of electrodes to measure participants' brain wave activity while they interacted with the dog. The results showed that activities like walking the dog increased relaxation while brushing the dog improved concentration. Interestingly, playing with the dog increased both concentration and relaxation. “Previous studies of the potential benefits of animal interactions often take a holistic approach, comparing people’s mood or hormone levels before and after spending time with a dog,” explained Onyoo Yoo, the study’s lead author, and researcher at Konkut University in South Korea. “It is a significant finding that engaging in certain activities with dogs can increase specific brain activity,” he added, according to NBC News. Yoo’s team asked the participants to engage in eight activities, for three minutes each, while wearing brainwave-detecting headsets. The participants also needed to complete surveys after each activity, describing how they felt emotionally.The team discovered that alpha brain waves, which indicate relaxation and stability, became stronger when participants played with Aro using squeaky toys and when they took her for a walk on a park trail. These results showed that participants were in an increased state of rest and relaxation. On the other hand, beta brain waves, which are associated with attention and concentration, became stronger when participants brushed Aro or gave her a gentle massage. This showed that participants’ concentration improved without an increase in stress. All participants reported feeling less stressed, tired, and depressed after all eight activities. According to the study, activities such as hugging, feeding, and massaging the dog improved the participants’ moods, in particular. “This study demonstrated that specific dog activities could activate stronger relaxation, emotional stability, attention, concentration, and creativity by facilitating increased brain activity,” said Yoo. “In addition, interactions with dogs could decrease stress and induce positive emotional responses.”For example, playing with a dog not only relaxes the mind but also increases concentration. This dual effect shows that dogs could play an important role in therapies designed to reduce stress and improve mental focus. Past studies have suggested that dogs could help ease symptoms of depression or PTSD, but it’s still unclear how effective that type of pet therapy may be. Researchers agree that people need to enjoy being around dogs for this type of animal-assisted therapy to work. More studies are needed to confirm the validity of these findings. But if you already have a dog, there’s now even more evidence supporting interaction with your pet. So go ahead and take your dog for a walk or a play session in the park, you’ll both feel better after it!Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

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Final Thoughts: Hamsters and ChildrenAre hamsters good pets for kids? The short answer is, “maybe.” There are several key factors to consider when deciding if a hamster will be an excellent addition to your family, including the space needed for their habitat, their independent personalities, your child’s interest in a bet, the work (and finances) required to care for your new hamster, and the availability of a veterinarian that will accept small animals.If your child is ready for a pet, but a hamster doesn’t quite check all the boxes on your new pet wishlist, there are many other options, including guinea pigs, cats, dogs, and some species of birds. Don’t rush this decision. Take time to research and find the best fit for your family before committing to your future furry (or feathered) family member.Join the PetGuide community. Get the latest pet news and product recommendations by subscribing to our newsletter here.

Study Confirms Dogs Prefer Food Over Toys

If someone asked you to pick between your favorite toy or your favorite food, what would you choose? If your answer is food, you’re not alone - researchers have found that dogs prefer their favorite food over their favorite toy. It’s no secret that dogs like playing with their toys, but the goal of this new study was to determine whether toys make an effective training reward.In the first study of its kind, researchers from the University of Florida found that nine out of 10 dogs will choose food over toys. For the purposes of this study, researchers used social media advertisement and word-of-mouth to recruit 10 dogs from the local area. The dogs participating in the study come from a range of breeds, including two German shepherds, a labrador, a German shorthaired pointer, and six mixed breeds. Researchers allowed the dogs to pick their favorite food and favorite toy. Each dog was shown six food items - including a hotdog, cheese, carrot, hard dog treat, soft dog treat, and kibble - and six toys -  such as a ball, squeak toy, bone, tug toy, stuffed animal, and empty plastic water bottle. Each dog had an opportunity to pick their favorite food and favorite toy. During the next phase of the experiment, the dogs were given progressively more difficult tasks to get a reward. The dogs were rewarded with either their favorite food or favorite toy. The researchers discovered that nine out of 10 dogs gave up on the task earlier when rewarded with their favorite toy, as opposed to when given their favorite food. These findings show that dogs are more motivated to work for food than toys.Previous studies have shown that dogs prefer human attention to food but, until now, there has been little research into how dogs rank their favorite toys. “I was surprised, but nobody’s looked at how dogs will work for toys versus food before,” said Dr. Nicol Dorey, the lead author of the study.The researchers hope that these new findings could be useful for dog owners trying to train their dogs. “Understanding a dog’s preferred reward can be essential for shaping behavior effectively,” concluded the researchers.Some dog trainers recommend using toys instead of treats while training, to prevent excess calorie intake and to keep the training more fun for the dog. If you decide to train your puppy using toys, the key is not to offer food at any step of the training. “You can definitely train your dog with toys if you start really early,” Dr Dorey said. “This is what’s done with search and rescue dogs, they start really early with toys as a reinforcer.”The researchers noted that more research is needed, especially since human attention acts as a strong reinforcer when training dogs. “I think the next study should look at all three - attention, food, and toys - and what dogs really like the best when training,” said Dr Dorey. Regardless of what the next study finds, I’m sure my pooch would pick food over me and toys any day of the week. What about your dog -  are they team food or team toys?

What Age Should You Start Clicker Training?

Clicker training is a popular form of positive reinforcement dog training that uses a small handheld device called a clicker to mark and reinforce desired behaviors. The clicker makes a distinct and consistent sound that signals to the dog that they have performed the desired behavior, followed by a reward such as a treat or praise. The idea is to associate the sound of the clicker with the reward, making it a powerful tool for communication between the owner and the dog.Now, if you want to try clicker training with your dog, you could be wondering at what age should you start. Very early on? Or as your puppy grows a bit older? Let’s find out.What Age Should You Start Clicker Training?Clicker training is versatile and can be used for teaching  basic commands, tricks, and even addressing behavioral issues. It is a humane and positive approach to training that fosters a strong bond between the owner and the dog. Clicker training can be started with dogs at a relatively young age, typically when they are around 8 weeks old. Puppies are capable of learning basic commands and behaviors from a young age, and clicker training can be a positive and effective method for teaching them.However, it's important to keep in mind that very young puppies have shorter attention spans, so training sessions should be kept short and fun. Focus on simple commands and behaviors, and use positive reinforcement, such as treats or praise, in conjunction with the clicker.Consistency and patience are key when training puppies, and it's important to make the training sessions enjoyable for them. Stay consistent and maintain your composure and command. Even if the early training sessions last just a few minutes, keep it up. Of course, if you're unsure about how to start clicker training or have concerns about your puppy's readiness, consulting with a professional dog trainer or attending puppy training classes can be helpful. Always use positive reinforcement methods to create a positive and trusting relationship between you and your dog.Remember that clicker training requires patience and hard work to be successful. The idea is to associate the sound of the clicker with positive reinforcement, making it a powerful tool for communication between the owner and the dog.4 Things to Know About Clicker TrainingTo ensure your training sessions with a clicker are successful no matter when you start implementing them in your pet’s routine, you need to know the basics. These tips will help you optimize your process for maximum efficiency:Timing is KeyClicker training relies on precise timing. The click should occur at the exact moment your dog exhibits the desired behavior. This helps your dog make the connection between the behavior and the reward.Positive Reinforcement

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