The Kai Ken is a member of the medium sized Nihon Ken originating from the Yamanashi Prefecture, originally known as the Kai Province. They were recognised as a natural monument in 1933, and are considered a rare breed even in Japan. Kai were originally used in hunting, with the breed having two types: shishi-inu-gata, a bear faced dog used for hunting boar, featuring a stockier and heavier built dog. shika-inu-gata, a fox faced dog used for hunting deer. The deer type has a thinner, lighter build with a longer body. However, there is no longer a distinction made between the two types, and neither type is preferred by the Kai Ken Aigokai.
While the Kai is primarily seen as a pet now, they are occasionally still used in hunting. Of the medium sized dogs, the Kai lands on the small end of the spectrum, between the Shiba, the small sized Nihon Ken, and the Hokkaido, Kishu and Shikoku.
Kai are double coated and come in three coat colours: aka-tora (red brindle), chu-tora (medium brindle) and kuro-tora (black brindle). There is also a recessive gene for cream coloured Kai, though this colour is not recognised and is non-standard, as the cream colouring takes away from the Kai’s natural camouflage. They also often have black spots covering their tongues. Their tails can be curled (maki-o), sword (tachi-o) or sickle (sashi-o).
Kai are an intelligent breed, often described as independent thinkers. They are naturally aloof with strangers and unknown dogs, but should not be overly shy or aggressive. They can be more flighty when spooked than the other Nihon Ken breeds, but become very attached to their owner and family. They are quick learners and are willing to please their owners if the owner puts in the effort to work with their Kai.
The Kai Ken Club of Great Britain
The Kai Ken Club of Great Britain (英国甲斐犬倶楽部) was established in 2022 to support Kai Ken owners and enthusiasts in the preservation and promotion of the Kai Ken here in the United Kingdom. The Kai Ken is a globally recognised breed, standardised by the Kai Ken Aigokai as their primary registration body in Japan, as well as the Nihon Ken Hozonkai (NIPPO), the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI), as well as the United Kennel Club (UKC) and the American Kennel Club's Foundation Stock Service (AKC-FSS) in the United States. We strive to see the eventual recognition of the breed under The Royal Kennel Club here in the UK.
Do you have a Kai Ken in the UK?
If you have a Kai Ken living in the UK, we would LOVE to hear from you. We think we've found them all, but we're probably wrong. If you haven't had an overenthusiastic and excited person contact you already, then we probably don't know you exist! Contact us here.
