🐕 The Kai Ken: A Treasure of Primitive Japan
The Kai Ken, also known as Tora Inu (tiger dog) due to its brindle coat, is one of the oldest and most preserved Japanese breeds. Originating from Yamanashi Prefecture, it was bred for boar and deer hunting, thus developing exceptional agility and adaptability to mountainous terrain.
This loyal, intelligent, and independent dog has been part of Japan's national treasures since 1934. Its reserved and wary nature towards strangers makes it a good guard dog, but also a faithful companion for an experienced owner.
✨ Why adopt a Kai Ken?
The Kai Ken is an energetic and independent dog, with a strong hunting instinct and a primitive temperament. It is not recommended for a first-time dog owner, as it can be stubborn and distant if not properly trained.
It is a dog that forms a strong bond with its owner but maintains a certain autonomy and may struggle to coexist with other animals. It prefers to live in a spacious environment, with the opportunity for physical exercise.
📊 Quick Facts
Hypoallergenic? No ❌
Weight:
- Male: 25-27 kg
- Female: 24-26 kg
Height:
- Male: 50-56 cm
- Female: 45-51 cm
Life expectancy: 12-14 years
Exercise needs: 1.5 to 2 hours per day
Apartment living: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (can adapt, but not recommended)
🏅 Personality (from 1 to 5 ⭐)
- Intelligent: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Affectionate: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Protective: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Playful: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Vocalizations: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
- Obedient: ⭐⭐☆☆☆
- Hunter: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Calm: ⭐⭐☆☆☆
- Athletic: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
- Independent: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
👨👩👧👦 Gets along well with…
- Children: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (better with respectful children)
- Other animals: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (can be dominant, caution with small animals)
- Strangers: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (reserved, but not aggressive)
- Apartment living: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (possible, but better in a house with a yard)
> À savoir : Le Kai Ken est un chien fidèle et affectueux avec son maître, mais il a un fort instinct de chasse et peut être difficile à gérer avec de petits animaux. Il a besoin d’une socialisation précoce pour éviter qu’il ne devienne trop méfiant ou distant avec les étrangers.
🛁 Maintenance & budget
- Facilité d’entretien : ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (brossage régulier)
- Coût annuel moyen : 450-650 €
- Prix d’achat : 1000-1500 €
Care:
- - Brossage : 1 à 2 fois par semaine (plus en période de mue)
- - Surveillance des griffes et des dents pour prévenir les infections
- - Vérification des oreilles pour éviter les otites
💬 In summary
The Kai Ken is a primitive and unique dog, ideal for an experienced owner looking for a loyal, athletic, and independent companion. Its hunting instinct makes it an active dog that requires a lot of physical and mental stimulation. 🏡
It will thrive in a spacious environment where it can run and explore safely. This is not a dog for just anyone, but with proper guidance and consistent training, it can become an exceptional and loyal companion. 🐕
