|
Kai
Ken
The Kai Ken is also called
the Tora (Tiger) Dog, and it is debatable whether the breed's
brindle coloring or fierce temperament contributed to this
name.
History:
The Kai Ken was developed in
Japan around the 1700s. The name comes from the ancient
province in which it originated, and that today is in the
prefecture of Yamanashi. Kai Ken were originally bred to hunt
wild boar and deer in the mountainous country of the area, but
are not commonly used in this capacity in modern times. The
breed was first seen in the US in 1951, but did not become
established for some years after that first importation. They
are still not common except in their native Japan.
It
was thought that the breed (along with many others) was
declining in numbers after the influx of western breeds such
as the Pointer and the German Shepherd after the First World
War. In the 1930s, a study done by Mr Harao Isogai attempted
to categorize and revive the native Japanese breed, and they
are at no risk of extinction today.
Physical
characteristics:
The Kai Ken is a medium-sized
breed of undeniably Japanese type. Height: 18 - 23 in (46 - 58
cm). Weight: 35 - 45 lb (16 - 21 kg), although some are said
to grow as large as 60 lb (27 kg).
The
head is large (but not as large as some other Japanese breeds)
with a rounded skull and moderately long muzzle that tapers.
The forward-facing upright ears are triangular and sit on top
of the head; they are not large, but are larger than those of
other medium-sized Japanese breeds. The neck is short,
thick-set and muscular, and the chest is also large. The tail
is thick and is set high on the back to reach forwards and
over to one side in a single curl.
The
Kai Ken has a harsh, straight outer coat, but the undercoat is
soft and thick. They are always brindle in shades of red or
black. The pups are born black and lighten as they age.
Behavior:
The Kai Ken is a dog for the
real enthusiast. Although it is no longer used for its
traditional role of hunting wild boar, this dog retains many
of its original attributes. This is a proud, noble-spirited
dog of quite remarkable intelligence. It is suitable for the
more assertive owner who is prepared to maintain a strict
control over the dog, particularly when it is young. The Kai
Ken can make a good watch-dog and it should only be encouraged
to bark at the sounds you want it to respond to.
 | 