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Kai Ken Dog Breed Introduction
Kai Ken, also known as Tora Dog is a medium-sized dog breed also called the Tiger Dog or Tora Inu. It is native to the Kai region, Yamanashi Prefecture, Japan. There, the pooch is a national monument. Furthermore, Kai Ken is a rare dog even in its native land. Moreover, the dog which has a wedge-shaped head and prick ears is one of the six native Japanese dog breeds that is protected by the Nihon Ken Hozonkai.
Three colors—Black Brindle (Kuro-Tora), Brindle (Chu-Tora), and Red Brindle (Aka-Tora)—make up the dog’s distinctive brindle coat. One of the rarest coat colors is red brindle. In the past, the dog’s unique coloration and brindle pattern helped it to blend in with the hilly forests it hunted, protecting it from predators and prey. Both the pattern and quantity of brindle will differ from dog to dog.
Origin | History
During the creation of the Nihon Ken Hozonkai (NIPPO), the pooch was split off from the Nihon Ken (Japanese Dog) landrace. It was then named after Kai Province in Yamanashi Prefecture. There, Tora Dog is said to have originated.
The pooch was used to hunt in steep mountainous terrain in Yamanashi as it is an agile and effortless climber. There, the dog’s primary was the occasional bear, wild boar, deer, and Japanese serow (Kamoshika). In 1928 after the creation of NIPPO, the pooch was designated a national monument in 1933 in Japan.
Kai Ken Lifespan
These dogs have an average lifespan for medium-sized dogs. As long as the parent or owner properly takes care of them, Tora Dog lives for around 12-16 years.
Grooming
The dog’s prominent brindle coat is of medium length and is made up of two layers. This makes infrequent brushing important to keep it in shiny and healthy condition as well as to minimize shedding. The pooch is a relatively clean dog hence it will require occasional baths.
The pooch loses its undercoat twice a year. This then results in much more shedding. During this time, more frequent brushing as well as baths may be needed using a soft bridle brush. Using a nail clipper, always be certain to keep the Tora Dog’s nails trimmed, check for dirt in the ears using a cotton ball, and brush its teeth regularly using a finger toothbrush and the dog’s toothpaste to maintain overall hygiene.
Shedding
These dogs shed moderately all year round and heavily during Spring and Fall.
Coat | Coat Type
This pooch has a medium-length double coat. The coat is medium in length. Furthermore, Kai’s inner coat is typically dense, fluffy, and soft, while the outer coat is longer, straight, and sometimes coarse.
Hypoallergenic
This dog breed is not hypoallergenic. Tora Dog causes allergic reactions and does not do well with allergy sufferers. The pooch is non-hypoallergenic because it sheds heavily twice a year in Spring and Fall and moderately all-year round. Shedding allows dander and fur to spread around the house triggering inflammation.
Kai Ken Training
This pooch is a joy to train due to its sharp intelligence and firm loyalty. A Tora Dog can learn a new thing very quickly. They also respond well to positive reinforcement and enjoy working with their owners. Moreover, parents and owners are advised to be extremely cautious while outdoors since this breed has a high prey drive and will chase after small animals. Therefore, they should always go on walks and stay in unfenced areas while on a leash.
Avoid being harsh towards them during training as they will end up becoming aggressive, anxious, and scared. Furthermore, socialization with the pooch exposes it to a wide variety of sights, smells, experiences, situations, surfaces, dogs, people, and sounds such as sirens, whistles, vacuum cleaners, doorbells, washing machines, and lawnmowers.
They need about 5 to 10 minutes of training daily distributed throughout the day. Also train Kai Ken in basic obedience lessons and command words like sit, stay, heel, and stop among others. The pooch is also a great dog for housebreaking. Within a matter of days, they are housetrained sometimes.
Kai Ken Temperament | Personality
- Brave.
- Amiable.
- Alert.
- Agile.
- Intelligent.
- Loyal.
- Friendly.
Exercise
The Tora Dog is very active since it has high energy levels. The pooch does not get worn out easily when engaged in any physical exercise. It is recommended for owners to combine physical activities of about 45 minutes daily with mental exercises to keep the adult pooch busy.
Furthermore, when the puppy is three months old, it can begin exercising by going for short walks. The dog also enjoys long walks with his master while it is leashed. Moreover, Tora Dog loves playtime of any sort. Mental stimulation playing games is highly recommended to the parents.
Barking
These dogs are vocal breeds ranging from average to high. Sometimes, the Tora Dog howls or often barks loudly. Depending on their emotional level and what they are trying to say, the dogs can change their barks. The top reasons for a Kai Ken to bark include compulsive barking, separation anxiety, greeting, attention-seeking, boredom, fear, alarm, and protection.
Kai Ken Height
The height of a male Tora Dog varies but can grow from 20 to 22 inches tall ( approx. 51 to 56 cm ) while the female Tora Dog height also varies but can grow from 18 to 20 inches tall ( approx. 46 to 51 cm ).
Other dog breeds include:
Kai Ken Weight
Male Tora Dog’s weight may vary but may go from 44 up to 53 pounds ( approx. 20 to 24 kg ) while female Tora Dog’s weight also varies but may go from 35 up to 44 pounds ( approx. 16 to 20 kg ).
Kai Ken Size
The size of a male Tora Dog’s height varies but can grow up from 20 to 22 inches tall ( approx. 51 to 56 cm) while the female Tora Dog’s height also varies but can grow from 18 up to 20 inches tall ( approx. 46 to 51 cm).
Kai Ken Bite Force
The bite force measurements for this particular pooch usually fall within the range of 200 to 400 PSI. When compared to other dog breeds, the bite force of this pooch is considered ordinary. However, the bite force of a Tora Dog is still quite powerful. It can cause bite wounds. If the pooch is well-trained and managed, the bite PSI of the dog is not something that should be feared.
Kai Ken Health Problems
These dogs are generally considered healthy. However, Tora Dog tends to be a victim of a few breed-specific diseases. Obesity and ear infections are some of the common health problems that owners need to watch out for in order to protect their dogs. Other health problems include seizures, allergies, hip dysplasia, and luxating patella.
Kai Ken Names
A Tora Dog parent may make a choice to get a name for the pet after the pet settles home to understand better the personality of a certain dog or before it joins them home from the breeder. Furthermore, the names of these dogs may also be a result of inspiration from nature, historical figures, food, books, songs, movies, coats of the dog, and prominent dogs. Admired names suitable for Tora Dog include:
- Ahmya.
- Emi.
- Mio.
- Saku.
- Kei.
- Itsuki.
- Haruto.
- Gou.
- Yamato.
- Taichi.
- Reiki.
- Akio.
- Gin.
- Souta.
- Kenji.
- Ren.
- Shiki.
- Raden.
- Arata.
- Miyo.
Kai Ken Litter Size
This breed has a litter size of about 2-4 puppies.
Feeding | Food
High-quality dog food is essential in assisting your dog to live a long and healthy life. It is paramount to overfeed your Tora Dog like any other pooch. Additionally, feed the puppies with low protein and give 250mg of Vitamin C until they are weeks old.
Kai Ken Neck Size
The neck size of Kai Ken is 16 to 22 inches ( approx. 41 to 56 cm ).
Kai Ken Colors | Black | Red
These purebred dogs come in different colors. Some of the colors include black, red, brindle, black & red.
Kai Ken Puppy
Puppies of this breed resemble bear cubs and grow up into muscular and alert dogs in their first few months as cute as they are.
Kai Ken Puppies Price | Puppy Price
Depending on the location of the breeder, the price of a Tora Dog puppy is $1500 to $1700.
Kai Ken Dog Price | Price | Cost
The price of a Tora Dog is $1000 to $2500 depending on the location of the breeder.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Are Kai Ken Hypoallergenic
No. They are not hypoallergenic and can cause allergic reactions to those who are affected by it.
Do Kai Ken Shed
Yes. These dogs shed moderately and heavily seasonally while blowing off the undercoat.
How Much Does A Kai Ken Cost
They cost anywhere between $1000 to $2500 depending on the location of the breeder as well as $1500 to $1700 for the puppies.
Are Kai Ken Endangered
Yes. They are considered an endangered breed, both in Japan and internationally despite their rich history and unique qualities.
Kai Ken Quick Facts
- The dog is also known as Tora Dog, Tora Inu, Tiger Dog, Kai Inu, Kai Dog, and Kai.
- The dog is a purebred.
- Tora Dog is also good with children.
- It has been registered by DRA, NAPR, AKC/FSS, and APRI.
- They are not hypoallergenic. Tora Dog causes allergic reactions and does not do well with allergy sufferers.
