Overview
The Kai Ken comes from the mountainous Kai province, now Yamanashi, where it hunted deer and boar in packs. It is a medium-sized Japanese native breed with a distinctive brindle coat in black, red or fawn stripes, a wedge head and pricked ears. It is rare in Japan and very rare in Britain.
Because they hunted in groups, Kai are generally more sociable with other dogs than the Shiba or Hokkaido. They are intensely loyal to their family, naturally clean and quiet, and strongly motivated by prey. They are also excellent climbers and swimmers.
Exercise and walking needs
Ninety minutes a day with challenge. Hill walks, woodland and scrambles over rocks suit a dog bred for mountain hunting. They are agile and quick, and they get bored by flat, repetitive routes.
They tolerate most weather but, like all double-coated breeds, need care in summer heat.
On the walk
- Prey drive: High. Deer and small animals will trigger a chase. Lead or long line in the open.
- Climbing: A Kai can scale a fence or a tree. Do not trust an ordinary field boundary.
- Other dogs: Usually tolerant and often playful with dogs it knows. Still introduce new dogs carefully, especially same-sex pairs.
- Strangers: Reserved. Not fearful, but not keen on handling by people it has not accepted.
Tips for professional walkers
- Give the dog time to accept you at home before expecting cooperation on a walk.
- Vary the route and include something to climb or explore.
- Use a secure harness with two attachment points; agility and escape go together.
- Brush out the undercoat during the spring and autumn moult.
What to ask the owner
- Does the dog accept new people handling it, and how do you introduce them?
- Where is it allowed to run, and has it ever cleared a fence?
- Which dogs does it play with, and have there been any disagreements?