Kai Ken Did You Know?

• The Kai Ken has been assigned the Working Group designation.
• The Kai Ken has been recorded in the Foundation Stock Service since 1997.
• The Kai Ken is also known as the Tora Dog.
• The Kai Ken was not recognized in Japan until 1931 and is still very rare. The Kai was designated a "Natural Treasure" in Japan in 1934 and is protected by law.
• Kais were first imported into the United States in the early 1990's.
• Puppies are born black and fuzzy and develop their brindle markings as they grow and will continue to brindle up to 5 years.
• The Kai has been given the nickname of "Tora" dog, meaning tiger in Japanese because of the brindle color. The purpose of the distinct coloring and brindle pattern of the Kai Ken is to enable it to blend in with the surrounding trees and rocky surfaces of the mountain which helped it to sneak up on its prey and also helped protect it from predators while hunting in ancient times.
• The Kai is an excellent swimmer and climber and have been known to climb trees and swim rivers in pursuit of game.
• The Japanese describe the Kai Ken as a trustworthy guardian and extremely devoted to his master.