Kai Ken Standard
There are a few different standard for Kai Ken-- KKA, AKC, FCI, NIPPO, and UKC. They all are slight variations of each other, however the KKA (Kai Ken Aigokai, the Kai Ken Preservation club in Japan) is the original & true standard for the Kai Ken and dogs should be held to that standard. The KKA standard is not very in depth, so other standards can be used to supplement the KKA standard.
KKA - Kai Ken Aigokai, the main Kai Ken registry in Japan.
AKC - American Kennel Club, the main registry in the United States.
UKC - United Kennel Club, another registry in the United States.
FCI - Fédération Cynologique Internationale, a foreign registry that many clubs in other countries are part of. For example, JKC (Japan Kennel Club) is part of FCI.
NIPPO - Nihon Ken Hozonkai, a registry in Japan created specifically to protect & preserve the 6 native dog breeds-- Shiba Inu, Hokkaido Ken, Kai Ken, Shikoku Ken, Kishu Ken, & Akita Inu.
KKA - Kai Ken Aigokai, the main Kai Ken registry in Japan.
AKC - American Kennel Club, the main registry in the United States.
UKC - United Kennel Club, another registry in the United States.
FCI - Fédération Cynologique Internationale, a foreign registry that many clubs in other countries are part of. For example, JKC (Japan Kennel Club) is part of FCI.
NIPPO - Nihon Ken Hozonkai, a registry in Japan created specifically to protect & preserve the 6 native dog breeds-- Shiba Inu, Hokkaido Ken, Kai Ken, Shikoku Ken, Kishu Ken, & Akita Inu.
BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY: The Kai Ken originates from medium-sized village dogs that existed in Japan dating back to ancient times. It became established as a breed in the Kai district (Yamanashi Prefecture), which is surrounded by mountains. Another name for this breed is 'Kai tora-ken' or 'Kai Inu'. A distinguishing feature in this dog is its brindled coat. These dogs are used mainly for hunting wild boar and deer. Their strong inclination to form a pack is thought to contribute towards maintaining the purity of the breed. The breed was designated as a natural monument of Japan in 1934.
KKA Kai Ken Standard:Standard
Translated by Shigeru Kato, The Nihon Ken Blog Substance and Appearance: Showing proper sexual dimorphism, and an unadorned unsophisticated air coupled with composed boldness. Movement: Light and nimble, the breed is agile and powerful with strong homing instinct and a propensity toward loyalty to one master for life. Coat: Outer coat standing upright, undercoat thick, and animals should have a mane. Colors: black brindle (kurotora), medium brindle (chutora), and red brindle (akatora). Body: There are two body types, boar type, and deer type. Height: Roughly 40-50 centimeters at withers. Ears: Moderately thick, triangular in form, of good shape and angled forward, spacing between ears neither too wide apart or close together, lines clean and without looseness, and ears slightly larger than the other Japanese dog breeds. Eyes: More or less triangular in shape, the iris dark brown, which depending on coat color may show some shading. Muzzle: Lips tight, with good pigmentation, teeth strong, proper bite. Head & Neck: Forehead wide falling to a moderate stop, neck having appropriate thickness and length, without looseness. Back & Hips: Line of the back straight, hips powerful and tight. Tail: Tail thick and strong, either sickle tail or curl tail type, roughly reaching the hocks in length. Limbs: Robust with hocks especially well developed, firm while providing for excellent leaping ability and speed. KKA History
Written by the Kai Ken Aigokai March 1929, Mr. Taisuke Adachi, a public prosecutor who loves Japanese dogs, was appointed as a public prosecutor at the Kofu Ward Court. Early Spring 1931, Adachi Prosecutor saw a tiger-haired Japanese dog galloping on his way to work. August 1931, Mr. Adachi investigated tiger-haired dogs in Ashiyasu Village, Nakakoma District, Yamanashi Prefecture. November 3, 1931, Mr. Adachi organized the Kai Nippon Dog Protection Association with volunteers and was recommended as chairman (founding of the association). March 1932 Mr. Adachi transferred to Chiba. Mr. Shinzo Imai (Yamanashi Prefectural Assembly member at the time, later a member of the Diet) became the chairman. In April 1932, the first exhibition was held at Ofudo Gofukuten in Sakuramachi, Kofu City (now Chuo 4-chome). 45 exhibited dogs. May 1932, Hirokichi Saito, Director of the Japanese Dog Preservation Society, visited Yamanashi Prefecture to investigate the Kai Japanese Dog. November 1932, 17 Kai dogs were exhibited at the 1st Japanese Dog Exhibition held at Ginza Matsuya in Tokyo. Received praise from Mr. Tokio Kaburagi, a member of the Ministry of Education (currently the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) Natural Monument Investigation Committee. March 1933, Mr. Adachi drafted an application to the Ministry of Education (currently the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) to designate it as a natural monument. January 1934, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (now the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) announced the dog as a natural monument under the name of "Kai Dog." April 1934, the dog registry registration was started, and 32 dogs were registered. February 1935, the Kitashirakawa-no-miya moved to Yamanashi Prefecture to appreciate the Kai dog. One Kai dog was presented by the association. February 1937, the Ministry of Education (currently the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) decided to issue medals (excellent Japanese dog medals) to Akita, Kai, Kishu, and Koshi dogs designated as natural monuments. In 1940, A 10% tax was levied on dogs and cats valued at 10 yen or more per dog and a prefectural tax of 5 yen per year was levied on breeders in order to raise funds for the war effort. was done. March 1943 issue of Bulletin No. 20 was issued, and was later discontinued due to war situation gold leaf. March 1944, he overcame difficulties and held the 12th exhibition, which was his last exhibition during the war. July 6, 1945, the headquarters of the Kai Dog Protection Association was destroyed by fire in the Great Air Raid on Kofu. November 1947, Mr. Nanao Terada became chairman because Mr. Imai was busy. Held the 13th exhibition for the first time after the war. Dog registration has also resumed. Publication of the bulletin resumed with the 21st issue. January 1950, 10 Kai dogs headed to Hogle Zoo in Salt Lake, USA for a goodwill animal exchange. 1953, the 19th Spring Exhibition and the 20th Autumn Exhibition were held, and since then it has been held twice a year. 1962, the Kuro-go owned by Mr. Genichi Hayakawa was designated as a natural monument. The dog's stuffed animal will later be displayed at the National Museum of Nature and Science. Held the 50th exhibition in November 1968. April 1977, at the 65th exhibition, a general excellent dog system was established, and awards were started with the grand champion flag. November 1979 Held the 70th exhibition at Fujikawa Elementary School. 80 dogs will be exhibited, and a commemorative gift will be presented to the exhibitors. November 1982, in honor of Mr. Nanao Terada, who passed away in September of the previous year, we began awarding excellent overall female dogs with the Terada Memorial Cup. October 1989, the 90th exhibition was held at the former site of Takumi Elementary School. 63 dogs were exhibited, and a commemorative gift was presented to the exhibitors. April 1990, 91st exhibition. A section for mature dogs will be established between minor dogs and adult dogs. October 1994, the 100th exhibition was held at Kose Sports Park. 136 dogs were exhibited, and a commemorative gift was presented to the exhibitors. We praise the long service of Mr. Takuro Yanagisawa and Mr. Sango Hagimoto. October 1995 To commemorate the 100th exhibition, published "Jump Yo Kai Dog". October 1999, the 111th exhibition was held at Kamanashi River (former Fuji River), Nirasaki City, Kasenkoen Hiroba. Exhibited 107 animals, presenting commemorative gifts to exhibitors. October 2000 Bulletin No. 100 published. October 2005, the 120th exhibition commemorating the 70th anniversary of the designation as a natural monument was held at Kamanashi River Park Square. Exhibited 137 animals, presenting commemorative gifts to exhibitors. April 2006, the 123rd exhibition was held at Kose Sports Park. It has been 12 years since the 100th exhibition held at Kose Sports Park. 135 exhibited dogs. April 2008 Held the 127th exhibition at Kamanashi River Park Square. Challenge authority will be implemented from this tournament. 127 dogs exhibited, 6 dogs (2 males, 4 females) exhibited in the Overall Excellent Dog Category. In October 2019, the 150th exhibition was held at Kushigata Sogo Park in Minami-Alps City in collaboration with Minami-Alps City. 178 animals exhibited. There are stalls from the Minami Alps City Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as the participation of mascot characters from the prefecture, and there are many general visitors. Spring 2020 Due to the spread of new coronavirus infections, the cancellation of the 151st exhibition was decided just before the opening. is canceled. October 30, 2020, the 152nd exhibition was held at Imesse Yamanashi. It will be held for the first time in 3 years after pre-registering visitors as a countermeasure against the new coronavirus infection. Due to the circumstances of the venue, it was necessary to take measures such as consolidating the examination departments, limiting the number of applications to be submitted, and not exhibiting reference dogs. 138 animals exhibited. |
NIPPO Kai Ken StandardStandard
Essence & Expression: Kan'i, Ryousei and Soboku are the essence of the Japanese dog and are of immense importance. Kan'i is spirited vigor and dignified majesty; Ryousei is faithful devotion and gentle obedience; Soboku is rustic, sober and unadorned elegance. A good Japanese dog possesses and expresses these fundamental inborn characteristics by its very nature. In addition to this expression, they have a sharp intuition, nimble movement, jaunty gait and flexibility. General: In terms of overall appearance, the males are male and the females are female. The body is well-balanced and the skeleton is tight. The muscles and tendons are well developed, and the ratio of height to length is 100:110, giving it a rather rectangular shape. Females are slightly longer than males. Height: The standard height of the Kai dogs is between 47cm and 53cm for males, and between 44cm and 50cm for females. Ear: The size is in harmony with the head, and the inner ear line is straight. The external ear line is a slightly rounded scalene triangle, and the ear leans slightly forward and stands straight. Eye: Slightly triangular, strong back eyes with slightly protruding corners of the eyes, black irises, or pale colors are not desirable. A dark brown color is ideal. Skull: Rich cheeks, tight snout, straight nose. The mouth is rounded, has a moderate thickness and thickness, and has a moderate stop. There is no slack in the lips, and the lips are tightened in a straight line. The number of teeth should be 42, well developed, and the upper and lower bite should be normal. Head & Neck: The forehead is wide, the cheeks are well developed, and the neck is moderately thick and long with strong, supple muscles. Forelimb: The forelimbs touch the ground at the same width as the body, with the elbows drawn to the torso. The front joint has a moderate angle, and the toes are tightened and gripped well. Rear: The thighs are well developed, and the hocks are moderately angled and tenacious, and land at the same width as the hips. The toes are tight and grip well. Chest: The prothorax is well developed, and the ribs are moderately stretched and oval (egg-shaped). The chest depth is about half the height of the body, but at least 45% or more is necessary. Back & Waist: The back is straight from the back to the base of the lumbar tail. The lower back is strong, and it is not desirable to move the hips up and down or move sideways when walking. Tail: Moderately thick and powerful, it has a curly or splayed tail, and its length reaches almost to the hock. The tail is rolled as the letter says. The tail is slanted forward without curling. Fur: The outer coat is hard, straight, and has a clear color tone, and the undercoat is called fluff, which is a soft, dense double coat with a pale color tone. The hair on the tail is slightly long and open. UKC Kai Ken Standard:Standard
Group: Northern Overview: The Kai is a medium-sized, sturdily built, Spitz-type dog, with a wedge-shaped head, prick ears, and a harsh, straight brindle coat of medium length. The correct relationship of height to length of body is 10:11. The tail may be curled over the back or carried over the back in a sickle position. The appearance of the Kai is similar to the other working Japanese Spitz breeds, smaller than the Akita and larger than the Shiba. The Kai is a sturdy, muscular dog of exceptional courage and agility. Kai have been known to climb trees and swim in pursuit of their prey. Traditional Japanese writings describe the Kai as a natural hunter, a trust-worthy guardian and extremely devoted to its master. The brindle pattern of coat color is the Kai’s most distinguishing breed characteristic. The tail of the Kai differs from the other Japanese breeds in that it does not form a double curl but is shaped like a sickle and carried over the back. While Kais may be somewhat reserved with strangers, they are very friendly with people that they know and they are not aggressive with other dogs. They should not be faulted for being aloof with strangers as this trait has been bred into the breed. The Kai makes an excellent watch dog or home protector. Head: From the front, the head forms a medium-length wedge, broad between the ears tapering to a long, but not snipy, muzzle. The head is free of wrinkles and proportionate to the length of body. The length of the muzzle, measured from stop to the end of the nose, is equal to the length of the skull, measured from occiput to stop. The skull and muzzle are parallel to one another when viewed from the side, and joined by an abrupt stop. Skull: The skull is broad and nearly flat, with a slight median furrow. The skull tapers slightly from the widest point to the base of the muzzle. The cheeks are well developed. Muzzle: When viewed from the side, the muzzle is moderately thick. It should be well filled in under the eyes. The nasal bridge is straight. The lower jaw is strong and blunt but not protruding. Lips are black and tightly closed. Teeth: The Kai has a complete set of good-size, evenly spaced, white teeth. A scissors bite is preferred but a level bite is acceptable. The tongue is generally spotted but may be pink or blue black. Nose: The nose is solid black except in red brindles, where it may be brownish black. In profile, the nose is on the same line as the top of the muzzle and does not extend beyond the forepart of the muzzle. Eyes: The eyes are relatively small and dark brown with black eye rims. The eyes, while slightly triangular in shape, are rounder than the eyes of the Akita or Shiba. Ears: The ears are strongly erect, somewhat large in relationship to the size of the head, triangular in shape, and set at the outer edge of the skull, but not too low. The ears are wide at the base and slightly rounded at the tips. Viewed from the side, the back line of the ear inclines slightly forward from the base to the tip. Neck: The neck is of moderate length, thick and muscular. Front: The shoulders are moderately laid back, with moderate angulation and well-developed muscles. The forelegs are straight and muscular, with heavy bone and strong, moderately short, slightly sloping pasterns. The shoulder blade and the upper arm are roughly equal in length. The upper arm lies close to the ribs but is still very mobile, with the elbow moving close to the body. Body: The ratio of height (measured from withers to the ground) to length of body (measured from point of shoulder to point of buttocks) is 10:11. The line of the back inclines very slightly downward from well-developed withers and then becomes level. The back is well muscled, with a short, muscular loin. The ribs are moderately sprung out from the spine, forming a strong back, then curving down and inward to form a body that would be nearly oval if viewed in cross-section. The chest is deep and moderately broad. When viewed from the side, the lowest point of the chest is immediately behind the elbow. The forechest should extend in a shallow oval shape in front of the forelegs but the sternum should not be excessively pointed. The belly is well tucked up. Rear: The thighs are very muscular and powerful. The rear legs have heavy bone and are moderately well angulated at stifle and hock joints. The upper thigh is long and the lower thigh is short. The hocks are tough, elastic and well let down. Viewed from the rear, the rear pasterns should be parallel to each other; from the side, they should be perpendicular to the ground. The feet are of medium size, round in shape, well-knuckled up, with thick strong pads. Nails should be hard and black in color. Dewclaws may be removed. Tail: The tail is thick, and set on high. The preferred carriage is a sickle tail, but a tail that curls over the back is acceptable. When the Kai is hunting, the tail sometimes straightens out behind or stands straight up. The tail should be at least long enough to reach halfway to the hock joint. Coat: The Kai has a double coat of medium length, longer than the coat of the Shiba but shorter than the Akita coat. The outer coat is harsh, straight, and may lie flat or stand somewhat away from the body. The undercoat is thick, soft, and dense. The hair on the head, legs, and ears is shorter than the coat on the body while the coat on the tail is somewhat longer. Color: The brindle coat of the Kai has given rise to his nickname as the “Tora” (meaning “Tiger”) dog. All brindle colors are equally acceptable. A well-defined brindle is preferred; however, the worthiness of a dog should not be judged on the quality of its brindle pattern alone. Some white is allowed on the legs, but never above the ankles on the forelegs or the hock joint on the rear legs. Some white is allowed on the forechest, between the front legs and on the belly but white should never blend up into the body coat. Height & Weight: Desirable height, measured at the withers, ranges from 18½ to 22 inches for males, and 17½ to 20 inches for females. Weight ranges from 25 to 55 pounds. Gait: The Kai moves with strides of moderate length. It is a quick, agile trot, which enables the Kai to travel quickly in the mountains and forests while hunting. Correct movement is essential in this breed. |
FCI Kai Ken Standard:Standard
Group: #5, Spitz & Primitive General Appearance: Medium-sized dog, well balanced, sturdily built, muscles well developed. The dog has the characteristics of a dog living in mountainous districts of Japan. Limbs strong and hocks remarkably developed. Size: Males 47-53 cm, Females 42-48 cm. Proportions: Height at withers to length of body is 10 : 11, but the body can be slightly longer in bitches. Temperament: The temperament is keen and very alert. Head: Skull: Forehead broad. Stop: Abrupt with slight furrow. Nose: Black, nasal bridge straight. Muzzle: Pointed, not very long, but moderately thick. Lips: Tight. Jaws/Teeth: Strong with a scissor bite. Cheeks: Well developed. Eyes: Nearly triangular and dark brown in color. The outer corners of the eyes are slightly upturned. Ears: Triangular, slightly inclining forward and firmly pricked. Neck: Thick, powerful and muscular. Body: Withers: High. Back: Straight and short. Loin: Broad and muscular. Chest: Deep, ribs moderately sprung. Underline and belly: Slightly tucked up. Tail: Set on high, thick, vigorously curled or carried curved like a sickle over the back. Tip nearly reaching the hocks when let down. Front: Shoulders: Moderately sloping with developed muscles. Upper arm: Forming a moderate angle with shoulder blade. Elbows: Close to the body. Forearm: Straight, heavy and muscular. Metacarpus (Pastern): Slightly oblique. Forefeet: Toes well arched and tightly knit; pads thick and elastic; nails hard and preferably dark in colour. Rear: General appearance: Well developed, strong and moderately angulated. Hocks: Tough and elastic. Hind feet: Toes well arched and tightly knit; pads thick and elastic; nails hard and preferably dark in color. Gait: Light and resilient. Coat: Hair: Outer coat harsh and straight; undercoat soft and dense. The hair on the tail is fairly long and off-standing. Color: Black brindle, red brindle and brindle. AKC Kai Ken StandardStandard
Group: Miscellaneous / Working General Appearance: The Kai Ken is a medium-sized, brindle, spitz-type dog: well balanced and sturdily built. Its conformation points to the agility and nimbleness required for a dog living and working in steep mountains: particularly the strength of the hocks, the balanced center of gravity, the springiness of the round, catlike feet. The Kai Ken Aigokai (Kai Ken Preservation Society in Japan, the registry for nearly all Kai in the country of origin.) describes two body types: the rangier “deer type” and the broader “boar type” to be given equal consideration. While these types are not kept separate, they can still be detected in the breed as a small degree of range notable in the tuck up and substance of frame, distinct from the sexual dimorphism. All Kai should appear alert and keen, ready for action, and capable of climbing and balancing on ledges, leaping fallen logs, and weaving their way through thick cover, regardless of type. Size, Proportion, Substance: Kai are 10 percent longer than tall, with a height at withers to length of body of 10:11. Females: 15¾ to 18¼ inches Males: 18½ to 21 inches. Expression: Showing sexual dimorphism, and an unadorned, unsophisticated air known as “soboku,” coupled with composed boldness. Sobuku might be further described as straightforward-ness and honesty. Alert and keen, Kai should express a sense of wildness (called “yaseimi”); rustic and natural as opposed to appearing “cute” or highly-refined. Eyes: Eye shape is triangular, but not as extreme as the other native Japanese breeds. Eye rims should be black in color, the iris dark brown. Gaze strong and confident. Ears: Firmly pricked, moderately thick, triangular in form and angled forward parallel to the line of the neck. Spacing between the ears is even. The ears are slightly larger than those of the other Japanese breeds. Skull: Forehead slightly furrowed, wide falling to a moderate stop. The length of the muzzle, measured from stop to the end of the nose is equal to the length of the skull, from occiput to stop. The skull and muzzle are parallel to each other when viewed from the side. Cheeks are well-developed. Muzzle is pointed, moderately thick. Lips tight and pigmented black. Nose: Black, nasal bridge straight. Teeth are strong with a scissors bite. The mouth and tongue is generally spotted, with pigmented areas increasing as the dog matures. Neck, Topline and Body: The Kai Ken is a medium sized dog. Neck has appropriate thickness and length without looseness, powerful and muscular. Chest is deep and oval. From the side, the lowest point of the chest is just behind the elbow, the forechest is well developed, the sternum should not be excessively pointed. Ribs are moderately sprung. Tuck up - the belly should be slightly (in boar type) to moderately (reflecting deer type) tucked up. Back: Well-developed withers, inclining slightly downward to a firm, level back. Loin is short, broad, and muscular. Tail is set on high, thick, and strong - either sickle, sword or curled when the dog is at ease and feeling confident, roughly reaching the hock when let down. The Kai has an expressive, flexible tail that lends balance when running, climbing, or swimming. Forequarters: Shoulders are moderately sloping, well developed. The point of the shoulder forms a roughly 105 to 110 degrees angle with the upper arm bone. Forelegs are robust, straight, and parallel, with strong, moderately short, sloping pasterns. The shoulder blade and upper arm are roughly equal in length. The arm lies close to the ribs but is still very mobile, with the elbow moving close to the body. Feet: Toes well arched and tightly knit; pads thick and elastic, nails hard and preferably dark in color. All four feet should grip well, as the Kai is known specifically for climbing ability. Hindquarters: Hips are powerful and tight. Legs: Robust, firm while providing for excellent leaping ability and speed. Thighs the upper thigh is a little longer than the second thigh. Hock Joint forms a 145 degree to 150 degree angle. Hocks are especially well-developed, tough and elastic, parallel to each other, perpendicular to the ground. Coat: The Kai has a medium length, double coat. The outer guard hair coat is coarse and should stand off from the body with a soft, dense and thick undercoat. Kai Ken should have a mane. The hair on the head, legs, and ears is shorter than the coat on the body while the coat on the tail is somewhat longer and stands open in a brush. Kai should be presented in a natural state. Color: The Japanese nickname for the Kai Ken is the Tora Inu, or Tiger Dog, so black stripes on a red ground are required. The function of the brindle coat is camouflage in the field, as ambush and flushing is a feature of Kai hunt style. The breed identifies three coat colors, given equal consideration: black brindle, medium brindle and red brindle. All densities of brindle have a relatively even distribution of clear but soft stripes like a charcoal drawing. The color behind the stripes is a rich red to deep mahogany. Pigment should be strong. A small white blaze is allowed on the forechest, between the front legs and on the belly but white should never blend up into the body coat or produce socks. Gait: The Kai should be gaited in the ring on a loose lead at a brisk trot. Movement nimble, light and elastic, with single-track strides of moderate length. The topline remains level and firm, reach and drive are moderate and efficient. Weight should be balanced and responsive. Temperament: The Kai is a dog of exceptional astuteness and sensitivity. They are a natural hunter with a strong prey drive and while an independent thinker, they are extremely devoted to their owner and it is from the depth of this relationship that a Kai dog’s cooperation and workability springs. With strangers the Kai tends to be reserved, but friendly and affectionate with those they know. Keen and alert, the Kai Ken has a strong homing instinct and propensity toward loyalty to one master for life. |