Eligible Registries: Any Acceptable Domestic or Foreign Registry

Contact: North American Kai Association, Pamela Peterson, 1288 Bees Run Rd., Moscow, OH 45153, phone: (513) 876-2864

The Kai Ken is a native of Japan. The Kai was wild and was living in the mountains in the province of Kai. The Province of Kai is located on an island which is called Honshu which is now known as the Prefecture of Yaminashi. The Kai were geographically isolated by mountains and is therefore believed to be the purest of all Japanese breeds. Traditional writings describe the Kai as a natural hunter and Kai's have been known to swim and climb trees in pursuit of game. They were first used by the hunters for tracking deer and wild boars. The Kai was recognized in 1934 by the Japanese Kennel Club. Because of the language barrier there is very limited information on the Kai dog.

It is believed that the first Kai's were brought to the United States in the 1950's. They were brought back to the U.S. by service men in the military. A pair was also sent to Salt Lake City. It is not known what happened to these dogs or if there are any surviving offspring. The next known arrival of the Kai's was in 1990. In 1990, a four year old male was brought over and shortly after 3 females puppies. In 1991 6 more puppies were brought over. And in 1992 one more male puppy was imported. These Kai made up the genetic pool for all the American bred Kai Ken. These are the foundation of the Kai we have today.

There was originally two types of Kai's. There are two great foundation studs given credit for these distinct characteristics found in today's Kai dogs. KAIKURO willed the "shishi-inu-gata" type which is a thicker, stockier dog with a more bear type face. DAIRO famed for his deer hunting, is credited for the thinner longer bodies with foxier faces called the "shika-inu-gata" type. Each dog gave strength, speed, agility and quick thinking to its descendants as evidenced in the breed today. Currently in Japan, they do not distinguish the two types anymore and no one type is perferred over the other.

The Kai is highly intelligent and learns quickly. They seem to learn as fast as the other Japanese breeds if not faster. They are not as independent and are more willing to please their companions.

In Japan the Kai is regarded very highly by the Japanese people. The Japanese describe the Kai as a trustworthy guardian and extremely devoted to his master. The Japanese have high respect and admiration for this breed. They say a Kai will lay down its life to protect its master. In Japan the Kai is very loved and protected. The Kai is considered a "Natural Treasure" In Japan.

• 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.