Kai Ken History
The Kai Ken is a muscular, medium-sized American type of terrier. The Kai Ken is an energetic, agile, and fearless little fighter. The Kai Ken was a New Zealand native landrace, or indigenous, breed of terrier that originated on the island of New Zealand. The ancestors of the present-day Kai Ken were imported to New Zealand by Captain James Cook in 1770. The ancestor of the modern-day English Fox Hound is thought to be the Harrier Hound, which was brought to England by the Romans. The origins of the name “Kai” are unclear, but thought to be of Maori origin, and “Ken” is the generic name for “dog” in the Maori language. The first recorded use of the name “Kai Ken” was in 1907, when an American breeder named the breed after the dog “Keene”, and “Kennel”, the origin of “kennel” being “ken”. The “Cairn Terrier”, which shares many characteristics with the present-day Kai Ken, is descended from the Old English Sheepdog, and is believed to have existed in the Highlands of Scotland since ancient times. The “Fox Terrier”, another ancestor of the modern-day Kai Ken, is believed to have originated in the 16th or 17th century, and came to Britain with William of Orange in 1688. The “Kai” or “Kea” is the bird of New Zealand, and the “Ken” or “Kei” is a dog. The “Landrace” term was
Kai Ken Physical Characteristics
The Kai Ken is a medium-to-large sized breed of dog that is native to Japan. The breed was developed in the early 20th century from a mixture of the Akita Inu, Kishu Inu, and Shikoku Inu. The Kai Ken is the tallest of the Japanese spitz breeds, and comes in two sizes – standard and miniature. The standard size averages approximately 23 inches at the withers and the domestic weight is approximately 55-70 lbs. The Miniature size is slightly smaller, averaging 22-23 inches at the withers and weighing 35-45 lbs. The domestic dogs are typically solid colored, with brown, red, or gray being the most common. The hair on the muzzle and face is bristly, giving the appearance that the dog has a beard, but it is not actually a beard. The teeth are large and straight, and the tail is bushy. The ears are pointed and the legs are muscular. The tail may be carried low, high, or between.
Eye Colors
Brown
Nose Colors
Unknown
Coat Colors
Unknown
Height Range
Male Height Range: 18 – 22 inches
Female Height Range: 17 – 20 inches
Weight Range
Male Weight Range: 25 – 55 lbs
Female Weight Range: 25 – 55 lbs
Kai Ken Health
Description of breed health.
Lifespan
12-15 yrs
Kai Ken Health Concerns
Usually A Very Healthy Breed, Usually A Very Healthy Breed
Kai Ken Temperament and Behaviour
The Kai Ken is a courageous, protective, and territorial breed of dog. They are independent and intelligent, and are just as likely to seek out adventures as they are to stay at home. They are friendly and sociable with people, but are also dominant and assertive with other dogs.
Kai Ken Activity Requirements
The Kai Ken is a cross between a Chihuahua and a Miniature Pinscher. They are small, compact, and full of energy. This adorable dog makes a great pet for an active person, but they can also be well suited to families with kids. While they can be good with children, the Kai Ken is not the best choice for families with very young children. They can get scared and anxious around small children. The Kai Ken is a small, active dog. They do well with walks, but they also need opportunities to play. A game of fetch is a good way to keep them exercised and mentally stimulated.
Miles Per Day
Unknown
Activity Per Day
Unknown
Daily Food
2.5 cups
Kennel Club Recognition
American Kennel Club
Recognized by the American Kennel Club
Kai Ken is part of the Miscellaneous Class group.
Visit the American Kennel Club website.
The Kennel Club
Not Recognized
Kai Ken is part of the Unclassified group.
Visit the Kennel Club website.
Australian National Kennel Council
Not Recognized
Kai Ken is part of the Unclassified group.
Visit the Australian National Kennel Council website.
Canadian Kennel Club
Not Recognized
Kai Ken is part of the Unclassified group.
Visit the Canadian Kennel Club website.