Kai Ken

The Kai is very intelligent, agile, alert and brave; reserved with strangers but loyal to their families. Properly trained and socialiazed during puppyhood they will be friendly and an excellant family dog good with children. They should not be teased. They do have strong prey drive, but if properly raised and socialized at an early age it would not be directed toward other family pets but toward strange animals (not in their pack).

The Kai closely resembles the Shiba Inu. They are clean, calm and quiet; gentle and devoted to family. They are attached to their owner and will try to keep you in sight. They make a great effort to figure out what you want from them. They are easily housetrained. The Kai needs regular exercise but will nap when the opportunity arises. If you are unsure of full control use a leash because they could decide to go hunting on their own. The breed needs space to roam and run and are better fit for a rural environment -- don't be surprised to find one in a tree. They could live in apartments if properly exercised.

A Kai is not for everyone as not all owners have an assertive enough personality to be pack leader. They are very pack oriented and must be raised in this manner with you being the pack leader and them knowing exactly where they fit into the pack. They were originally a wild dog and still retain a lot of natural instincts. Because of this wild background they MUST to be properly socialized and trained at puppyhood in order to have a well balanced adjusted dog and family pet.

AKC Breed Profile

North American Kai Ken Association

Rescue Links

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