The National Kai Club

The Kai is featured in Chapter 22 of "A Celebration of Rare Breeds" by Cathy J. Flamholtz, Available from OTR publications, P.O. Box 481, Centerville, AL 35042.

This chapter explains that the Kai was developed in the ancient province of Kai, on Honshu in the area that now comprises the prefecture of Yamanshi. It is further explained that the Kai prospered because of its sheltered position, remaining geographically isolated resulting in a breed that did not suffer the crossbreeder that threatened other native Japanese breeds. It is mentioned, as a matter of fact, the primitive Kai may be the purest of all the breeds which hail from Japan. This statement has been proven to us when we meet Japanese people here in the U.S. They quite often say "Kai Ken! Yes, very pure, very intelligent! Great hunters, devoted friends!" That says a lot to us: These people have such a high regard, respect and admiration for the breed.

The Kai is highly revered in Japan as a great hunter. It is said that three Kais working as a team can bring down a wild boar. Because of their prowess in hunting it was thought that the Kai is a gentle, loyal and loving companion to the family. We have discovered that they get along quite well with most other animals and they adore children.

There are two great foundation studs given credit for distinct characteristics found in today's Kai dogs. Dair famed for his deer hunting, is credited for the thinner longer bodies with foxier faces. Kaikura willed a thicker, stockier frame and a more bear-type head. Each dog gave strength, speed, agility and quick thinking to its descendants as evidenced in the breed today

The Japanese called the Kai the "TORA" breed. Tora, meaning Tiger, is indicative of the brindle shades found in their coats. Three colors are appreciated in the Kai: Kuro-Tora, is a black brindle. Most of the Kais in American are this color. The Chu-Tora is a medium shade, and Aka-Tora is a red brindle. We have only two Aka-Tora in the USA. Some dogs take up to five years to obtain their full color, after shedding has occurred several times.

The Kai is a medium sized dog measuring from 18 1/2 to 22 inches at the shoulder for males, and 17 1/2 to 20 inches for females. They weigh between 30 and 50 pounds normally.

The Kai moves swiftly, with a light resilient gait, perfected in the mountain ranges as a survival mechanism derived from chasing wild animals, thus escaping injury from scraping, cutting tusks of boars, slashing, slicing hooves and antlers of deer, as well as gnashing teeth and swiping claws from the occasional bear.

We hope this introduction to the Kai sparks your interest. we are looking for dedicated, responsible, ethical people to guide the destiny of this most majestic breed in the United States. The club is guided by its members with the sole interest of protecting, preserving and promoting the Kai in America.

* NOTE: TThis information has been contributed by, and is property of The National Kai Club, and is gratefully used here with permission.

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