What is the history of Kai Ken?

The Kai Ken is believed to have descended from ancient Japanese dogs that lived in the remote, mountainous areas of the Kai region. Isolated by the rugged terrain, the breed developed with minimal outside influence. The breed remained largely unknown outside of Japan until the early 20th century, when efforts were made to preserve Japan’s native dog breeds.

The breed was prized for its ability to hunt and track a wide variety of game, including wild boar, deer, pheasant, and small game. The Kai Ken’s distinctive brindle coat, also known as “tora” (Japanese for “tiger”), provided natural camouflage in the dense, wooded areas of the region, making them even more effective hunters.