FCI-Standard No 317 / 16. 06. 1999 / GB
Kai

FCI-Standard No 317 / 16. 06. 1999 / GB

ORIGIN : Japan.

DATE OF PUBLICATION OF THE ORIGINAL VALID STANDARD : 20.12.1994.

UTILIZATION : Hunting dog, companion.

CLASSIFICATION F.C.I. : Group 5 Spitz and primitive type. Section 5 Asian Spitz and related breeds. Without working trial.

BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY

This breed originated from medium-sized dogs that existed in Japan in the ancient times. It became established as a breed in the Kai district (Yamanashi Prefecture), which is surrounded by mountains. Another name for this breed is « Kai tora-ken ». A distinguishing feature in this dog is its brindled coat. These dogs are used mainly for hunting wild boar and deer. Their strong inclination to form a pack is thought to contribute towards maintaining the purity of the breed. The breed was designated as a « natural monument » in 1934.

GENERAL APPEARANCE

Medium-sized dog, well balanced, sturdily built, muscles well developed. The dog has the characteristics of a dog living in mountainous districts of Japan. Limbs strong and hocks remarkably developed.

IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS

The ratio of height at withers to length of body is 10 : 11.

BEHAVIOUR / TEMPERAMENT

The temperament is keen and very alert.

HEAD

CRANIAL REGION
Skull : Forehead broad.
Stop : Abrupt with slight furrow.

FACIAL REGION :
Nose :Black, nasal bridge straight.
Muzzle : Pointed, not very long, but moderately thick.
Lips : Tight.
Jaws/Teeth : Strong with a scissor bite.
Cheeks : Well developed.
Eyes : Relatively small, nearly triangular and dark brown in colour.
Ears : Slightly larger than those of other medium-sized Japanese dogs, triangular, slightly inclining forward and firmly pricked.

NECK

Thick, powerful and muscular.

BODY

Withers : High.
Back : Straight and short.
Loins : Broad and muscular.
Chest : Deep, ribs moderately sprung.
Belly : Well tucked up.

TAIL

Set on high, thick, vigorously curled or carried curved like a sickle over the back. Tip nearly reaching the hocks when let down.

LIMBS

FOREQUARTERS :
Shoulders : Moderately sloping with developed muscles.
Elbows : Close to the body.
Forearm : Straight, heavy and muscular.
Pasterns : Slightly inclining.

HINDQUARTERS :
Upper thighs : Long.
Lower thighs : Short.
Hocks : Tough and elastic.

FEET : Toes well arched and tightly knit; pads thick and elastic; nails hard and preferably dark in colour.

GAIT / MOVEMENT

Light and resilient.

COAT

HAIR : : Outer coat harsh and straight; undercoat soft and dense. The hair on the tail is fairly long and off-standing.

COLOUR : Black brindle, red brindle and brindle. As a feature of this breed, solid colour in puppyhood may turn brindle as the dog grows.

SIZE

Height at withers : Dogs 53 cm. Bitches 48 cm.
There is a tolerance of ± 3 cm.

FAULTS

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.

  • Bitchy dogs/doggy bitches.
  • Light-coloured nose.
  • Slightly overshot or undershot mouth.
  • Light-coloured eyes.
  • Long or short hair.
  • Shyness.

ELIMINATING FAULTS

  • Extremely overshot or undershot mouth.
  • Ears not pricked.
  • Hanging tail, short tail.
  • Faded colour.
  • Coat with many white spots.
  • Extreme shyness.

N.B. : Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.