St. John's Water Dog vs Kai Ken - Breed Comparison

St. John's Water Dog vs Kai Ken - Breed ComparisonKai Ken is originated from Japan but St. John's Water Dog is originated from Canada. Both Kai Ken and St. John's Water Dog are having almost same height. Kai Ken may weigh 19 kg / 41 pounds lesser than St. John's Water Dog. Kai Ken may live 4 years more than St. John's Water Dog. Both Kai Ken and St. John's Water Dog has almost same litter size. Kai Ken requires Moderate Maintenance. But St. John's Water Dog requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
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Japan
Canada
Height Male:
43 - 56 cm
16 - 23 inches
48 - 53 cm
18 - 21 inches
Height Female:
43 - 56 cm
16 - 23 inches
47 - 52 cm
18 - 21 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 22 kg
30 - 49 pounds
25 - 41 kg
55 - 91 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 22 kg
30 - 49 pounds
16 - 35 kg
35 - 78 pounds
Life Span:
14 - 16 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 7
4 - 6
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Tiger Dog, Tora Inu
St. Johns Dog, Lesser Newfoundland, St. John’s Newfoundland
Colors Available:
Brindle color in black or red shade
black
Coat:
Medium length and coarse
short, thick coats
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Intelligent, Loving, Responsive
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

kai kenThe Kai Ken dog hails from Japan and is both an ancient and rare dog. In fact the dog was discovered in 1929 in the Kai province near Mount Fuji. The dog has the nickname Tora Inu in Japan which means 'Tiger Dog'. Maybe its got to do with the brindle striped coat or his bravery.

He falls into the working class category. In 1931, the Kai Ken Aigokai registry was formed to preserve the dog. In fact in this year Dasuke Adachi discovered these dogs and in 1934 was actually designated a Natural Monument in Japan and also protected by law.

The Kai Ken was recognized in 1934 by the Japanese Kennel Club. It is not 100% certain but it is thought that the dog was brought to the United States in the 1950s.

st john s water dogThe breed known as the St. John’s water dog is an extinct landrace breed. They were domestic dogs found in Newfoundland and at times were called the lesser Newfoundland. There is not much information available about the other breeds that went into its development. Hypothetically it is believed they are a mix of the Irish, Old English and Portuguese dogs bred to work.

It is also thought that other breeds in their family tree, descending from them, include the Golden Retriever, the Flat-Coated Retriever, the Chesapeake Bay Retriever, the Labrador and the Curly-Coated Retriever. The Newfoundland is also related to the St. Johns Water Dog through the line of Rafeirio do Alenteios that Portuguese fisherman brought to the island.

The breed was exported to England in the 19th century and early 20th. There the breeds of retrievers were developed. In Canada during this time frame restrictions were placed on dog ownership in order to encourage people to raise sheep. At the same time England imposed a long quarantine on all animals coming into the country in order to get rid of rabies. These two factors contributed greatly to the extinction of the breed. It seems the last two dogs were seen in a remote area in the 1980’s. All attempts to save the breed failed.

Description

kai ken puppy - descriptionThe Kai Ken has always been used for hunting purposes. He comes as recommended for hunting people and those who are active.

It is a medium sized dog standing at between 43 to 56cm in height both male and female and weighing between 14 and 22kg.

The ears of the dog are erect, the muzzle is fairly tapered and the nose is black. The tail is bushy like that of a fox and curls over the back. The double coat of the dog is of medium length and harsh and is a brindle color in a reddish or black shade.

Puppies are born black and then the brindle stripe-like pattern comes in later. He has an athletic body and is a keen swimmer.

Temperament:

The Kai Ken is an intelligent dog, loyal to his human family while being somewhat reserved around strangers. They are amicable with both children in the home as well as other pets.

He is a friendly, intelligent dog, forming close bonds with his family. Have him trained and socialized and he'll make you a splendid pet who will be willing to guard you if anyone threatens.

One look at that bright face and you can see that he is an intelligent, independent dog. He is also courageous and fearless and makes a great watchdog, especially because he is naturally reserved and suspicious with strangers.

st john s water dog puppy - descriptionSt. John’s Water Dog is strong, medium sized and stocky. They looked more like English Labs than American Labs. They had a thick, short coat, loved swimming, had a lot of endurance and rudder tail. It was also described as a thin, black dog with short hair. They had white patches on their chest and feet. His nose was thin and tapered, his legs powerful, his chest muscular. The breed is quick, swims, runs quickly and is a fighter as well.

Never accepted by any major kennel club except as a foundation breed. They became extinct.

Characteristics

kai ken dog - characteristicsThe Kai Ken is a working- and hunting dog, so he is used to being active and will want a home where he can be played with and exercised regularly.

He can be slightly stubborn and independent so training and socialization are imperative. This is also because the dog’s curiosity and his athletic skills can lead to trouble if he isn’t properly trained.

Treat him the way he deserves and you’ll see that he is able to develop a strong bond with you and be altogether an excellent family pet.

Characteristics

1.Children friendliness - yes they are good with children.

2.Special talents swimming is their best talent

st john s water dog dog - characteristics3.Adaptability large need fence, they are not large dogs but they need outdoor space

4.Learning ability – very smart and eager to learn

Health Problems

kai ken puppies - health problemsWith a lifespan of 14 to 16 years, and given the genetic purity of the Kai Ken, you aren't likely to battle with congenital health problems with your dog, but it is always good to be aware of certain minor health issues that he could succumb to.

He can suffer from a few common dog diseases such as progressive retinal atrophy or hip dysplasia.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy:

This is a disease of the eye where there is wasting of certain parts, and in this case the cells of the retina develop abnormally. This can eventually lead to blindness. It’s an inherited disease that can occur in pure- and mixed breeds, and dogs with PRA shouldn’t be used for breeding.

It isn’t a painful condition, and the first symptom usually noticed in a dog is night blindness where you may notice him bumping into things at night and being reluctant to walk around in the dark.

st john s water dog puppies - health problemsThere is no documented history of any genetic or hereditary illnesses in the breed. However, it seems rational to believe they suffered from ailments similar to Labradors and newfoundland though they are smaller dogs.

No history like Labs and Newfoundlands .

  • Hip and elbow dysplasia – can cause lameness and arthritis.
  • PRA – progressive retinal atrophy – can cause blindness.
  • Cancer – in their later years.
  • Infectious diseases – not as serious as prior to vaccinations.
  • Myopathy hereditary – affects the muscles.
  • Ear infections.

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Caring The Pet

kai ken dogs - caringEven though the coat is thick, the Kai Ken will require basic canine care, so a brush twice a week will be enough to keep the coat free of loose hair. He sheds more heavily a couple of times a year and then he will require more brushing.

He has always been used to hunt so he is a dog that will require regular exercise such as walks, hikes, swimming and ball games.

The nails of the dog should be trimmed regularly once they become long as long nails can be hazardous and can hook onto things, causing injury to the nail area.

The ears of the dog should be checked regularly for fleas and ticks, and teeth should also be brushed with canine toothbrush and toothpaste.

st john s water dog dogs - caring1Feeding the puppy – Don’t overfeed – they have a propensity toward obesity. Feed high quality, high protein 3 x a day.

2.Feeding the adult – Don’t overfeed. Feed a high quality, high protein 1-2 x a day.

3.Points for Good Health - stamina

4. Games and Exercises – They need space to run and they love to explore. They would also love to be near water where they could swim. Good at dock diving, field trials, flyball and frisbee.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. St. John's Water Dog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. St. John's Water Dog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. St. John's Water Dog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. St. John's Water Dog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. St. John's Water Dog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. St. John's Water Dog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. St. John's Water Dog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. St. John's Water Dog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. St. John's Water Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. St. John's Water Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. St. John's Water Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. St. John's Water Dog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. St. John's Water Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. St. John's Water Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. St. John's Water Dog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. St. John's Water Dog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. St. John's Water Dog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. St. John's Water Dog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. St. John's Water Dog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. St. John's Water Dog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. St. John's Water Dog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. St. John's Water Dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. St. John's Water Dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. St. John's Water Dog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. St. John's Water Dog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Kai Ken vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Kai Ken vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Kai Ken vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Kai Ken vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Kai Ken vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Kai Ken vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Kai Ken vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Kai Ken vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Kai Ken vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Kai Ken vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Kai Ken vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Kai Ken vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Kai Ken vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Kai Ken vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Kai Ken vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Kai Ken vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Kai Ken vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Kai Ken vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Kai Ken vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Kai Ken vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Kai Ken vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Kai Ken vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Kai Ken vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Kai Ken vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Kai Ken vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison