Mudi vs Kai Ken - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Mudi vs Kai Ken - Breed ComparisonKai Ken is originated from Japan but Mudi is originated from Hungary. Kai Ken may grow 9 cm / 4 inches higher than Mudi. Kai Ken may weigh 8 kg / 18 pounds more than Mudi. Both Kai Ken and Mudi has almost same life span. Kai Ken may have less litter size than Mudi. Both Kai Ken and Mudi requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Herding dogs
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Japan
Hungary
Height Male:
43 - 56 cm
16 - 23 inches
38 - 47 cm
14 - 19 inches
Height Female:
43 - 56 cm
16 - 23 inches
34 - 43 cm
13 - 17 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 22 kg
30 - 49 pounds
8 - 14 kg
17 - 31 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 22 kg
30 - 49 pounds
6 - 11 kg
13 - 25 pounds
Life Span:
14 - 16 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 7
5 - 10
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Tiger Dog, Tora Inu
Hungarian Mudi Canis Ovilis Fenyesi
Colors Available:
Brindle color in black or red shade
marbled color, gray, , striped, black, bro spotted, stained
Coat:
Medium length and coarse
curly, dense
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Independent, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Protective, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
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.

mudiSometime between the 4th and 6th centuries, the Great Migration – a variety of dogs came to live in the Carpathian Mountains on the Great Hungarian Plain. This migration period brought sheepdogs and herders brought by shepherds. These dogs were of two sizes both small and large. The smaller ones were bred together – Pumi, Puli, and Mudi. Because of this, these breeds share the same history, with the Mundi being the oldest of them all.

The Mundi was finally separated from the other breeds about 1930 when Dr. Deszo Fenyesi began to breed them. It was in 1966 when the F.C.I. finally approved the standard for the breed. Still then as today, there were not many breeders developing the Mudi. They are working dogs – farm dogs – herders, guard dogs and ratters. He is also known as a tracker, with the majority of the breed living in Hungary.

As the Mudi was bred separately from the Pumi and the Puli, differences between the breeds became clear. Many Mudi are born with a stump or no tail at all. The Mudi is not a great dog for the first timer. He is stubborn, assertive and needs a lot of socialization and exercise. In 2004 breeders in the United States created the Mudi Club of America to preserve the breed and foster responsible ownership. This is a clever, active and keen breed, very loyal to his family but wary of strangers. The United Kennel Club recognized the breed in 2006.

In Hungary, these are still a breed of herding dogs capable of running 500 sheep at a time. They are versatile, courageous, intelligent and agile. They are great in obedience trials, agility, and flyball. In Finland and the United States, they also work as search and rescue dogs.

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.

mudi puppy - descriptionThis is a medium size dog with an almost square profile. They have erect ears on wedge-shaped heads. He is not a strong boned but medium boned. That square profile is based in large part on their very square stance. Their muzzle is about half the length of their head and they have what is considered a “dare devil” expression in their dark, almond-shaped eyes. The color of the eyes is important and must match with the color of the dog or the standard is not met.

Merle fur – brown, brown speckled, blue eyes.

Brown or gray-brown fur – Brown eyes

Gray fur – gray eyes

What is not acceptable is having yellow eyes and black fur; pink eyes and white fur. The lips, eye rims, and nose must all have the same pigmentation. This should be black in all but the brown and brown-grey dogs. These dogs have brown noses, eye rims, and lips. The tail can be almost anything from full to bob. All are considered to be natural lengths for a Mudi.

Their coat is self-cleaning and won’t mat. It is on the long side. In fact, a short, flat, smooth coat is a disqualification from the standard. The color of the coat ranges from white to brown to gray, gray-brown, merle, golden, cream and white. Very little markings of any kind are usual.

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.

Children friendliness

mudi dog - characteristicsYes, they are great with children and love being a part of a large family or “pack”.

Special talents

They are extremely versatile and great at herding and guarding.

Adaptability

They are adaptable if you are. They don’t need to live in the country, but they need space to run and play.

Learning ability

They are highly intelligent but a little stubborn. Their ability to learn is high but you have to be the boss.

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.

mudi puppies - health problemsThe Mudi does face several of the problems that medium to large dogs often face and some eye issues as well.

  • Hip and Elbow Dysplasia can cause arthritis and lameness.
  • Patellar Luxation (knee cap slippage) can also cause lameness.
  • Potential variety of eye issues.
  • Thyroiditis – an autoimmune deficiency.

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.

Feeding the puppy

mudi dogs - caringThe Mudi needs a high quality, medium breed puppy dry food and should be fed 3 or 4 times a day for a total of 1 and ½ to 2 cups.

Feeding the adult

The adult should be fed at least twice a day with an adult medium breed high-quality dry dog food. Don’t overfeed as the breed can have a tendency toward obesity.

Points for Good Health

They have great stamina and agility.

Games and Exercises

This is a working dog and like most herding dogs, they need a job and a lot of activity. Long walks every day and either a large yard or visits to a dog park. Involve them in herding activities or Barn Hunt if you can. Playing is their way of working when they are not herding real animals. So, if you want this breed, be sure you have time for playing with them. They are great at agility, flyball, obedience, frisbee trials, tracking and of course herding

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Mudi vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  3. Mudi vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Mudi vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Mudi vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Mudi vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Mudi vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Mudi vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Mudi vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Mudi vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Mudi vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Mudi vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Mudi vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Mudi vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Mudi vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Mudi vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Mudi vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Mudi vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Mudi vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Mudi vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Mudi vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Mudi vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Mudi vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Mudi vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Mudi 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