Patterdale Terrier vs Kai Ken - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

The 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.

The Patterdale was developed in England,with his origins being linked to an early breeder with the name Joe Bowman.

They were sought after for their prowess at guarding sheep from foxes. The dog was recognized by the United Kennel Club in 1995. It is believed the dog is descended from the Northern terrier breeds and can be traced far back.

The 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.

The Patterdale Terrier is a small sized dog that stands at between 25 and 40 cm in height and weighs 5 to 7kg.

The coat of the dog can be smooth, broken or rough, but all coats are double and weatherproof. Colors include red, liver, black, bronze, black and tan or chocolate and sometimes brindle. The ears are floppy and medium length and the tail is also medium length and held high, curving slightly. It used to be docked and then ¼ to 1/3 of the tail was removed.

Temperament:

The Patterdale Terrier is small but he is bold and confident and very energetic. He will certainly need to be in a household where the family members are active, busy people. Because he is strong-willed he will benefit from training and socialization which will make him obedient and able to behave well in different situations.

The 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.

Intelligent, courageous and feisty, the Patterdale Terrier is a dog that will get on well with everyone in the house. Those who are active and outdoor types will be the best kind of dog owners for this active, energetic dog.

The Patterdale is confident and strong willed and will do superbly well with some training and socialization. With lots of love and care, your Patterdale Terrier can make you an excellent family pet and companion.

With 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.

The good news is that terriers have few health problems and they can live to a ripe age. Just like other dogs, they can also battle with some of the common dog ailments there are.

Allergies:

Most allergens are foods, medicines or insects and exposure to the allergen can cause an over-reaction. In a dog, the most common symptom associated with allergies is itching of the skin. It can drive your pet mad as he licks and bites his skin. The symptoms of allergies can involve the respiratory system and he will have coughing and sneezing or even a discharge from the eyes.

Glaucoma:

Your Patterdales can also develop cataracts and glaucoma – two kinds of eye diseases. Glaucoma can unfortunately lead to blindness but something can be done if you recognize the signs. There are 2 main types of canine glaucoma, characterized by pressure inside the eye which can do damage to the retina and optic nerve – primary- and secondary glaucoma. Your vet will try to determine whether your pet has primary or secondary glaucoma to determine treatment.

Even 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.

Exercise:

Your Patterdale Terrier has a lot of energy, so as a responsible dog owner, you will need to see that he is exercised properly. This will include a walk every day as well as spending time throwing balls or a frisbee for him. He is a working breed and has been used to being mentally and physically stimulated.

Grooming:

The Patterdale Terrier isn’t a high maintenance dog and his coat will simply require a brush twice a week. Your pet can’t tell you about any pain he is experiencing so you will need to watch his body language.

Dogs can easily pick up an ear infection and this can be very painful. When you brush your pet, check inside his ears for signs of redness and discharge and check inside his mouth to see if you can spot any rotten teeth. Bad teeth can wreak havoc on his health. Keep the nails trimmed.

Diet:

If you intend feeding your pet commercially manufactured food, good and well because it is a convenient way to feed your pet, but make sure its a quality food. This will ensure your dog is getting in the right amount of vitamins and minerals.

To vary his diet just a bit, provide him with some home-made food such as boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, and some wholesome vegetables such as carrots, spinach and sweet potato. Dogs love the simplicity and nutritional value of food like this, and they don't have to worry about getting a stomach ache from strange foods. Try and include some raw meat into the kibble from time to time as well.

Never leave your Paatterdale Terrier without a constant supply of fresh cool water.