South Russian Ovcharka vs Kai Ken - Breed Comparison

South Russian Ovcharka vs Kai Ken - Breed ComparisonKai Ken is originated from Japan but South Russian Ovcharka is originated from Russia. Kai Ken may grow 10 cm / 3 inches shorter than South Russian Ovcharka. Kai Ken may weigh 30 kg / 66 pounds lesser than South Russian Ovcharka. Kai Ken may live 5 years more than South Russian Ovcharka. Both Kai Ken and South Russian Ovcharka has almost same litter size. Both Kai Ken and South Russian Ovcharka requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Herding dogs
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Japan
Russia
Height Male:
43 - 56 cm
16 - 23 inches
62 - 66 cm
24 - 26 inches
Height Female:
43 - 56 cm
16 - 23 inches
62 - 66 cm
24 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 22 kg
30 - 49 pounds
46 - 52 kg
101 - 115 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 22 kg
30 - 49 pounds
46 - 52 kg
101 - 115 pounds
Life Span:
14 - 16 Years
9 - 11 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 7
3 - 5
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Tiger Dog, Tora Inu
or South Russian Sheepdog, Ukrainian Shepherd Dog
Colors Available:
Brindle color in black or red shade
cream, greyish, yellowish, White
Coat:
Medium length and coarse
Long, thick, coarse, wavy
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
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.

south russian ovcharkaKnown also as the South Russian Sheepdog or the Ukranian Shepherd Dog, the South Russian Ovcharka’s history isn’t well established, and there are different stories to its history.

Whatever their history, this large dog is closely related to the wolf and has also been crossed with sight hound dogs. Their numbers have been under threat when their role as herding dog was no longer needed for rural life.

It was in the 1920s however that the breed’s numbers were restored and the UKC officially recognised the South Russian Ovcharka in 1996.

These dogs are classified within the Herding Dog Group.

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.

south russian ovcharka puppy - descriptionA large, big boned, well muscled herding dog, the South Russian Ovcharka stands at between 62 and 66cm in height and weighs between 46 and 52kg.

The dog has a thick, fairly coarse, weather-proof coat that can become long and this coat has always protected them from the harsh Russian winters.

He has small, floppy ears and the tail is medium length and also covered in thick fur.

Temperament:

These dogs need a lot of exercise and if you keep one as a pet he will need a lot of space to run and play. He guards his property too and makes a good watchdog.

He isn’t suited to living in small spaces in the city. He is a dominant, independent and strong willed dog so training and socialization will be important if you don’t want him to be unruly.

With the right kind of training, the South Russian Ovcharka can get along with pets and children in the home. He isn’t aggressive but he has strong guardian characteristics.

The first time dog owner would need to be firm, strong, confident, consistent and kind to handle this strong willed dog.

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.

south russian ovcharka dog - characteristicsThe South Russian Ovcharka may well be independent and strong headed but there is nothing that a little bit of training and socialization can’t do.

He is intelligent and will pick up some obedience commands easily. He is is dog that will like a strong, firm, consistent owner - someone who likes to include him in all the family activities.

He can get on with children but is better suited to life on a larger property as opposed to living in a small city place. Treat him with firmness and fairness and you’ll get yourself an excellent pet and companion.

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.

south russian ovcharka puppies - health problemsThis large breed has a lifespan of 9 to 11 years. Some of the health conditions to which this big dog can succumb are -

Hip Dysplasia:

This is something that affects many dogs, but particularly large dogs. When the hips haven’t formed properly, it can lead to pain, disability and arthritis.Lifestyle changes can help, like making sure your dog doesn’t pick up too much weight. For pain management you will need to get your pet to the vet.

Bloat:

Also known as Gastric Dilatation. The dog’s stomach fills with gas and can twist, and this in itself can be fatal. As soon as you see your pet pacing restlessly and he has a swollen stomach, he will need to get to the vet just as soon as possible.

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.

south russian ovcharka dogs - caringThe long coat is certainly going to need a good brush at least twice a week as it can so easily become matted.

Because he has floppy ears, you will need to check inside the ears that they aren’t showing signs of redness, indicating the possibility of a ear infection. Check at the same time for ticks and fleas.

Exercise:

This dog is going to need a good deal of exercise to keep him content. He will love a long walk out and about. Robust games will also need to be provided. It’s why he isn’t looked upon as a dog suited to the city. He needs a lot of space and can become frustrated and destructive if his exercise needs aren’t met.

Diet:

A dog is part of the family and he therefore deserves a good meal too. Good food is beneficial as it means your dog is less likely to get sick.

Like many dog owners, you’ll no doubt appreciate the convenience of commercially manufactured dog foods. You’ll need to choose the best one though because the inferior ones are made up of bad ingredients – fillers that have no goodness whatsoever.

To provide your South Russian Ovcharka with a tasty treat, try and give him some home-made food. Boiled chicken, rice or pasta, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach are simple and tasty and won’t trouble your dog’s stomach.

Chop some of it up and add a small portion of this into his dry kibble twice a week. Your dog’s wagging tail will tell you how much he loves it.

To avoid skin infections, try to include some raw meat into his diet too when you can. Make sure your dog has a constant supply of fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

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