In the 1930s, Japan named the Kai Ken—as well as its other five native dog breeds—a national treasure. And it turns out, there’s no better way to describe these loyal pups.

After millennia of crossbreeding and fine-tuning, it is widely accepted that there are just six breeds native to Japan: Shiba Inu, Hokkaido Inu, Kai Ken, Shikoku Ken, Kishu Ken and Akita Inu.

The Kai Ken is a relatively clean dog, so baths shouldn’t be needed very often. Twice a year, the Kai Ken will lose their undercoat, resulting in much more shedding.

3. Kai (Kai Ken) The Kai Ken breed is sometimes called a tiger dog because if the brindle or stripe-like pattern of its coat. These medium sized dogs have a short coat that serves as camouflage in ...

You have to respect a country that has designated not one—but SIX—dogs as national natural monuments. Get to know the noble breeds known as Nihon Ken, as well as two other native Japanese dog ...

The Nihon Ken Hozonkai, or NIPPO, is roughly translated to The Japanese Dog Preservation Society. It was formed in 1928 with the goal of preserving and promoting the six native Japanese dog breeds ...