
🐶 Dog · size Medium
Kai (dog)
dog breed
Photo · Wikipedia FR (CC BY-SA)

Weight
5–30 kg
Size
Medium
Lifespan
11–14 ans
Energy
Très élevé
Coat
Bringé noir, bringé rouge ou bringé
Maintenance
Élevé
Training
Moyen
The Kai, also called Kai Tora-ken (甲斐犬), is a dog breed originating from Japan of spitz type with brindle coat. It is a very rare breed.
Profile
At a glance
Energy
Très élevé
Trainability
Modéré
Maintenance
Élevé
Indicative profile — every animal is an individual.
⚡ Key facts in 30 seconds
L'essentiel
- 1Medium size (5-30 kg) — balance between presence and practicality.
- 2Life expectancy: 11 to 14 years on average, depending on hygiene and diet.
- 3Very high energy level — plan for 1.5+ hours of daily exercise minimum.
- 4Regular grooming — brushing 3 to 5 times per week.
Chapter 1
Getting to know the Kai (dog)
Origins & history
A story told
This breed derives its origin from medium-sized dogs that once existed in Japan. It established itself in the Kai province. The pronounced tendency of the Kai to hunt in packs may have helped to preserve the purity of the breed. The breed was declared a 'Natural Monument' in 1934.
Character
Daily temperament
The temperament is described as keen and very alert in the breed standard.
Physical
Breed standard
The Kai is a medium-sized dog, well-proportioned. It is of robust build with well-developed musculature. The limbs are vigorous and the hocks are particularly well developed. The eyes are fairly small, almost triangular in shape and dark brown in color. Slightly larger than those of other Japanese breeds, the triangular ears slightly inclined forward are medium in size, firmly erect. The thick tail is strongly curled or carried curved over the back in a sickle shape. The tip of the tail almost reaches the level of the hock when lowered. The topcoat is rough and straight, short with a soft and dense undercoat. The accepted colors are black brindle, red brindle or brindle. Puppies are born solid-colored and become brindle as they grow: this is a characteristic trait of the breed.
What if you adopted your future companion?
The Kai (dog) of your dreams may already be waiting in a shelter. Hundreds of kai (dog) (and equally wonderful crossbreeds) are looking for a family in France — every adoption starts a new story.
Editorial recommendation — no affiliate links.
Âge
What human age for a kai (dog) ?
The calculator is already set to the breed's adult size (espérance de vie 11–14 ans). Drag the slider to see the equivalence and corresponding life stage.
10 à 22 kg — a giant dog ages significantly faster than a small dog after maturity.
Equivalent human age
29years
Adulte
Most stable period. Monthly weigh-in, annual vet visit, dental care — this determines quality of life in later years.
Method: AVMA table: 15 human years in year one, +9 in year two, then +5 per year for a moyen dog.
These equivalences are statistical benchmarks drawn from published veterinary tables. Every animal ages at its own pace, depending on genetics, diet and care. This calculator is neither a diagnosis nor veterinary advice.
Alert
To avoid for dog
Our database lists toxic ingredients and problematic additives by species.
- low-fat cocoa powderModerate
- maltitolModerate
- cocoa pasteModerate
- onion piecesModerate
Calculator · daily ration
How much to give a kai (dog) ?
Estimate based on the veterinary formula RER × DER, adjusted for dog. Adjust according to package recommendations.
Result
221 g
per day · 839 kcal
111 g / repas (2 par jour)
Calculation for food of 380 kcal/100g.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Kai (dog)
Is a Kai (dog) suitable for apartment living?+
How much exercise per day for a Kai (dog)?+
What is the life expectancy of a Kai (dog)?+
Is a Kai (dog) good with children?+
If you like this dog
Breeds with similar profiles
For more information
Sources & official links
Supplementary documentation on reference sites — breed clubs, encyclopedias, veterinarians.
The right score for your Kai (dog).
SokoScan calculates a personalized PawScore based on breed, age, weight and your pet's sensitivities. Free, instant.






