Tahltan Bear Dog vs Kai Ken - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Tahltan Bear Dog vs Kai Ken - Breed ComparisonKai Ken is originated from Japan but Tahltan Bear Dog is originated from Canada. Kai Ken may grow 13 cm / 6 inches higher than Tahltan Bear Dog. Kai Ken may weigh 13 kg / 29 pounds more than Tahltan Bear Dog. Both Kai Ken and Tahltan Bear Dog has almost same life span. Both Kai Ken and Tahltan Bear Dog has almost same litter size. Kai Ken requires Moderate Maintenance. But Tahltan Bear Dog requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
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Japan
Canada
Height Male:
43 - 56 cm
16 - 23 inches
36 - 43 cm
14 - 17 inches
Height Female:
43 - 56 cm
16 - 23 inches
36 - 43 cm
14 - 17 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 22 kg
30 - 49 pounds
6 - 9 kg
13 - 20 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 22 kg
30 - 49 pounds
6 - 9 kg
13 - 20 pounds
Life Span:
14 - 16 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 7
3 - 5
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Tiger Dog, Tora Inu
Chien d'ours de Tahlta
Colors Available:
Brindle color in black or red shade
Brown, some white, black
Coat:
Medium length and coarse
Short to medium length, thick
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, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low 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.

tahltan bear dogThe primitive Tahltan Bear Dog comes from Canada. The dog was developed by the Tahltan people to hunt bears, so you can imagine he was a strong, brave dog.

They also had fox-like yaps that confused bears until the hunter could come and kill the bear. These dogs are descended from pariah-type dogs with their diet being birds and fish.

It was in 1988 that the Canadian Post Office honoured the Tahltan Bear Dog by having a picture of it appearing on a stamp.

Some people claim that after the 1960s there are no longer any living descendants while others say that breeding projects were established and that there are still a few of these dogs around today. There are records on the other hand that claim the dog became extinct in the 1970s.

These dogs have been recognized by the American Kennel Club.

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.

tahltan bear dog puppy - descriptionNot like a bear, but more foxy in appearance or even more like a husky, the Tahltan Bear dog is medium sized, standing at between 36 – 43cm in height and weighing between 6 – 9 kg.

It is believed that they were similar to spitz and pariah type dogs, and were athletic. The short to medium length coat of the dog was mainly black or brown with some white.

He had fairly large pointed, erect ears and also a fairly pointed muzzle. The tail was interesting and was short and furry and always carried erect.

Temperament:

The Tahltan Bear Dog is fearless, not being deterred when meeting large bear. It's why the dog has been valued by hunters – their bravery and fearlessness.

They’re great family dogs too and will get on well with children. He is intelligent and easy to train if you want to give him training and socialization.

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.

tahltan bear dog dog - characteristicsBecause some claim that this dog is extinct, there are only a few accounts of what he is actually like.

Even though they were hunting dogs, they were devoted pets and companions of the people of the Yukon.

If these dogs are still to be found today, you will find them to be easy going, protective, loyal, intelligent, playful, alert, watchful and energetic. Just don’t allow them to get too hot as they prefer cooler climates.

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.

tahltan bear dog puppies - health problemsHealthy dogs are unlikely to pick up any of the many common dog illnesses there are. There are many – cancer, diabetes, bloat, hip dysplasia, ear infections, dental disease and many more.

Kennel Cough:

This is a contagious and infectious disease known as canine tracheobronchitis and which is transmitted through the air. Treatment is usually administered as a nasal spray, but your dog will need to get to the vet because of his dry, honking cough and lack of appetite.

Rabies:

This is a viral disease which in most instances is fatal. It is mostly transmitted when an animal that carries the disease bites the dog. Your dog develops behavior which is totally uncharacteristic of him. He'll also froth at the mouth and become aggressive. Death is nearly always guaranteed.

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.

Grooming:

tahltan bear dog dogs - caringThis double coated hunting dog’s thick coarse coat will require brushing at least twice a week to free the dog of loose hair. He is regarded as a low mainenance dog.

During brushing, you would check inside his ears and make sure there are no signs of redness. Eyes of the dog should be bright, eager and free of discharge.Always keep the nails of the dog trimmed.

If you keep your pet outside for any lengths of time it is imperative that this dog has shade to lie down in as he doesn’t do well in too much heat.

Exercise:

Because he is a hunting dog, he is used to being outdoors and being active. He wont be content to lie around inactive for too long. He’ll want at least a walk every day and some ball games.

Diet:

A pet dog can’t choose his own food so they depend on us to make the right choices for them. It’s always convenient to have a packet of commercially manufactured dog food available, but who knows if this dog, which some claim is extinct, ever ate commercially manufactured food.

If he did, you would want to mix it every now and again with home made food - boiled chicken, sweet potatoes, brown rice or pasta, carrots and spinach. This food could be chopped up and added to the dog’s kibble.

Ensure that a constant supply of fresh, cool water is available to him.

Comparison with other breeds

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  26. Tahltan Bear Dog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Tahltan Bear Dog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Tahltan Bear Dog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Tahltan Bear Dog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Tahltan Bear Dog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Tahltan Bear Dog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Tahltan Bear Dog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Tahltan Bear Dog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Tahltan Bear Dog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Tahltan Bear Dog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Tahltan Bear Dog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Tahltan Bear Dog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Tahltan Bear Dog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Tahltan Bear Dog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Tahltan Bear Dog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Tahltan Bear Dog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Tahltan Bear Dog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Tahltan Bear Dog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Tahltan Bear Dog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Tahltan Bear Dog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Tahltan Bear Dog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Tahltan Bear Dog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Tahltan Bear Dog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Tahltan Bear Dog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Tahltan Bear Dog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison