Kai

FCI standard Nº 317

Origin
Japan
Group
Group 5 Spitz and primitive type
Section
Section 5 Asian Spitz and related breeds
Working
Without working trial
Acceptance on a definitive basis by the FCI
Monday 01 February 1982
Publication of the official valid standard
Sunday 30 October 2016
Last update
Thursday 09 February 2017
En français, cette race se dit
Kai
Diese Norm ist in deutscher Sprache sichtbar
Kai
En español, esta raza se dice
Kai
In het Nederlands, wordt dit ras gezegd
Kai

Usage

Hunting dog, companion.

Brief historical summary

This breed originated from medium-sized dogs that existed in Japan in the ancient times. It became established as a breed in the Kai district (Yamanashi Prefecture), which is surrounded by mountains. Another name for this breed is « Kai tora-ken ». A distinguishing feature in this dog is its brindled coat. These dogs are used mainly for hunting wild boar and deer. Their strong inclination to form a pack is thought to contribute towards maintaining the purity of the breed. The breed was designated as a « natural monument » in 1934.

General appearance

Medium-sized dog, well balanced, sturdily built, muscles well developed. The dog has the characteristics of a dog living in mountainous districts of Japan. Limbs strong and hocks remarkably developed.

Important proportions

The ratio of height at withers to length of body is 10 : 11, but the body can be slightly longer in bitches.

Behaviour / temperament

The temperament is keen and very alert.

Head

Cranial region

Skull
Forehead broad. 
Stop
Abrupt with slight furrow.

Facial region

Nose
Black, nasal bridge straight.
Muzzle
Pointed, not very long, but moderately thick.
Lips
Tight.
Jaws and teeth
Strong with a scissor bite.
Cheeks
Well developed.
Eyes
Nearly triangular and dark brown in colour. The outer corners of the eyes are slightly upturned.
Ears
Triangular, slightly inclining forward and firmly pricked.

Neck

Thick, powerful and muscular.

Body

Withers
High.
Back
Straight and short.
Loin
Broad and muscular.
Chest
Deep, ribs moderately sprung.
Underline and belly
Slightly tucked up.

Tail

Set on high, thick, vigorously curled or carried curved like a sickle over the back. Tip nearly reaching the hocks when let down.

Limbs

Forequarters

Shoulders
Moderately sloping with developed muscles.
Upper arm
Forming a moderate angle with shoulder blade.
Elbows
Close to the body.
Forearm
Straight, heavy and muscular.
Pastern
Slightly oblique.

Hindquarters

Generality
Well developed, strong and moderately angulated.
Hock
Tough and elastic.

Feet

Toes well arched and tightly knit; pads thick and elastic; nails hard and preferably dark in colour.

Gait and movement

Light and resilient.

Coat

Hair
Outer coat harsh and straight; undercoat soft and dense. The hair on the tail is fairly long and off-standing.
Colour
Black brindle, red brindle and brindle. As a feature of this breed, solid colour in puppyhood may turn brindle as the dog grows.

Size and weight

Height at withers
Males 50 cm. Females 45 cm. There is a tolerance of ± 3 cm.

Faults

• Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and its ability to perform its traditional work.
• Faults listed should be in degree of seriousness.

General faults

 Lack of sexual dimorphism.
 Light-coloured nose.
 Slightly overshot or undershot mouth.
 Light-coloured eyes.
 Long or short hair.
 Shyness.

Disqualifying faults

 Aggressive or overly shy.
 Extremely overshot or undershot mouth.
 Ears not pricked.
 Hanging tail, short tail.
 Faded colour.
 Coat with many white spots.
 Pinto colour.

NB :

• Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified.
• The above mentioned faults when occurring to a highly marked degree or frequently are disqualifying.
• Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
• Only functionally and clinically healthy dogs, with breed typical conformation should be used for breeding.

Bibliography

https://www.fci.be/

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