Kai Ken vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison

Kai Ken vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed ComparisonKai Ken is originated from Japan but Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) is originated from Belgium. Kai Ken may grow 10 cm / 3 inches shorter than Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois). Kai Ken may weigh 12 kg / 26 pounds lesser than Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois). Both Kai Ken and Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) has almost same life span. Kai Ken may have less litter size than Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois). Kai Ken requires Moderate maintenance. But Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) requires Low maintenance

History

kai ken - historyThe 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.

belgian shepherd dog malinois - historyThe Belgian Malinois is one of 4 Belgian Shepherd varieties. The dogs were developed- and hail from Belguim. The Malinois has a short, fawn colored coat. The American Kennel Club recognizes that the Malinois is a separate breed from the other 3 varieties. It was in 1892 that Professor Reul wrote the first Belgian Shepherd Dog standard, recognizing 3 varieties – dogs with short coats, dogs with long coats and dogs with rough coats.

Today's Malinois goes back to a breeding pair owned by Adrien Janssens. It was in 1885 that he bought a fawn, rough-haired dog, breeding the dog with a short-haired dog named Lise de Laeken. After other breedings, the two dogs were recognized as ancestors of the modern Belgian Shepherd Dogs.

The city of Malines formed a club for the promotion of these fawn short hairs and the name Malinois became synonymous with them. In March 1992, the American Belgian Malinois Club received AKC parent club status.

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.

Similarities to German Shepherd

belgian shepherd dog malinois puppy - descriptionThe Malinois is a medium-size Belgian shepherd dog. People sometimes mistake them for the German Shepherd as they are fairly similar to look at. The Malinois however is a smaller, lighter boned dog with naturally upright ears and a black-masked face. He is shorthaired and fawn-colored with black tips on the hairs, although other colors are brown or red too. He is an intelligent and active dog, always having been used for herding-, police- and rescue work.

Reserved or Friendly

You’ll find the Malinois somewhat unpredictable as some are friendly and confident while other can be shy and withdrawn around strangers. This is a dog who loves to be around his human family, but to bring out the best in him, training and socialization classes will be necessary. Well-socialized Malinois are always good with children and other pets, more so if they’ve been raised with them.

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.

belgian shepherd dog malinois dog - characteristicsThe Belgian Malinois makes a wonderful guard dog and he works hard to ensure that his human family, whom he adores, are well protected under his watch. They’re such intelligent dogs too that you may feel inclined to pass over some of your chores to him.

He responds well to training, and to get the best from this breed, start with training and socialization as soon as you bring your puppy home.

Socialization is excellent as it introduces your puppy to different people, animals as well as situations.

He is an adaptable dog and can live in an apartment if he is well exercised. He can be your devoted and loyal friend for a good number of years but you will have to do your part in providing him with the best care possible.

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.

belgian shepherd dog malinois puppies - health problemsBelgian Malinois are generally healthy dogs. However every dog, regardless of breed, can pick up illnesses, and it is always wise to be aware of some of the diseases your Malinois might face.

Hip Dysplasia

An inherited condition where the thigh bone doesn't fit properly into the hip joint. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

A degenerative eye disorder that can lead to blindness.

Dental problems

Brush his teeth at least 2 or 3 times a week to remove tartar build-up. Too much plague leads to inflamed gums, bad breath, pus inside the mouth and even loss of teeth.

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.

Regular Brushing as he’s a Shedder

belgian shepherd dog malinois dogs - caringBecause the Malinois is a constant shedder, with a couple of heavy shedding periods during the year, you’ll need to be conscientious with his grooming and brush him at least twice a week to get rid of loose hairs and to give his thick coat a glossy, healthy look to it.

Exercise

Because of their high energy, Malinois aren’t recommended for couch-potato type owners. It will be cruel to buy such a dog and to leave him to waste away with boredom and frustration in your back yard. He’ll want lots of rough and tumble, ball games, runs in the park or in the country and long walks.

Feeding

Belgian Shepherd Malinois puppies are vulnerable when they’re tiny, and it would be wise to speak to your vet about superb nutrition to build up a puppy’s immune system.

An excellent way to ensure the health of your growing Malinois is to give him a home prepared meals along with commercially manufactured food recommended by your vet. You can’t just put a bowl of commercially manufactured dog food in front of him day after day month after month.

Apart from what your vet recommends, give him some brown rice, some cooked vegetables and some raw meat. Raw meat will ensure he can fight of skin infections. The age of the dog, emotional state and environmental influences can all play a role in skin diseases with dogs, but by ensuring some raw meat in his diet, the immune system is strengthened and skin disorders are eliminated. Always ensure a steady supply of fresh water.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Herding dogs
Origin:
Japan
Belgium
Height Male:
43 - 56 cm
16 - 23 inches
61 - 66 cm
24 - 26 inches
Height Female:
43 - 56 cm
16 - 23 inches
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 22 kg
30 - 49 pounds
29 - 34 kg
63 - 75 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 22 kg
30 - 49 pounds
25 - 34 kg
55 - 75 pounds
Life Span:
14 - 16 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 7
6 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Tiger Dog, Tora Inu
Mali,Berger Belge Malinois, Mechelse Berger
Colors Available:
Brindle color in black or red shade
Fawn-colored with black tips on the hairs, brown or red
Coat:
Medium length and coarse
short and dense
Shedding:
Moderate, Seasonal
Constant, Seasonal
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, Social, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Sakhalin Husky vs Kai Ken - Breed Comparison
  2. Portuguese Water Dog vs Kai Ken - Breed Comparison
  3. Puli vs Kai Ken - Breed Comparison
  4. McNab vs Kai Ken - Breed Comparison
  5. Porcelaine vs Kai Ken - Breed Comparison
  6. Hokkaido vs Kai Ken - Breed Comparison
  7. Petit Bleu de Gascogne vs Kai Ken - Breed Comparison
  8. Pumi vs Kai Ken - Breed Comparison
  9. Karelian Bear Dog vs Kai Ken - Breed Comparison
  10. Karelo-Finnish Laika vs Kai Ken - Breed Comparison
  11. Kintamani vs Kai Ken - Breed Comparison
  12. Osterreichischer Kurzhaariger Pinscher vs Kai Ken - Breed Comparison
  13. Russo-European Laika vs Kai Ken - Breed Comparison
  14. Ryukyu Inu vs Kai Ken - Breed Comparison
  15. Seppala Siberian Sleddog vs Kai Ken - Breed Comparison
  16. Serbian Mountain Hound vs Kai Ken - Breed Comparison
  17. Shiba Inu vs Kai Ken - Breed Comparison
  18. Sulimov vs Kai Ken - Breed Comparison
  19. Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher vs Kai Ken - Breed Comparison
  20. Tahltan Bear Dog vs Kai Ken - Breed Comparison
  21. Kai Ken vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  22. Kai Ken vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  23. Kai Ken vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  24. Kai Ken vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  25. Kai Ken vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  26. Pembroke Welsh Corgi vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  27. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  29. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  30. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  31. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  32. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  33. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Australian Stumpy Tail Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  34. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Laekenois) - Breed Comparison
  35. Collie vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  36. Dutch Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  37. Blue Healer vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  38. English Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  39. Catahoula Cur vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  40. Catalan Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  41. Pyrenean Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  42. Bergamasco vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  43. Berger Picard vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  44. Appenzell Mountain Dog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  45. Queensland Heeler vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  46. German Coolie vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  47. Bohemian Shepherd vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  48. Croatian Sheepdog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  49. Red Heeler vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  50. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds