Kai Ken vs Damchi - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Kai Ken is originated from Japan but Damchi is originated from Bhutan. Kai Ken may grow 13 cm / 6 inches higher than Damchi. Kai Ken may weigh 9 kg / 20 pounds more than Damchi. Both Kai Ken and Damchi has almost same life span. Both Kai Ken and Damchi has almost same litter size. Both Kai Ken and Damchi requires Moderate 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.

The exact origin of the Damchi isn’t particularly well documented but those who are interested say that the Damchi actually dates back as far as the 17th century, descending from different ancient Terrier- and Spaniel breeds.

It appears the dog comes from the Himalayan village of Damchi. The former King of Bhutan owned a Damchi and this dog has been featured on one of the country’s postage stamps. Today it is a loved dog in Bhutan, Asia while a few are found in Germany.

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.

The Damchi is a small to medium breed dog and is part of the toy group. The dog stands up to 43cm tall and can weight 13kg.

His silky coat comes in different colors such as black and white or tan, brown and fawn. He has a lot of long soft fur but its a dog that doesn’t shed much. He has ears which are high set and which flop down and the tail is long and feathery, curling over the back of the dog.

People who know the dog say that they are similar looking to the Tibetan Spaniel, although the Damchi is a bit longer and more sturdy.

Temerament:

Known also as the Bhutan Damchi or Bhutanese Damchi, the Damchi is an active dog that is intelligent and devoted to its human family, although he is known to be aloof with strangers.

Known for his playful, jaunty nature, he is a small dog that is full of character, wanting to be with- and to please his human family. Sweet and gentle, he gets on well with children and pets in the home and will turn out to be a good watchdog too.

They are intelligent dogs and easy to train and will easily respond to tasks given to him. He will benefit from being trained and socialized. He becomes obedient and will easily adapt to life in the city or the country, so long as he is close to his human family, providing them with ongoing entertainment.

He is a social, friendly breed that can suffer with separation anxiety and he will simply pine away if he is left in the backyard and ignored.

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.

The Damchi dog is such a robust, amicable little canine friend for anyone who appreciates his characteristics. Loving, loyal, social and friendly, the Damchi is one hang of a little dog.

He is fairly low maintenance, he won’t eat you out of the house and he isn’t a sickly dog. When you think of all the wonderful years of friendship he offers, anyone who chooses him won’t have one single regret.

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.

The Damchi is known to be a robust dog who doesn’t suffer from many health problems, but there are some common health issues that are good to know about so that you can get your pet some help.

Some of the common health problems are hip dysplasia, hypoglycemia, brachycephalic airway syndrome, epilepsy and dental disease.

Hypoglycemia:

A drop in blood sugar can be brought on by stress and this condition is more prevalent in toy breeds. If you find your Damchi lethargic, battling to walk properly or shivering, be aware of this drop in blood sugar as it can send your little dog into a fatal coma.Get him to the vet immediately.

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.

The Damchi is an active breed, who loves to be involved with everything his family is involved in. He will need to be provided with games and exercise as he is full of beans and will just love to go with you on your walks. Indoors or outdoors, he is always looking out for a game.

Grooming:

The Damchi has a long coat and to keep it silky and shiny it will require brushing twice a week to ensure no tangles and matting.

Dental disease is more prevalent in small dogs so prevent plaque build-up by ensuring you brush your pets teeth 2 or 3x a week.

Diet:

Your Damchi might have entertained you so much you may want to just give him one treat after the next. Be careful of feeding a small dog too much as a leaner dog lives a healthier, longer life free of many diseases.

Make sure you have your pet with you for 12, 13 or 14 years by ensuring he gets a bowl of nutritious food according to his size and age. With a well planned diet which consists of kibble, some home-made food such as brown rice, vegetables and chicken you’ll be doing your pet a tremendous favor by promoting good health. Never leave your pet without a bowl of fresh, cool water.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Toy dog
Origin:
Japan
Bhutan
Height Male:
43 - 56 cm
16 - 23 inches
39 - 43 cm
15 - 17 inches
Height Female:
43 - 56 cm
16 - 23 inches
39 - 43 cm
15 - 17 inches
Weight Male:
14 - 22 kg
30 - 49 pounds
9 - 13 kg
19 - 29 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 22 kg
30 - 49 pounds
9 - 13 kg
19 - 29 pounds
Life Span:
14 - 16 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 7
3 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Small dog
Other Names:
Tiger Dog, Tora Inu
Bhutan Damchi or Bhutanese Damchi
Colors Available:
Brindle color in black or red shade
Tan, Black, Brown, Red, Fawn
Coat:
Medium length and coarse
Long, silky and soft
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, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
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. Pomeranian vs Damchi - Breed Comparison
  27. Maltese vs Damchi - Breed Comparison
  28. Pug vs Damchi - Breed Comparison
  29. Maltipoo vs Damchi - Breed Comparison
  30. Papillon vs Damchi - Breed Comparison
  31. Japanese Chin vs Damchi - Breed Comparison
  32. Miniature English Bulldog vs Damchi - Breed Comparison
  33. Italian Greyhound vs Damchi - Breed Comparison
  34. Jug vs Damchi - Breed Comparison
  35. Miniature Pinscher vs Damchi - Breed Comparison
  36. Dorgi vs Damchi - Breed Comparison
  37. Dorkie vs Damchi - Breed Comparison
  38. German Spitz (Klein) vs Damchi - Breed Comparison
  39. Doxiepoo vs Damchi - Breed Comparison
  40. Damchi vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  41. Damchi vs Cockapoo - Breed Comparison
  42. Damchi vs Cavapoo - Breed Comparison
  43. Damchi vs Cavachon - Breed Comparison
  44. Damchi vs Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  45. Damchi vs Australian Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Damchi vs Belgian Griffon - Breed Comparison
  47. Damchi vs Carlin Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  48. Damchi vs Bospin - Breed Comparison
  49. Damchi vs Bantam Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  50. Damchi vs Cyprus Poodle - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds