# Functional Preservation: The Kai Ken & Japanese Breeds with Brad Anderson

> Brad Anderson discusses the functional preservation of Japanese hunting breeds, specifically the Kai Ken and Tosa Inu, contrasting their working history with modern show standards and detailing his breeding program's focus on gameness and environmental adaptation.

### Breed Philosophy & Preservation

* **Functional Preservation vs. Show Standards**: My primary goal is preserving the "function" of these breeds rather than just their form. The show ring (Nippo) often selects for traits that are detrimental to working ability, whereas the preservation societies (Kai Ken Aigokai) focus on maintaining the original hunting purpose. [02:15]
* **The "Landrace" Concept**: I view these dogs as a landrace—a locally adapted variety—rather than a strict "breed" in the Western kennel club sense. This allows for more genetic diversity and focus on working traits like gameness and intelligence over cosmetic uniformity. [05:40]
* **Kennel Blindness & Retirement Model**: To avoid "kennel blindness" (losing objectivity about your own dogs), I place my dogs in hunting homes after their breeding career or if they don't make the cut. This ensures they are proven workers in the real world, not just in my backyard. If a dog can't hunt, it shouldn't be bred, regardless of how good it looks. [12:30]

### The Kai Ken: Ginko & The Bear Dogs

* **Importing Ginko**: I imported **Ginko** from the last remaining commercial bear-hunting kennel in Japan. He represents a genetic line that was culled for extreme gameness and tenacity against bears, traits that are fading in the general population. [18:45]
* **Climbing Ability & Terrain**: The Kai Ken is uniquely adapted to steep, mountainous terrain. Unlike hounds that might struggle on sheer cliffs, Kai Ken can climb trees and navigate vertical rock faces. This makes them indispensable for hunting serow and bear in the Japanese Alps. [22:10]
* **Temperament**: Contrary to the "primitive" label, Kai Ken are incredibly handler-focused. They are not independent rangers like the Kishu or Laika; they check in constantly. This bond is critical for hunting in dangerous terrain where you need the dog to work *with* you, not just for itself. [25:55]

### The Tosa Inu: Myths vs Reality

* **Temperament Reality**: The public perception of the Tosa as a mindless man-eater is false. In my experience, they are sensitive, thoughtful dogs. They bond deeply with their family and are not inherently aggressive towards humans unless threatened. [31:20]
* **Role as Catch Dogs**: I use Tosa as catch dogs for boar. Their size and jaw strength allow them to hold a large boar effectively, protecting the bay dogs (like the Kai or Plott). They are not fighting dogs in my pack; they are functional working tools. [34:05]
* **Pack Dynamics**: A well-socialized Tosa can live in a pack. I run them with my hounds and other breeds. The aggression seen in fighting lines is a specific selection, not the breed's default state when bred for hunting or guardianship. [36:50]

### Management Logistics & Environment

* **LGD Integration**: **Luytiy**, my Caucasian Ovcharka, serves as the Livestock Guardian Dog (LGD) for the property. He protects the pack and the premises from predators (coyotes, bears, mountain lions). His role is distinct from the hunting dogs; he is the shield, they are the sword. [42:15]
* **American Hounds**: I run **Ike** and **Smokey**, my Plott Hounds, alongside the Japanese breeds. The Plott brings a different style of "nose" and baying ability that complements the visual and silent tracking of the Kai. Mixing these styles creates a more versatile hunting team. [45:30]
* **Environmental Variables**: Our terrain is high-altitude, rugged mountains. This environment naturally selects for sound structure. A dog with bad hips or weak nerves simply cannot survive or work here. The mountains are the first filter in my breeding program. [48:10]

### Genetic History & Working Selection

* **Yamabushi & Hakuzan Bloodlines**: My kennel names, **Yamabushi** and **Hakuzan**, reflect the mountainous origins of these dogs. I select breeding pairs based on their ability to perform in this specific environment.
* **Nippo vs. Aigokai**: I prioritize Aigokai registration and standards for Kai Ken because they are the working registry. Nippo has drifted too far towards the show ring, losing the "oni" (demon) character that defines a true working Kai. [52:00]
* **Gameness**: This is the non-negotiable trait. A dog must have the "heart" to stay in the fight with a bear or boar. You cannot train gameness; it is genetic. Ginko is the epitome of this trait—he will not back down. [55:45]

## Details

- **Category:** Interviews and media
- **Tags:** kai-ken, tosa-inu, kishu-ken, west-siberian-laika, shikoku, plott-hound, trigg-hound, preservation, hunting, lgd, breeding, genetics, management, import, gameness, landrace, nippo, aigokai
- **Date:** 2024-03-22
- **Originally published at:** [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-j4asohOoc](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-j4asohOoc)

**Also read:** [All writing](https://bradanderson.org/writing?format=md) · [About Brad](https://bradanderson.org/about?format=md)

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