tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-42880400465456744172024-03-14T01:20:43.293+09:00Kai Ken: The Tora Inu<br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br><br>The Kai Ken, also known as the Tora Inu or Tiger Dog, is an ancient spitz type breed that originated in the mountainous Kai district of Japan.
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These brindle coated hunting dogs of the matagi were designated a living natural monument in 1934. One of the most rare of the Japanese breeds, Kai Ken are still used today for hunting wild boar, deer, and pheasant.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger137125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288040046545674417.post-18977342675076004582011-01-10T00:31:00.001+09:002011-01-10T00:34:23.395+09:00Moving OnMay the old year wash away as the new year flows in. I am a leaf floating on the river of life. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_y98rYcy7aeQ/TSnUp3D4edI/AAAAAAAAATk/wF_QCj9dboU/s1600/forTora.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="288" width="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_y98rYcy7aeQ/TSnUp3D4edI/AAAAAAAAATk/wF_QCj9dboU/s320/forTora.jpg" /></a></div><br />
I figured it was time to change the name of my blog to reflect the fact that I blog about all the Japanese dog breeds, and not just the Kai. So here it is, the same me, the same dogs, new blog. <a href="http://nihonken.blogspot.com/">http://nihonken.blogspot.com</a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288040046545674417.post-71211286429000948472011-01-09T12:14:00.000+09:002011-01-09T12:14:45.154+09:00Available Shikoku BoysYesterday I went to see some Shikoku pups born at a friend's kennel on the 17th of November. They were all very friendly inquisitive little guys. There are still 2 males from this litter available if anyone is interested. They all look healthy, no faults visible at this time, and they come from some very good blood lines.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5337394769/" title="DSC_0005 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5090/5337394769_a15371eb39.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="DSC_0005" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5338007222/" title="DSC_0009 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5288/5338007222_d7deae4272.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_0009" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5338007512/" title="DSC_0018 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5167/5338007512_1ec65c65e9.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_0018" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5338008094/" title="DSC_0034 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5010/5338008094_5d9853edea.jpg" width="333" height="500" alt="DSC_0034" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5338007822/" title="DSC_0030 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5085/5338007822_57dc395f62.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_0030" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5337396271/" title="DSC_0036 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5163/5337396271_32a38ee60b.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_0036" /></a><br />
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Feel free to mail me at kato.the.walrus@gmail.com with any questions.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288040046545674417.post-27989521472995572092011-01-05T11:39:00.000+09:002011-01-05T11:39:06.101+09:00Happy New YearGoodbye 2010. Worst year of my life so far, but I have to admit it wasn't all bad. I met a lot of people through my dogs and blogs, made a lot of great friends.<br />
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Here's to 2011. May this year be better than the last. Best wishes to everyone out there reading this. I hope for nothing but the best for you and your pups.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5325881114/" title="201101010656001 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5208/5325881114_e9e604d04d.jpg" width="320" height="240" alt="201101010656001" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288040046545674417.post-59653023872461992722010-12-23T15:40:00.000+09:002010-12-23T15:40:04.856+09:00And I'm BackSo my break was rather short lived... a month and a touch?<br />
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Time heals all things, and apparently in my old age I'm healing faster. It's been a crazy year, probably the toughest (not sure if I should say worst) I've experienced yet, but the good news is that there is only another week left. What more could go wrong right? KNOCK ON WOOD!!! <br />
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Christmas is around the corner and I even broke out our sad little tree. I've got a boar leg brining, a duck marinading (and a back up chicken in case I fail), apple crumble, mash potatoes, and some other tasties in the works. For a guy who was doing his best to ignore Christmas, I've been thoroughly infected with Christmas cheer.<br />
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I'd like to say everything's been good while I've been blog silent, but in the interim period I lost Momo to a traffic accident while we were hunting. She's been sorely missed and for a while there I thought I was going to lose it. Baron and Haru are fine, but without Momo we've had a rough hunting season so far.<br />
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Bygones. Life flows on and I must make the most of it.<br />
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Hit the mountains hard yesterday with a friend and my youngest brother. My friend brought his litter of Kishu pups, littermates to a female that went to Gen in the states. They got to play around a bit, and since we pulled in a boar yesterday, they got their first whiff of boar skin. I think these girls will make great hunters. There are still 4 females available in the litter.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5284444545/" title="DSC_0041 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5289/5284444545_60810a6c15.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_0041" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5284443847/" title="DSC_0022 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5284/5284443847_bac81d2e8e.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_0022" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5284443151/" title="DSC_0015 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5046/5284443151_b62a9fdc6f.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_0015" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5285043436/" title="DSC_0044 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5007/5285043436_5e2b1f5a4b.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_0044" /></a><br />
<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5284446043/" title="DSC_0051 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5243/5284446043_aa3cef2927.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_0051" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288040046545674417.post-36742528469491461562010-11-20T19:06:00.000+09:002010-11-20T19:06:12.392+09:00Taking A BreakI've got a lot on my plate right now, a lot of personal issues to resolve. Unfortunately it means I will be taking a break from blogging (not that I'm that regular anyway).<br />
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Thanks to all of you for following my blog. I'll be back badder then ever once I've recharged a bit.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288040046545674417.post-42749474998866437902010-11-13T20:28:00.004+09:002010-11-13T22:40:25.791+09:00Puppy Pictures From TodaySo today was a puppy filled day. I had some vet trips to make with several pups going overseas. Afterwards I got them all out for a good romp. Unfortunately this led to them finding mud. If there is mud, puppies will find it.<br />
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Here are two girls going to Canada<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5171070991/" title="DSC_0822 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0822" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4107/5171070991_8281e57fdb.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5171070021/" title="DSC_0813 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0813" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4104/5171070021_49852750a4.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5171070373/" title="DSC_0816 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0816" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4149/5171070373_e74874c3d6.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5171670984/" title="DSC_0806 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0806" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4148/5171670984_5cd5b57bd5.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Here's a few of Kaiju, going to the States<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5171669430/" title="DSC_0778 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0778" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4149/5171669430_318ce503ca.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5171671992/" title="DSC_0821 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/5171671992_bbf83edc84.jpg" width="500" height="333" alt="DSC_0821" /></a><br />
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And some group shots<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5171669932/" title="DSC_0792 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0792" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/5171669932_7e1ed0300c.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5171068961/" title="DSC_0795 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0795" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/5171068961_0915b27575.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5171670638/" title="DSC_0802 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0802" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4133/5171670638_48437085fa.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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With this many Shikoku pictures and posts I'm going to have to rename my blog!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288040046545674417.post-68330670301895727782010-11-11T18:49:00.000+09:002010-11-11T18:49:23.338+09:00Short VideoJust a short vid snapped on my mobile of Kai Ken pup Cody (going to Denmark), and Shikoku Ken pup Kaiju (going to the States).<br />
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Watching these two play together is a riot, and it sounds like one too.<br />
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<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/A6CZ-P_j8hA?fs=1&hl=ja_JP"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/A6CZ-P_j8hA?fs=1&hl=ja_JP" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288040046545674417.post-20941785288851520142010-11-08T22:49:00.000+09:002010-11-08T22:49:23.103+09:00KKA Tenrankai 2010 FallSo Sunday was the KKA Tenrankai (exhibition). There's one every Spring and Fall. It was a beautiful day though it did end up getting a little warm for the dogs. I took all of mine with me as it's a long trip out and I wasn't sure what time I'd get home. As it goes, it was a good thing I did. We ended up in a 50km traffic jam on the way home.<br />
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There's not really much to say about the day. I guess I've been to quite a few Tenrankai's now, and this one rolled on as they all do. There seemed to be a few less dogs/onlookers than usual, probably due to the fact that they had to postpone it a week because of the typhoon that rolled through on the 31st.<br />
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I was happy to be there though. Did manage to see a male that I really liked, and getting to hang out with friends is always a pleasure. At lunch I was invited to several BBQ's hosted by friends, one of whom whipped up a terrific stew filled with boar that I had given him a couple weeks ago.<br />
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Without further ado, here are some pictures.<br />
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Hana, a friend's female and dam to a pup (Kumi) that went overseas earlier this year. She was entered in the overall champion category, but unfortunately did not win.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5156407557/" title="DSC_0451 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0451" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4132/5156407557_eedb034e0b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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2 young males, siblings out of a litter born at a friend's kennel<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5157018844/" title="DSC_0461 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0461" height="333" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1314/5157018844_b6a991c09b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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The male on the right in the last picture. I prefer him to his brother.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5156409295/" title="DSC_0470 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0470" height="333" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1433/5156409295_2b43c5cf88.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5157020318/" title="DSC_0488 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0488" height="333" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1063/5157020318_869cef7e9e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Mao, a friend's male, and sire to a pup that went overseas earlier this year.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5156410861/" title="DSC_0504 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0504" height="333" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1095/5156410861_df518c4fd3.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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A couple of big game hunting Kai owned by a friend.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5156411803/" title="DSC_0519 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0519" height="333" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1438/5156411803_79df3c3882.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Someone was falling asleep in the ring.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5156412209/" title="DSC_0538 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0538" height="333" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1344/5156412209_37edd1396b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Eishin, a friend's male and former overall champion. He is also the sire of two pups that went to the States last week (Ayu/Tora).<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5157022576/" title="DSC_0573 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0573" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/5157022576_c3935f7fe2.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Eishin in the ring.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5157023456/" title="DSC_0582 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0582" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4112/5157023456_55c36c80f0.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Kokushin, a famous stud male. He's 11 years old.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5156414505/" title="DSC_0598 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0598" height="333" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1170/5156414505_464a3c1174.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5156414913/" title="DSC_0603 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0603" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4027/5156414913_18591af28b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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This pup is the sister of Kibou, a pup that went to the States earlier this year.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5157025228/" title="DSC_0615 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0615" height="333" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1334/5157025228_6bf6cf0871.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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A shot of her brindle.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5157025646/" title="DSC_0626 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0626" height="333" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1422/5157025646_b40d924a05.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Smile for the camera.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5156416513/" title="DSC_0629 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0629" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4036/5156416513_c4e9b2417f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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A very light colored Kai. Not the greatest coloration, but wanted to show an unusual dog.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5156417353/" title="DSC_0631 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0631" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4002/5156417353_e6a200a46b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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The ring.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5157027700/" title="DSC_0632 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0632" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4152/5157027700_6a537f0ebd.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5157028076/" title="DSC_0634 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0634" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4046/5157028076_28359cb480.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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I haven't seen a male that I really liked in a while. This guy took 3rd in the young male category. I think he was amazing.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5156418545/" title="DSC_0645 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0645" height="333" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1222/5156418545_98a1564864.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5156419373/" title="DSC_0663 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0663" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4131/5156419373_6af0699ba7.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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The male in first place. Yawn... too easy he seems to be saying.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5157028834/" title="DSC_0654 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0654" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/5157028834_9cf94c26e4.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Mount Fuji was clearly visible.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5156419837/" title="DSC_0679 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0679" height="333" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1210/5156419837_dd3d093bc8.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5156420269/" title="DSC_0681 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0681" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4086/5156420269_a7e6c56477.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Long tongue.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5156420647/" title="DSC_0683 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0683" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4066/5156420647_dda759b56a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5157030856/" title="DSC_0686 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0686" height="333" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1383/5157030856_180b1da270.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5156421349/" title="DSC_0700 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0700" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4145/5156421349_083faf63ae.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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A good friend showing his male, Boss. He took 4th in the adult male category.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5157032268/" title="DSC_0711 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0711" height="333" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1224/5157032268_a9e963f114.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Overall champion this year.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5156423027/" title="DSC_0720 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0720" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/5156423027_06230aa93d.jpg" width="500" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288040046545674417.post-52113469000520203632010-11-05T11:37:00.004+09:002010-11-05T11:44:52.656+09:00The Kai KenI wrote a post on this a while back, but since I still get many questions regarding the breed, I'm editing and reposting this information.<br />
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The Kai Ken, also known as the Tora Inu (Tiger Dog), is one of the six, native, Japanese spitz type dogs. The breed's brindle coat distinguishes it from the other medium sized Nihon Ken. In size, the Kai is larger than the Shiba, but marginally smaller than the Shikoku, Kishu and Hokkaido, giving it a unique place among the Japanese breeds.<br />
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The ancestors of the Kai are thought to have been dogs brought over thousands of years ago by the Jomon, and later the Yayoi people. Due to Japan's geographic and political isolation, there was not much inter breeding with dogs from the continent. Of the Japanese breeds Kai, Hokkaido, and Ryukyu carry more of the genetic make up of the original dogs brought over by the Jomon, while the other breeds seem to carry more of the genes from the later dogs brought by the Yayoi. This can be almost completely contributed to geographics.<br />
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The Kai originated in the mountainous region of Kai (modern day Yamanashi) which gave the breed its name. Historical records tell of the famed brindle hunting dogs of the region, and their hunting prowess was believed to be second to none. While traditionally used to hunt Kamoshika, a type of mountain antelope similar to a chamois, their versatility and athleticism allowed them to be used to hunt many types of game, ranging from pheasant to bear. Today they are primarily used to hunt pheasant, wild boar, and deer.<br />
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As Japan opened up to the outside world, traders brought dogs with them. In many cases these dogs were systematically bred with the native dogs, as in the case of the Akita and the Tosa. The interbreeding was so widespread that in the early 1900s a movement began to save the remaining 'pure' native dogs. The mood in the country at the time was leaning toward ultra-nationalism, and the government actively encouraged the preservation of all things Japanese. Teams scoured the country to find the 'best' 'pure' dogs. Thus began the classification of the Japanese Dog (and the breed standards).<br />
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Kai numbers increased under national and prefectural government protection, with the prefectural government awarding tax breaks to owners of these national treasures. In the period during and following World War 2 most Japanese dogs faced harsh conditions and extremely depleted numbers due to food shortages, and in some cases laws banning the ownership of dogs. Many dogs were killed, their coats used to provide clothing for the military, and some were eaten. Thanks to its status and ardent supporters however, the Kai was left primarily intact, with many of the dogs being kept at local government offices and police departments. The fact that post war over half of the registered dogs in Yamanashi prefecture were Kai Ken shows just how effective these measures were.<br />
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The Kai is often cited as being the most 'pure' of the Japanese breeds (this is entirely anecdotal). This is mostly due to Yamanashi being extremely back country and mountainous, making it difficult for outsiders to enter the area. The Kai Ken Aigokai (Kai Ken Protection Society or Kai Ken Preservation Society) was established in 1931, and the first Tenrankai (exhibition) was held in April the following year. In November of the same year the first Nihon Ken Hozonkai (Japanese Dog Preservation Society) Tenrankai was held in Ginza, Tokyo. Of 81 dogs shown, 17 were Kai. The breed was given Natural Monument status in 1933. The rift between the Kai Ken Aigokai and Nihon Ken Hozonkai began when Nippo (Nihon Ken Hozonkai) classified all the Japanese breeds into 3 sizes, small, medium and large. The Kai was grouped in the medium category along with the Shikoku, Kishu, and Hokkaido.<br />
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The disagreement between the KKA and Nippo was mainly over size. The Kai did not conform to the measurements of the medium standard as set by Nippo. Slightly larger than the 'small' Shiba, they do not conform to the 'small' or 'medium' standard, ending up somewhere in between. The KKA standard calls for a height of 40-50 centimeters, with the Nippo 'medium' standard set at 51cm for males (give or take 3cm), and 49cm for females (give or take 3cm). The KKA was set on preserving the Kai as it was, without breeding to manipulate size to conform to the Nippo 'medium' standard. There was also a disagreement regarding the black tongue markings that almost all Kai have. According to the Nippo standard black markings on a dog's tongue is a flaw, and in the ring counts for a point deduction. A few years ago Nippo finally changed this rule, and the Kai is no longer docked points for tongue markings (though the amount allowed is still vague).<br />
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Due to these disagreements (and possibly other politics) KKA members stopped showing their dogs at Nippo events, and does not allow their Kai to register with other canine registration organizations. Any KKA Kai registered with another organization loses its KKA registration. Due to this, there are very few Kai registered with Nippo, and it is very difficult for them to do well in Nippo events due to size constraints (and until recently, tongue markings). There is a small group of Kai registered with Nippo, but the smaller gene pool and their larger than average size leave something to be desired. I have heard on occasion of Kai that do not do well showing at the Aigokai events due to size or other issues, switching to Nippo registration to compete in their events (less competition).<br />
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One stickler born of all this is that the Japan Kennel Club (JKC) which is the FCI recognized national canine registry, only allows registration of Nippo Kai, and not KKA Kai. So, anyone looking to export and register their Kai with an overseas canine registry can have problems getting KKA papers recognized. It is easier to export a Nippo Kai and get JKC papers, but due to the aforementioned reasons is not necessarily in the breed's best interest.<br />
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It is possible to register a KKA Kai with Nippo, but the dog will only receive a limited pedigree. Resulting litters from a limited registration breeding will also receive a limited pedigree. Third generation pups will receive a full Nippo pedigree which can then be switched to JKC registration.<br />
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There are roughly 600-800 Kai registered with the KKA every year, 100-150 with Nippo, and 100-200 with the JKC.<br />
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The FCI Kai standard describes the breed as: “A 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.” The are three recognized breed colors, all brindle: aka-tora (red), chu-tora (medium), and kuro-tora (black), with aka-tora being the rarest of the three variations. There is a recessive gene in the breed which occasionally produces non-standard white (or cream) colored Kai. Most Kai have dark spots on their tongues.Like all the Nihon Ken, the Kai has a double coat made up of protective coarse outer guard hairs, and a fine thick undercoat that is shed seasonally.<br />
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The JKC, Nippo, and KKA offer differing standards for the breed, with the Kai Ken Aigokai having the largest variation in size and type. The KKA standard recognizes Kai between 40-50cm.<br />
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The Kai as a breed is intelligent, athletic, and alert, with a strong desire to hunt. Like most Nihon Ken the Kai is an independent thinker. Many are very attached to their owners, and they can make excellent companions for the individual prepared to give them the attention and exercize they require. They can be territorial, and make reasonable watch dogs, but are not by nature guard dogs or protection dogs. They have shown the ability to be quick learners, with some active in Japan as search and rescue dogs. They are a rare breed even in their native country with an estimated population of around 12,000-14,000, and yearly registrations of between 800 and 1,200, (all registries combined). The main breed registry is run by the Kai Ken Aigokai.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288040046545674417.post-88192537184348424752010-11-04T18:22:00.001+09:002010-11-04T18:22:46.621+09:00The past weekThanks for all the interest in and mails about the Shikoku pups. All have been accounted for. I will try to post as more litters become available.<br />
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I've had a fun busy week filled with Kai pups. A friend from the States came over and picked up 4 of them, and now the house is very quiet. It's sad, but I think the neighbors will be pleased. I've been getting a lot of flack recently, and it's been wearing me down a bit.<br />
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For everyone waiting for pictures and video from the KKA (Kai Ken Aigokai) Tenrankai, it was postponed till the 7th due to an unseasonal typhoon. So hopefully I'll make it up there this Sunday, and be able to post about it. The postponement was rather lame as the gentleman from the States came over specifically to attend the Tenrankai. We did manage to get some visits in to some kennels, and walked the mountains together as well.<br />
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I really didn't get around to taking many pictures, and the only ones I did take were pretty unimpressive, but a post without pictures is too much black and white for me, so here goes.<br />
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At Tenro Kensha having 'yakiniku' for lunch. Thanks Okabe-san!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5145506922/" title="Tenro2 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="Tenro2" height="500" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/5145506922_bb4796e92a.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5145506894/" title="Tenro1 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="Tenro1" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4043/5145506894_30ae2b3f38.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Tatsu, a male hunting Kishu.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5145511522/" title="DSC_0393 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0393" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/5145511522_9363209a48.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5145511682/" title="DSC_0398 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0398" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4031/5145511682_72d45de1a9.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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A crap shot of Haru, but you get to see her brindle.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5145512596/" title="DSC_0409 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0409" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4148/5145512596_7bbb3a0f56.jpg" width="500" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288040046545674417.post-51559325567731703072010-10-24T18:30:00.000+09:002010-10-24T18:30:12.014+09:00NIPPO Chiba Regional (Fall 2010)Today was the NIPPO Chiba branch tenrankai (show). I got up at 5 and got all the dogs walked and fed. It was an overcast day, but luckily the rain held off till everything was done at around 2 in the afternoon.<br />
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The event was held in a new location, and luckily for me it's around 30 minutes away from my house. I got there early to help set up. I've been attending a lot of NIPPO shows for several years now, and aside for showing a friend's pup once, I'm just there taking pictures and meeting up with friends. Today however my good friend and mentor was busy with the judging (he's a NIPPO judge in training), so was unable to show his own dogs.<br />
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My two Kishu are far off the standard, so I don't show them, and Haru is KKA (Kai Ken Aigokai), so I can't show her either. The other day I got a call from my friend asking if I wanted a little practice handling, in preparation for when I actually have a dog to show. I was more than happy to agree to show one of his dogs. She's a very nice red Shikoku female, but at 6 years old she's never really shown well. She doesn't like the ring, and has always dropped her tail (in NIPPO that's very frowned upon).<br />
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Well I got her out on leash for the first time yesterday, and then today was the big day. Of course, Saki's tail was dragging. Well wonder of wonders and after hours of coaxing, walking, and treats (and maybe a little begging), I managed to get her through the morning 'kotai shinsa' (physical exam) without her tail dropping. Everyone was surprised, and while we thought that she wouldn't make it to the actual judging in the afternoon, she did.<br />
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Amazingly enough she did even better in the afternoon, and I was able to get her into at least a semblance of a stand. We ended up taking 3rd place. I was giddy, and everyone came round to congratulate us, at which point Saki's tail dropped, haha. So, I guess I just burned through my beginner's luck.<br />
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It was a great day though as my mentor's aka young male Shikoku took 1st in his class (as usual), and then went up against the adult male who took first for the 'Honbusho'. He's been going after this at all the regional's this fall, and kept coming up short. Today was his lucky day however, and he ended up winning. Since my friend was helping with the judging, another friend had to show him, and he did an excellent job.<br />
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It was a great day all around, and I even had Haru tag along for fun. She got to meet and play with some of the other Kai there.<br />
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Anyway, here are some pictures.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5109386937/" title="Male Kishu by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="Male Kishu" height="333" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1157/5109386937_1276d72529.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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This is Gakuto, a male Kai, littermate to Gin, a male I've taken pictures of before.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5109986826/" title="Kai Male by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="Kai Male" height="333" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1221/5109986826_c2f69301cf.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Sleeping Shiba<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5109387289/" title="Sleeping Shiba Faces by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="Sleeping Shiba Faces" height="333" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1242/5109387289_a870c13649.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5109987298/" title="Shikoku Male by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="Shikoku Male" height="333" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1131/5109987298_93c8a10527.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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A very rare yushoku Kishu Female<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5109987514/" title="Female Kishu by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="Female Kishu" height="333" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1066/5109987514_026b02d70f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5109387971/" title="Male Kishu by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="Male Kishu" height="500" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1309/5109387971_bac0d6b551.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5109990718/" title="Kishu Pups by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="Kishu Pups" height="333" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1132/5109990718_640cb491dc.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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A very nicely balanced Kishu male<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5109391999/" title="Kishu Male 1 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="Kishu Male 1" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4091/5109391999_34205e6ea7.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5109392229/" title="Shikoku Male by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="Shikoku Male" height="333" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1419/5109392229_c91a32c248.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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I've got a lot more pictures up on my flickr account, and will post them later.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288040046545674417.post-86638007508272299182010-10-24T18:08:00.001+09:002010-10-25T01:40:51.468+09:00Shikoku PicturesI took a few more pictures of Shikoku Ken yesterday, so I figure I'll post them here.<br />
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A very light colored female. This is not a preferred color in the breed, the color in her coat is very diluted. She's not been bred or homed because of it. I just wanted to post the picture as an example of a very light colored Shikoku.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5106751825/" title="DSC_0232 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0232" height="500" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1358/5106751825_7e0bc63014.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
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Kuro-goma male, littermate to Koto, my friend's prize winning aka (red) Shikoku male. He has nice coloration, but is a little weak in his hindquarters. He was the runt of the litter, and has not been bred or homed either. I have a better picture of him, but I posted this one for fun for the facial expression.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5107349188/" title="DSC_0228 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0228" height="500" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4111/5107349188_88059ff475.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
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Here's another of him.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5106751311/" title="DSC_0225 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0225" height="333" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1162/5106751311_b168c0bda7.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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This is the sire of the above kuro-goma (black sesame) male.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5107348740/" title="DSC_0216 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0216" height="333" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1120/5107348740_dac91e3d4e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Another stud male, an aka.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5106750845/" title="DSC_0215 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0215" height="333" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1221/5106750845_81294f0b95.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Two pups sired by the above aka male.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5106750611/" title="DSC_0211 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0211" height="333" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1055/5106750611_ea9877b537.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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This is the replacement for the female kuro-tora (black brindle) Kai pup.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5107349626/" title="DSC_0238 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0238" height="333" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1150/5107349626_96388a014e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Lastly, I hate how blogspot cuts off the right side of all my pictures. Anyone know of a fix for this glitch?Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288040046545674417.post-28260498487258020502010-10-23T20:45:00.000+09:002010-10-23T20:45:44.970+09:00Available Shikoku PuppiesSince my schedule freed up a bit today, I made the trip down to my friend's kennel to look at the available litter of 5 female Shikoku. It was a beautiful autumn day, sunny, but with a nice crisp breeze.<br />
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The pups all look to be in great health, 5 very friendly little furry girls. They all look very similar, and in coloration look like they'll be aka or aka-goma. They are predominantly red, with a bit of black tipping here and there. There is one darker female who looks like she may go more toward goma (the last picture).<br />
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When I got there my friend's kids were out playing with the pups in the kennel, so I had them hold the pups for pictures.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5107232916/" title="Shikoku female 1a by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="Shikoku female 1a" height="500" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1355/5107232916_8000cb9fae.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5107232340/" title="Shikoku female 2a by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="Shikoku female 2a" height="500" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/5107232340_9c1c164217.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5107231784/" title="Shikoku female 3a by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="Shikoku female 3a" height="500" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1152/5107231784_e61d725c5a.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5106633639/" title="Shikoku female 4a by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="Shikoku female 4a" height="500" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1338/5106633639_02a10ae953.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5106633059/" title="Shikoku female 5a by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="Shikoku female 5a" height="500" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1180/5106633059_8c3bc12bfd.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
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I've got close up pictures of them up on my flickr photostream http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/ so feel free to take a look. There is another litter with two females that was born 3 weeks ago, but they're not ready to go yet, so I'll take pictures of them next time.<br />
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Here's the parents.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5067487316/" title="DSC_0052 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0052" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4151/5067487316_cdedb3f550.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5106708975/" title="DSC_0203 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0203" height="333" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1426/5106708975_7447392c09.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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One of the pups will be decided in the next few days, and it looks like whatever girls are not picked by the end of the month, are going to other kennels. If anyone is interested in these girls, fee free to mail me.<br />
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My favorite's are are these two<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5106634009/" title="Shikoku female 4c by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="Shikoku female 4c" height="333" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1314/5106634009_66733dc8b9.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5107231118/" title="Shikoku female 5c by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="Shikoku female 5c" height="333" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1324/5107231118_2c8f186ee3.jpg" width="500" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288040046545674417.post-87176357196558532812010-10-21T07:58:00.001+09:002010-10-21T08:00:40.424+09:00Another TripWell sometimes things just don't go as smoothly as they should. The little kuro-tora female I picked up 2 weeks ago ended up with a hernia. It wasn't very noticeable when I picked her up, and even the vet wasn't sure. The last few days it became more obvious, so I had to make another trip to Yamanashi to take her back to her breeder. I brought back her sister, another kuro-tora. Guess I need to snap some pics of her later.<br />
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I decided to visit the KKA (Kai Ken Aigokai) office while in Yamanashi. I've never been, and though the office is extremely busy getting everything ready for the coming tenrankai, they were kind enough to let us drop in.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5100222355/" title="DSC_0157 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0157" height="500" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1178/5100222355_30f7f834f1.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
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I got to thumb through some old photos from the first tenrankai, but didn't want to stay too long as they are very busy. The office is located in a small building, on the second floor above a milk supplier. I doubt much has been changed since they first opened the office. There is no fax, and definitely no computer. The only electronic items in the whole place are probably the telephone and a light. It's a very small place, and not much to look at, but they do have some old (and new) books in the cupboard that have to do with Kai Ken, and then there are the pictures. Will have to drop by again sometime to take another look.<br />
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This is a picture taken of the first Kai to go to the States. Ten Kai were sent to a zoo in Utah in 1950 as goodwill ambassadors.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5100222657/" title="DSC_0158 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0158" height="333" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1120/5100222657_afdacb6a6c.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Dropped by a gift shop on the way out as well. I read in the paper that the prefecture had a lot of small Kai Ken figurines made, and wanted to see them for myself. <br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5100221385/" title="DSC_0150 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0150" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4087/5100221385_f1a37ec6b1.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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I did find something interesting though. Yamanashi is famous for its grapes and wine. On display they had this wine opener made from a boar tusk. Apparently they are traditionally used to open wine bottles at celebrations, and size matters.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5100819932/" title="DSC_0155 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0155" height="333" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1219/5100819932_12912ae030.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Yamanashi is also famous for its artisans who work with precious stones mined there. There were a lot of amazing pieces, and I figured I'd take a quick shot of this little one and have everyone guess what it's priced at. No cheating and looking at the tag! This piece is around 20 cm tall (8 inches or so?)<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5100221745/" title="DSC_0152 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0152" height="500" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1410/5100221745_e989428c5f.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
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Of course no trip to Yamanashi is complete without dropping by kennels to look at Kai. This female is the dam of a chu-tora male I took pictures of before. Here's the link to the boy http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/4585964718/in/set-72157623687659647/<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5100223573/" title="DSC_0171 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0171" height="333" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1148/5100223573_ea0a0cc9b3.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5100223247/" title="DSC_0170 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0170" height="333" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1166/5100223247_7ed895004d.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5100882978/" title="DSC_0165 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0165" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4083/5100882978_20a58a8f8f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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She's 11 years old now.<br />
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Here's a few of a friend's 4 year old male. He was raised as a big game hunter, but has come back to my friend's kennel to be shown for a while.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5100818912/" title="DSC_0139 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0139" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/5100818912_1e7f1e7e3b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5100818532/" title="DSC_0129 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0129" height="333" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1077/5100818532_ddc9712c75.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5100219691/" title="DSC_0110 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0110" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5100219691_fe95257a35.jpg" width="500" /></a><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5100817962/" title="DSC_0120 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0120" height="333" src="http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1203/5100817962_f856c90bf6.jpg" width="500" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288040046545674417.post-33116777765677406832010-10-19T00:25:00.000+09:002010-10-19T00:25:03.597+09:00LittersWell there have been quite a few litters born recently, and a few of my friends have asked if I know anyone that is interested. There are some Kai pups, and several Shikoku pups available. I'll be posting pictures as soon as I get a chance to see them.<br />
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If anyone is interested, feel free to mail me.<br />
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I'm off to bed. Babysitting puppies is tiring!Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288040046545674417.post-44939163339839316762010-10-18T08:30:00.000+09:002010-10-18T08:30:00.044+09:00Running AroundDid some more running around yesterday, dropped by the Nippo Santama regional, visited a friend's kennel, and dropped by Inoue-san's kennel as well.<br />
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I snapped a few pictures at the regional, but at first glance didn't really like the pictures I saw. I wasn't really into the dogs, probably because none of my usual pals were showing. I hung out with the Kai owners, had some great curry made by 'Takariku' (thanks again!) <a href="http://www.youtube.com/user/takariku">http://www.youtube.com/user/takariku</a> I told him a mutual friend is coming over to the fall Aigokai Tenrankai, so looks like he'll be making it a point to attend as well.<br />
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I swung through Tokyo on my way back home, dropping by another friend's house for dinner. It was another long day with lots of miles in it.<br />
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Tora, a 4 month old male. Sort of sitting right on the line between aka and chu-tora.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5090866627/" title="DSC_0014 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0014" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5090866627_498a2d200a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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2 month old male, no name yet. Kuro-tora, very butch. It's hard to tell from pictures, but he's a little tank, thick boned, very wide masculine face.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5091461310/" title="DSC_0073 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0073" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4089/5091461310_b6200cf0b5.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Hana, a female kuro-tora.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5090862403/" title="DSC_0041 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0041" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4130/5090862403_e6fc68619b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Another pic of the 2 month old male.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5091460276/" title="DSC_0031 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0031" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4153/5091460276_00b1a373b4.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Tora again.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5090861389/" title="DSC_0021 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0021" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4144/5090861389_4f8251d9a5.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5091458790/" title="DSC_0003 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0003" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4088/5091458790_d06fa9cebc.jpg" width="500" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288040046545674417.post-13047464972876038772010-10-12T00:30:00.000+09:002010-10-12T00:30:43.915+09:00Nippo Kanagawa Regional (2010)While rifling through my SD cards I realized I hadn't posted these pictures yet either. They're from the Nihon Ken Hozonkai Kanagawa branch fall Tenrankai. It was the fall/autumn show, but it was blistering out there, making it absolutely nasty for man and beast alike. Still had an enjoyable day though.<br />
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This is a friend of mine showing one of his female Shikoku. It's a littermate of a female that went to the States named 'Koshi'.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5066954373/" title="DSC_0250 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0250" height="500" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/5066954373_031495b5a7.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5066954139/" title="DSC_0249 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0249" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4148/5066954139_1bb5e60b63.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Another friend's Shikoku male 'Koto', looking stunning as always.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5067564892/" title="DSC_0242 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0242" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4151/5067564892_8be5583e89.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Random Shikoku shot.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5066953491/" title="DSC_0235 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0235" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4106/5066953491_6c13330ae3.jpg" width="500" /></a> <br />
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A typical shot of a Kai at a Nippo event. Well maybe that's exaggerating, they don't always look so forlorn. But perhaps always sitting at the bottom of the Nippo totem pole takes its toll?<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5066953683/" title="DSC_0238 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0238" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4128/5066953683_afbc727789.jpg" width="500" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288040046545674417.post-28905679203150107782010-10-11T06:06:00.000+09:002010-10-11T06:06:19.787+09:00Recent Kai PicturesSo I've been here there and everywhere recently, and have taken a fair few pictures of Kai. I was unable to post them due to my internet status, so I'm going to chuck a few up here.<br />
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Kuma, a 6 month old aka-tora.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5024730625/" title="DSC_0413 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0413" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/5024730625_4d6365e474.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5025343420/" title="DSC_0334 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0334" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4113/5025343420_9695c2860a.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Musashi, a young male aka-tora.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5025343030/" title="DSC_0316 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0316" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/5025343030_081b5e9a1c.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5025342134/" title="DSC_0308 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0308" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4148/5025342134_96dbe8e418.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Mao, a two year old male aka-tora.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5014365366/" title="Mao 3 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="Mao 3" height="500" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/5014365366_4b3302b192.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
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Note that all these boys have brindle right down their muzzles to their noses. Black face masking is not preferred in all the Nihon Ken.<br />
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This is Mako, my Kai Haru's dam.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/4967169591/" title="Mako by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="Mako" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4125/4967169591_ccd542593f.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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Here are some of her pups.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/4967765114/" title="Female 2 #1 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="Female 2 #1" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4096/4967765114_b4638432ac.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/4967768888/" title="Female 3 #3 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="Female 3 #3" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4108/4967768888_537edcf9d5.jpg" width="500" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288040046545674417.post-83544083989399817702010-10-10T19:14:00.000+09:002010-10-10T19:14:00.347+09:00Nippo Tokyo Regional (2010)Today was the the Nippo Tokyo branch's fall Tenrankai. I try to attend all the regionals in the Kanto area, and Tokyo is only an hour and a half away. We had some pretty crazy rain going on last night, and in the early morning, but by the time things got underway the weather was more cooperative.<br />
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Here are a few pictures.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5066876249/" title="DSC_0049 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0049" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4144/5066876249_16f2176a2e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5067487316/" title="DSC_0052 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0052" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4151/5067487316_cdedb3f550.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5066876669/" title="DSC_0054 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0054" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4150/5066876669_f8e2f09820.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5067487742/" title="DSC_0059 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0059" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4105/5067487742_b909180dd7.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5066877031/" title="DSC_0083 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0083" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4103/5066877031_9846609155.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5067488186/" title="DSC_0094 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0094" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4154/5067488186_5a3430c2b9.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5066877485/" title="DSC_0095 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0095" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4150/5066877485_a4981064a7.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5066877689/" title="DSC_0106 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0106" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/5066877689_2ec7f4ae4b.jpg" width="500" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288040046545674417.post-11623768270306703392010-10-07T12:44:00.000+09:002010-10-07T12:44:00.260+09:00Fun Blog GadgetsSo I'm just killing time for a few minutes till I take the pups to the vet, and I came across a bunch of new (or maybe I just wasn't paying attention) features. There's all sorts of stats about how many page views the blog's had, where the traffic came from.<br />
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What I really got a kick out of was the search words people have used to find the blog. Most were no brainers: kai ken, tora inu, blogger, etc. But No.4 was 'how to tell if you really have a kai ken tora dog'. Why anyone searching that would get pointed to my blog, god only knows. Maybe I should write about it :)<br />
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Oh yeah, another discovery. I've discovered my wife checks my blog. A lot.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288040046545674417.post-3543858020213791432010-10-06T14:10:00.000+09:002010-10-06T14:10:28.068+09:00And We're BackAfter a month without the internet, I'm back in my comfort zone surfing the web and getting work done. I can now stop driving into town to look for wifi. I actually ended up subscribing to a wifi hotspot provider that runs a network of wireless spots in McDonald's. I started showing up there so much I think they must have thought I'm a crazed fan of fast food.<br />
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The weather's finally cooled down, our move is done, the dogs have an outdoor kennel, and hunting season is almost here. We've been getting out to the mountains every now and again, and it looks like it's going to be a fun season. The dogs are much happier with the change in temperature. Appetites are back, which is great because Baron was wasting away. Momo's heat ended a while ago, but for some reason Haru's hasn't come yet. It's a couple weeks late now.<br />
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On Monday I went up to Yamanashi to pick up some Kai pups, and I just snapped a couple pictures, so here you go. A kuro-tora female, and a chu-tora male. They're loving the yard, I just had to rig up some fencing so they wouldn't terrorize the cats.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5055858449/" title="DSC_0012 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0012" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4092/5055858449_40d8f8dc08.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5056473848/" title="DSC_0005 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0005" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/5056473848_c64990701b.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5055858707/" title="DSC_0033 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0033" height="500" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4126/5055858707_eeda3109e2.jpg" width="333" /></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/30674599@N04/5056474576/" title="DSC_0040 by KatoTheWalrus, on Flickr"><img alt="DSC_0040" height="333" src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4129/5056474576_1439aa04fc.jpg" width="500" /></a>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288040046545674417.post-84782628743437748082010-09-23T10:20:00.002+09:002010-09-23T10:20:35.182+09:00AFKSo I've been away for awhile, and will be away some more.<br />
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We've just finished moving house, and the internets will not arrive till October 1st.<br />
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Till then.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288040046545674417.post-38385585772457472432010-08-25T23:54:00.000+09:002010-08-25T23:54:33.678+09:00Lap JumpingHadn't posted a video in a while, so took a short one of Haru and I playing around. We're in the middle of a move at the moment (again!). This time we're settling in for the long haul (hopefully!). I get the keys to the new place in a few days.<br />
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I haven't done much training with Haru for a while, so she's a bit rusty. As ever though, she loves obedience work. To her it's play time.<br />
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<object height="385" width="480"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/dTE0mzBKaA0?fs=1&hl=ja_JP"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/dTE0mzBKaA0?fs=1&hl=ja_JP" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288040046545674417.post-61050239946613035032010-08-15T01:46:00.000+09:002010-08-15T01:46:33.796+09:00The World is on FireSo many hot days in a row is taking its toll on people and canines. The dogs haven't been doing that great. I'm also in the middle of closing down my in-law's house that they've had for over 20 years. It's full of junk, and the attic is an oven full of crap. There have been a few fun discoveries, but overall just a lot of sweating away on the house every day.<br />
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We're in the midst of moving as well. Paperwork for the new place is in the works, and hopefully will be done by next week. The dogs will be making their long awaited move outside as we're finally going to be living on a property that has space for a kennel. It was an absolute nightmare trying to find a rental property that would allow 3 dogs (hunting dogs at that). I've had dogs for years in Japan, but never this much trouble with a move.<br />
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Momo's gone into heat, so that makes things more complicated. I was hoping she'd pull Haru in quickly and we get it all done and over with, but Haru's not showing any signs of co-operating with my plan. I'm planning on breeding Haru this heat if all goes well, knock on wood.<br />
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No time for much other than working on moving right now, work's been downright slow for the past few months anyway. Have made a trip to the beach however, and had a lot of fun wiping out on my brother's board. It's been a while. We had a great BBQ.<br />
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Last month I spent a lot of time helping my wife's sister and her husband renovate and move into their place. Guess this summer is the summer of moves. Hopefully things will settle down nicely by the time hunting season opens. The dogs are almost ready, and I always am.<br />
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I'll try to get some pictures up soon. Maybe I can get the wife to snap some tomorrow.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4288040046545674417.post-72029661656400746982010-07-29T20:15:00.000+09:002010-07-29T20:15:19.015+09:00When it RainsWell it cools down! Temperatures dropped from 34 to 24 centigrade overnight, and there was a slight drizzle. And then I got another call. 60kg male boar in a snare.<br />
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I've been worried about Baron. He's coming along really well, but he's a bit too aggressive on boar, and always goes straight at them head on. Doing that in the mountains he's bound to get injured. I asked my friend who owns Baron's dam about it, and he gave me some good advice. I got his mail as I was driving down to the trap with the dogs, so it was perfect timing. <br />
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The farmer/landowner came down with me and one of my hunting buddies to check out the boar. This boar was a lively fellow and I could hear him making his little warning grunts and clicks from a ways away. After we made sure he was securely caught, I brought in the dogs on leash, releasing them one by one.<br />
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Basically today's training consisted of letting Baron learn the hard way that it's no fun to try to overpower boar. He's got to use his brains, and learn to judge his opponent. If he comes up against a boar he can't stop alone, if he bays it up, the other dogs and myself come to help. Everything went very well, and my worries about Baron being a knuckle headed bruiser were allayed. He got the point, and started attacking from the sides and rear, and actually looking to see where I was at and the other dogs were at. It was a good learning experience for him, and the cooler weather made things a lot easier for all concerned.<br />
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Today I brought Haru along and decided to see how she'd do. She's been a bit iffy about boar, and I've had a really hard time reading her. The last time we ran into a boar in the mountains she was the one who found it though, and bayed it up till the other dogs came. She's a good finder, but has never barked on boar before. I wanted to see if it was a fluke, or if she vocalizes because she's more confident when the other dogs are with her.<br />
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Well today for the first time she really worked the boar. I was very surprised. The differences in her style of hunting when compared with the Kishu are obvious though. They're looking for an opening to get in and catch, while Haru keeps more distance and bays, with no interest in catching. Once the boar was dispatched, she had no interest in it whatsoever, but the Kishu still wanted to get at it and latch on.<br />
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Regardless, I've seen that when she's with the other dogs she does have a lot more confidence, and is quite happy to work with them. She's not going to catch at all, but it may not be a bad thing to have one of the dogs continually baying when they've stopped a boar. If all the dogs catch, a lot of times it gets really quiet and it's harder to pinpoint their location. I'm going to wait before jumping to any decisions based on what I've seen today, but all in all it was a positive effort by all the dogs.<br />
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They're all pretty much gun broke, although Haru is still not a big fan. They're starting to catch on that once the gun goes off, the boar's going down, and that if they can stop the boar I'll be there to finish it off.<br />
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I managed to drop my phone on the way to the boar, so no pics or video. At least I found it on the way back to the car. We're all muddy and tired, but home.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1