Longevity
Life expectancy
With good lifestyle hygiene, a suitable diet and regular veterinary follow-up, the Kai often lives between 12 and 14 years. Its life expectancy is good for a dog of this size, especially when it maintains physical activity consistent with its athletic profile.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The Kai tolerates an active life well and has a hardy constitution. This natural robustness does not exempt it from rigorous breeding, a stable weight and monitoring of the joints and eyes over time.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Vigilance must mainly focus on the eyes, hips and knees, as well as on any sign of locomotor discomfort or reduced vision. Sensible screening and careful observation are particularly useful in dogs intended for breeding or very active.
Progressive retinal atrophy: Degenerative eye condition that can lead to a gradual decline in vision.
Hip dysplasia: Developmental abnormality of the hip that may promote pain, lameness, and osteoarthritis.
Heart murmur: Cardiac abnormality that may require a veterinary assessment to clarify its origin and significance.
Patellar luxation: Abnormal displacement of the kneecap that can cause locomotor discomfort and intermittent lameness.
Allergies: Certain skin or environmental sensitivities may appear in some individuals.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
Thanks to its dense undercoat, the Kai tolerates the cold rather well. It can adapt to milder temperatures, but high heat requires greater caution, with shade, fresh water and physical activity adjusted to the coolest hours.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
The Kai is not the breed most prone to being overweight, but excess weight remains harmful to its joints and endurance. Rations adjusted to its actual activity, combined with regular daily exercise, are essential to preserve its physical condition.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Monitor gait, weight-bearing, and any limping after exertion.
- Have hips and knees checked if any locomotor discomfort appears.
- Consult promptly in case of decreased vision or unusual behavior in the dark.
- Maintain a stable weight to limit joint overload.
Vaccination
Kai vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Kai need? Like all dogs, Kais should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Kai vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Kai booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Kai need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Kai
An orthopedic examination of the hips and knees, as well as ophthalmological monitoring in case of doubt or as part of breeding, constitute relevant checkpoints for this breed.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
