Kai Ken
loyal / intelligent / agile
About the Breed
The Kai Ken is a medium-sized dog and is one of the six native Japanese breeds. Traditionally used to hunt a wide range of game in the mountains of Japan, the Kai Ken is considered a rare breed even in Japan. The Kai is highly intelligent and learns quickly. They seem to learn as fast as the other Japanese breeds if not faster. They are not as independent and are more willing to please their companions. The Japanese describe the Kai Ken as a trustworthy guardian and extremely devoted to his master.
Karelian Bear Dog
independent / loyal / courageous
About the Breed
The Karelian Bear Dog is an eager hunter and very independent, yet works cooperatively to mark game by barking. Their senses, especially smell, are sharp, thus the breed is suitable for big game hunting. They have a very good sense of direction, are balanced, courageous and persistent. This breed has a highly developed spirit for game and are very self-confident. They may be territorial towards other males, but are never aggressive towards people, though they may be slightly reserved.
Keeshond
friendly / lively / outgoing
About the Breed
The amiable Keeshond is a medium-sized spitz dog of ample coat, famous for the distinctive "spectacles" on his foxy face. Once a fixture on the canal barges of his native Holland, the Kees was, and remains, a symbol of Dutch patriotism. These square, sturdy companions descend from the same ancient stock as other spitz types, such as Pomeranians and Samoyeds. Typically "spitzy," Keeshonden have a foxy face, pointed ears, an abundant coat, and a plumed tail carried high over the back. A unique breed characteristic'and one of the most charming hallmarks in all dogdom is the "spectacles." These shadings and markings around the eyes give the impression that a Kees is wearing designer eyewear. The specs draw attention to an alert, intelligent expression.
Kerry Blue Terrier
alert / smart / people-oriented
About the Breed
Among the largest of AKC terriers, the Kerry Blue Terrier is famous for his show-stopping blue coat. Named for the Irish county of his birth, this onetime farm dog is today an alert, adaptable, and animated watchdog and family companion. Of course, we begin with the show-stopping coat that turns heads wherever Kerries go. It comes in shades of blue'from a deep slate to a light blue-gray'and is so soft that it's as pleasing to the touch as it is to the eye. The dense coat covers a muscular, well-developed body standing below 20 inches at the shoulder and weighing up to 40 pounds. A sporty beard and dark, keen eyes accentuate the nobility of the long terrier head.
Kishu Ken
alert / good-natured / confident
About the Breed
The Kishu Ken is a dog of noteworthy endurance, showing nobility, dignity and naive feeling. His temperament is faithful, docile and very alert. The Kishu Ken is a large game hound used in the densely forested mountains of Japan. They are spirited, alert, and rustic dogs with compact, well-developed muscles. Kishu are often white-coated, medium-sized, with erect ears, a tail held over the back, and keen expression.
Komondor
dignified / loyal / brave
About the Breed
A powerfully large Hungarian flock guardian covered in profuse white cords from head to tail, the Komondor is among the world's most recognizable breeds. The independent and protective Kom requires a firm, experienced hand at training. Our Hungarian-language tip of the day: The plural of Komondor is Komondorok. Now, let's take a look at the dog. What we see is a large and powerful guardian covered in profuse white cords. A big male can stand more than 27.5 inches and weigh over 100 pounds, with heavy bone, a deep chest, and lots of muscle. Despite their brawn Komondorok are agile and light-footed, and move with long strides. With their unique look, it's impossible to mistake Koms for anything else.
Korean Jindo Dog
alert / loyal / intelligent
About the Breed
Loyal, watchful, and intelligent, the Jindo developed as a breed on an island off the coast of South Korea. Medium-sized and natural in appearance, they are valued as independent hunters, discerning guardians, and loyal companions. The Jindo Dog is a well-proportioned, medium-sized dog used for hunting and guarding. With erect ears and a rolled or sickle-shaped tail, it should be a vivid expression of agility, strength, alertness and dignity.The Jindo has a very strong instinct for hunting and is bold, brave, alert and careful, not tempted easily and impetuous. But most of all he is extremely faithful to his master. On the whole he is not fond of other animals, especially males. He also has a good sense of direction. A one-man dog, he readily accepts a new master, but never forgets his attachment towards the former master who raised him from puppyhood. He keeps himself clean and eats sparingly.
Kromfohrlander
intelligent / active / sensitive
About the Breed
The Kromfohrlander is a medium-sized companion breed that is sensitive, loving and loyal to its owners. He has a distinctive 'smile' and will sneeze to greet you. Pronunciation of the breed is "krome-for-lahn-dair." The Kromfohrlander is a very intelligent, funny, agile dog which loves to climb and jump and easily excels at agility and dog-trick training but can be fussy with food. They come in two coat types: wirehaired (with beard) and smooth haired (smooth face with no beard and beautiful, long, soft hair). The breed's nickname in North America is "Kromi" (krome-ee). The Kromfohrlander was bred to be a companion only, retains very little hunting instinct (despite its terrier heritage), and is often long-lived (17-18 years old). He is good with children and family and tends to be a one-person dog. He is very attached to his owner, will not run away, and is first to alert to strangers.
Kuvasz
loyal / fearless / sweet
About the Breed
The snow-white Kuvasz is Hungary's majestic guardian of flocks and companion of kings. A working dog of impressive size and strength, the imposing and thickly coated Kuvasz is a beautiful, smart, profoundly loyal, but challenging breed. Imposing, impressive, majestic, massive, mighty, pick the adjective you like best, they all apply to the Kuvasz (pronounced KOO-vahz; the plural is Kuvaszok, pronounced KOO-vah-sock). This snow-white livestock guardian of luxuriant coat can stand as high as 30 inches at the shoulder, and weigh between 70 and 110 pounds. Despite their size and strength, Kuvs are quick-moving, nimble-footed protectors when meeting a threat. The breed's fans say that the elegantly proportioned head 'is considered to be the most beautiful part of the Kuvasz.'