Introduction
Sure, everyone knows about the Shiba Inu and Akita, but what about the lesser-known Japanese dog breeds? From the Ainu in Hokkaido to the Kyushu in the south, Japan is home to a wide variety of unique canine companions.
If you’re looking for an exotic pet that’s sure to turn heads, a Japanese dog breed may be perfect for you!
This guide will introduce you to some of the most popular breeds from across Japan. So, pull out your notepad and get ready to learn all about these amazing animals!
Hokkaido Inu
The Hokkaido Inu is one of the Japanese dog breeds, making it home on the northern island of Hokkaido. These arctic dogs are historically known for their bravery and strength, being used as hunting companions for bears and deer.
The Hokkaido’s thick double coat protects them from harsh winters, and their powerful limbs allow them to traverse rough terrain with ease.
However, despite their strength and fearlessness, Hokkaido Inus also have a playful and affectionate side, making them great companions in urban and rural environments.
Along with the Akita Inu and Shiba Inu, the Hokkaido Inu is part of Japan’s esteemed trio of native dog breeds that continue to capture the hearts of dog lovers worldwide.
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Japanese Akita Inu
The Japanese Akita Inu, also known simply as the Akita, is one of the Japanese dog breeds. These majestic creatures have a noble bearing and a proud demeanor, with their thick double-coat keeping them warm during Japan’s snowy winters.
Despite their regal appearance, they are incredibly affectionate and loyal to their families. Unfortunately, the breed experienced a decline in numbers following World War II, but efforts from breed enthusiasts have led to a resurgence in popularity.
Today, the Akita can be found not only in Japan but all over the world as cherished companions and show dogs. These intelligent and dignified animals embody the unique and beautiful qualities found in Japanese dog breeds.
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Japanese Chin
The Japanese Chin, also known as the “Japanese Spaniel,” may have a small stature, but it is a fierce force to be reckoned with in the dog show world. One of native Japan’s six distinct dog breeds, the Chin has been a companion animal for nobility for centuries.
Despite its royal history, this breed is ultimately a lapdog at heart and prefers cuddling on the couch over long walks and outdoor adventures.
However, don’t let their seemingly lazy demeanor fool you – Japanese Chins are intelligent, alert dogs that make fantastic watch dogs. As an added bonus, they are easy to groom and don’t shed much.
So if you’re looking for a lovingly devoted sidekick with history and brains, look no further than the regal Japanese Chin.
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Japanese Mastiff / Tosa Inu
The Tosa Inu, also known as the Japanese Mastiff, is one of six indigenous dog breeds. This impressive breed is massive in size and strength, often weighing over 200 pounds and standing around 26 inches tall at the shoulder.
Despite their intimidating appearance, they have an incredibly calm and good-natured demeanor. Historically, they were mainly used for dog fighting but are now mostly kept as beloved family pets or guard dogs. The Tosa Inu’s thick coat comes in shades of red, brindle, or black, with a broad chest and heavy musculature.
They are highly intelligent and trainable but require an experienced owner who can provide them with proper socialization and a strong leadership role. Overall, the Tosa Inu is a noble and impressive breed that should not be underestimated.
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Japanese Spitz
The Japanese Spitz is a snow-white, fluffy companion that hails from native Japanese dog breeds. They are the perfect addition to any family, possessing all the traits that make for an ideal pet: intelligence, loyalty, and playfulness.
Originally bred as sled dogs, these pups love to be active and enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking or running. Despite their playful nature, the Japanese Spitz is also known for being highly trainable and eager to please their owners.
Their loving temperament means they get along well with children and other animals in the household. Japanese Spitzes also have a strong protective instinct, making them excellent watchdogs.
Additionally, they do well in apartments as long as they are given frequent exercise. So if you’re looking for a loyal and affectionate companion, consider the lovely Japanese Spitz.
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Japanese Terrier
The Japanese Terrier, one of Japan’s native dog breeds, also known as the Nippon Terrier, is a little dog breed that was developed in Japan. Even though they are great dogs, they are a very rare breed that is in danger of being extinct.
Locals think that a variety of fox terriers, pointers, and other native Japanese dog breeds were crossed to create this breed. But not all historians and researchers will concur with this hypothesis.
On the other hand, some historians think that the Dutch commerce ships (at the Nagasaki port) brought the ancestors of the Japanese Terrier to the nation sometime in the 17th century. Once more, there is no hard evidence to support this notion.
The American Kennel Club does not currently recognize Japanese Terriers. Despite this, the Japanese Kennel Club and the United Kennel Club are the only organizations that recognize the Nippon Terrier. More clubs than the majority of native Japanese dogs recognize them.
As lap dogs for aristocrats in ancient Japan, Japanese terriers were raised predominantly for their appearance rather than for hunting or other practical purposes.
The Japanese Terrier excels at agility trials and obedience training. They are also known for their loyalty and affection towards their owners. With proper socialization and training, the Japanese Terrier makes a loving addition to any household.
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Kai Ken dog
The Kai Ken, also known as the Tora Inu or Tiger Dog, is a Japanese breed of medium-sized dog with a long history. Originating on Japan’s mountainous Kai peninsula, they were used by local hunters to track and catch wild boar and deer.
Their exceptional stamina and agile climbing skills made them highly valued in their native region. In 1934, the Kai Ken became one of only six Japanese breeds recognized by the country’s Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries.
Due to their rarity outside of Japan, the breed was not officially recognized by the American Kennel Club until 1997. Today, they are still used for hunting in their homeland while also serving as affectionate companion animals worldwide.
The Kai Ken’s sparse double coat comes in various colors, including red brindle and black brindle, with white markings often present on the chest or toes.
Being Intelligent and active dogs, they require consistent training and exercise to prevent them from becoming bored or frustrated. Overall, the Kai Ken is a loyal and reliable companion for adventurous owners willing to meet their needs for both mental and physical stimulation.
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Kishu
The Kishu, one of Japan’s ancient dog breeds, is known for its elegant and dignified appearance. Their muscular, sleek body and short white coat give them an almost regal look.
Despite their beauty, the Kishu was primarily used for hunting boar and deer in their native Japan. Their strong scenting abilities and determination made them excellent hunters, and samurai often used them as hunting dogs.
The name “Kishu” refers to an old province in Japan where these dogs were primarily bred and used for hunting. Today, the Kishu is still a popular breed in Japan but can also be found worldwide as a beloved companion animal.
Though they may no longer be used for hunting, their innate skills and intelligence make them highly trainable pets. Whether participating in agility competitions or simply being devoted family member, the Kishu excels at any task given to them.
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Ryukyu
The Ryukyu, also known as the Okinawan Shiba, is a rare Japanese dog breed with origins in the Ryukyu archipelago.
Even in modern-day Japan, relatively few people are familiar with the Japanese canine breed known as the Ryukyu Inu! They are among the most uncommon dog breeds to have originated from Japan, with only 400 believed to exist (as of 2015).
These energetic dogs are known for their intelligence and loyalty, making them excellent training candidates. They have a dense double coat in shades of red and black, with white markings on the chest, paws, and face.
The Ryukyu Inu is more closely related to Hokkaido than Kai Ken. Many believed these dogs became extinct after WWII due to food shortages and because people started breeding them together for crossbreeding opportunities.
However, some purebreds were still left on an island near Yanbar National Park. Scientists believe this happened largely by their ability to climb trees quickly when faced with danger from floods or other threats like a tsunami.
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Sakhalin Husky
The Sakhalin Husky is a striking breed of dog from Sakhalin Island in Japan. It is also known as the Karafuto Ken in Japan. These dogs were originally bred by the indigenous Ainu people for sledding and hunting and are known for their strength and endurance.
They have thick fur to protect them from the harsh, snowy climate, and their large paws act as natural snowshoes.
The Sakhalin Husky is often mistaken for a Siberian Husky due to their similar appearance. Still, they are a unique and distinct breed with a shorter muzzle and sturdier build.
The Sakhalin Husky is today’s most endangered Japanese dog breed. These dogs are actually all but gone. According to records from Japan, there were only two purebred Sakhalin Huskies known to exist as of 2011. Regardless, the Sakhalin Husky remains a proud representative of one of Japan’s native dog breeds.
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Sanshu Inu
The Sanshu Inu is one of the breeds of Japanese dogs that dates back centuries. These dogs have traditionally been used as guard and hunting dogs but have also served as loyal companions for their owners.
The Sanshu Inu has a strong, muscular build and a thick coat that can vary in color from white to black. They are known for being alert and vigilant, making them excellent watchdogs.
However, they can also be independent and stubborn, so thorough training is necessary to thrive in a domestic setting.
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Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is a native Japanese dog traditionally used for hunting small game. They have a compact and muscular build, with thick fur that can come in various colors, including red, sesame, black and tan.
They are also known for their distinctive curled tail and alert expression. Despite their small size, Shiba Inus have strong personalities and can sometimes be willful or independent.
However, they are also intelligent and loyal companions with a lot of energy to burn. With proper training and socialization, the Shiba Inu can make an affectionate and adventurous companion for the right owner.
However, potential owners should note that Shiba Inu requires commitment and experience to live harmoniously as part of a family pack. Overall, the Shiba Inu is a unique breed with centuries of history that continues to thrive both in its native Japan and across the world.
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Shikoku Inu
The Shikoku Inu is a medium-sized dog breed originating in Japan. They are one of six recognized native Japanese dog breeds and have a history of being used for hunting wild boar and deer.
These dogs are known for their strength, endurance, and agility, making them excellent working dogs. However, they can also be very loving and devoted to their owners.
Shikoku Inus have long narrow heads with triangular ears and dark expressive eyes. Their double coats come in sesame, red, black, and red variations.
Despite their long history and popular use as hunting dogs in Japan, the Shikoku Inu remains relatively rare outside of their native country and is not widely recognized in the western world.
Those interested in owning a Shikoku Inu should be prepared for potential dominance issues and should make sure to provide them with proper exercise and training to channel their high energy levels. Overall, the Shikoku Inu is a loyal companions known for their strength and devotion to their owners.
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The ancient history of the Japanese dog breed
Dogs may be man’s best friend, but in Japan, they have been part of the family for centuries. Japanese dog breeds, known as Nihon ken, were first mentioned in literature as early as the 9th century and played important roles in different eras.
In war-torn feudal Japan, certain Japanese dogs were used for hunting and tracking, while others served as guard dogs and companions to samurai warriors. Imperial households even had Japanese dogs.
Today, Japanese dogs such as the Akita and Shiba Inu are popular pets both in Japan and abroad, cherished for their loyalty and affectionate nature. So the next time you cuddle up with your Japanese dog breed on the couch, spare a thought for their long and illustrious history.
Tips for owners of Japanese dogs
Have you ever wondered why early Japanese history rarely includes dogs? It’s because, in feudal Japan, dogs were considered a luxury for the wealthy elites.
It was considered a status symbol to have a rare breed like the Akita or Shiba Inu.
But times have changed, and now owning a Japanese dog is a privilege for anyone who opens their hearts and homes to these loving companions.
As an owner of one of these beautiful breeds, here are some tips for caring for your furry friend:
1) Brush up on their early history
knowing where your dog comes from can help inform your training and leadership style.
2) Provide ample exercise and mental stimulation
Japanese dogs were bred as hunting or guarding companions, so they often have high energy levels and a strong prey drive.
3) Socialize early and often
Due to their history as prized, elite pets, some Japanese breeds can be reserved or aloof around strangers. Proper socialization will help prevent any shy or aggressive behaviors in adulthood. And most importantly, give your dog plenty of love and attention – they may have been coveted possessions in feudal Japan, but now they are beloved family members who deserve all the love in the world. Happy training!
Conclusion
Conclusion paragraph: While all these dog breeds are unique and interesting in their own ways, it is important to research before bringing any new pet into your home. Each of the Japanese dog breeds we’ve highlighted comes with needs and personality quirks for which you need to be prepared.
With a little preparation, though, owning one of these dogs can be an incredibly rewarding experience. Do you have any tips or advice for owners of Japanese dog breeds? Let us know in the comments below!
FAQs
What is Nihon ken?
Nihon-ken is the name for Japanese dog breeds. There are six officially recognized Nihon-ken breeds in Japan. They are the Akita, Shiba Inu, Hokkaido, Kai Ken, Kishu Ken, and Shikoku.
What is Japan’s most famous dog breed?
Japan’s most famous dog breed is the Shiba Inu. They are known for being loyal, friendly, and good with children. They also have a thick coat of fur that makes them well-suited for colder climates.
How many native Japanese dog breeds are there?
There are six native Japanese breeds. They are the Akita, Shiba Inu, Hokkaido, Kai Ken, Tosa Inu, and Kishu.
Are Shiba and Akita the same?
No. They are both Japanese dogs, but they are not the same breed.
The Shiba Inu is a small dog originally bred for hunting in Japan. The Akita is a large dog originally bred for guarding and pulling sleds in Japan. They have different body types and temperaments and are not typically crossed with each other.
However, there are some exceptions to this rule, and some Shiba Inus are bred with Akitas and vice versa.
What name should you give to your Japanese dog?
Some people name their pets after characters in anime, while others give them more traditional Japanese names.
If you’re looking for a more traditional Japanese name for your dog, here are a few examples:
- Tora (tiger)
- Kiyo (bright light)
- Hoshi (star)
- Aki (autumn)
- Sakura (cherry blossom)
