In this article we will know 10 Japanese dog breeds. I'm sure you will be impressed by these dogs from Japan. Let's see Shikoku, Tosa, Kishu, Kai, Terrier, Spaitz, Sakhalin husky, akita inu and shiba inu.
Because of their friendly and loving ways, dogs are one of the most loved animal species in the world. Although the Japanese are known for their preference for cats, Japan also has fascinating dog breeds.
1 - Shikoku Inu - The dog of the Kochi region
The Shikoku Inu is a dog from the Kochi region of Japan. This is a region that is difficult to access, so this breed is considered one of the purest, as crossing with other breeds becomes more difficult.
Shikoku Inu dogs usually show a docile and loving behavior with their owners. They also tend to get along well with children, as long as they are used to living with them since they are puppies, otherwise they can behave a little aggressively.
The Shikoku Inu is a medium-sized dog, males measure between 49 and 55 centimeters in height and weigh between 16 and 25 kilograms. Their life expectancy is between 10 and 12 years. Their coat usually have the colors: red sesame, black sesame and sesame. This race has an intelligent, cautious, energetic, agile and courageous personality.
2 - Hokkaido Inu - The dog of the North region
The Hokkaido is a breed descended from the medium-sized dogs that accompanied immigrants from Honshu – the main island of Japan – to the island of Hokkaido during the Kamakura era in the 17th century.
As a strong and cold-resistant breed, the Hokkaidos adapt well to mountainous regions, so they were used to hunt large animals such as the grizzly bear.
The dogs of this breed have a docile, courageous, alert and faithful personality. An interesting feature of this breed is that they have an excellent sense of direction, being able to return on their own if they lose their owner.
Also a medium-sized dog, the Hokkaido measures around 48 centimeters and weighs between 20 and 30 kilograms. It can be found with a black, white, black and cinnamon, sesame or red coat.
3 - Tosa inu - The fighting dog
Result of the crossing of western races with the Shikoku Inu, breed dogs clipping are known to be fighters. This is the largest breed of Japanese origin, weighing between 45 and 90 kilos and reaching 60 centimeters in height.
These dogs are generally not very fond of strangers, but he is very attached to family members and can be a great guard dog for your home.
This breed has a suspicious, intelligent, sensitive, aggressive and courageous personality. Its coat is short and comes in black, fawn, brindle or red.
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4 - Kishu Inu - The oldest breed in Japan
Kishu it is one of the oldest breeds we know, with at least 3000 years. It got its name because of the place where it started to be developed, which is called Kishu. Because of their remarkable courage, these dogs were used to hunt wild boar and other animals much larger than themselves.
The Kishu is also a medium-sized dog, measuring between 49 and 55 centimeters and weighing between 19 and 27 kilograms. Its coat can have the colors: white, brindle, sesame or red. Dogs of this breed are usually loving, active, playful, docile, patient and protective, that is, perfect for children.
5 - Kai Inu - The dog of packs
Also called Kai toro-ken, is a medium-sized dog established as a breed in the Kai district of Yamanashi. These dogs have a strong tendency to group together in packs, which facilitates the maintenance of their population and the purity of the breed.
Originally, the dogs of this breed were used as hunting dogs for animals such as wild boar and deer, but because they are a very adaptable breed, they are now used as companion and guard dogs.
The size of these dogs is between 45 and 56 centimeters and the weight is between 14 and 18 kilos. They have a life expectancy between 14 and 16 years, and their coat can be of the colors: dark brindle, gray brindle or red brindle.
6 - The Japanese Spitz
The origin of this breed is uncertain, but the most accepted theory is that it was created from two varieties of dogs: the American Eskimo it's the German Spitz. These are small dogs used for company only.
They are very cheerful, energetic, and playful. This dog has a relatively long life expectancy, between 10 and 16 years. Males measure between 30 and 38 centimeters, while females measure between 25 and 35 centimeters.
It is an intelligent, affectionate, obedient, companion and playful personality breed.
7 - The Japanese Terrier
The japanese terrier, also known as Nihan or Nippon Terrier, is a breed descendant of the Shorthair Terriers brought to Japan by the Dutch Poles in the 18th century.
This is a very good breed to keep company and play with, and handles very well with children.
This is a small breed, with a height between 20 and 33 centimeters, and weighing between 2.3 and 4.1 kilograms. They have a short coat and are british and white or tricolor. And they have an affectionate, cheerful, watchful, zealous and active personality.
8 - Japanese Spaniel
The japanese spaniel, also called Chinese, is the ideal dog breed for those who live in cities, as they have a reputation for being a silent dog.
This is a small breed intended for company, they have a long coat, usually black and white or red and white, and the tail is covered with hair.
They are intelligent, alert, loyal and loving dogs. They have a life expectancy of between 12 and 16 years and weigh between 1.4 and 6.8 kilograms.
9 - Sakhalin Husky
The Sakhalin Husky it was formerly used as a sled dog, but now the breed is almost extinct. As of 2011 there were only two surviving members of the breed in Japan.
The height of these dogs is between 56 and 66 centimeters and weighing between 30 and 40 kilos. Their fur can be of the colors: black, cream, russet and biscuit.
10 - Akita Inu
Famous for the movies “Hachiko” and “Always by your side”, the Akita Inu is known for being a loyal, docile, calm, courageous, vigilant and companion dog. But because they are territorial dogs, Akita inu generally do not get along well with other dogs.
The Akita Inu is a large dog, measuring between 64 and 70 centimeters and weighing between 34 and 54 kilograms. Their coat can be white, sesame or red fur and they have a life expectancy of between 10 and 12 years.
11 - Shiba Inu
Shiba has many similarities with Akita, the difference is between size and personality. In fact, both Akita Inu and Shiba Inu are the most common and famous breeds in Japan. We wrote our own article to talk about these two races.
We recommend reading the article about Shiba Inu and Akita Inu by clicking here. I hope you enjoyed the article, if you liked it share and leave your comments. Thank you and see you next time!
12 - Ryukyu Inu
The Ryukyu Inu is an exceptionally rare breed, originating from the southern islands of Japan, mainly from Okinawa. This breed is so rare that in 2015 it was estimated that there were only about 400 specimens, making them one of the rarest dog breeds in Japan. The history and origins of the Ryukyu Inu are somewhat obscure, but they are considered a national treasure on the island of Okinawa. These dogs are known for their bravery, intelligence, and loyalty, qualities that make them unique among Japanese breeds. Due to their rarity, the Ryukyu Inu is not widely known, even among dog enthusiasts in Japan.
The Ryukyu Inu has an appearance that may resemble the Kai Ken, another Japanese breed, but they are very different in terms of lineage and characteristics. The Ryukyu Inu breed stands out for its adaptability and ability to survive in tough environments, which is a reflection of the terrain and weather conditions in Okinawa.
They possess a loyal temperament and are known to be particularly fond of their owners, which makes them excellent companions. However, due to their rarity, these dogs are rarely seen outside their native region, making them a rarity among dog breeds.
13 - Sanshu Inu
The Sanshu Inu is a relatively new breed, developed in the early 1900s, around 1912. This breed is the result of crossing the Chow Chow, the Aichi (an ancient Japanese dog), and several other Japanese Inu breeds.
The Sanshu Inu is known for its gentle, loyal, and sweet nature, which makes it an excellent companion dog. The breed mix has resulted in a medium-sized dog with distinct physical and behavioral characteristics.
One of the most notable aspects of the Sanshu Inu is their loyalty and sweetness, which makes them particularly suitable for families and individuals looking for a loyal and affectionate companion. They are known for forming strong bonds with their owners and adapting well to domestic life. While not as rare as the Ryukyu Inu, Sanshu Inu are still considered a rare breed and are not commonly found outside of Japan.
The Sanshu Inu, being a product of various breeds, has a distinct appearance that reflects its mixed heritage. They tend to have a dense coat and can display a variety of colors and patterns. In terms of personality, they are balanced, generally friendly and social, but can also be reserved in new situations or with strangers. This breed is ideal for those who want a dog that combines loyalty and sweetness with a balanced and adaptable personality.
