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Top 10 Most Well-known Japanese Dog Breeds

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Japanese Dog Breed

The history of Japanese dog breeds dates back thousands of years. Shiba Inu, Hokkaido Inu, Kai Ken, Shikoku Ken, Kishu Ken, and Akita Inu. Other breeds have arisen throughout time and are frequently crossbred with one of the six indigenous types. Additional research in recent years has shown interesting parallels across Japanese breeds that both unify and distinguish them from Western varieties.

The Japanese dog is a little comedian that wishes to make joyful and laugh. They are incredibly devoted and intelligent, and they make excellent friends. They are up for an adventure and will accompany you on a trek, a car excursion, or a trip to the beach or lake. They adore their people and simply enjoy being around them.

These Japanese dog breed Curly-queue tails, pointed ears, and thin snouts with fluffy double coats characterize Japanese dog breeds. Japanese canines are very protective and serious. Sure, they’ll lavish affection and care on their favorite family members.

History of Japanese dog

Back 15,000 years People in Eastern Asia begin domesticating wolves around this time. The Jomon were hunter-gatherers who lived some 12,000 years ago and said, “Let’s skip continental Asia and move our dogs to Japan” They did so, relying on their dogs for companionship, protection, and help.

These medium-sized dogs are the forebears of Isogai’s six native Japanese breeds. When Crossbreeding occurred as groups of people moved from the Korean Peninsula and China to Japan.

JAPANESE DOG BREEDS

Following the end of Sakoku, European breeds practically flooded into Japan. Japans Cities were overrun with puppies, and many dogs were cross breeding to create new version of earlier breeds. Similarly, rural hunting and agricultural cultures separated their dogs.

The following are the 10 most well-known Japanese dog breeds.

1. Japanese spitz

japanese spitz dog

Spitzes are recognized for their happy grins, sharp ears, and curly-que tails. The double coat of the snow-white Japanese spitz sheds a lot, but only periodically (usually twice per year). They are highly friendly, energetic dogs who like playing but are willing to relax when you are. The Japan Kennel Club ratified the breed standard in 1948, after it was developed from the German spitz as a companion dog in the 1920s.

Breed Overview

  • Average Weight:10 to 25 pounds
  • Average Height: 12 to 15 inches tall at the shoulder
  • Coat:The outer coat is straight and stand-off, with a short, soft, dense undercoat.
  • Group: non-sporting
  • Coat Color:Pure white
  • Lifespan:12 to 14 years
  • Temperament:Playful and Intelligent
  • HypoallergenicNo
  • Activity Level: Moderate
  • Shedding Factor: Seasonal
  • Health Problems: Generally healthy
  • Puppy price: $1,000 to $2,500
  • Litter size: 1 to 6 pups
  • OriginJapan

2. Japanese chin

This breed is known as the Japanese chin or spaniel, these attractive, noble dogs are said to have originated in Korea or China more than 500 years ago. The Japanese nobility popularized these dogs, and they were admired in their highest social circles.

In Japanese, “chin” implies “royalty.” They’re an indoor breed and a fantastic companion, with an obviously Eastern appearance comparable to pugs or shih tzus. These little, delicate dogs, weighing no more than 10 pounds, were presented upon foreign diplomats or other dignitaries to honor their service to Japan.

Breed Overview

  • Average Weight:7-11 pounds
  • Average Height: 8-11 inches
  • Coat:Long coat in black and white, lemon and white, sable and white,    and black, white, and tan.
  • Group: Toy
  • Coat Color: Red and white, black and white with tan points
  • Lifespan:10 to 14 years
  • Temperament:Alert, loyal, loving, independent and intelligent
  • Common nickname: chin
  • Activity Level: Moderate
  • Shedding Factor: Seasonal
  • Hypoallergenic: No
  • Puppy price: average $1,900 to $6,100
  • Litter size: 1 to 3 pups
  • Originchina

3. Shiba inu

The shiba inu is a small and non-sporting Japanese dog breed with a short but dense double coat and a fox-like look. It has triangular ears and a bushy tail those folds over its back. Shibas were developed for hunting and are still highly active and strong. They are also known for being independent and aloof at times. They also groom themselves in the same way as cats do.

Breed Overview

  • Average Weight: 23 pounds (male) 17 pounds (female),
  • Average Height: 5 to 15.5 inches (female) and 14.5 to 16.5 inches (male)
  • Coat: Double coat, long and short
  • Group: none sporting
  • Coat Color: Red Black and brown, cream, red, red sesame, and red sesame with no white marks
  • Lifespan: 13 to 16 years
  • Temperament: Alert, independent and affectionate
  • Common nickname: Shiba Ken,Shobe,Shibe and Shober
  • Activity Level: high
  • Shedding Factor: high
  • Hypoallergenic: No
  • Puppy price:  between $1400 – $2200.
  • Litter size: 4 to 5 pups
  • Origin: Japan

Know More: Shiba Inu

4. Shikoku

Shikoku is a native Japanese hunting dog breed. It also known as the “Shikoku inu or “Kochi-ken”Japanese hunters regarded them highly regarded  game trackers, particularly for wild boar. These dogs have a reputation for endurance, intelligence, and attentiveness. Despite being it ardent hunter, the Shikoku is submissive to his master.

Breed Overview

  • Average Weight: 35 to 55 pounds
  • Average Height:17 to 22 inches
  • Coat: Double coat, long and short
  • Group: AKC Foundation Stock Service; this breed is not an AKC recognized breed.
  • Coat Color: red, black and tan, or sesame.
  • Lifespan: 10-12 years
  • Temperament: Alert, Energetic
  • Common nickname: Kochi-ken
  • Activity Level: Moderate to High
  • Shedding Factor: Moderate to High
  • Hypoallergenic: No
  • Puppy price: In general Average $3000 – $4000
  • Litter size: 4 to 6 pups
  • Origin: Japan

5. Akita

Akita is a spitz breed with traits and heritage in common with other related breeds. The Akita is a popular family pet due to its bravery, strength, loyalty, and affection.

Akitas are intelligent and loving, yet they are also independent and stubborn. As large and strong dogs, it is critical that they are constantly taught beginning in young puppies. Akita is natural protectors.

Breed Overview

  • Average Weight: 70-130 pounds
  • Average Height: 24-28 inches
  • Coat: double coat
  • Group: working.
  • Coat Color: Canine with a thick double coat that comes in a number of colors, including white.
  • Lifespan: 10 to 13 years
  • Temperament: loyal and brave
  • Common nickname: Akita Inu, Kuma Inu , Japanese Akita, American Akita, Great Japanese Dog
  • Activity Level:  High
  • Shedding Factor: Seasonal
  • Hypoallergenic: No
  • Puppy price: $700 to $1,600.
  • Litter size: 3–12 puppies and (avg.7–8)
  • Origin: Japan

6. Tosa Inu

tosa dog

Tosa Inu dog is typically a calm, alert, and loyal dog with an alert yet calm attitude. They were developed for battle and have a dignified attitude and strong body, but are currently used as watchdogs. The Tosa is calm and loving with his family but can be aloof with outsiders.

Tosa dog originated from the Tosa area, where dog fighting was previously a popular and celebrated pastime. Tosa ken, Tosa token, Japanese fighting dog, and Japanese mastiff are all names for this breed. Today, it is still used in dog fights.

Breed Overview

  • Average Weight: 100 to 200 pounds
  • Average Height: 21.5 to 23.5 inches
  • Coat: Double coat, long and short
  • Group: AKC Foundation Stock Service; this breed is not an AKC recognized breed.
  • Coat Color: Short, thick coat in fawn red, apricot, black or brindle hues
  • Lifespan: 10-12 years
  • Temperament: Easy-going and Loving
  • Common nickname: Shiba osa, Japanese Fighting Dog and Tosa Fighting Dog
  • Activity Level: low
  • Shedding Factor: low
  • Hypoallergenic: No
  • Puppy price: Average $1800 – $2200
  • Litter size: 6 to 8 pups
  • Origin: Japan

Know More: Tosa Inu

7. Japanese terrier

japanese terrier

The Japanese Terrier dog is a balanced dog. It most often has a black head and a predominantly white body with little black spots. They are still used to hunt boar and are an alert and agile breed. They were nearly extinct due to World War II and the growing popularity of other Western breeds.

Japanese terrior were known as Kobe terriers by the 1900s, after the location where they lived. Japanese terriers nowadays are a cross between Kobe terriers and English toy terriers and toy bull terriers from the West. In the 1930s, the Japan Kennel Club recognized them, and by the 1940s, they had spread throughout Japan.

Breed Overview

  • Average Weight: 5 to 10 pounds
  • Average Height: 11 to 13 inches
  • Coat: short coat
  • Group: AKC Foundation Stock Service; this breed is not an AKC recognized breed.
  • Coat Color: White and tan, black and tan, and black coats are glossy.
  • Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
  • Temperament: Cheerful and Lively
  • Common nickname: Mikado Terrier
  • Activity Level: moderate to high
  • Shedding Factor: moderate
  • Hypoallergenic: No
  • Puppy price: around $600 to $800
  • Litter size: 1 to 6 pups
  • Origin: Japan

8. Kai ken

The Kai Ken is a medium-sized dog and one of the six Nihon Ken it original Japanese breeds. The Kai Ken is a unique breed that was traditionally employed to hunt a variety of animals in Japan’s mountains. The Kai ken is extremely clever and fast to learn.

Breed Overview

  • Average Weight: 20 to 40 pounds
  • Average Height: 15 to 20 inches
  • Coat: Double coat of medium length
  • Group: AKC Foundation Stock Service; this breed is not an AKC recognized breed.
  • Coat Color: Camo-friendly brindle coat available in three colors: black brindle, brindle, and red brindle.
  • Lifespan: 12 to 15 years
  • Temperament: Loyal and Athletic
  • Common nickname: Tora Dog
  • Activity Level: high
  • Shedding Factor: moderate
  • Hypoallergenic: No
  • Puppy price: around $2000
  • Litter size: 1 to 12 pups
  • Origin: Japan

9. Ryukyu inu

Ryukyu dog is an endangered, medium-sized breed of dog indigenous to Okinawa, Japan. The history of the Ryukyu inu is less clear. They were most likely raised on the Japanese island to hunt and track wild boars. The dewclaw of this breed allows these dogs to climb trees and track animals from higher points of view while hunting in the jungle.

Breed Overview

  • Average Weight: up to 40 – 40 pounds
  • Average Height: 17 to 19.5 inches
  • Coat: short and long, single and double coated
  • Group: Not recognized as a breed
  • Coat Color: red brindle, black brindle, white brindle, black, white, sesame, ivory, liver and red.
  • Lifespan: 12 to 13 years
  • Temperament: These dogs are quiet and unobtrusive dog.
  • Common nickname: Ryukyu Ken, Okinawa Native Dog, Tora Inu
  • Activity Level: high
  • Shedding Factor: moderate
  • Hypoallergenic: No
  • Puppy price: $400 to $600
  • Litter size: 1 to 12 pups
  • Origin: Japan, Okinawa

10. Kishu

The Kishu Ken is a large game hound employed in Japan’s thickly wooded mountains. They are active, alert dogs with short, well-developed muscles. Kishu are typically white-coated, medium-sized dogs with upright ears, a tail carried over the back, and a sharp look.

They were used for hunting pig and deer and were regarded as a “natural monument.” The Wakayama area is most known for Kishu breeding and development.

Breed Overview

  • Average Weight: 30 to 60 pounds
  • Average Height: 17 to 22 inches
  • Coat: short and long, single and double coated
  • Group: not an AKC recognized breed
  • Coat Color: coat is short, straight, and coarse, most are white, but can also be brown, red, black, and tan.
  • Lifespan: 11 to 13 years
  • Temperament: Athletic and Dedicated.
  • Common nickname: Kishu-Inu
  • Activity Level: Moderate to High
  • Shedding Factor: Minimal
  • Hypoallergenic: No
  • Puppy price: $1200 – $2200
  • Litter size: 2 to 5 pups
  • Origin: Japan

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