Japanese Dog Breeds have been cherished for centuries, and have undertaken various roles, from serving as lap companions to hunting wild boar. Below, find the 12 most popular Japanese dog breeds.
#1 Shiba Inu
Shibas are currently one of the most popular companion dogs in Japan. The Shiba Inu can be traced back to the earliest immigrants to Japan in 7000BC. The word ‘Shiba’ means brushwood in which these Japanese dogs hunted.
Female Shibas are smaller but have a similar physical structure. Male Shibas are larger with a coarser coat.
They have distinct tan, black, or red coats with white markings. They are independent and can be difficult to train.
#2 Akita Inu
The breed hailed from a snowy, rural, mountainous region of Japan. They’re designated as a national monument in Japan. The breed was primarily developed to hunt big game animals, including elk, bear, and boar.
Political activist and lecturer Helen Keller is credited with having introduced the Akita to the United States through these two dogs.
They are known for their courage, loyalty, calm, and independence. Because of this, you should know that they require consistent socialization and training from a young age.
#3 Kishu Ken
It is a hunting dog that originated in the mountainous region of Kishu, Japan. Some historians believe that the dog was bred over 3,000 years ago.
They’re a loyal breed and fiercely protective once they bond to a person. His loyalty to his family makes him an excellent guard dog. The weight is typically between 14 and 27 kg, which is 30 to 60 pounds.
#4 Kai Ken
The Kai Ken, sometimes referred to as a “tiger dog,” is a medium-sized dog. Like all Japanese dogs, Kai Kens are very intelligent.
Kai Kens are athletic dogs that like to climb and swim. Also, their brindle color pattern camouflages them during a hunt. They are known for being extremely loyal to their family members.
#5 Shikoku Ken
The Shikoku Ken is a double-coated dog. I like these dogs since they are highly social animals that crave companionship and enjoy play. They are intelligent dogs attuned to their owners and behaving accordingly.
Japan declared the Shikoku Ken a Natural Monument in 1937. These dogs were bred to hunt wild boars and prized as devoted companions.
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#6 Hokkaido Ken
The Hokkaido is native to the prefecture of the same name in Japan. Outside of its native country, the breed is very rare. The dog is medium in size, with small, triangular, upright ears.
They’re popular in Japan thanks to their adorable appearance and protective nature. They also display acute judgment and great stamina. With early training, the Hokkaido is a very loyal and dedicated companion.
#7 Tosa Inu
It is a dog breed of Japanese origin that is considered rare, which was originally bred in Tosa, Shikoku. The Tosa inu is sometimes called the “sumo wrestler of the dog world.”
They are calm and patient watchdogs as well as vigilant and fearless.
Tosas require experienced pet parents who understand their unique needs. They require extensive socialization to help them become accepting of welcome visitors.
#8 Japanese Spitz
It is a small to medium breed of dog of the Spitz type. This dog breed is renowned for having a pure white coat. The fluffy tail curls over its back, adding to its distinctive look.
Despite their relatively small size, most Japanese Spitz are good watchdogs. They enjoy the company of family and are generally a gregarious type.
#9 Japanese Chin
They were a popular member of the Chinese and Japanese imperial courts. It’s a toy breed.
Japanese Chin are very cat-like in both appearance and traits. The Japanese Chin stands about 25 cm (10 in) in height.
Their feisty chin makes them an ideal pet. Their coat seldom mats, and they require no special grooming or scissoring. The Japanese Chin will not require much daily dog exercise.
#10 Japanese Terrier
The Japanese Terrier was bred in the 17th century by mating Smooth Fox Terriers. According to the United Kennel Club, the foundation formally recognized the Japanese Terrier in 2006.
The Japanese Terrier is considered incredibly rare, especially outside of Japan.
The breed is known for its high energy and intelligence. They are also reserved. The coat is very short, being about 2mm in length.
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#11 Ryukyu Inu
The Ryukyuken dog breed is indigenous to Okinawa. The Ryukyu is a hunting dog, which is why they are not trusted with other pets. The Ryukyu was primarily bred for hunting deer and boar.
They are agile, brave, and not sensitive. They are obedient and loyal to humans.
They usually cost around $400- $600.
It was designated as a natural monument of Okinawa Prefecture in 1995.
#12 Kawakami Inu
The Kawakami Inu are said to be descended from Japanese wolves, and it is considered to be a type of Shiba Inu.
They are very energetic dogs and require a lot of exercise. These dignified dogs stand about 15 to 17.7 inches tall. They are a double-coated breed with short, dense fur.