The Six Native Japanese Dog Breeds

Phew, this website is a labor of love and largely a one-woman show so unless indicated, all articles written by J.Tsukamoto

There is no other country in the world most invested in preserving their native dogs than Japan.

To the Japanese, their native dogs are a source of great pride and reverence.

For centuries upon centuries, their native dogs have been their hunters, protectors, and loyal companions. 

While Western influences and War nearly wiped out the native dogs, Japanese dog preservationists, with the help of the Government worked relentlessly to bring back the native breeds to stable numbers.

History of Native Japanese Dog Breeds

The story of the native Japanese dogs is a fascinating journey of both preservation and evolution ebbed on by the unique geographical terrain.

There are only six dogs recognized in Japan as being true native Japanese breeds. They are the Shikoku, Kishu, Kai, Hokkaido, Akita and Shiba Inu.

The ancient roots of these dogs go back thousands of years all the way to the Paleolithic period.

At first, these six native dog breeds may all seem quite similar in appearance and temperament. But in actuality, each breed has its own distinctive traits however nuanced they may be

Out of the six native breeds the Shiba Inu and the Akita Inu are the most popular. They are also the two breeds that have the least primitive characteristics compared to the other four.

Although not recognized as official native breeds, there are four other popular Japanese dogs breeds that get attention.

They are the Japanese Spitz, the Chin, the Japanese terrier, and the the Tosa Fighting dog.

Although these breeds are quite rare - even in Japan - they are still preserved and admired by fanciers in Japan and abroad.

The Akita Inu

The Akita Inu is the largest of the six native Nihon Ken and the only dog in the large category.

In fact originally all Japanese dogs were only small to medium sized. 

The Akita Inu originated from the Akita region of Japan and were originally medium-sized bear hunting dogs.

They were used extensively as fighting dogs and to increase their size and power - were crossed with Mastiffs, Tosas, and western dogs  in the mid-19th century.

The Akitas size increased, pushing them into the large category, but at the expense of losing most of it’s original Spitz type characteristics.

Akita coat come in various colors including, brindle, red, and white. Some Akitas carrying the long-hair gene have long, or "wooly" coats.

The Akita is an independent, confident, and reserved dog.

They are loyal and protective of their family members - almost to a fault.

The sheer size and dominating nature of Akitas make them suitable only for certain dog owners who can understand and manage a primitive breed type dog like an Akita.

Akitas are a territorial breed and like many other primitive breeds, do not cohabit well with members of the same sex.

Socialization and early training is essential for the Akita coat come in various colors including, brindle, red, and white. Some Akitas carrying the long-hair gene have long, or "wooly" coats.f the Akita as well as for the safety of the human family members.

While well trained and socialized Akitas should be behaved and unaggressive - some poorly trained Akitas can be aggressive and dangerous if not managed properly.

In the U.S, and certain other countries, Akitas are labeled as dangerous dogs which can impede an owners choice of housing.  

Akita Inu Club of North America

Hokkaido Inu

Of the six native Japanese dogs, the Hokkaido dog or Hokkaido Inu is thought to have more of the older genes originating from the earliest of their ancestors - the original Jomon dog.

The Hokkaido Inu is mostly known to the Japanese as the Hokkaido Ken or Hokkaido with the word Ken simply translating to dog.

The Hokkaido is medium sized dog slightly larger than a Shiba Inu and shares similar physical features.

Because of the frigid temperatures of the Hokkaido region, Hokkaido dogs have a thicker outer coat and a denser undercoat.

The harsh environment also allowed the Hokkaido to have larger paws and smaller ears to deal with snow and the unforgiving bitter cold.

Hokkaido coat colors include white, red, black, brindle and wolf grey.

The Hokkaido was bred to be a fierce hunting dogs, capable of handling small bears with ease. The indigenous Ainu people revered their “bear” dogs for their unwavering loyalty, bravery, and hunting ability.

Although rarely used in bear hunting today, organizers of dog shows in Japan still show captive bears to the Hokkaido to test their “bear” drive.

This storied hunting past has produced a Hokkaido that still shows tremendous physical fortitude, alertness, and keen judgement.

Temperament wise, the Hokkaido is strong-willed, wary of strangers and fiery at times. They are also sensitive dogs and with the right training can be very obedient dogs.

However, like the other six native Japanese dogs, Hokkaido’s are usually “one-owner” dogs and can display both human and dog aggression.

Hokkaido’s forge strong bonds with their owners and require attention and affection from their master. Although not typically a barking dog, the Hokkaido is known to howl or sing in delight upon the return of their master.

Learn more about the Hokkaido dog here. And here.

Interesting Fact : Spotting on tongues suggest Chow Chow relation

Kai Ken

The Kai dog is the most unusual looking of the Japanese native dogs due to their striking brindle coat.

Their brindle coat also allowed the Kai to have the coolest nickname, “tiger dog” stemming from the Japanese word for brindle torage, or tiger fur.

Although the Kai like the Hokkaido is classified as a medium sized dog, some argument has been made about the two dogs being slightly too "small" for the medium category.

The Kai dog’s coat comes in three colors, black brindle, red brindle, and medium brindle. The most common color being black.

Due to the isolated and inaccessible region of their origins, the Kai’s dog bloodline has remained virtually untouched and pure.

The temperament of a Kai dog is similar to the other native dogs - independent, loyal - but fierce.

It has been said that a Kai will fight to death in order to protect it’s master. And although a Kai might look wild, they are said to be highly perceptive and sensitive to their owner’s feelings.

Thanks to national and prefectural government protection, the Kai is one of the few native dogs to remain mostly unaffected by World War II.

Additonally, the government offered tax incentives to owners of Kai dogs in order to protect their national treasures.

Read more about the Kai Ken here.

Kishu Ken

Out of the medium-sized Japan dog breeds, the Kishu is slightly heavier with more developed muscles.

The Kishu is a natural athlete with a strong desire to hunt. They are powerful, fast, and keenly alert at all times.

 Temperament wise, they share the same traits as the other Nihon Ken - independent, aloof, and one-owner dogs. They are thought of as to be a bit more friendly than the other native breeds.

Yet, the Kishu is also known to quiet, cunning predators patiently waiting for prey to appear.

The Kishu is similar to the Shikoku due to the two breeds having primitive, wolf-like characteristics. There are legends and lores that say that both Kishu and Shikoku were descended from wolves as well.

These two breeds also have the purest bloodlines due to the isolated region of their origins.

Learn more about the Kishu breed here.

The Shikoku is the most wolf-looking of the Japanese dog breeds - and the rarest.

As with the Kishu, many legends tell of the Shikoku being descended of wolves. Most believe this is just a legend.

These beliefs most likely arose simply due to the Shikokus wolf-like appearance and the fact that wolves lasted longer in Shikoku compared areas of the country.

The Shikoku is a striking looking dog with steely, fierce features that epitomizes it’s innate hunting ability.

Both the Shikoku and Kishu were chosen by NIPPO to form the basis of the standards of all Japanese dog breeds.

Modern day Shikokus originated from two main lines of Shikoku - the Hata Line and Hongawa line.

The Hata line Shikoku had a stockier, heavier build and thicker, longer coats.

The Hongawa line on the other hand tended to be slimmer with an elegant build quality.

The Hongawa line of Shikoku was deemed to be the most preferred and became what we know as modern day Shikoku.

There are four accepted coat colors, sesame, red, black/tan, and white. White is not a desirable coat color, therefore heavily penalized at shows.

Learn more about the differences between a Shikoku Inu and a Shiba Inu here.

The Shikoku is a high energy dog that needs extensive physical and mental stimulation. They, like all the other native dogs, are independent thinkers and can be standoffish and even aggressive to strangers.

Shikokus form strong bonds with their owners and are a bit more willing to please their owners compared to the other Japan dogs.

However, they still definitely have a stubborn streak and needs a master that understands the needs of a primitive dog breed.

There are virtually no Shikoku outside of Japan, except for a few breeders scattered throughout the world.

Shiba Inu

World War II caused many Japanese breeds, including Shiba Inus to face possible extinction.

Fortunately, members of the Japan preservation society worked diligently to find specimens capable of bringing up breed numbers.

Their efforts paid off, and today the Shiba Inu is the national dog of Japan and a source of great pride for Japan.

The Shibas popularity outside of their county has been steadily growing as well.

Shiba Inus are very popular on the Internet due to viral memes, cute puppy videos, and popular social media Shiba Inus like Marutaro and Bodhi, the Menswear dog.

Many potential new dog owners are drawn to the Shiba Inus compact size and stunning good looks.

Don’t let looks fool you though.

Like the other native breeds, Shiba Inus can be aloof, stubborn, and difficult to train if not socialized early.

Though compared to the other native  breeds, Shibas are the most “domesticated” and display less wild characteristics.