Phew, this website is a labor of love and largely a one-woman show so unless indicated, all articles written by <\/em>J.Tsukamoto<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n There is no other country in the world<\/span><\/em><\/strong> most invested in preserving their native dogs than Japan.<\/span><\/p>\n To the Japanese, their native dogs are a source of great pride and reverence. <\/span><\/p>\n For centuries upon centuries, their native dogs have been their hunters, protectors, and loyal companions. <\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n Beautiful Kai Ken Dog – Hayaikaze<\/a><\/p>\n The story of the native Japanese dogs is a fascinating journey of both preservation and evolution ebbed on by the unique geographical terrain.<\/p>\n There are only six dogs<\/strong> recognized in Japan as being true native Japanese breeds. They are the Shikoku, Kishu, Kai, Hokkaido, Akita and Shiba Inu.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n The ancient roots of these dogs go back thousands of years all the way to the Paleolithic period.<\/p>\n 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<\/p>\n 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.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n Tosa Inu<\/p>\n Although not recognized as official native breeds, there are four other popular Japanese dogs breeds that get attention.<\/p>\n They are the Japanese Spitz, the Chin, the Japanese terrier, and the the Tosa Fighting dog.<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Although these breeds are quite rare – even in Japan – they are still preserved and admired by fanciers in Japan and abroad.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n The Akita Inu is the largest of the six native Nihon Ken and the only dog in the large category.<\/span><\/p>\n In fact originally all Japanese dogs were only small to medium sized. <\/em><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n The Akita Inu originated from the Akita region of Japan and were originally medium-sized bear hunting dogs.<\/span><\/p>\n 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.<\/em><\/strong><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n The Akitas size increased, pushing them into the large category, but at the expense of losing most of it\u2019s original Spitz type characteristics.<\/span><\/p>\n Akita coat come in various colors including, <\/em><\/strong><\/strong><\/span>brindle<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/strong><\/span><\/a>, red, and <\/em><\/strong><\/strong><\/span>white<\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/strong><\/span><\/a>. Some Akitas carrying the long-hair gene <\/em><\/strong><\/strong><\/span>have long, or “wooly” coats. <\/span><\/em><\/strong><\/strong><\/span><\/a><\/p>\n War and disease caused more problems for the Akita and almost led them to extinction.<\/em><\/strong><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Fortunately, with much difficulty and effort, Japanese Akita preservationists were able to mainly restore the Akita Inu to it\u2019s original pure strain.<\/span><\/p>\n Currently, the Akita Inu is still very much a rare breed – even in it\u2019s own country.<\/em><\/strong><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Acquiring an Akita Inu outside of importing from Japan is possible but very expensive. In fact, Akita Inus are known to be one of the most expensive dog breeds to purchase.<\/span><\/p>\n Learn more about the<\/span> differences between Akitas and Shibas here.<\/span><\/em><\/a><\/p>\n The Akita is an independent, confident, and reserved dog.<\/p>\n They are loyal and protective of their family members – almost to a fault.<\/p>\n 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.<\/em><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n Akitas are a territorial breed and like many other primitive breeds, do not cohabit well with members of the same sex.<\/p>\n 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.<\/em><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n While well trained and socialized Akitas should be behaved and unaggressive – some poorly trained Akitas can be aggressive and dangerous if not managed properly.<\/p>\n In the U.S, and certain other countries, Akitas are labeled as dangerous dogs which can impede an owners choice of housing. <\/em><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n Akita Inu Club of North America<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n \u3057\u3067\u3093<\/a><\/p>\n 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.<\/em><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n The Hokkaido Inu is mostly known to the Japanese as the Hokkaido Ken or Hokkaido with the word Ken simply translating to dog.<\/p>\n The Hokkaido is medium sized dog slightly larger than a Shiba Inu and shares similar physical features.<\/p>\n View this post on Instagram <\/a><\/p>\n A post shared by Shigeru Kato (@katothewalrus)<\/a> on Nov 1, 2018 at 1:03am PDT<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n [tcb-script async=”” src=”\/\/www.instagram.com\/embed.js”][\/tcb-script]<\/p>\n Because of the frigid temperatures of the Hokkaido region, Hokkaido dogs have a thicker outer coat and a denser undercoat.<\/em><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n The harsh environment also allowed the Hokkaido to have larger paws and smaller ears to deal with snow and the unforgiving bitter cold.<\/p>\n Hokkaido coat colors include white, red, black, brindle and wolf grey.<\/p>\n The Hokkaido was bred to be a fierce hunting dogs, capable of handling small bears with ease. The indigenous Ainu people revered their \u201cbear\u201d dogs for their unwavering loyalty, bravery, and hunting ability.<\/em><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n Although rarely used in bear hunting today, organizers of dog shows in Japan still show captive bears to the Hokkaido to test their \u201cbear\u201d drive.<\/p>\n This storied hunting past has produced a Hokkaido that still shows tremendous physical fortitude, alertness, and keen judgement.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n However, like the other six native Japanese dogs, Hokkaido\u2019s are usually \u201cone-owner\u201d dogs and can display both human and dog aggression.<\/em><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n Hokkaido\u2019s 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.<\/p>\n Learn more about the Hokkaido dog here<\/a>. And here.<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Interesting Fact : Spotting on tongues suggest Chow Chow relation<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Stunning Kai Ken Dog – Hayaikaze<\/a><\/p>\n The Kai dog is the most unusual looking of the Japanese native dogs due to their striking brindle coat.<\/em><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n Their brindle coat also allowed the Kai to have the coolest nickname, \u201ctiger dog\u201d stemming from the Japanese word for brindle torage, or tiger fur.<\/p>\n 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.<\/p>\n The Kai dog\u2019s coat comes in three colors, black brindle, red brindle, and medium brindle. The most common color being black.<\/p>\n Due to the isolated and inaccessible region of their origins, the Kai\u2019s dog bloodline has remained virtually untouched and pure.<\/em><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n <\/p>\n Physically, the Kai is highly athletic, well-balanced, and sturdily built. Their well developed muscles likely evolving from living in tough, mountainous regions.<\/span><\/p>\n The Kai was bred to be a superb hunter of mountain antelope, wild boar, deer, and pheasant – hunting families survival largely depended on their hunting dogs ability to track and kill game.<\/em><\/strong><\/strong><\/span><\/p>\n Today, this hunting instinct largely remain with the Kai being alert, quick thinking, and ready to pounce at an moment.<\/span><\/p>\n Kai Ken Dog herding sheep – Hayaikaze<\/a><\/p>\n The temperament of a Kai dog is similar to the other native dogs – independent, loyal – but fierce.<\/em><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n It has been said that a Kai will fight to death in order to protect it\u2019s master. And although a Kai might look wild, they are said to be highly perceptive and sensitive to their owner\u2019s feelings.<\/p>\n Thanks to national and prefectural government protection, the Kai is one of the few native dogs to remain mostly unaffected by World War II.<\/em><\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n Additonally, the government offered tax incentives to owners of Kai dogs in order to protect their national treasures.<\/p>\n Read more about the Kai Ken here.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n![\"beautiful](\"https:\/\/myfirstshiba.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/omgtain_05.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/span><\/p>\nHistory of Native Japanese Dog Breeds<\/strong><\/h2>\n
![\"red](\"https:\/\/myfirstshiba.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/08\/shutterstock_1049943101-copy.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/span><\/p>\n![\"Tosa](\"https:\/\/myfirstshiba.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/03\/tosa_inu.jpg\" "\\"tosa_inu\\"")
<\/span><\/p>\nThe Akita Inu<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"beautiful](\"https:\/\/myfirstshiba.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Depositphotos_253450454_reduced.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/span><\/p>\n![\"large](\"https:\/\/myfirstshiba.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/white_akita_inu_01.jpg\" "\\"white_akita_inu_01\\"")
<\/span><\/p>\n![\"Japanese](\"https:\/\/myfirstshiba.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Depositphotos_35776381_reduced.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/span><\/p>\n![\"Japanese](\"https:\/\/myfirstshiba.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/01\/japanese_vs_american_akita-copy.jpg\" "\\"japanese_vs_american_akita")
<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nHokkaido Inu<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"Hokkaido](\"https:\/\/myfirstshiba.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Hokkaidou_inu-1.jpg\" "\\"Hokkaidou_inu\\"")
<\/span><\/p>\n![\"hokkaido](\"https:\/\/myfirstshiba.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/01\/hokkaido_inu-copy-1.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/span><\/p>\nKai Ken<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"beautiful](\"https:\/\/myfirstshiba.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/omgtain_03.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/span><\/p>\n![\"native](\"https:\/\/myfirstshiba.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/kai_ken-copy.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n![\"beautiful](\"https:\/\/myfirstshiba.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/omgtain_02.jpg\" "\\"\\"")
<\/span><\/p>\nKishu Ken<\/strong><\/h3>\n
![\"Kishu](\"https:\/\/myfirstshiba.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/Kishu_Ken_Puppy.jpg\" "\\"Kishu_Ken_Puppy\\"")
<\/span><\/p>\n