In recent years, their popularity has been increasing overseas as well, as they have attracted attention for their cute appearance and high loyalty, which is different from Western dogs. Do you know what kind of dog a Japanese dog is? We will explain the types of Japanese dogs and their respective personalities, which all Japanese people should know about.
There are only 6 types of Japanese dogs in existence!
Japanese dog is a general term for dogs that originate from Japan. Dogs that have existed in Japan since ancient times are called ``Japanese dogs,'' whose appearance has hardly changed for thousands of years. There are only six types of Japanese dogs in existence that fall under the ``Japanese Dog Standard'' established by the Japanese Dog Preservation Society in 1934. It is also designated as a national natural monument.
List of types of Japanese dogs (Japanese dogs)
Now, here we will introduce the characteristics and personalities of the dog breeds called "Japanese dogs."
Akita Inu
| height | 58-71cm |
| body weight | 34~50kg |
| size | large dog |
Its ancestor is the Matagi dog, which has been used for bear hunting in the Akita region since ancient times. It is the only large dog among Japanese dogs. As he is also known as ``Hachiko, a medium-sized dog,'' he has a strong sense of loyalty to his owner. The coat colors are red, white, and tiger. He has a sturdy body and high physical ability. Although they are usually calm and reserved in their behavior, they will demonstrate agility and bravery to protect their owners. Because they are large dogs, they require plenty of space and exercise.
Kaiken
| height | 42~53cm |
| body weight | 16-18kg |
| size | medium sized dog |
This hunting dog has existed in Yamanashi Prefecture since ancient times, and was used to hunt deer and bears. Their hunting instincts are very strong, and there are still some Kai dogs that still work as active hunting dogs. The coat colors are black, medium, and red. It is also known as a dog that is loyal to only one owner for a lifetime. On the other hand, they are very cautious and do not like to interact with strangers or other dog breeds, so it is important to socialize them from an early age.
Kishu dog
| height | 46~55cm |
| body weight | 15~30kg |
| size | medium sized dog |
This hunting dog was used to hunt wild boars and deer in the mountainous areas of the Kishu region (Wakayama and Mie prefectures). The coat is white, red, or sesame, but most of the existing breeds are uniformly white. It has a sturdy body and a gentle and gentle personality. While obedient to their owners and family, they are very wary of others. Among the six types of Japanese dogs, it is said to be the most suitable as a family dog.
Shiba Inu
| height | 35~41cm |
| body weight | 7-14kg |
| size | small dog |
This dog breed has lived with the Japanese people since the Jomon period, and is one of Japan's most representative dog breeds. They are loyal to their owners and will be patient when following the instructions of their trusted owners. They will smile and be affectionate towards owners who have forgiven them, and will snuggle up to their side and treat them affectionately. The coat colors are red, black, sesame, and white. While they are obedient to their owners, they are wary of strangers and are difficult to get attached to. Be sure to train your dog to be social from an early age. Although they are small dogs, they have excellent stamina and require the same amount of exercise as a medium-sized dog, so in addition to daily walks, it is a good idea to let them run a lot at dog runs.
Shikoku dog (Shikoku dog)
| height | 46~55cm |
| body weight | 15~30kg |
| size | medium sized dog |
This dog is the origin of the famous fighting dog "Tosa". It was once used as a matagi dog to hunt bears and wild boars in the mountainous areas near Kochi Prefecture. The coat colors are sesame, red, slightly black, and white. Now that he's been kept as a family dog, his personality has become a little calmer, but he's still a very wary dog. They also have a fighting spirit, so they will bark aggressively at strangers and animals, and may even attack them. Like other Japanese dogs, it is important to socialize your dog from an early age.
Hokkaido dog (Hokkaido dog)
| height | 45.5~56cm |
| body weight | 20~30kg |
| size | medium sized dog |
The Ainu dog, also known as the Ainu dog, was used for bear hunting by the Ainu, an indigenous people of Hokkaido. It has a sturdy body and has courageous strength and toughness. It has a coat that can withstand Hokkaido's harsh climate. The coat colors are sesame, tiger, red, black, white, and blackish brown. Although they are obedient to their owners, some dogs have a rough temper, so it is important to train them to be obedient and socialize them from an early age.
The following characteristics are common to the six types of Japanese dogs.
- They are very loyal to their owners.
- They need social training from an early age.
- It is necessary to ensure a sufficient amount of exercise.
- It sheds its fur during the shedding season, so it requires frequent brushing.
Overwhelmingly popular! Charm of Shiba Inu
We have explained the characteristics of each Japanese dog, but the most popular among Japanese dogs is definitely the Shiba Inu. The number of registered dogs by breed from January to December 2021 by the Japan Kennel Club (JKC) is as follows.
| dog breed name | Number of JKC registered horses |
| Akita dog | 519 heads |
| Kaiken | 91 heads |
| Kishu dog | 9 heads |
| Shiba Inu | 9,958 head |
| Shikoku dog | 41 heads |
| Hokkaido dog (Hokkaido dog) | 35 heads |
Source: Japan Kennel Club, General Incorporated Association https://www.jkc.or.jp/archives/enrollment/17396
Shiba Inu dogs are by far the most commonly bred breed, indicating their popularity. In addition, the ranking compared to the number of registered dogs of other dog breeds is as follows.
| rank | dog breed name | Number of JKC registered horses |
| First place | poodle | 85,347 head |
| 2nd place | Chihuahua | 51,837 head |
| 3rd place | Dachshund | 28,477 head |
| 4th | pomeranian | 19,832 head |
| 5th place | french bulldog | 12,942 head |
| 6th place | miniature schnauzer | 11,930 head |
| 7th place | Shiba Inu | 9,958 head |
| 8th place | Yorkshire terrier | 9,690 head |
| 9th place | maltese | 8,886 head |
| 10th | Shih Tzu | 8,755 head |
Source: Japan Kennel Club, General Incorporated Association https://www.jkc.or.jp/archives/enrollment/17396
Even compared to other dog breeds, it ranks within the top 10 overall, which shows that it is popular as a family dog. The Shiba Inu is very popular in Japan. Below are reviews from people who actually own Shiba Inu dogs.
"Overall ease of care is rated ◎ for being patient, resistant to cars, and resistant to changes in the environment."
``Although he was adopted from another company, he is very friendly and does not bark or bite.He listens to what his owner says and is helpful.Shiba are generally said to have a violent temperament, but even if they are individual, they are gentle. There's a dog, too."
``I think it's a very easy dog to keep.It's smart and easy to train.As it's a Japanese dog from ancient times, I think it would be a good fit for the Japanese people.Even first-time dog owners may find Shiba a good dog to keep. I think it's an easy-going dog breed.If I have the chance, I would like to get a Shiba Inu again.''
Quote: Kakaku.com
https://review.kakaku.com/review/55100110040/?Page=2#tab
summary
This was an introduction to Japanese dogs, which have a long history of being good companions for Japanese people. Japanese dogs have a deep relationship with the Japanese people and have blended into the Japanese culture. Japanese dogs, who are loyal to their owners and full of charm, will continue to be loved and enrich our lives.
