| Dog breeding in Japan has ancient roots, and in fact | | | | energetic, Shikokus are known as good dogs for |
| has been practiced for thousands of years. In that | | | | outdoor enthusiasts and the adventurous. They are |
| time, six distinct breeds of Japanese dogs have been | | | | more obedient than some of the other breeds and |
| carefully bred and refined for purity, beauty, and | | | | have a reputation for learning things quickly. |
| other desirable traits. These six original Japanese dog | | | | Kai Ken |
| breeds include the Japanese Akita, Shiba, Shikoku, Kai | | | | The Kai Ken (sometimes just called the Kai) is a very |
| Ken, Kishu, and Hokkaido. The Tosa is another | | | | rare breed, even in Japan, and is thought by some to |
| well-known Japanese dog breed, although it is not | | | | be the purest and oldest of all the oldest Japanese |
| considered to be one of the original six. | | | | dog breeds. In fact, the breed is considered to be a |
| Akita | | | | national monument for Japan. It is a medium-sized |
| Of all the breeds, it is the Akita Japanese dog | | | | dog with rough, medium length fur and a dark colored |
| breeders are known for most of all. Technically, it is | | | | black or deep reddish coat. The Kai Ken is known for |
| called the Akita Inu, and is sometimes considered to | | | | being friendly, brave, intelligent, and alert. They are |
| be separate from the American Akita. The Akita is a | | | | very loyal to their owners, and also have a history of |
| large dog with very thick fur and a variety of colors. | | | | hunting, which makes them good guard dogs. |
| It is known for being exceptionally loyal, kind, and | | | | Kishu |
| playful. Akitas make good family pets and do well | | | | Similar to, but older than, both the Shibu and the |
| with children, although they do need plenty of time | | | | Akita, the Kishu is one of the most beautiful and |
| outside. | | | | intelligent breeds of traditional Japanese dogs. Kishus |
| Shiba | | | | have thick, short, white fur and are medium in build |
| Where the Japanese Akita is the largest of all | | | | and muscular in stature. Brave, strong, and agile, the |
| Japanese dogs, the Shiba (or Shiba Inu) is the | | | | Kishu is known as a good hunting dog. They are very |
| smallest). Both its fur and its body share the same | | | | loyal to families and are instinctually drawn to one |
| traits: short and thick. Bred for hunting, Shibas must | | | | person or one family once they learn who their |
| be kept on leashes or they may try and chase | | | | owners are. |
| something and run away. Their temperaments are | | | | Hokkaido |
| confident, intelligent, and a bit independent. They | | | | With its two coats (one short, one long) of thick fur, |
| should be socialized young so they don't become too | | | | the Hokkaido is a unique and cherished breed among |
| disobedient. They are also very loyal to their owners. | | | | Japanese dogs. The double-coat also makes it very |
| Shikoku | | | | compatible with cold climates. A natural hunter, the |
| The Shikoku is, size-wise, halfway between the | | | | Hokkaido has the ability to fight off bears and will be |
| Japanese Akita and Shiba (the largest and smallest | | | | very protective of its owners. It does well with |
| Japanese dog breeds, respectively). Its fur is also of | | | | children as long as it is exposed to them while it is a |
| medium length. Quite active, agile, tough, and | | | | puppy. |