THE SIX NATIVE JAPANESE BREEDS

Declared a National Treasure in Japan in 1937

JAPANESE
AKITA

Males
26 inches
106 pounds

Females
24 inches
88 pounds
The Akita is the largest of the Japanese breeds and was originally bred for bear hunting by the nobility. Coat colors vary from red, tiger brindle, brindle to white. The Akita is an excellent guard dog and a superb companion.

The above pictures of Japanese Akitas are from Hillside Kennel.

The picture to the left is an American-type Akita from Denali Akitas. The Akita in Japan and the Akita we are familiar with here in America have basically evolved into two different breeds. In Japan, the American-type Akita is known as the Great Japanese Dog. The reason for this disparity between breeds is mostly due to timing. At the time we first brought the Akita to America, this is what the Akita looked like in Japan. However, over the years, the Japanese restored the Akita to its original, pure state which is embodied in the form of the Japanese Akita. Many people in the U.S. feel the breed should be split into separate groups to allow for the differences between the two types.

HOKKAIDO

Males
19-20 inches
44 pounds

Females
18-19 inches
33 pounds
The Hokkaido, also known as the Ainu dog, is considered to be the oldest of the Japanese breeds. It is known for its bravery in fighting the brown bear and for being able to withstand the severe winter environment of Hokkaido. It is considered the "wildest" of the Japanese breeds. In addition to being a fearless hunter, it is extremely loyal and devoted to its owner. Coat colors are usually red or white, but black, sesame, tiger and fawn are also acceptable.

Hokkaido pictures from http://www6.plala.or.jp/ainu-dog/index.html

KAI

Males
20-22 inches
24-51 pounds

Females
18-20 inches
24-51 pounds
The Kai comes from the Southern Japan Alps where it served as a tireless, all-weather hunting breed. The Kai still retains a touch of wildness. Coat colors are black or red brindle; puppies are born solid-colored and the brindle pattern emerges as the puppy matures.

Kai pictures from http://www.catv296.ne.jp/~gonta/

KISHU

Males
20-22 inches
24-51 pounds

Females
18-20 inches
24-51 pounds
The Kishu was originally a deer and boar hunter. It is a very intelligent and devoted family dog that has become highly popular in Japan as a family pet. Coat color is almost always white, although other colors such as red sesame were seen in older times and are acceptable.

Picture above left is from Hillsdale Kennel Reg'd and picture above right is from petbrazil.com.

SHIKOKU

Males
19-21 inches
40-53 pounds

Females
17-19 inches
33-44 pounds
The Shikoku was originally bred for hunting wild boar. Now it is popular as a very loyal household pet. Coat colors some in sesame, black sesame, red sesame, black brindle or red brindle.

Shikoku pictures from Shikoku Kennel.

SHIBA INU

Males
15-16 inches
20 pounds

Females
14-15 inches
17 pounds
The Shiba Inu is the smallest of the Japanese breeds. Quick, agile and light on their feet, they were originally used to flush out birds and small game from the brush during hunting. Nothing thrills a Shiba more than chasing after a rabbit or roadrunner at lightening speeds. While Shibas are an independent breed, they are affectionate and loyal and can make wonderful companions for the right family. For more information on the Shiba Inu, please click HERE.

Shiba pictures are from Hinode Kennels.

The pictures on this page are used with permission from their respective owners. Please do not copy pictures from this page. Thank you.