The island of Japan is home to many ancient dog breeds and although they might look and act very similar, they do have their own unique personalities. All of them, however, are deeply loyal, as can be seen in the story of Hachiko. The statue of Hachiko is the cover photo for this article, credit to David Offf via Flickr.
#1 – Akita
The Akita is a hunting dog from the mountainous regions of Japan, used for hunting wild boar, deer and bear. They are aloof with strangers and very territorial, making them somewhat unsuitable for family companions. That said, they are a very loyal breed, as can be seen in the story about Hachiko. Hachiko is the famous Akita who waited for his owner to arrive on the train, even after his owner’s death.
#2 – Hokkaido
The Hokkaido is a medium-sized breed used as a bear hunting dog as well as a search and rescue dog during an Army expedition gone wrong in 1902. They are very loyal and protective dogs, although it should be trusted around other animals without supervision.
#3 – Japanese Spitz
The Japanese Spitz is a small spitz-type dog bred to be a family companion. It was developed in the 1920s and 1930s by crossing various other spitz breeds to create a dog of ideal size. They are active and intelligent dogs that do well in families with small children.
#4 – Japanese Terrier
The Japanese Terrier, or Nippon Terrier, is a rare terrier breed, even difficult to find in its home country. Developed in Japan by crossing various other terriers and indigenous Japanese dogs, it was created with the sole purpose of being a pet. It was recognized as a breed in Japan in 1930, but has little recognition outside of the country.
#5 – Kai Ken
The Kai Ken is considered to be the most ancient dog breed in Japan and is still relatively rare even in its home country. They were used to hunt wild boar and bear and were made a Japanese natural monument in 1934. The breed is loyal to their families and can make good companions.
#6 – Kishu
The Kishu Ken is a medium-sized ancient Japanese dog used for hunting deer and boar. Although the breed is mostly white today, the original specimens were almost all colored until their popularity increased. Kishu are not suitable as family companions and prefer to be a one-person dog.
#7 – Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is the smallest of the Japanese ancient breeds and is one of the oldest dog breeds overall, dating back to the 3rd century BC. They were originally used for hunting birds, rabbits and other small game through the mountainous regions of Japan. Today they are popular companion dogs although they do not do well around children.
#8 – Shikoku Ken
The Shikoku Ken is a boar-hunting dog native to Japan and, like the other breeds, is considered very ancient. They are very agile dogs that make excellent companions for active people, however they are very reserved and do not necessarily do well in family homes.
#9 – Tosa
The Tosa Inu is a Mastiff-type dog originating in the 19th century. It was originally used as a fighting dog and still is today. Unfortunately, dog fighting is still legal in Japan, although the sport is performed very differently than pit-fighting that the United States is used to.
Toledo, United States.
