Kishu Ken: History, Temperament & Care – A Guide to the Japanese Dog Breed

The Kishu Ken, also known as the Kishu Inu, is a Japanese dog breed with a long history of breeding in the Land of the Rising Sun. After thousands of years of breeding in the Kishu region (Mie/Wakayama Prefecture) of Japan, the Kishu Ken you see today is the result.

They were originally bred as a skilled companion for hunters, but are now fairly common family dogs. They’re known for quietly stalking their prey and striking at a moment’s notice. Because of their hunting abilities, they’ve been used to take down deer and boar in the wild.

Today, the Kishu is more than your average Japanese hunting dog. They’re loyal and courageous companions, worthy of any loving owner. These Intelligent dogs can bring a lot of joy when raised properly and given the adequate stimulation.

RECOMMENDED: 13 Fascinating Dogs of Japan

Kishu Ken Basic Profile

Friendliness: The Kishu Ken are very friendly towards those they’re familiar with. They do best in a single family or owner environment, but with socialization can get along with other animals and people. They’re often aloof with strangers.

Trainability: These dogs are highly intelligent and can learn many things with enough training. However, it may be easier to train them to hunt, than to ‘roll over.’ Overall, they’re very eager to learn because of their devotion.

Grooming: The Kishu Ken has a short coat and rarely sheds. They are extremely easy dogs to groom, as they require minimal basic grooming compared to other dogs.

Adaptability: They need a lot of room to run around and get their exercise in. This means that having a Kishu in an urban setting may not be ideal. They’re not meant for the apartment life.

Activity: Always give your Kishu plenty of exercise. They need daily walks at the very least. However, if it is more enjoyable, you can always play fetch with them in the comfort of your back yard.

RECOMMENDED: List of Recognized Dog Breeds & Their Breed Group

History of the Kishu

The old Kishu region of Japan is comprised of mountainous terrain. Because of this, hunters needed a highly versatile hunting dog able to thrive in such a region.

Breeding of the Kishu Ken started thousands of years ago, but was not standardized until the 1930s. Some historians even believe that these dogs have been bred for over 3,000 years.

After so many years, breeders truly discovered a skillful hunting dog. There is a saying in Japan: “one dog, one shot,” which aptly describes the hunting capabilities of the Kishu Ken.

There was a trained strategy involved with these dogs during their hunts. The Kishu would track down the prey and lead them towards the hunter. Once close enough, the hunter is able to kill the prey with a single shot. Hence, the Japanese expression.

At first, the white coat Kishu dogs were the minority. They were mainly black, tan, brindle, red or a mixture. But due to increasing popularity, the white coats make up the majority of these dogs today.

An Officially Recognized Breed

The Kishu Inus are very rare outside of Japan, which is the main reason why they’re not officially registered with the American Kennel Club. The AKC requires enough registered dogs of a specific breed in the country before giving official recognition. However, the Kishu is a Foundation Stock breed with the AKC.

Since 1934, the Kishu had been recognized by the Japan Kennel Club. In fact, around the same time, they were listed as a ‘protective species’ in the country.

They’re even recognized as a natural monument since the 1930s. Although there aren’t many clubs that give them recognition, they’re apparently highly regarded in their home country.

Current Club Recognition:

1. ACA = American Canine Association Inc.
2. AKC/FSS = American Kennel Club Foundation Stock Service^® Program
3. AKR = American Kishu Registry
4. ARBA = American Rare Breed Association
5. DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
6. JKC = Japanese Kennel Club
7. NAPR = North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
8. Nippo = Nihonken Hozonkai

RECOMMENDED: List of All Officially Recognized Dog Breeds

Kishu Inu Characteristics

The Kishu Inu is considered a medium-sized dog breed. On average, they stand at roughly 20 inches tall and can be anywhere from 30 to 60 pounds. It’s rather rare to find a Kishu of any color outside of white, but it is still possible.

They can come in a mix of red, brindle, black and tan – in addition to solid white. White has been the preferred color ever since modern domestication of these dogs.

The nose is generally black, but sometimes can come with a hint of brown or pink. This unusual coloring in the nose is more common for Kishu Kens with a pure white coat.

Much like the Shiba Inu (and most Japanese dog breeds), the Kishu’s tail is curled up over the back. They have short fur with straight hair, which make them relatively easy to groom. The small, yet pointy ears are slightly slanted forwards.

Kishu Temperament

So you may be wondering, is the Kishu Ken right for you or your family? Make no mistake these dogs are as great as any other breeds. However, they aren’t your typical family dogs, such as Golden Retrievers and Labradors. The Kishu dogs have a unique personality and unique needs you need to be aware of.

As hunting dogs, they have a strong tendency to prey on small animals. If you have cats, it’s important to socialize them early on. Although they typically get along with cats, it can be risky if they aren’t familiar with one another.

When it comes to other dogs, the Kishu has inherent pack instincts. This means that they could potentially try fighting for dominance of the pack.

Personality

They have much of a dominant personality and are often described as headstrong. Because of this, its essential that you properly train your Kishu at an early age. The good news is that they are a highly intelligent dog breed, capable of learning many things.

They are a one person or one family dog. There should be no confusion on who is part of its family or ‘pack.’ In a single family setting, they will demonstrate immense loyalty.

And as courageous as they are, they will fiercely protect the family. Because of their high devotion, you can bet that they play well with small children within the family.

Kishu Health & Care

Kishu Kens typically show health problems that are common among all Japanese dog breeds. The most common medical condition they are faced with is Hypothyroidism, where the thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone.

Although this is not fatal by any means, it can lead to many health problems. For example, lethargy and weight gain are both possible symptoms of this condition in dogs. Fortunately, all that is required is a daily thyroid pill to combat this issue.

Another common problem is Entropion. This condition is a genetic defect where the eyelids of the dog turn inward, causing the lashes to irritate the eyeballs.

Entropion can potentially lead to loss of vision if ignored for long enough. Sometimes, surgery may be required. But regardless, always consult with your veterinarian if this problem arises.

Activity

The Kishu Kens are hunting dogs, after all. It should be no surprise that they require enough physical activity to stimulate their body and mind. It’s probably not a good idea to keep these dogs locked in a small apartment all day.

Rather, their perfect environment consists of a large backyard for plenty of running. If possible, they need daily walks. You can also play a physical game with them, such as fetch.

Grooming

The good news is that these dogs don’t shed very often. They’ll maybe shed once or twice a year. This makes grooming very easy for potential owners. A Kishu needs brushing once every couple weeks or so to prevent build-up of debris in their coat.

Wash them only when necessary and check their ears for build-up of ear wax. Their teeth need to be brushed ideally every few days, depending on what type of foods you feed your dog. There is nothing more than what is basic grooming for most dogs.

Breeds Similar to the Kishu

Some dog breeds similar to the Kishu are the Hokkaido Inu, Kai Ken and the Shikoku Inu.

Further reading:

• 21 Exotic Dog Breeds of India
• 45 Most Expensive Dog Breeds
• 19 Bravest Police Dog Breeds
• 12 Amazing Australian Dog Breeds