Japan is what we call an old country and its culture is therefore rich and varied. We think of sushi, sumo, manga And of course the magnificent breeds of Japanese dogs that we are going to discover.
Small Breeds
Japanese spaniel
Also called "Chin" , the Japanese Spaniel is a small dog of 25 cm on average, with silky, straight and long hair. It is a white dog whose head is stained with black or fawn. Its tail is carried in a plume above its back.
Probably descending from the line of Tibetan dogs, he was offered in 732 to the Emperor of Japan. In France, it was the little darling of Queen Marie-Antoinette. It also appears on one of the paintings of the famous impressionist painter Manet.
This dog is a great companion for its sociable and gentle character. It is none the less lively. His master can take it everywhere with him as long as the animal has the right to his daily walks.
Shiba inu
Small in size (35 to 41 cm), the Shiba inu is one of the oldest breeds of dogs originating from Japan. It is said that it already accompanied the first humans who settled in Japan around 7000 BC. He was useful to his masters for hunting in the brush, which means "shiba" in Japanese. In addition, the color of its sesame-colored dress is similar to that of the leaves in autumn. But the standard admits other colors and shades such as red, black and tan, black sesame and red sesame. His hair is hard and full while his undercoat is soft, the tail curled on the back.
The Shiba inu can live in an apartment provided they are walked daily. He is lively and playful, filled with affection for his human family.
Japanese Spitz
From the original name "Nihon Supitsu" , this small Japanese dog (30 to 38 cm) is relatively recent in canine history since it has only existed since the beginning of the 20th century. Despite the youth of the breed, the archives concerning it are non-existent (the ravages of the Second World War). However, many breeders agree that the German Spitz is its ancestor.
The dress of the Japanese Spitz is, to say the least, abundant in pure white. Its triangular ears are erect and its plumed tail is carried over the back. He is a cunning and lively dog very affectionate.
He needs a good education from an early age. He likes to play a lot and is a formidable competitor in agility. Apartment living is no problem provided it is well spent.
Japanese Terrier
The Japanese Terrier is the result of crossing several Terriers, including the smooth-haired Fox Terrier, and Japanese canine breeds.
His hair is short, dense and shiny. The color of her dress can be varied, composed of 2 or 3 different colors.
This little dog has a playful nature. Affectionate with his human family, he is always ready to play or participate in family activities. If life in an apartment suits him, his liveliness and boundless energy require him to be taken out several times a day at least in a large park so that he can let off steam.
Medium breeds
Shikoku inu
Europeans call it "Kochi dog" in connection with the mountainous region where this breed has its origins in Japan. It was even declared a "Natural Monument" in 1937.
Used at the time for wild boar hunting, the Shikoku inu is a dog of great endurance, accustomed at the time to traveling wide open spaces in difficult conditions.
Medium-sized (46 to 52 cm) and well proportioned, its head is very similar to that of a wolf. The color of her dress is always predominantly sesame, with black, white or even red. His coat is rough and straight, his undercoat is soft and dense.
The Shikoku thrives when it lives in contact with nature and can run over a large territory. Country life is therefore a necessity for the animal.
Hokkaido Inu
This medium-sized canine breed (45 to 51 cm) is one of the oldest. Coming from the Japanese island of Hokkaido whose name it bears, its origins are closely linked with those of the nomadic Ainu people. Used both for hunting and for protection, the ancestors of Hokkaido migrated to the north of the Japanese archipelago where the climate is harsher in winter and the wild animals more combative, such as deer and bears. This is how the breed is physically as we know it today: well-proportioned with toned muscles and strong bones, with a coarse, straight coat and a soft, dense undercoat, while the thick tail is curled or curled in a sickle shape over the back.
Here is a dog not to put in all hands. Although not aggressive towards humans, the Hokkaido Inu needs to be trained consistently by someone who knows the specifics of the breed.
Ryukyu inu
The Ryukyu belongs to an also very old Japanese canine breed whose origins are quite unknown. This dog was an excellent wild boar hunter.
Some dogs have spurs on the back of their paws. Some hypotheses as to the origin of this natural genetic transformation evoke the need to climb trees because of tsunamis or simply to help quickly put a stop to a race.
The Ryukyu is an endangered dog since there were only 400 specimens in 2015. The government has therefore classified it as a protected species so that the breed does not die out. There is no official standard but we know that the colors of his dress are varied, and in particular brindle with black, red or white.
Kai Ken
Also called "Tora inu" (which means "tiger dog" in Japanese) for its beautiful brindle coat, this dog has unknown origins like many other Japanese breeds. Still, it bears the name of the Kai district in Japan.
When it was domesticated in the Middle Ages, it was very useful for hunting wild boar and deer. Recently, 700 specimens of this breed have been counted, which is growing every year in the United States in particular and also in France with the recent appearance of an official breeding.
Average size (45 to 56 cm), the Kai Ken is robust and muscular. Independent and undemonstrative, he nevertheless shows a great attachment to his master.
He enjoys great outdoor outings with other dogs and proves to be a great enduring athlete.
Kishu Ken
The Kishu Ken also belongs to a very old canine breed established in the mountainous regions of Kishu, declared a "natural monument" in 1934.
Demonstrating exceptional endurance, he is a dog who needs large spaces daily to flourish. He is naturally endowed with many qualities: intelligent, lively, faithful and docile.
It is desirable that such a dog be adopted by a dynamic family who likes to take long walks in nature several times a week.
Sanshu inu
This recent breed (early 1900) comes from the crossing of a Chow Chow (Chinese breed), an Aichi and other Japanese Inus. The Sanshu's dress can take on several colors such as fawn, red, gray and pied.
As there is no official breed standard, the coat may also vary. Unknown in Europe, it has everything to please as a pet. Endowed with an affectionate temperament, he is sensitive and attaches himself strongly to his master.
Large Breeds
Akita inu
The coat of this large Japanese breed dog (61 to 67 cm) is thick and thick, rough and straight. Its tail is curled over its back. The name it bears is that of the province of Akita and "inu" means "dog" in Japanese. We can consider that this breed is one of the emblems of Japan since the government has conferred on it the status of “national heritage”. Indeed, it was endangered during the Second World War because the Japanese used dog skins to make uniforms for their soldiers.
The Akita Inu is an intelligent dog. It is preferable that it be adopted by an experienced master who will set up educational exercises. He is a dynamic dog with high spending needs.
Tosa inu
From 55 to 80 cm in height, the Tosa Inu was unfortunately famous for the wrong reasons.In the 19th century, it was used for dogfighting. It was the cross of several breeds such as the English Bulldog, the Mastiff, the German Shorthaired Pointer, the Great Dane, and many others later.
It goes without saying that an education is more than necessary for this powerful dog. That is why it is better for him to be the companion of an experienced, firm and rather athletic master. Wide open spaces and daily exercises are essential to preserve physical and mental balance.