Exploring Japan’s Native Dog Breeds

The Japanese Dog Preservation Society, Nihon-ken Hozonkai, was created to maintain and preserve six specific native Japanese dog breeds. This organization is similar to the American Kennel Club (AKC) in the United States, and it also presents an annual dog show. The six breeds are Shiba, Kai, Hokkaido, Shikoku, Kishu, and Akita, and each has a rich, distinct history that sets them apart. Four additional Japanese dog breeds — the chin, terrier, spitz, and mastiff — are imported to the United States. Continue reading to learn more about the unique characteristics of all ten of these Japanese dog breeds.

1. Shiba (Shiba Inu)

The Shiba Inu is the most popular companion dog in Japan. These small, foxlike dogs are well-mannered and sturdy, and they were bred as hunters. They have a double coat of thick fur and grow to be 13.5 to 16.5 inches tall and weigh 17 to 23 lbs. Shibas have been around for thousands of years, with the first ones dating back to around 300 B.C. They were introduced in the United States in 1954 and have been a recognized breed with the AKC since 1992. Their popularity has led breeders to create a miniature version called the Mame Shiba, though this is not an officially recognized variety. Male Mame Shibas only grow to be a foot tall and weigh around 10 to 14lbs.

2. Akita

Akitas are known as symbols of happiness and long life. It is a Japanese tradition to present an Akita figurine to new parents for their baby. These large dogs have a thick double coat of fur that can be a variety of colors, and a fluffy, curled tail. They stand 24 to 28 inches tall and can weigh up to 130 pounds. These dogs make good watchdogs and have a history of being very loyal.

There is a famous true story about one Akita named Hachiko, who waited at the train station day after day for his owner to come home. Unfortunately, his owner passed away and wasn’t going to be coming home anymore, but Hachiko still came back every day for the next 9 years. There is a Japanese movie made about him called Hachiko Monogatari that came out in 1987. An American version based on the story came out in 2009 starring Richard Gere called Hachi: A Dog’s Tale. 

3. Kai (Kai Ken)

The Kai Ken breed is sometimes called a tiger dog because of the brindle or stripe-like pattern of its coat. These medium-sized dogs have a short coat that serves as camouflage in the mountain regions where they were bred to hunt. They are intelligent, agile dogs with sharp, strong claws that allow them to climb trees. Kai Kens are also good swimmers. Kai Kens are known to be loyal pets and are eager to please their owners. They grow to be 15.5 to 19.5 inches tall and can weigh between 20 and 40 pounds. Although it is on the protected list of six official Japanese dogs, the Kai Ken is a rare breed, even in Japan.

4. Kishu (Kishu Ken)

Kishus are energetic, medium-sized dogs that love to be active. Their coat can be all white, red, or sesame, and they have thick but short fur. They have pointed ears and a curled tail. Males can be 17 to 22 inches tall and weigh between 30 and 60 pounds. Many Kishus are all white because of selective breeding. Hunters preferred white dogs because they were easier to see. Kishus are native to the Wakayama region. They were bred from tough, mountain-roaming dogs, and that trait served them well as hunting dogs.

5. Shikoku (Kochi-Ken)

The Shikoku, sometimes called the Kochi-Ken after the region it is from, is a strong, hunting dog known for its endurance. They were originally from the Kochi Prefecture, where they were used to hunt wild boar. This strong breed was the breed of choice for traditional dog fighting, beginning in the 14^th century. Shikokus are great pets for outdoorsmen and are affectionate with their owners. They can grow to be 35 to 55 pounds and stand about 17 to 22 inches tall. The most common coloration is a mix of black, red, and white, which is sometimes referred to as sesame. They have a thick coat of fur, pointed ears, and a curled, fluffy, foxlike tail.

6. Hokkaido

Hokkaidos come in a variety of colors, including white, black, red, and tan. They have longer fur than most other Japanese dogs, but they have similar pointed ears and a curled tail. Hokkaidos are medium-sized dogs weighing 44 to 66 pounds and are about 18 to 20 inches tall. They need training and socialization from an early age because they can be wary of strangers. Hokkaidos were bred as hunting dogs and were valuable because they fared well in the snowy climate. The Ainu people of Hokkaido depended on these dogs to help them hunt deer and bears. Today, they are great pets that love the outdoors and have high stamina.

7. Japanese Chin (Japanese Spaniel)

Compared to the six official dogs of Japan, the Japanese Chin is tiny. It is also a long-haired breed that is not bred for hunting. These are companion lap dogs that are popular in Japan and in America. Their origins are debated, with some sources suggesting the Japanese Chin originated in China or Korea before becoming favored by Japanese nobles hundreds of years ago. The AKC recognized this breed back in 1888, so their presence in the West has a history as well. Japanese Chins, sometimes called Japanese spaniels, are only 8 to 11 inches tall and weigh 7 to 11 pounds, about the same weight as an adult cat. 

8. Japanese Terrier

Japanese terriers have many of the common terrier traits: they are feisty, independent, and tend to bark a lot! These dogs have short hair and are slim, weighing between 5 and 10 pounds and are 11 to 13 inches tall. Many have a distinctive dark-brown head and white body. They are smart and affectionate but often choose to associate with one owner, being somewhat possessive. This is the first terrier type bred in Japan, originating from a mix of English smooth fox terrier and smaller native dogs. The Japanese terrier is recognized by the Japan Kennel Club and is listed in the AKC’s Foundation Stock Service, but is not fully recognized by the AKC.

9. Japanese Spitz

The Japanese spitz is a little ball of white fluff. They have long, fluffy fur and a tail that curls up over their backs. Japanese spitzes are 12 to 15 inches tall and weigh around 10 to 25 pounds. They have a lot of personality and are considered to be funny dogs. Japanese spitzes get along well with their family and with other dogs. The history of the Japanese spitz is unknown because records were destroyed during World War II. It is thought that the breed originated from the white German spitz before 1920. Other spitz dogs were imported from Canada, China, the United States, and Australia. The Japanese spitz is not recognized by the AKC as of 2025, but is listed in the AKC’s Foundation Stock Service and has been recognized by the Japan Kennel Club since 1948.

10. Japanese Mastiff (Tosa Inu)

In contrast to the little spitz, the Japanese mastiff (or Tosa Inu) is a large Japanese dog breed that grows to be 100 to 200 pounds. They can be 21.5 to 23.5 inches tall and are muscular, sturdy dogs. This mastiff has short, coarse fur that can be a variety of colors, often with a black muzzle and darker ears. As pets, they are good watchdogs and wary of other dogs, but they are very affectionate with their own family.

Dating back to the 14th century, Japan has a history of dog fighting. Shikokus were bred to be tough fighting dogs. When Westerners started arriving on the island, they brought their dogs, which were much larger than their Japanese counterparts. The Japanese then began breeding these larger dogs, including bulldogs, mastiffs, and great danes, with their native dogs to create fiercer competitors. During dog fights, Tosa Inu dogs were treated with respect, much like sumo wrestlers. In the United States, Tosas are friendly companion dogs that are not fully recognized by the AKC, but are listed in the AKC’s Foundation Stock Service.