Cultures, people, customs – they are very different from country to country. It is the same with the canine inhabitants of different countries and continents.
How do you actually recognize Japanese dog breeds?
Not at the slit eyes, no. Rather the pointed ears and the tail curled over the back, these characteristics are common to many Japanese dog breeds.
You can be curious as to which of the Japanese dogs that we are going to introduce to you in a moment is probably the biggest rascal!
1.Japanese Akita
The Japanese Akita Inu is also a popular companion and family dog in Germany. The great Spitz is a character for lovers, as it is often described as aloof and stubborn.
The proud dog often has an intimidating effect on strangers and dogs. His character is considered very dominant and sometimes not too compatible, especially with other four-legged friends.
The Akita, on the other hand, loves its people warmly and deeply. Anyone who appreciates their personality and can handle their distinctive hunting instinct can look forward to a loyal and intelligent friend for life.
2. Japanese Chin
This tiny Japanese creature only reaches a height of 24 centimeters. He looks cheeky and funny and that’s exactly what he is.
The Japanese Chin, also known as the Japan Chin, is a small companion dog. Anyone who has ever been to Japan knows why the Japanese are happy about space-saving dogs.
Little Chin can do well in a city apartment. He is considered gentle, affectionate, sociable and easy to train. Therefore, he is also interesting for dog beginners!
3. Japanese Spitz
This little colleague is really great! The Japanese Spitz inspires dog fans worldwide with its cotton ball look and friendly character.
The Japanese Spitz is a relatively young hybrid of European Spitz and Japanese dog breeds.
His nature is described as affectionate, open and curious. Typical for Spitz, he is alert and reports loudly when something exciting happens to him.
The Japanese Spitz is confident and affable. Even dog beginners can look forward to hours of brushing the white plush!
4.Japanese Terriers
The Japanese are actually more into pointed ears, curled tails and a lot of plush on the dog, but this little terrier also comes from Japan!
He is also called Nihon Terrier, Nippon Terrier or Nihon Teria.
Unfortunately, the Japanese terrier has also become very rare in its home country. If you let such a little buddy into your life, you have a typical terrier on your heels.
He is spirited and motivated to hunt.
Nevertheless, the Japanese Terrier is ideal as a family and companion dog, because crossing Japanese dog breeds makes it less stubborn than, for example, the Fox Terrier.
5. Sakhalin Husky
Translated into German, this Japanese breed of dog is called the Sakhalin Husky.
In addition to their suitability as sled dogs, Sakhalin huskies have also been used to some extent for bear hunting. They are large, strong and muscular dogs.
Males of this breed reach a height of 56 to 66 centimeters and weigh about 40 kilograms.
Unfortunately, this beautiful breed of dog is in danger of extinction. However, getting hold of a copy for your own home is not a particularly good idea anyway. It is not easy to meet the demands of these running dogs.
6. Shikoku Dog
The Shikoku is a Japanese dog breed officially recognized by the FCI.
The approximately 49 – 55 centimeter tall Shikoku is considered intelligent, agile, spirited, brave and loyal. The perfect companion for adventurous and enterprising people.
Typical for Spitz, he has a strong character, is alert and rather distant towards strangers.
Its appearance is reminiscent of the Spitz. The coat can be black and sesame or white and sesame.
7. Quay
Kai is actually the name of this Japanese dog breed. It is also called Kai Inu, Tora Inu or Kai tora-ken and belongs to the category of Asian lace.
It is a large and powerful dog whose nature is described as intelligent, loyal, agile and courageous.
The Kai is definitely not a beginner’s dog. He is considered to be very original, alert, keen on hunting and has little willingness to be submissive.
The export of this Japanese dog breed to other countries has been banned since 1934.
8. Ryukyu
The Ryukyu originated in Okinawa, Japan.
He reaches a body size of about 46 – 49 centimeters and is a muscular and strong dog.
This Japanese dog breed also embodies the preferred appearance of Japanese dog fans: Pointed ears and a tail curled over the back.
There are not too many examples of this intelligent, medium-sized dog breed.
9. Kishu
The Kishu is a Japanese dog breed officially recognized by the FCI.
Not only his harmonious physique, but also the fur colors white, sesame, brindle and red make him a noble and proud appearance. He is well proportioned, compact and muscular.
The Kishu is considered loyal, docile, dignified, courageous and intelligent.
The upbringing of the Kishu requires a lot of know-how, consistency, love and patience. The sometimes dominant and stubborn dog likes to dance around inexperienced people.
10. Tosa Inu
With a maximum height of 82 centimeters, the Tosa Inu is the largest representative of Japanese dog breeds.
The Tosa is a classic guard dog that likes to take its job very seriously. For that reason alone, he is not a dog for everyone.
His character is considered calm, relaxed and good-natured. On the other hand, he can also be very stubborn, suspicious and sensitive.
Typical coat colors of the Tosa Inus are red, fawn, black or brindle.
11.Shiba Inu
Little dog, big! The Shiba Inu may only reach a height of 35 – 43 centimeters, but has an all the bigger personality!
He is a very clever dog and a real rascal! You will definitely never get bored with a Shiba Inu in the house! The clever, fox-like Spitz is very docile and willing to work and has a great deal of self-confidence.
12. Hokkaido Dog
In this case, the Hokkaido is not a pumpkin, but a traditional Japanese hunting dog.
The Hokkaido Dog is brave and perceptive. These characteristics, paired with a strong protective instinct, make living with the Hokkaido extremely interesting.
The Hokkaido is known for only confiding in one person. He doesn’t care much about other people.
Due to his proud character, he is not suitable for beginners.
This Japanese dog breed wants to work and perform a task. For example, they are well suited as personal protection dogs.