The Japanese have been breeding dogs for centuries, and their beautiful ken-ninshi, or Japanese dog breeds, are now well known around the world. These adorable breeds, like the Akita Inu and Shiba Inu, have even won many dog show awards in recent years! If you’re thinking about adopting one of these wonderful companions, here are the top five Japanese dog breeds that you need to know about first.
Japanese Breeds of Dog

1) Kishu

Kishu is very social dogs, meaning they love hanging out with people and playing with other Kishu. They also get along well with children, as long as they’re not too rough. A Kishu is a breed best suited for experienced dog owners who have time to exercise their dogs daily and who don’t mind chewing on the wood furniture (Kishu teeth never stop growing!). 

If you can handle a Kishu, however, then you’ll definitely enjoy your four-legged furry companion. Overall, it’s a wonderful breed that can keep up great energy levels both inside and outside. In fact, there’s nothing quite like watching a Kishu run around in an open field or chase after its favorite toy!

2) Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu is a small Japanese dog that has an independent personality and lots of spunk. Shibas have been bred for thousands of years but were only recognized as official Japanese breeds in 1931. They are spirited and active dogs, with a few unique quirks that make them unique from other canines. Here are five reasons why they are one of our favorite Japanese breeds of dogs. 

The Shiba Inu's name means little brushwood dog in Japanese, referring to its natural habitat. Shibas are alert, confident dogs who require regular exercise and stimulation to prevent boredom-related destructive behaviors like chewing or digging. 

A bored Shiba may also become aggressive toward people or other pets if left alone for long periods of time. While Shibas aren't well-suited for apartment living because of their size (13-17 inches tall at the shoulder), it's possible to adapt them to city life by providing enough daily exercise and mental stimulation. It's important not to ignore these needs, though—boredom is known to cause behavioral problems even in smaller dogs like pugs or Chihuahuas!

3) Kai Ken

Kai Ken is one of Japan’s most beloved dog breeds. These dogs are famous for their loyalty and friendly nature, which make them perfect family pets. While Kai Ken does tend to bond with a single person in a household, they get along with everyone – humans and other animals included. It doesn’t hurt that these large dogs look absolutely adorable too! 

Despite their fierce name, Kai Ken is known for being very patient and gentle around children. They also love playing outside and will happily run alongside you as you jog or bike. If you live in an apartment building, keep in mind that Kai Ken is quite active indoors as well. They don’t bark excessively but may be vocal when someone comes to visit at your door or if there is any unusual activity outdoors.

4) Akita Inu

Inu means dog in Japanese, so it comes as no surprise that many Japanese dog breeds have Inu in their name. In particular, three famous Akita dogs have been bred for centuries for specific tasks. Despite their differences, however, all Akita Inus are legendary working dogs bred to fight bears and other animals in Japan’s ancient past. 

These days they’re valued as loyal and protective family pets. If you want a dog who is brave and devoted, then an Akita might be right for you. However, if you live in a small apartment or condo and don’t have time to walk your dog often, then an Akita may not be right for you. They require lots of exercises each day and should not be left alone at home while you go to work all day long.

5) Hokkaido

Hokkaido is a breed that originated in Japan. They are known for their thick coat, which can be a variety of colors. Hokkaido dogs have a similar temperament to Spitz-type breeds and were bred as hunting companions and sled dogs. If you’re looking for an active dog with great endurance, give Hokkaido a shot. This is one of my favorite breeds because they’re adorable and loyal without being yappy or hyperactive!

There is the promised size comparison of all those breeds and I would also love to mention one thing that all of them have in common. After the first world war in the 1920s, Japan suffered from economic hardship. Most people couldn't afford to own and feed a dog which caused the number of all dogs in Japan to decline. Most of the dogs were on the verge of extinction luckily in 1928 an organization dedicated to saving native Japanese dog breeds were established and they successfully saved all the breeds in this video. Maybe you know it is that all dogs in the video have the word Inu or Ken in their name. Both words can be translated to the English word dog. Tell me in the comments which dog from this article is your favorite and which one you own.