Kishu Inu / Kishu-Inu Dog Breed

Kishu Inu / Kishu-Inu Dog Breed

The Kishu inu took on the name of the region where it was bred in the mountainous districts in Kishu (Wakayama and Mie Prefecture) south of Osaka. where it was originally used as boar hunter. Its closest relatives are the Kai inu and the Shikoku dog, but he is also related to the Hokkaido inu. The Kishu inu differs from the Hokkaido inu by his more lengths in body.

The Kishu, sometimes called Kishu Ken or Kishu Inu, is a Japanese breed of dog, developed there for thousands of years. It is descended from ancient medium-sized breeds. This breed is similar to the Akita and the Shiba Inu but predates both breeds. Sometimes it is mistaken for the white variant of Hokkaido or a white Jindo (Korean dog) because of very similar appearance. The Japanese originally used this breed of dog for boar and deer hunting. Like the Shiba, they are often quiet. Kishu will stalk prey quietly rather than bark.

The Japanese originally used this breed of dog for boar and deer hunting. Like the Shiba, they are often quiet. Kishu will stalk prey quietly rather than bark. The Kishu stands 17-22 inches tall, averages 30-60 pounds and is considered a medium sized dog. The coat color is generally white. There are still occasional brindle or red Kishus in Japan, but the preferred coat color, and the only one seen in show dogs, is white. The nose color is primarily black, but with the white coat the nose can be brownish or pink in color. The bite is either scissor or a level bite. The tail is curled over the back like that of an Akita or Shiba Inu. The coat is short, straight, and coarse with a thick undercoat. There is fringe on the cheeks and tail. The ears incline forward and are smaller rather than larger. This breed is tough, agile, and friendly.

Initially, their coats were often marked with conspicuous colors such as red, sesame or brindle. From 1934, however, once the breed was designated as a "natural monument", only solid colors were accepted. Currently, white coats are the most commonly found in this breed, but solid red or sesame or also accepted. It is a very intelligent and devoted family dog that has become highly popular in Japan as a family pet. Kishus are clean, silent and docile.

The Kishu stands 17-22 inches tall, averages 30-60 pounds and is considered a medium sized dog. The coat color is generally white. There are still occasional brindles or red Kishus in Japan, but the preferred coat color, and the only one seen in show dogs, is white. The nose color is primarily black, but with the white coat the nose can be brownish or pink in color. The bite is either scissor or a level bite. The tail is curled over the back like that of an Akita or Shiba Inu. The coat is short, straight, and coarse with a thick undercoat. There is fringe on the cheeks and tail. The ears incline forward and are smaller rather than larger. This breed is tough, agile, and friendly.

The Kishu is a Foundation Stock breed with the American Kennel Club. The American Kishu Registry is the official Kishu registry in the United States and is recognized as such by AKC. Other registries include Japan Kennel Club (JKC) and Nihonken Hozonkai (Nippo), both in Japan. The Kishu is recognized as a natural monument of Japan, thus export of the Kishu from Japan is severely restricted. Since this breed is so rare in North America and Europe, you may only get a chance to see him in his native homeland, Japan. There are only two known breeders outside of Japan -- one in Texas and one in Europe.