The dignified Kishu Ken is one of Japan’s ancient spitz breeds. This quiet and loyal dog is medium-sized, smaller than the more well-known Akita but possessing the same noble air about him. Originally a boar-hunting breed, Kishu are high energy and capable of a lot of endurance which means they make great companions for active people who want a dog who can keep up. This said, with enough exercise they are fairly calm and unassuming in the house.
The Kishu is alert and has a high prey drive, which means he is apt to chase small animals that venture into the yard. Some can live with indoor cats (as long as they were raised with them), but that cat might become fair game if it gets outside! As a breed that was created to hunt, they also need regular, daily exercise. The exercise should be mentally engaging as well as physical – walks are good but a Kishu really should be taken out to new places on a regular basis so he can explore on leash. As such, this is a great hiking or hunting companion. A Kishu who isn’t given enough enriching activities may end up displaying bad behaviors such as problem-digging or even escaping the yard!
When it comes to brains, the Kishu Ken has a lot! These intelligent dogs are very capable of problem solving, a skill that can be just as awe-inspiring as it might be frustrating to live with. Obedience training is definitely recommended to use their brainpower “for good rather than mischief”, however they can be trickier than other breeds to motivate. They have an independent nature and often require an owner with experience training dogs. That said, when an owner or trainer finds what makes the individual dog motivated, they can be very driven and can make great obedience dogs! Just make sure to never use excessive force as it will not work with this breed.
Kishu Ken are social (with their families), active animals that prefer to do activities with their owners rather than staying home all day by themselves. They are affectionate dogs who don’t do well locked in a crate or backyard. They also much prefer their owners to strangers and aren’t fans of strange dogs either (which means they aren’t great candidates for doggie daycare). They may or may not get along with other household dogs, depending on the temperament of the dog. As a dominant breed, they can get into hierarchy battles with other dominant dogs. They also may be apt to go after tiny dogs because of their prey drive. They do get along well with children as long as they were raised with kids.
Kishu shed moderately but only need minimal grooming. Their coat doesn’t tend to hold onto dirt, and mud will often dry and fall off. They should receive baths and brush-outs when needed, as well as regular ear and nail care, but overall they are a low-maintenance breed when it comes to grooming. Twice a year, their undercoat will shed and they will need to be brushed a little more frequently. These often-clean dogs are also easily housebroken.
When not out on an adventure, the Kishu prefers to relax and survey his home. Many love to find a high perch to do this from, such as the back of the couch. While they enjoy watching, they don’t always make the best watchdog, however, as they bark only infrequently. As might be inferred from their energy levels, they don’t tend to thrive in apartment settings and especially don’t do well if living in a kennel run all day.
Although Kishu Ken puppies may look like teddy bears, this is a courageous and strong-willed breed. Without rules and boundaries put into place from day one, many will try to rule the roost! As mentioned above, obedience training as well as regular outlets for them to do fun things in a structured way are vital for this breed. Some examples of structured outlets include agility, obedience, herding, lure coursing, barn hunt and rally.
The Kishu is a loyal, devoted breed that doesn’t do well when moved from family to family. If you are a prospective owner, make sure that this is the breed for you before you commit to buying one – this is an 11-13 year commitment! Because of their quirks, people who have never owned a dog before may want to think twice. If this is the breed for you, be prepared to wait – this breed is rare both in the United States as well as Japan, and litter sizes tend to be small.
Photo By CJ Hammond