Dogs that look like akitas: 9 popular Japanese dog breeds to choose from

9 popular Japanese dog breeds to choose from

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Japan is known for its reverence for animals, and dogs are no exception. Thanks to stories of great loyalty and heroism, many of the native breeds in Japan have been designated as national treasures.

A few Japanese dog breeds, like the Akita and Shiba Inu, have grown popular across the world and can be found fairly easily through breeders in the United States. However, most are rare and only found in Japan. Exporting them is possible but very expensive and difficult. One breed, the Sakhalin Husky, a large sled dog also known as the Karafuto Ken, is nearly extinct. The true story of two Karafutos named Taro and Jiro, who survived alone in the Antarctic for a year, was depicted in the 2006 Disney film “Eight Below.”

To give you a glimpse of Japanese breeds that are available, here are 9 popular breeds:

1.

 Akita

Image via Getty Images/castenoid

One of the most well known of the Japanese dog breeds is the Akita. Revered for their loyalty, Akitas, who originated from the country’s north, are considered a national treasure in Japan. The first Akita to be introduced to the United States was a dog named Kamikaze-go, who was given to Helen Keller as a gift after she visited Japan in 1937.

Image via Getty Images/Katerina_Brusnika

Shiba Inus are a small breed that look similar to Akitas. Considered one of the oldest dog breeds in the world, they were originally raised to hunt. They are independent and strong-willed dogs that require a good amount of training. The unusual scream-like sound they make is called the Shiba scream.

Image via Getty Images/anahtiris

Named for the place it hails from, these dogs originated in the mountainous region of Shikoku island. They are medium-sized dogs with pricked ears and curved tails. Shikokus are smart and incredibly independent. This makes them hard to train. They are very rare, even in Japan.

Image via Getty Images/Terje H?heim

The Kai Ken was originally a wild dog from the province of Kai on Honshu Island. The breed was not introduced to the United States until the 1990s. Less independent than some of the other Japanese dog breeds, the Kai makes a loyal companion. The Kai Ken has two distinct body styles — one is husky with a bear-like face and the other is skinnier with fox-like features.

Image via Creative Commons/Wikimedia

A rare breed, Japanese terriers are descendants from smooth-haired fox terriers that were brought to Japan from the Netherlands in the 17th century. They were bred with native Japanese dogs, resulting in the small, short-haired lapdog known as the Japanese terrier. Like most terriers, they’re playful and energetic.

Image via Getty Images/acceptfoto

The Tosa, nicknamed the Japanese mastiff, is the largest of the Japanese dog breeds. Originating from Tosa Bay on the island of Shikoku, this working dog is known for its athletic abilities. During World War II, these massive warriors nearly went extinct. Originally bred to fight, the Tosa is very protective and makes a great guard dog.

Image via Getty Images/Wesley Chow/EyeEm

The origin of the Japanese spitz is unclear, although it is commonly thought that it is a descendant from the Siberian Samoyed. They are small dogs, with a long white coat, bred specifically as companions. The Japanese spitz is a family dog who loves human attention and is eager to please.

Image via Creative Commons/Wikimedia

Hokkaido is a rare Japanese dog breed. It is not recognized by the American Kennel Club and hardly ever seen outside of Japan. These dogs are said to be named for an ancient tribe that introduced the breed’s ancestors to Japan. Hokkaido is a medium-sized dog known for being physically strong and intelligent.

Image via Creative Commons/Wikimedia

Named for the Kishu region where it was first bred, the Kishu is medium-sized and a quiet dog. Kishus have been around for thousands of years and were originally used for hunting. Headstrong but loyal, Kishus need good training and can be shy. In 1934, the Kishu was designated as a living “Memorial of Nature” in Japan.

Sher Warkentin is dog owner to an energetic rescue dog named Charlie. As a freelance writer, she has had several years of experience covering pet care and health.

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6 Authentic Japanese Dog Breeds: Cuteness from Shiba Inu to Akita Inu!

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6 Authentic Japanese Dog Breeds: Cuteness from Shiba Inu to Akita Inu!

Date published: 16 April 2018
Last updated: 5 June 2020

There are 6 Japanese dog breeds that are called “Nihon-ken” and are treated as Japan’s national dog. The Nihon-ken include: Shiba Inu, Kishu Ken, Shikoku Ken, Hokkaido Ken, Kai Ken and Akita inu. (Akita Inu is the type of dog well-known as “Hachiko”!)

This standard was determined in 1934 by the Nihon-ken Hozonkai, a Japanese public organization that’s responsible for preserving and maintaining registries for the six native Japanese dog breeds.

Here we’ll share all about each of the 6 authentic Japanese dogs, plus give helpful information to people who want to have a Japanese dog as a pet – and even typical names for Japanese dogs!

Authentic Japanese Dog Breeds

Akita Ken

Hachiko, the adorable pup whose legacy lives on as a Japanese dog statue in Shibuya, was an Akita Inu.

Hokkaido Inu

Thought to have an older bloodline among the Japanese dogs, they have a thicker outer coat, larger paws, and smaller ears.

Kai Ken

The Kai Ken is one of the most distinctive of the original Japanese dog breeds; nicknamed the “tiger dog” from their coat colors.

Kishu Inu

A hunting dog that’s still relatively rare even in Japan, they are intelligent, brave and independent, but also quite impulsive.

Shiba Inu

Arguably the most popular Japanese breed, the Shiba Inu is a Japanese national treasure.

Shikoku Ken

The Shikoku Ken is a beautiful Japanese spitz-type breed with a wolf-like appearance.

1. Akita Inu

Have you heard of Hachiko – the adorable pup whose legacy lives on as a Japanese dog statue in Shibuya? Then you know about the Akita Inu.

Another well-known Japanese breed is the Akita Inu. But unlike the Shiba Inu, the Akita Inu is larger and bulkier.

You will not see many of this breed the city. Akita Inus are part of the spitz family and, therefore, have traits that are ideal for cold weather such as thick, long fur and a double coat. They have a bear-like face and large bone structure.

The Japanese Akita can be sesame, brindle, red, fawn, or pure white, but must have urajiro markings on the chest, cheeks, and tail areas.

Quick Akita Inu Facts

・Weight: 32 – 45 kilograms (about 70 – 100 pounds)

・Size: 61 – 71 centimeters tall (24 – 28 inches)

・Personality: Akita Inus are dominant dogs and are known to do poorly with other dogs of the same sex. They are, however, very good with children.

Akita Dog: The adorable Japanese dog breed that the world cannot help but love!

Hachiko: The Legend of Japan’s Most Faithful Dog

2. Hokkaido Inu

The Hokkaido Inu (or Hokkaido Ken) is believed to have an older bloodline compared to the other Japanese dog breeds. From Japan’s northernmost island, the Hokkaido Inu has a thicker outer coat, larger paws, and smaller ears to help them cope with the frigid cold.

Intelligent, strong, and devoted, the Hokkaido Inu had been bred to be hunting dogs, capable of managing wild boars and even small bears. As a result, they continue to be very strong-willed breed and may show aggression toward other dogs. They tend to develop a very strong bond with their owners and require a fair amount of attention.

Quick Hokkaido Ken Facts

・Weight: ~20 kilograms (~44 pounds)

・Size: 46 – 52 centimeters high (18 – 20 inches)

・Personality: Strong, devoted, intelligent

3.

Kai Ken

The Kai Ken is one of the most distinctive of the original Japanese dog breeds. It’s easy to know why they are affectionately nicknamed the “tiger dog” from their coat colors.

The Kai Ken were bred to be hunters of wild game, including boar, deer, and fowl. As the breed originated in Japan’s mountain regions, they evolved to be quick, with well developed muscles. They are also incredibly intelligent, quick learners, and tend to be fairly independent, though they love to please their owners.

Given their roots, the Kai Ken is a very active dog with an intact hunting instinct. As a result, you’ll want to be sure you don’t walk a Kai off-leash, as they’ll likely scent out something more interesting!

Quick Kai Ken Facts

・Weight: 4 – 9 kilograms (10 – 20 pounds)

・Size: 33 – 43 centimeters high (13 – 17 inches)

・Personality: Independent, active, highly intelligent

4. Kishu Ken

The Kishu Ken is a hunting dog that’s still relatively rare even in Japan. According to one Japanese legend, the Kishu Ken actually descended from wolves.

In terms of temperament, they are intelligent, brave and independent, but also more impulsive than the other Japanese dog breeds. They have a strong natural hunting instinct and should not be left alone with other smaller pets as a result. They love being active and outdoors, but be careful: their intelligence also makes them excellent escape artists!

Quick Kishu Ken Facts

・Weight: 14 – 27 kilograms (31 – 59 pounds)

・Size: 43 – 55 centimeters high (17 – 22 inches)

・Personality: Active, brave, intelligent

5. Shiba Inu

Arguably the most popular Japanese breed, the Shiba Inu is a Japanese national treasure. The Shiba is the smallest of the spitz breed of dogs in Japan.

Recently, however, smaller Shibas have been used to breed a cuter and more apartment-friendly unofficial ‘mame’ size, or bean-sized Shiba – certainly a cutie among Japanese dogs.

Shiba Inu have small pointy ears, a wedge-shaped snout, and a curled tail.

Quick Shiba Inu Facts

・Weight: 7 – 10 kilograms (around 16 to 22 pounds)

・Size: 33 – 45 centimeters high (13 to 17 inches)

・Personality: Shiba Inu are independent, territorial, and proud. They need to be socialized early.

6. Shikoku Ken

The Shikoku Ken is a beautiful Japanese spitz-type breed with a wolf-like appearance.

Like its smaller cousin, the Shiba, the Shikoku dog is a national treasure of Japan. This bread is extremely rare and is hard to find, even in Japan.

Shikoku Kens are known to be easier to handle than Shibas and Akitas as they are not as stubborn and are more friendly with other dogs.

Quick Shikoku Ken Facts

・Weight: 15 – 20 kilograms (33 – 45 pounds)

・Size: 43 –53 centimeters tall (17 – 21 inches)

・Personality: The Shikoku Ken are great companion dogs for outdoor people.

Other Japanese Dog Breeds

Japanese Spitz

If you’re looking for a cute and cuddly companion dog, try the Japanese spitz. This small, fluffy Japanese breed makes the perfect companion dogs and was bred for city dwellers. They have close genetics to Siberian samoyeds, denoted by its thick, long coat of white fur.

Like other spitz breeds, it has a wedge-shaped snout and pointy ears. The Japanese spitz is energetic and obedient, but can bark a lot if not trained properly. This breed is very good with children and other pets.

Quick Japanese Spitz Facts

・Weight: 5 – 10 kilograms (11 – 20 pounds)

・Size: 30 – 38 centimeters high (12 – 15 inches)

Japanese Terrier

The Japanese terrier, or Nihon terrier, are another small-sized Japanese dog. They are believed to have descended from smooth-haired fox terriers from the Netherlands, pointers, and indigenous Japanese breeds.

Japanese terriers typically have a black face with a white body. They have pointed ears that fold forward, and their tails are usually docked.

They make great companion dogs for quiet households. The Japanese terrier is rare, even in Japan.

Quick Japanese Terrier Facts

・Weight: 2 – 4 kilograms (5 – 9 pounds)

・Size: 20 – 33 centimeters tall (8 – 13 inches)

・Personality: Japanese terriers are sensitive and playful.

Japanese Mastiff / Tosa Inu

The largest Japanese breed is the Japanese mastiff, or the Tosa Inu in Japanese. Unlike many of the other Japanese dog breeds, the Tosa Inu is a mastiff type and not a spitz type. The Japanese mastiff is a hunting and fighting dog.

The Japanese mastiff has short, smooth hair that is red, fawn, or brindle in color. Tosa Inus are sensitive, loyal, and quiet. They make excellent guard dogs and are good with kids.

Quick Japanese Mastiff Facts

・Weight: 31 – 61 kilograms (80 – 135 pounds)

・Height: 62 – 82 cm (24 – 32 inches)

Getting a Japanese dog

No matter what the Japanese dog breed you’re thinking of getting, it’s definitely harder to get one outside of Japan. For this reason, a fair number of people come to Japan with the hope of picking up a pet.

Exporting a Japanese dog from Japan comes with its own challenges. Not all breeders will want to export certain Japanese dog breeds, as they are considered ‘national treasures’ of a sort.

The next hurdle is cost. Prices of dogs in Japan vary, but in general, younger pups (2 months old) are cheaper than older pups.

Price ranges for select Japanese dog breeds (2 month old pups)

Shiba Inu

100,000 – 250,000 yen

Akita Inu

100,000 – 300,000 yen

Shikoku Ken

80,000 – 150,000 yen

Once you’ve picked out your Japanese pup, there will be additional costs with preparing to export. This will include vaccinations/microchip, dog crate, kenneling fees, export pedigree, Animal Quarantine Inspection, and other costs.

Actual shipping costs for shipping a dog from Japan will vary by country. Before buying a dog in Japan, be sure to check whether your airline ships pets! Also check the associated pet fees – it may very well be over $200.

You will have to know the import laws for your country. Many countries, in the EU for example, will require rabies vaccination and a 21-day quarantine period in Japan.

Generally, you may find it much less hassle to search for a Japanese dog breed exporter who can connect you with a breeder and take care of all the paperwork on your behalf.

Japanese Dog Names

Now that you have selected your Japanese dog, naming him or can be exciting and difficult. In Japan, you can find dogs named anything from Ryuu to Lucky to Sausage. Take a look at some of these popular Japanese dog names.

List of Japanese Dog Names

For Male Dogs

・Aki

・Sora

・Ryuu

・Koji

・Kuma

For Female Dogs

・Momo

・Nana

・Sakura

・Hana

・Natsume

Wrap Up: Japanese Dog Breeds

Japanese dog breeds are beautiful! These pets make for great companions. You can find Japanese breeds that are small, large, fluffy, or smooth! Next time you’re considering a new fur-baby, check out these Japanese breeds!

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*This information is from the time of this article’s publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

Top 14 dog breeds that are very similar

Alaskan Malamute and Husky

These northern beauties are confused almost most often: representatives of both breeds are sled dogs and look very similar. Despite the common denominator, Malamute and Husky have different characteristics.

Malamutes are larger, well-muscled, and their coat is rougher to the touch. They easily transport goods over long distances, but at a slow speed.

Standard medium sized husky. He is also able to carry cargo over a long distance, that’s just easier. We must pay tribute, he will complete the task with almost cosmic speed.

By nature, Malamutes are more gentle and kind, they sometimes resemble very large cats. Huskies are rather curious and suspicious dogs, and they are also very active.

Everyone at least once confused these dogs, which, by the way, are officially one of the smallest.

External similarity is explained by selection: chihuahuas were used to breed toy terriers. The main difference is color variation. Toy Terriers are never spotted, completely white, black or brown. A sneeze can be of any color: the only solid color for it is red or fawn of all shades.

By the nature of the dogs of these breeds, they are equally attached to their owners. Nevertheless, chihuahuas are a little kinder and calmer than toy terriers: the latter are almost like an energizer – they cannot stay without movement.

Common birthplace, similar names and popularity do the trick! A long time ago, Akita Inu and Shiba Inu were considered only hunting breeds.

In the VI century BC. e. Sibs, due to their size, were retrained from hunters into guards of Buddhist monasteries. So, for a very long time, only monks were engaged in breeding the Shiba Inu, while the Akita became the dog of the Japanese nobility. She guarded the palaces and was a full member of the family with her own rooms and servants (!!!).

Oddly enough, the main difference between these dogs is their size. The Shiba Inu is almost twice as small as the Akita Inu. Historically, Akita Inu are stronger and more powerful, they are also more active, but nevertheless, dogs of both breeds need one and a half hour walks twice a day.

Pugs and French Bulldogs are so similar physically that they share the same congenital health problems. And yet there is a difference in physique. Bulldogs are slightly larger and stockier, they have a larger head and a wide upturned muzzle. Pugs are small dogs with an oval head and a short muzzle.

They are also excellent in temperament: pugs are kind, love attention and are easy to train. Bulldogs are more wayward, but also not aggressive. Representatives of both breeds will be good friends to humans, but pugs are still more gentle.

Maltese and Bichon

These breeds belong to the same group of dogs and are very similar in character – they are affectionate, intelligent and very devoted to their owners.

Both the lapdog and the bichon are predominantly light in color, but their coat structure is different: in the Maltese it is straight, long, silky, in the bichon it is curly and elastic. Bichons are also slightly larger: they can reach 30 cm, and the threshold of the lap dog is 24-25 cm.

The cost of puppies is also excellent: lapdogs are priced higher on the market.

Both breeds were bred specifically for dog fighting. They are similar in both physical form and character. These dogs are almost interchangeable. In the 20th century, when pit bulls were banned from being kept at home, their numbers decreased, while Staffords, on the contrary, increased.

Although pit bulls were involved in the breeding of Staffordshire Terriers, they turned out to be larger, with their own distinctive features.

With the right upbringing, both breeds are friendly to people, but, unfortunately, pit bulls are still more aggressive. Pit bull terriers are more assertive and agile, while Staffords are more enduring and cunning.

The Collie is a Scottish Sheepdog and the Sheltie is a Shetland. Outwardly, they are very similar: Shelties are often mistaken for a collie puppy. According to the standards, a collie can have three colors, a sheltie – five.

A long time ago both breeds were herding dogs, but in different territories. They have the same level of intelligence and are easy to train. Representatives of both breeds are attached to their owners and get along well with children.

But then the differences begin: collies are calmer than shelties. Shelties need to constantly move, she will follow the owner on the heels and constantly ask to play. In addition, these dogs are very “talkative”. They bark during the game simply because they, for example, are happy. Collies, on the other hand, are quite silent.

Shelties also have a better protective instinct, they do not have protective properties, but they can try to protect their master.

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Dog breeds with photos and names – description and characteristics of puppies

There are about 400 different dog breeds in the world. If you look at photos of dogs of different breeds, you can see that their external data, for example, size, coat type, color, and other characteristics are very different. There are completely different dogs: very large and very small, short and tall, long-haired, smooth-haired, wire-haired, with erect or hanging ears, with short or long tails, and so on.

In order not to make a mistake with the choice, you first need to determine for what purpose you are getting a dog. All breeds of dogs are divided into three main groups: service , hunting and decorative . Now there is still such a definition as a companion dog, that is, a friend dog.

On this page you will find the names of dog breeds with photos, each article gives a brief description, the main characteristics of different breeds of dogs.

The appearance of a dog, its size, type of coat are the main parameters by which people first of all choose a friend. But even more important are the character of the dog, its temperament and ability to exercise and intellectual activity. So, for example, a quiet, fragile person will not easily cope with a large breed dog, especially if the animal may be aggressive or too active. Conversely, a small shy dog ​​is not suitable for an owner with a strong will. Therefore, it is important to choose a breed that will suit your temperament and personal qualities.

If you need a companion dog, almost any breed from the three main groups (working, hunting and decorative dogs) can suit you – you just need to correctly determine what you are going to do with the dog, what to do with it and yourself. Think about the lifestyle you lead and what your temperament is. You need to consider how calm or active you are, a homebody or a traveler, whether you like noisy games in the company of people and dogs, or whether you prefer quiet walks in solitude. Depending on this, you will need to choose a dog with a temperament that will fit harmoniously into your lifestyle. In each of the above groups there are large, medium, small and even miniature breeds, so choosing the right breed that combines the necessary external data (including size, weight, coat type, color) with the character and temperament that suits you is not difficult.

Reading each description when choosing a breed for yourself, be sure to pay attention to the text on the origin of the breed. It is in it that the story of the breeding of each breed of dog is told, why it has certain, sometimes even unique external data, for example, short paws, coarse hair or webbing between the fingers. Also, this historical background will help you understand how active dogs of certain breeds are or, conversely, calm, whether they need a lot of physical and mental stress.

Reading the characteristics of each breed in the articles on this page, you will understand whether it can make friends with other pets (whether it be a dog, cat, rabbit or ferret), whether it is suitable for you if there are children in the family, whether it will become a companion for them. games, a guard or a nanny, as well as what kind of care each breed of dog requires.

Of course, when choosing a breed, you will definitely need to take into account such a factor as the conditions of your life. Whether you live in a large or small apartment or in a private country house with your own plot. After all, you will have to ensure a comfortable existence not only for yourself next to the dog, but also for the dog next to you and your family.