Kishu (Kishu Inu, Kishu Ken)

You may think of sushi, old temples, and cherry blossoms when you think of Japan. However, this stunning nation also boasts another gem: the Kishu Inu, also referred to as Kishu Ken. Originating from the deep forests of the Kishu region, this impressive breed has been around for centuries. The Kishu is a remarkable companion in both the home and wild environments due to its agile build and keen senses.

These canines are renowned for their independence and loyalty. They develop close relationships with their families, but they can be reserved around strangers. They are lively and entertaining because of their nature, but they also need regular training and a firm hand. The Kishu Inu may be the ideal breed for you if you’re seeking for a canine companion that possesses both intelligence and determination.

Kishu Inus have striking appearances thanks to their medium size, erect ears, and curled tails. They can have a variety of coat colors, such as brindle, red, and white. These dogs are built for endurance, which goes a long way toward making them excellent companions for active families or outdoor enthusiasts.

We will delve further into the temperament, history, and maintenance requirements of the Kishu Inu in this article. You’ll learn what makes the Kishu Inu genuinely exceptional, whether you’re interested in becoming an owner or are just inquiring about this unusual breed.

Feature Details
Breed Name Kishu Inu
Origin Japan
Size Medium
Weight 30-65 lbs
Coat Short and dense
Color White, brindle, red
Temperament Independent, loyal
Exercise Needs High
Good With Kids Yes, but supervision needed
Grooming Low maintenance

Japan’s devoted and lively Kishu Inu breed is well-known for its prowess in the field of hunting and its close relationship with its family. This dog, whose heritage spans centuries, is exceptional in agility and companionship, which makes it a special option for active homes. This article will help prospective owners determine whether this amazing breed is the right fit for them by going over the traits, maintenance requirements, and joys of bringing a Kishu into your home.

Breed information

Name: Kishu (Kishu Inu, Kishu Ken)
Classification: Spitz and primitive types of dogs (318)
FCI year: 1982
Purpose: Hunting
Homeland: Japan
Weight: 15-20 kg
Height: 46-52 cm (females), 49-55 cm (males)
Life: 11-13 years
Color: white, sesame and red
Price: 890-1130$

Photo of a kishu

Characteristics

Interesting facts and features

  • In 1934, the Japanese recognized the kishu as a national treasure of their homeland;
  • The breed is intended for hunting large animals such as wild boars and elks, and can also handle a bear;
  • The kishu"s task is to track, overtake the animal, hold it back by barking, and block escape routes until people arrive. The dog clings to the prey, but only to restrain it, it should not kill;
  • When working with a wild boar, the kishu usually jumps on its back so that the hunter can shoot from a short distance;
  • One dog is enough for a successful hunt, although representatives of the breed successfully work in pairs and as part of a pack;
  • According to one legend, a Japanese hunter who nursed a wounded she-wolf asked for her cub as a reward. The rescued animal kept his promise, and the wolf cub raised by a man became the ancestor of the kishu;
  • Kishu are well adapted to adverse conditions. Dogs can live in rocky areas, tolerate cold well;
  • The breed standard used to include the brindle color, but by 1954 it had completely disappeared. Like the acceptable red and sesame colors, it served as excellent camouflage during hunting, but there were cases when the dog was accidentally killed because of this;
  • Kishu is a rare breed. Its population is approximately 11-13 thousand dogs. Every year, the Nippo Association registers 700-900 puppies.

History of origin

In Japan, native Spitz-type dogs first appeared over 3,000 years ago. They are related to Kishu as well. The Kii Peninsula, the largest on Honshu, is where the breed originated. The dogs got their name from the Kishu principality that once stood there, but that was only in 1934. Prior to that, they were split up into a number of groups based on their birthplace and physical characteristics.

The breed’s forebears were employed in the hunting of deer, wild boar, raccoon dogs, and rabbits. Kisyu was developed specifically to coexist with the wild boar.

Drawings dating back 700 years show kishu in hunting scenes. Despite the Second World War, when the population of other species suffered greatly, the breed managed to survive by living in isolated parts of the nation.

The Association for the Preservation of Japanese Dogs (Nippo standard) was approved in 1934. Concurrently, the kishu was designated as a national treasure. The breed was acknowledged in February 1982 by the International Cynological Federation (FCI) and in 2005 by the American Kennel Club. Kishu are registered with the Foundation Stock Service (FSS) registry in the US, which is devoted to the preservation of uncommon purebred breeds.

Appearance

Kishu and Shikoku, another Japanese breed, resemble each other in appearance. While maintaining their noble appearance, the animals maintain their connection to the wild. Among the breed standards, sexual dimorphism is evident.

Head and neck

The Kishu has a broad, proportionate head that abruptly tapers from a broad forehead to the muzzle. There is not much in the median groove. Animal-shaped muzzle that is pointed and wedge-shaped. The lips are thick and dark, and the cheekbones are nicely defined. The head is resting atop a robust and thick neck.

Kisu’s nose, which has a black lobe and a straight back. If the dog is white, it might be physical.

Eyes

Representatives of the breed have small eyes. They are dark brown in color, nearly triangular in shape, and have slightly rolled edges on the outside.

Ears

Kisu has erect, pointed ears that fit snugly against her head and are slightly inclined forward. They have a triangle form.

Jaws

Kisu’s jaws are powerful. The bite ought to resemble a pair of scissors.

The body and tail

Kisu has a well-balanced, muscular, and powerful physique. The case is somewhat elongated; at the withers, the length of the case should be 1.1 times greater than the height. The dog has a broad, muscular lower back, high withered back, and a straight, strong back. The ribs have a moderate curvature, and the chest is deep. The abdomen is tucked in just a little.

The dog’s tail is curved over its back like a sickle or ring. It is elevated and thick. When the tail is lowered, it nearly touches the hocks.

Limbs

The kisyu’s muscular, moderately sloping shoulders make mild angles with the shoulder blades. The forearms are straight, and the elbows are close to the body. The dog has slightly slanted pasterns. The paws are firmly closed and curved. The pads are elastic and thick. The dark color of the claws is preferred, and they are hard.

The dog has powerful, well-developed hind limbs. The paws match the front ones, and many people have dewclaws. The hocks have great strength and potency.

Wool and color

The kisyu has a thick, soft undercoat and guard hair that is straight and hard. The hair on the cheeks and tail is notably longer.

White is the preferred color these days. Red and sesame are also acceptable.

Breed defects

The following characteristics of the kishu’s appearance are thought to be drawbacks:

  1. No sexual dimorphism;
  2. Long wool;
  3. Snack.

If the dog has a noticeable snack, her ears are not up, or her tail is hanging, she will not be allowed to compete.

Character

Kisu is truthful and submissive. The dog behaves honorably and noble, with a temperament that is comparatively calm and balanced. As the animal grows accustomed to its owners and other family members, it exhibits affectionate behavior toward them. This is true for kids, but only for his. The breed’s representatives are growing in popularity as companions.

Kisu exhibits alertness and caution when interacting with others. Members of the breed make excellent watchdogs and are envious of belongings they believe to be their own. Keep in mind that they prefer to use their powerful jaws over barking. calmly savage and in the typical setting. The dog rarely speaks and then only when it has to.

Even with all the serenity and composure in daily life, the Kishu undergoes significant transformations when working. The dog is brave, independent, determined, and loves to hunt. The animal is extremely intelligent and crafty. Kisyu keeps a long watch for prey.

Education and training

A kisyu needs to be raised and trained from a young age. The dog is intelligent, quick to pick things up, obstinate, and seeks purpose in everything. She needs to regard the owner as a leader and have faith in the trainer. She may occasionally question his leadership, so she needs to stick to her guns. It is improper to use physical punishment, rudeness, or aggression. This will only lead to one losing the kisyu’s trust, which will be extremely difficult to win back. It is ideal if every member of the family takes part in the instruction.

Early childhood is also the ideal time to start socialization. The animal needs to acclimate to being around dogs and people who are not family.

Care

For the kisyu, regular physical activity is necessary. The dog is allowed to live in an apartment as long as it is walked for at least an hour and twice a day. The ideal home for it would be a rural mansion with a sizable yard where the animal can be released into the wild.

Walking a cat should be an active activity. The animal must run, jump, and get past barriers. Puppies of the breed voluntarily engage in ball play and tug-of-war.

The cat sheds a lot because of its thick undercoat and fur. The dog should be combed every day for the duration of this period and once or twice a week after that. It is not necessary to wash the animal frequently as this can lead to skin issues. Wiping the dog’s fur with a damp towel will suffice if it is not extremely filthy.

The ears and eyes need to be checked frequently and cleaned once a week. Claw growth is trimmed, but not too short to avoid damaging blood vessels. Brushing teeth is advised to be done at least once a week. The dog should be accustomed to this process from a young age.

Food that is prepared already or naturally is suitable for the kishu. Supplements are also given to the dog if you select the first option. Lean meat is the foundation of natural nutrition. Dairy products, cereals, and fish are added supplements. Give the kishu his recommended daily amount of food in two doses; do not feed the dog right away after exercise.

Health

Although Kishu is in good health, there are still a lot of issues. Similar to other Japanese canines, there is a propensity for allergic and atopic dermatitis. There could be additional issues as well:

  1. Congenital heart disease;
  2. Hypothyroidism – usually manifests itself in old age;
  3. Ventricular septal defect.

The kishu will quickly put on extra weight if it does not get enough exercise. Overfeeding an animal will have the same consequences, so it’s critical to determine the daily food intake based on the animal’s age, weight, and activity level.

Choosing a puppy

The primary criteria to consider when selecting a puppy are the breed standards. It’s also critical to observe the dog’s behavior, which shouldn’t be timid or aggressive. Make sure to verify the accessibility of all documentation and the accuracy of age-appropriate vaccination records.

Kisyu are becoming more and more popular in the USA, but they are primarily popular in Japan. It is preferable to search for a puppy through organizations, as they can suggest reliable breeders.

How much does a kisyu puppy cost?

The average cost of a kisyu puppy is between 67 and 85 thousand rubles. The price of a dog is determined by its pedigree, age, color, accomplishments of its parents, and conformance to the breed standard.

Since Kisyu is a hunting dog, it requires regular exercise to maintain its health and balance. Those with an active lifestyle and prior dog-raising experience should start this breed.

The intriguing breed known as the Kishu, or Kishu Inu, captures the essence of its Japanese ancestry. These intelligent and loyal dogs are great companions for anyone who values having a loyal and energetic pet. They do best with active owners who can give them lots of exercise and mental stimulation because of their strong instincts and independent nature.

The Kishu’s attachment to family is one of its most charming characteristics. They frequently build close relationships with their humans and are both loving and protective. They are a pleasure to be around because of their loyalty and lively personality, especially in households that can offer a structured environment.

In the end, caring for a Kishu demands dedication and an appreciation of their distinct nature. For them to thrive, they require constant socialization and training. You’ll find a devoted friend who will support you no matter what if you decide to embark on the fulfilling journey of raising a Kishu.

Video on the topic

Kisyu dog

Kisyu

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Daria Lebedeva

Dog lover. I constantly study the characteristics of different breeds, their character and needs. I publish articles on how to choose the right breed that suits you and how to provide the best living conditions for your pet.

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