Dogs of Japan
Most of the dogs in Japan are held in high regard in their homeland. Some have existed since antiquity; others are more resent in design. Many have be recognized as living treasures in Japan. Recent DNA testing found the Akita and Shiba Inu to be some of the oldest living dog breeds.
The Akita Inu, Kai Ken, Kishu Ken, Hokkaido Inu, Shikoku Inu, and Shiba Inu are considered to be the six native dogs of Japan. Without a doubt one can see that these dogs all have the “Akita” look in appearance. These dogs were originally used by ancient hunters called as the Matagi. Many times throughout the years these breeds were almost lost to extinction. Most of them are still rare breeds, even in Japan.
Shortly after WWII Akita Inus, and more accurately, dogs that had mixed Akita blood were brought to the United States, which brought about the American Akita. Breed by Americans, and yet from Japan, this breed varies greatly from its Japanese “cousin”. Despite these differences the United States still sees them as the same breed, although most of the world, including Japan, see them as two different breeds.
Other Japanese dog breeds include the Japanese Chin, Japanese Spitz, Japanese Terrier, and the Tosa. Most of these dogs were originally a mixture of native dogs crossed with dogs from other parts of the world, including China, Europe, and Siberia. Again, some of these breeds are rare, and practically unknown, such as the Japanese Terrier, dogs that have only been exported a handful of times. The Tosa, however, is quite popular both inside and outside of Japan. Once used for dog fighting (and still quite popular in illegal rings) the Tosa was originally a cross between the native Shikoku Inu and several different Mastiff (and other) breeds from Europe. Aside from the Akita Inu, the Tosa is arguably the most known dog outside of Japan.
