The Kishu is an ancient breed of dog that many people believe has been in existence for 3,000 years or longer. It was developed in the mountains of Kyushu Island to hunt deer, bears and wild boars. It is thought to be closely related to the Shikoku Ken. Since 1935, the Kishu Ken has been considered a natural monument in Japan. The Kishu Ken is a medium-sized dog that came from Japan where it was mainly used to hunt such large game as deer and wild boar. It is known by a variety of different names including the Kishu Ken, Kishu Inu, Kishu, Kumano Ken and the Taichi Ken. This is a rare breed that is considered rare even in Japan.
Fully grown Kishu Kens can weigh anywhere between 30 and 60 pounds. They have short hair that is typically white; however, they have also been known to come in such colors as brindle, red and sesame. They should have a wedge-shaped head with light to dark brown eyes and a black, pink or brown nose. The ears of the Kishu are small for its size, triangular and held fully erect. The neck and body are muscular, and the legs should be a bit long with somewhat of a narrow chest. The tail of the Kishu Ken is long, fuzzy, carried high and is held in a curl over the back. The Kishu Ken is an ancient Japanese dog breed with a medium-sized body and square proportions. Kishus have broad heads and muzzles. Their ears are small and erect. Kishus usually have white coats, but may come in other color variations. They have thick double coats with a coarse outer coat. They need to be rushed frequently to reduce shedding.
Personality
Kishu Kens are extremely loyal dogs that typically bond to one family member; however, they will interact well with everyone in their family unit including children. They are very distrusting of strangers and will protect their families if necessary. They can be a bit stubborn requiring early training. Due to their strong hunting instincts, they may not get along well with other types of pets. If you are looking for a pet that will make a great companion and an excellent guard dog, why not consider a Kishu Ken? Kishu Kens are loyal dogs that love spending time with their humans. However, if you choose one of these dogs for your home, you will want to be sure and begin training when your pet is still young. The Kishu Ken is loyal, hard-working and serious. They are devoted to their masters and are loving pets. They are friendly towards children and are excellent family dogs. Kishus are very intelligent and obedient. They need plenty of exercise, such as long brisk walks or vigorous games. They make great watch and guard dogs, as they are protective. They are reserved with strangers, but never aggressive.
Breed Characteristics
| Life Span: | 11-13 years |
| Nicknames: | Kishu Inu, Kishu, Kumano Ken, Taichi Ken |
Kishu Ken Build Information
Fully grown Kishu Kens can weigh anywhere between 30 and 60 pounds. They have short hair that is typically white; however, they have also been known to come in such colors as brindle, red and sesame. They should have a wedge-shaped head with light to dark brown eyes and a black, pink or brown nose. The ears of the Kishu are small for its size, triangular and held fully erect. The neck and body are muscular, and the legs should be a bit long with somewhat of a narrow chest. The tail of the Kishu Ken is long, fuzzy, carried high and is held in a curl over the back. The Kishu Ken is an ancient Japanese dog breed with a medium-sized body and square proportions. Kishus have broad heads and muzzles. Their ears are small and erect. Kishus usually have white coats, but may come in other color variations. They have thick double coats with a coarse outer coat. They need to be rushed frequently to reduce shedding.
| Size: | Medium |
Behaviour and Personality
Kishu Kens are extremely loyal dogs that typically bond to one family member; however, they will interact well with everyone in their family unit including children. They are very distrusting of strangers and will protect their families if necessary. They can be a bit stubborn requiring early training. Due to their strong hunting instincts, they may not get along well with other types of pets. If you are looking for a pet that will make a great companion and an excellent guard dog, why not consider a Kishu Ken? Kishu Kens are loyal dogs that love spending time with their humans. However, if you choose one of these dogs for your home, you will want to be sure and begin training when your pet is still young. The Kishu Ken is loyal, hard-working and serious. They are devoted to their masters and are loving pets. They are friendly towards children and are excellent family dogs. Kishus are very intelligent and obedient. They need plenty of exercise, such as long brisk walks or vigorous games. They make great watch and guard dogs, as they are protective. They are reserved with strangers, but never aggressive.
| Activity Level: | Moderately Active |
| Affection Level: | Affectionate |
| Kid Friendliness: | friendly |
Appearance
One of the best features of the Kishu Ken is that it requires very little grooming. You will only need to brush its coat during shedding season, and you should only need to bathe it when it becomes overly filthy. However, you will need to clean its ears occasionally and trim its nails from time to time.
| Shedding: | Moderate |
| Grooming: | High Maintenance |
Kishu Ken Common Health Conditions
The Kishu Ken is a hardy breed that suffers from virtually no genetic health issues, and a healthy specimen can live between 11 and 13 years or longer. However, there have been some Kishus that have developed hypothyroidism, skin allergies and/or entropion.
Kishu Ken Pet Insurance
When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.
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Breed Talents and Facts
Manga artist Yoshihiro Takahashi used several Kishu Kens in his works. While Kishus are natural hunters, they have also been used to herd livestock. Kishu Kens do not adapt well to small environments.
| Training: | Easy to train |
