The Akita Inu, the pride of Japan, is actually the biggest of all six native Japanese dog breeds – others being the Shiba Inu, Kai Ken, Shikoku, Hokkaido, and the Kishu. This is an incredibly beautiful Spitz-type dog that is best known after its great strength, amazing loyalty and dominant attitude. Indeed, the Akitas are above anything else very tough, powerful, brave, determined, athletic, agile, and hardy, but also very intelligent, docile, resourceful and independent. They make wonderful family dogs, but are also known as superb guard dogs and watchdogs. Yep, the Japanese Akita is very territorial, very protective, and ready to give its life in defense of its family. Considering how large, strong and heavy these dogs actually are (males up to 26 inches (66 cm) height and 122 pounds (55 kg) weight), it’s not hard to guess that strangers can be in serious trouble if enter the owner’s property unannounced. So, if you own this dog you should definitely put a proper ‘beware of dog’ warning on your front gate! Apart from that, this dog is usually not willing to share its space with too many other animals. That’s why it is of great importance that you socialize and train your dog in obedience as soon as possible. Of course, it will take you some time to have your Akita well-mannered and well-behaved, but once you get the job done, it will be a pure joy to share your living space with this wonderful and authentic dog. And now let’s take a look at our list of ten most interesting Akita Inu facts. Continue Reading →
Asian Spitz and Related Breeds
Ten Most Interesting Shiba Inu Facts
The Shiba Inu is a small Spitz type dog originating from Japan. Together with the Akita Inu, this is definitely the most famous Japanese dog breed in the world. Well, that is not hard to guess, considering how truly awesome, appealing and cute Shiba actually is. Indeed, this is a type of dog that will literally put a smile on your face at first sight. The Shiba Inu is small, attentive, lively, and quirky, with a lovely, fox-like look and cute gaze. This dog is also incredibly loyal, highly intelligent, brave, tenacious, alert, agile, and proud. He is literally the embodiment of good spirit, boldness and alertness, which is the reason he is so prized in his native land. On top of that, the Shiba Dog is very clean and likes to take care of himself, which makes him suitable for almost all living conditions, including apartments. However, though it might seem this is an obedient, calm family pet, that is actually far from truth. The Shiba Inu is one of the most stubborn, independent and least trainable dogs you can find. Besides, he is an independent thinker, which will test your will to the limits. So yeah, in order to put one of these in its place, you will have to dedicate a lot of time to its training and socialization. Now combine all of this and it’s perfectly clear that this is an irresistible dog with an unbreakable will and kingly mentality. With that being said, it is time to take a look at our list of ten most interesting Shiba Inu facts. Continue Reading →
Thai Bangkaew Dog Breed Info And Characteristics
The Thai Bangkaew Dog (TBD) or simply Bangkaew is a Spitz type working dog that originated in the Bangkaew, a small village located in the Bang Rakam District, Phitsanulok Province in the Tha Nang Ngam area in central Thailand. Local folk tale says the breed actually traces its ancestry more than 100 years ago in a monastery called Wat Bangkaew near the Yom River. Third abbot of this monastery, Luang Poo Mak Metharee, was a true admirer of nature known for giving care to various animals. One day an old Bangkaew villager called Tah Nim granted him a native black and white female dog, which was pregnant at the time. However, since there were no other male dogs in that area, they believed her mating was either a Dhole (Cuon alpinus) or a Golden jackal (Canis aureus) – both of these wild predators inhabit forests surrounding this monastery. Latest chromosome study of the TBD confirmed the breed indeed being a cross between a jackal and a domestic dog. This native Thai bitch of Luang Poo Mak Metharee produced the litter of longhaired, black and dark brown puppies. Those were the first Thai Bangkaew Dogs, which soon afterwards became very popular and prized among locals. Continue Reading →
Kishu Inu Dog Breed Info And Characteristics
The Kishu Inu or Kishu Ken (Kishu Dog) is a Spitz type hunting dog that originated in the ancient Kii province (today Mie and Wakayama Prefectures), Honshu Island, Japan. The breed descended from ancient middle-sized dogs more than 3.000 years ago. According to one Japanese legend, the Kishu is actually the descendant of wolves. Namely, the hunter saved an injured she-wolf, which later promised to give him one of her pups. She kept her promise and gave him a puppy, which supposedly was the progenitor of the Kishu strain. Anyhow, thanks to the mountainous isolation of the Kii province, the breed basically kept its genetic purity to this very day since there was almost no crossbreeding with other dogs. The Kishu have been previously known as the Kumano Ken and Taichi Ken, the names given after the areas they originated from. However, when the breed was officially recognized and standardized in 1934, these dogs have become known under a single name – the Kishu Ken. The same year this dog breed was designated a Living Natural Monument in Japan and since then, it has been protected by law. The FCI accepted Kishu Inu breed on a definitive basis in 1982 and today it is included in the group 5: Asian Spitz and Related Breeds in the class of primitive dogs. Continue Reading →
Shikoku Dog Breed Info And Characteristics
The Shikoku Dog (Shikoku Inu) or Kochi Ken is a Spitz type hunting and working dog originating from the Kochi Prefecture on the Shikoku Island, Japan. This is one of six native Japanese dog breeds – other five being the Akita Inu, Shiba Inu, Kai Ken, Kishu Inu, and the Hokkaido Dog. The breed, previously known as the Tosa Ken, was developed through domestication of the wolf-like dogs that inhabited this Island in antiquity. At the time, these newly domesticated dogs were, by the ancient Japanese people, mainly used and bred for hunting. They proved successful in their duties and were highly valued as hunting dogs, which eventually proved crucial for the preservation of the entire breed. Thanks to the natural isolation of the Shikoku Island, these Japanese Wolfdogs (as some call these dogs, but it’s quite misleading as you can read here) have had limited ability to crossbreed with other dog breeds. This resulted that the genetic pool of this breed remained almost completely pure to this very day. That’s why the Mikawa Inu, as Japanese also call this dog, is considered one of the purest dog breeds in the world. Continue Reading →