10 most popular Japanese dog breeds, popular in Vietnam

Origin of Japanese dog breeds

Today’s Japanese dog breeds originated thousands of years ago. Experiencing an extremely long process of breeding and refining has helped Japan to have the 6 most characteristic dog breeds that only this country has. That is Shiba Inu, Hokkaido Inu, Kai Ken, Shikoku Ken, Kishu Ken and Akita Inu. The other dog breeds present in Japan are due to crossbreeding between one of these six indigenous breeds.

In the 16th century, the Japanese Kennel Club was established, showing that a family owning a dog is often a sign of wealth and power. Japanese dogs gradually became gifts from the elite to each other or sold to other countries along the famous Silk Road at that time.

In 1635, Japan entered the Sakoku period which closed the country from trade with countries outside the world. As a result, the native Japanese dog breeds were not affected by the introduction of Western breeds. It was not until 1854 that Japan opened up the country and re-integrated. Western dog breeds flooded into Japan and crossed with native breeds here to create new breeds.

Top 10 most popular and popular Japanese dog breeds today

The following are Japanese dog breeds that are extremely popular and loved by many families not only in Vietnam but also in other countries around the world.

first Japanese Spitz dog

The Spitz is a popular dog breed in Japan, known for its smiling face, small pointed ears, and adorable curly tail. They have a beautiful white double coat, are very affectionate and love to play with their owners. The Japanese Spitz breed was originally bred from the German Spitz in the 1920s. The Japanese Kennel Association updated this dog breed to the list in 1948 and is loved by many people to keep until today. .

Some basic information about the Japanese Spitz breed:

– Average height: 25-30cm

– Weight: 5-12kg

Personality: Cheerful, energetic, friendly

– Shedding time: Seasonal, 2-3 times per year

– Activity level: medium

– Lifespan: 12-14 years

2 Chinese dog

The Japanese Chin is a very small dog breed. They have a very characteristic cleft chin, which has been raised by members of the Japanese royal family for many years. There was a time when this breed was valued as more precious than gold, given to each other by the upper classes as a precious gift, affirming class. Chin dog has an extremely soft ruffled coat with many different colors, usually a combination of black, white, red, …

Some basic information about the Japanese Spitz breed:

– Average height: 18-22cm

– Weight: 3-5kg

Personality: Gentle, approachable, likable

– Time of hair loss: Moderately, 1-2 times per year

– Activity level: Low to moderate

– Lifespan: 10-12 years

3 Shiba Inu dog

It’s hard not to fall in love with the Shiba breed at first contact. They are loyal, devoted friends and are great to humans. The name Shiba was originally named after a dark-colored tree that was found in the hunting forests of the Japanese nobility in the past. Although the Shiba Inu is one of Japan’s smallest native dog breeds, they are not afraid to stand up for family members, no matter how big the opponent.

Some basic information about the Japanese Shiba Inu breed:

– Average height: 28-40cm

– Weight: 8-12kg

– Personality: Lovely, loyal, friendly

– Time of hair loss: At a high level, hair can be shed at any time

– Activity level: High

– Lifespan: 13-16 years

4 Shikoku dog

Also known as Shikoku Ken or Kochi Ken, the Shikoku breed is named after the island they were born and raised on, located off the southeast coast of Japan. Bred to hunt large wild animals such as wild boar, it is not surprising that the Shikoku’s body is quite large, fiercer than other indigenous Japanese breeds. They are extremely strong, agile and very territorial.

Some basic information about the Japanese Shikoku breed:

– Average height: 35-50cm

– Weight: 17-25kg

Personality: Loyal, alert, protective

– Time of hair loss: On average, about a few times per year

– Activity level: Moderate to high

– Lifespan: 10-12 years

5 Akita dog

Akita is one of the most loyal native dog breeds today. They are the perfect choice if you want to find a companion who can protect, guard and prevent any harm from affecting you. However, Akita dogs need to be trained carefully from a young age, because they are very playful, like to chase smaller animals. The breed first appeared in America in 1937 and has since become a phenomenon.

Some basic information about the Japanese Akita breed:

– Average height: 45-60cm

– Weight: 30-45kg

Personality: Loyal, vigilant, protective, brave

– Time of shedding: Seasonal, on average 2-3 times per year

– Activity level: High

– Lifespan: 10-13 years

6 Tosa dog

In the past, the Tosa breed was used as a fighting dog, specialized in dog fights in Japan. However, over the years, many families only want to keep this breed for the purpose of guarding and protection. They can be considered as one of the largest native dog breeds in Japan. However, the maturation process of this breed is relatively slow, taking up to the first 4 years from birth. Therefore, not everyone has the patience to raise this breed.

Some basic information about the Japanese Tosa breed:

– Average height: 50-70cm

– Weight: 50-100kg

Personality: Loyal, protective, brave, likable

– Shedding time: Low, rarely shedding hair

– Activity level: Low to moderate

– Lifespan: 10-12 years

7 Japanese Terrier

It is a cross between a native Japanese dog and a Dutch Smooth Fox terrier. The Japanese terrier has a petite shape, a lively, cheerful personality that loves to chase and play. They have a very unique and lovely appearance, suitable for families with young children and many other pets in the house.

Some basic information about the Japanese terrier breed:

– Average height: 18-25cm

– Weight: 3-5kg

– Personality: Vivacious, cheerful, approachable, friendly

– Time of hair loss: On average, about 2-3 times per year

– Activity level: Moderate to high

– Lifespan: 12-15 years

8 Kai Ken

The Kai Ken is an intelligent and flattering dog. They love to flatter their owners and please you at all costs. This is seen as more than just Akita’s level of loyalty. Kai Ken dogs learn commands and train extremely quickly, so they are the first choice of families today. However, this breed is super rare, only families with real economic conditions can buy and raise them.

Some basic information about the Japanese Kai Ken breed:

– Average height: 35-45cm

– Weight: 10-20kg

– Personality: Loyal, energetic, easy to get along with

– Shedding time: Medium

– Activity level: High

– Lifespan: 12-15 years

9 Hokkaido dog

The Hokkaido breed is also a family favorite, similar to the Shiba Inu. They are extremely intelligent, friendly, and get along well with other pets in the house. In addition, this breed lived in the cold country for hundreds of years in the mountains of Hokkaido with the indigenous Ainu people. So they have beautiful and wild white fur.

Some basic information about the Japanese Hokkaido breed:

– Average height: 38-48cm

– Weight: 20-35kg

– Personality: Loyal, intelligent, devoted, likable

– Time of shedding: Seasonal, on average 2-3 times per year

– Activity level: High

– Lifespan: 12-15 years

ten Kishu dog

If you just want to buy a dog to watch and guard, it is best not to choose the Kishu breed. This breed is inherently extroverted, likes to be comfortable and free outside large spaces. So if you keep your Kishu dog in captivity for too long, they may panic and suffer from prolonged stress.

Some basic information about the Japanese Kishu breed:

– Average height: 38-50cm

– Weight: 20-30kg

– Personality: Friendly, active, dedicated

– Shedding time: Extremely low, almost no hair loss

– Activity level: Moderate to high

– Lifespan: 11-13 years