1. Akita Inu
The Akita Inu is the most popular dog all over Japan, known for lovable round faces, triangular ears and plump curly tails. Typically, they have reddish-brown coats but there are also black and white varieties.
The Akita Inu have great bonds with their owners and in general, all members of the family unit they can get along with all kinds of people as pets, but you need to pay specific attention to the socialization stage or you may face their attitude problems.
The Akita Inu is a dog that requires dearly brushing and regular brushing to keep their thick coat in condition. You also need to pay special attention to their health such as they need minimum two to three daily walks combined with some vigorous physical exercise.
Akita Inu Breed over view
| Breed Group | Male 32-39 kg and female 23-29 inches |
| Coat Color | Red, fawn, brindle and white |
| Height | Male 28 inches and female 26 inches |
| Weight | Male 32-39kg and female 23-29 inches |
| Lifespan | 10-12 years |
| Exercise | 2 hours per day |
| Temperament | Strong-willed, loyal and protective |
| Recommended for | Experienced dog owners |
| Puppy cost | $1,000-$3,000 |
2. Shiba inu
Shiba inu is the smallest and one of the ancient breeds that originated in Japan. They have a lovely fox-like face, bright and intelligent eyes and a powerful yet compact body, making them one of the most popular dogs all over the world. They also have dense double coats which come in a variety of colors such as red, black, tan, sesame, and cream. Despite their small stature, Shiba Inus have a big personality, often described as bold, confident, and sometimes stubborn.
This dog was initially breded for flushing bred and hunting wild boars they are also agile and alert, traits that make them excellent companions for active individuals or families. Shiva inu dogs can build a strong relationship with their handlers if their handlers cannot spend enough time to play with them, they can show destructive behaviors such as digging, growling, barking, and howling.
Shiba inu Breed over view
| Breed group | Non–sporting |
| Coat color | Red, black, tan and sesame |
| Height | Male (35-43)cm and female (33-41) cm |
| Weight | Male (10.5-11.5) kg and female (7.5-8.5) kg |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
| Exercise | 30 minutes to 1 hours per day |
| Temperament | Alert, loyal and lively |
| Recommended for | Households without young children |
| Puppy cost | $1500- $3500 |
3. Hokkaido inu
Hokkaido inu is one of the most faithful, bold, and alert dogs originated from Japan. Their medium-sized energetic and strong body with a longer and thicker coat makes them a visually attractive dog. Their coat colors are usually sesame, brindle, white, black and tan among them white Hokkaido is the rarest one.
They’re very affectionate to their families and handlers If they don’t properly early socialized, they would be have aggression problems or be over protective to their family. Hokkaido is a high energetic dog they need enough exercise regularly. As their coat is naturally clean, they don’t need regular grooming, but if their coat becomes dirty, then cleaning is needed.
Hokkaido inu Breed over view
| Breed Group | Working |
| Coat Color | White, red, brindle, wolf grey, sesame and black |
| Height | 18-20 inches |
| Weight | 20-30 kg |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
| Exercise | Playtime and walks |
| Temperament | Alert, brave and faithful |
| Recommended for | Active homes with older children |
| Puppy cost | Around $1,000 |
4. Kin ken
The Kin ken is known for their unwavering hunting skills and independent thinking nature since the primitive period in Japan. Japanese people also use to this dog for their loyal companion and intelligent personality.
Their medium-sized wild wolf-like body structure and unique brindle coat make them one of the rarest dog breeds in the world. Since the ancient age, they’ve been super friendly and affectionate to their family and trainers. Kin ken dogs are much faster learners than compared to other Japanese breeds but early socialization is important or they might get attitude problems. Kin kens are good choice for active persons because they need regular walks and minimal exercise, or they would be destructive at home.
Kin ken Breed over view
| Breed Group | Working |
| Coat Color | Brindle, black brindle and red brindle |
| Height | Male 18.5-19.5 inches and female 15.5-17 inches |
| Weight | 30-60 pounds |
| Lifespan | 12-16 years |
| Exercise | 1-hour per day |
| Temperament | Protective, loyal and athletic |
| Recommended for | Who can properly socialize them |
| Puppy cost | $1,500-$2,500 |
5. Shikoku inu
The Shikoku inu is one of the primitive and rarest dog breeds of Japan. The Shikoku is an endurance dog with an innocent sense that is lively and highly alert they are energetic, bold and developed but they may be reclusive and austere.
Shikoku is an ideal dog for busy single owners, active families and expert dog trainers but they are often not ideal for families with small children or other pets. If Shikoku doesn’t get consistent proper training may become aggressive. Like other Nihon-ken Shikoku inus coats are also naturally clean that’s why they need minimal grooming but not too much bathe.
Shikoku inu Breed over view
| Breed Group | Utility |
| Coat Color | Black, red, and tan sesame, black sesame or red sesame coats |
| Height | 17-22 inches |
| Weight | 16-25 kg |
| Lifespan | 12-15 years |
| Exercise | 40-60 minutes per day |
| Temperament | Fearless, alert, active and faithful |
| Recommended for | Experienced dog owners |
| Puppy cost | $1500 and $3500 |
6.Kishu ken
Kishu ken are hunting dog breeds of Japan since ancient times. They’re well known for unwavering courage and as a loyal companion for hunters. Kishu Ken’s striking white coat, graceful and charming attitude make it visually appealing. Kishu ken are renowned for loyalty and high intelligence they make an excellent companion, offering both protection and affection to their family.
Kishu dogs are not a good choice for apartment they have wild nature they need regular exercise or repeated walks in a day. Kishu might be a good choice for active families they also need minimal grooming and casual baths.
Kishu ken Breed over view
| Breed Group | We Clearly don’t found any group |
| Coat Color | White, red or sesame |
| Height | 17-22 inches |
| Weight | 14-27 kg |
| Lifespan | 10-15 years |
| Exercise | 1 hour per day |
| Temperament | Alert, bold and faithful |
| Recommended for | Active individual |
| Puppy cost | More than $1,500 |