Kishu Ken Dog Breed Information

Group

Foundation Stock Service

Weight

13-27 kg

Height

43-55 cm

Lifespan

9-13 years

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About the Kishu Ken

Reviewed by:

Dr. Cristina Alice Vulpe

Veterinarian

The Kishu Ken, also known as the Kishu Inu, is a rare breed that’s renowned for its loyalty and intelligence. This purebred Japanese dog makes a devoted companion for both families and single owners alike and is fairly easy to care for.

Although they’re athletic and were bred for hunting, they don’t require a huge amount of exercise and 30 minutes a day is usually enough.

However, if you’re just looking for a cuddle buddy, the Kishu Ken is probably not for you as they need consistent mental stimulation to keep them engaged and are known to be independent and headstrong.

To help you learn more about this majestic breed, we’ve laid out a detailed guide with all the tips and information you need to decide if this is the right pooch for you!

What is the history & origin of the Kishu Ken?

The exact origin of the Kishu Ken breed isn’t known, but it’s thought that they’ve been around for at least 3,000 years.

We know that they come from Kyushu in Japan, and legend has it that they’re descended from wolves who were received as a gift by a Japanese man who saved an injured wolf.

They were used for centuries for hunting wild boar and deer in the mountainous regions of Japan, and they made such good hunting dogs that they were even used to track down and subdue bears.

In 1934, they were officially recognised as a Memorial of Nature in Japan and are considered to be a national treasure. Today, the breed is still rare outside of Japan, but its popularity has been steadily growing in the United States.

In their native country, they’re still used as hunting dogs but are also kept as beloved family pets. Many Japanese owners also refer to the breed as Kishu Inu.

What is a Kishu Ken breed?

The Kishu Ken is a purebred, medium-sized dog with characteristic triangular ears and dark brown eyes. Their tail is quite short and curls up over their back, and they have a strong and athletic build.

Their coats used to often be red or brindle in colour, but breeding standardisation in the 20th century was focused on making sure their coats were white. This was advantageous for hunters as it made them more visible when out hunting in the forests.

As they have never become an incredibly popular breed outside of Japan, their population numbers have at times been very small. This led to the Japanese government placing them on the Protected Species list to ensure their survival.

They’re known for their unwavering loyalty to their owners and families and are an active breed that needs a lot of mental and physical stimulation.

Who is a Kishu Ken best for?

The Kishu Ken can make a great family dog and will be devoted to and protective of the people that it lives with. They’re best suited to owners who can commit to at least 30 minutes of vigorous physical exercise each day and is happy to involve their dog in most family activities.

If you have other dogs or other pets at home, the Kishu Ken may not be the best choice as they are very territorial and have a high prey drive. This means they tend to herd and chase smaller animals, and they can be aggressive towards other dogs.

Obedience training and proper socialisation can help with this, but their herding instincts are ingrained into them, so this will most likely still remain an issue even after training.

The breed is also fairly stubborn and headstrong, meaning they can be tough to train. So, they’re not a good option for first-time owners and people who are not experienced in training dogs.

Kishu Ken Grooming & Shedding

For most of the year, the Kishu Ken’s double coat only sheds moderately, and they will need to be brushed once a week to prevent knotting and matting. During their seasonal high-shedding periods, they require daily brushing to reduce the amount of dog hair they leave around the house.

Their coats produce natural oils that keep the fur and skin healthy, so they only need to be bathed very occasionally. If they’re bathed too often, this can damage their coat and lead to dry skin.

You should trim their nails when they get too long and regularly wash out their ears to prevent ear infections. If you do all of this, you’ll keep your pooch looking smooth and silky all year round!

Do Kishu Kens bark a lot?

The Kishu Ken is a calm, quiet and reserved breed and is certainly not known for being vocal. They’re protective of their owners and will usually only bark when alerting them to potential dangers.

Around people that they’re not familiar with, they are usually aloof but are rarely loud or aggressive. They can, however, be aggressive with other animals and should be kept on their leash when not in enclosed areas.

What is the average weight & height of a Kishu Ken?

Kishu Kens are medium-sized dogs that usually weigh between 13kg and 27kg. They will typically grow to between 43cm and 55cm in height.

Are Kishu Kens easy to train?

Kishu Kens are a very intelligent breed that responds well to training and learns quickly. However, they can be really independent and will often refuse to do things that they don’t want to do.

This means that their training can be a bit difficult and will require a lot of time and patience from their owner. Try rewarding them with their favourite treats and toys for good behaviour and don’t use punishment as this can lead to them becoming even more stubborn.

You should start their obedience training when they’re as young as possible, and they will also need early socialisation so that they know how to behave around children and other pets.

How do Kishu Kens behave? A look at their temperament and personality

The Kishu Ken is a fiercely loyal breed that is protective of its family and loves spending time with them. They tend to be so dedicated to their owners that they are wary of strangers and will usually keep their distance when they’re around people they’re not familiar with.

Due to their history as hunting dogs, they’re energetic and need daily exercise, and their athletic build means that they’re well suited to various dog sports. Their hunting instincts also mean that they can be aggressive with other animals, especially smaller animals like cats.

Despite their dislike of felines, Kishu Kens have often been compared to cats due to their docile and slightly aloof temperament, which gives them a slightly mysterious character.

Does the Kishu Ken have any common health issues?

The Kishu Ken is generally a healthy dog breed, but they are prone to certain genetic health problems, such as:

Hip Dysplasia – a condition where the hip joint has formed abnormally during puppyhood and does not fit snugly into the hip socket. It can lead to limping, pain and eventually arthritis.
Entropion – a condition that causes the dog’s eyelids to roll inwards, which irritates the cornea. If not quickly treated, this can lead to corneal ulceration.

What is the lifespan of a Kishu Ken?

The average lifespan of the Kishu Ken is 9 to 13 years, but with the appropriate care, love and diet, they can exceed this.

How much does a Kishu Ken need to be fed?

The Kishu Ken’s diet should be formulated for a medium-sized dog with moderate activity levels, which will usually be 2 or 3 cups of high-quality dog food each day.

However, Kishu Kens do suffer from certain food allergies, such as potatoes and grains, so you’ll need to make sure the food you give them doesn’t contain these ingredients. Speak to a vet to ask them for recommendations about the best way to feed your pooch.

How much can you expect to pay for a Kishu Ken in Australia?

The Kishu Ken is a rare breed, and puppies are quite hard to find. They cost between $1,500 and $2,000 from a reputable breeder.

Kishu Ken FAQs

Is a Kishu Ken ideal for a first-time dog owner?

Kishu Kens have a real independent streak and can be pretty stubborn during training. This means they’re not usually the best breed for first-time owners and would benefit more from someone who is experienced in training dogs.

Do Kishu Kens suffer from separation anxiety?

Although they love being around their families, Kishu Kens are not overly prone to separation anxiety and can handle being left alone for fairly long periods of time.

Are Kishu Kens hypoallergenic dogs?

The Kishu Ken’s double coat sheds moderately throughout the year and heavily during their shedding periods. This means they do not make good pets for people who suffer from dog allergies.

Will a Kishu Ken need professional grooming?

The Kishu Ken shouldn’t need professional grooming as they only need to be brushed weekly for most of the year and don’t need to be clipped. They also don’t require regular bathing.