Kishu Ken dog, also known as Kishu Inu. This is one of six dog breeds in Japan that are considered natural national assets of this country.
Join DailyPets.net to learn about the origin, characteristics, and how to care for the Kishu Ken dog breed through this article.
Kishu Ken dog origin
The Kishu Ken is the name of a breed of dog that originated in Wakayama, Mie, and Nara prefectures in western Japan. They have existed for more than 3,000 years. Their origins are even older than Akita and Shiba.
Legend has it that a well-trained Kishu Ken dog can knock down a wild boar as an adult.
To this day, Kishu Ken dogs are still used in bear hunting. But mostly to look after the house and keep company. Japan recognizes Kishu Ken as a national natural property and is closely protected.
Kishu Ken’s physical characteristics
The Kishu Ken dog stands out with its toned and healthy body. They themselves are very agile and flexible. The size of an adult Kishu Inu is 42-56cm tall and weighs about 12-27kg.
The Kishu Inu dog’s head is large and has a flat forehead. Kishu Ken’s eyes are small, almond-shaped, and often dark in color. Kishu Ken’s nose is brown, black, or pink. Their sense of smell is also very sensitive. Strong teeth and large, triangular ears that stand straight forward. The Kishu Inu dog’s limbs are very firm, the chest is plump, the abdomen is slightly sunken, and the tail is long or curved on the back.
A beautiful, silky, soft coat covers the entire body of a Kishu Ken. Their fur has two thick layers. Fur colors, such as white, red, spotted, or striped, are diverse. The most common is white like cotton.
Kishu Ken’s personality traits
The most outstanding personality of a Kishu Ken is his devotion and loyalty to his master. They are quite affectionate and friendly. Although quiet and calm, they are very flexible and agile.
Kishu Inu dogs do not often bark but are wary of strangers. Therefore, they are very good housekeepers. With the nature of a hunting dog inherited from his ancestors, Kishu Ken is quite active and likes to chase.
If your family raises small animals such as squirrels, hamsters, or rabbits… they will most likely become the target of Kishu Inu. If you want them to live in harmony with each other, you should raise them together from a young age. Gradually create feelings for them to get to know each other. Thus, Kishu Ken will be much friendlier.
Sometimes, Kishu Ken will be quite stubborn; you need to be patient and calm to train them. Be tough, but don’t be violent. When they realize who the owner is, they will obediently obey. However, do not find them gentle and teasing; they will get angry.
How to take care of Kishu Ken dogs
Living conditions
Kishu Ken species do not like to be kept in cages or kennels; they prefer to be close to their family. Allow dogs to enter the home where they can get the most attention. Dogs also love to run and chase. If your home has a garden, you should build a fence to prevent dogs from getting lost or from being stalked by dog thieves.
Kishu Ken food
Providing your Kishu Ken with high-quality commercial dog food that includes adequate protein, fat, and carbohydrates is essential. Divide their daily food portions into two meals, typically 1 to 1.5 cups.
Additionally, you can consider incorporating raw meat and fish into their diet to enhance variety and nutrition. Always monitor their weight and adjust portions to maintain a healthy body.
Hair care
Use a stiff brush to help brush away dead, shed hair at least once a week. Trim your Kishu Ken dog’s nails and check their ears regularly to ensure they’re dirt or bacteria-free.
Appropriate physical activity
Kishu Ken dogs have a good physical condition; they need a long period of walking and exercise every day. Allow them to run around or do something like guarding or observing livestock, and the dog will do its job very well, with great joy.
Kishu Ken’s health and lifespan
In general, Kishu Ken dogs are quite healthy dogs. But they will still suffer from hypothyroidism, obesity, hip dysplasia, and eye diseases.
So, you need to periodically check Kishu Inu’s health to ensure they are still healthy. Kishu is a very easy dog breed to raise and is not picky about eating. Their diet needs to change according to age and be nutritious.
Kishu Ken has a lifespan of 11-13 years. They will live longer if they live in good circumstances and are well cared for.
Kishu Ken price
Because it has been recognized as a national natural property, seeing a purebred Kishu Ken dog outside of Japan is very difficult.
Depending on the age, origin, and color, Kishu Inu will have different prices.
On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $3,000 or more for a Kishu Ken puppy from a responsible breeder. Show-quality Kishu Kens with exceptional pedigrees may cost even more.
