Kishu Ken

The Kishu Ken is one of a handful of ancient breeds native to Japan. This medium sized dog looks much like the Shiba Inu and the Akita Inu, but this breed is older than either of those. The Kishu Ken was originally used to hunt wild boar and deer. Highly revered in their native country, Kishus are rarely exported. In 1934, Japan officially designated them a "Memorial of Nature,"� and they were designated a rare, and thus protected, breed. The Kishu Ken is still widely used as a hunting dog in Japan. There are only two known breeders outside of Japan: one in Texas and one in the Netherlands.The Kishu Ken stands from 17 to 22 inches tall on average, with the female averaging an inch smaller. Its lifespan is 11 to 13 years. The coat is a waterproof, all-weather coat with a soft, thick undercoat to protect the skin from the elements. Up until the early 20th century the coat could be seen in red, sesame and brindle, in addition to the common white. Hunters found that the white variety showed better hunting traits, and they could see the white dogs better during the hunt, and so that color was favored in subsequent breedings. Today, nearly all the Kishu Ken are white. Beautifully exotic in appearance, the Kishu Ken carries a bushy, luxurious tail that curves over its back like a sickle.The earliest known immigrants to Japan arrived on its shores around 7,000 BC. These settlers, known as the "Jomonjin"�, may have brought the ancestor of the Kishu Ken with them. Archeological evidence suggests that their dogs were domesticated before 1,000 BC. They left structures known as "shell mounds"�, dated to the 3rd century BC, that contained along with human bones the remains of a canine with prick ears and a curved tail. From this animal developed the six modern uniquely Japanese breeds; they developed separate traits and sizes based upon specific region, and how they were used. The modern Kishu Ken developed in the mountains of the southern-most island of Japan, Kyushu. Japanese culture valued its native dog breeds very highly from ancient times, and was conscious of a need to preserve the integrity of the breeds from outside influences. In the 7th century, the court of the Yamato established the official office of "dog-keeper"�, to which fell the responsibility of keeping careful records of pedigrees. Although laws existed against the cross-breeding of the Japanese breeds with breeds from other origins, there were transgressions through the centuries. Most notably, the 19th century brought European visitors who brought their pointers and setters with which to hunt. They were mixed with the Japanese breeds so carelessly and so frequently, that the Japanese began to fear for the extinction of the native breeds. It is believed that the Kishu Ken was greatly protected from this because it was isolated in Kyushu and so the breeding lines had remained relatively pure. A preservation society for the Japanese breeds was formed in 1930. The Kishu Ken hunts much like the coonhounds of the southern United States: it tracks the prey and then keeps it at bay until the hunter comes. In Japan there is an old saying about the hunting ability of the Kishu Ken: "one dog, one shot."� This refers to the dog's unfailing ability to hold the quarry at perfect bay until the hunter arrived to shoot it at close range.The Kishu Ken is a very healthy breed with few genetic weaknesses; most of these can be avoided with proper breeding and testing. These include patellar luxation (sliding kneecaps), hip dysplasia, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) and various often correctable eye issues such as entropion and cataracts. The most common ailment seen in the Kishu Ken is allergies.This breed is easy to groom, but it must be brushed regularly to remove dead fur and keep the coat clean. Begin this daily vigorous brushing when the dog is a puppy so that it becomes accustomed early to the routine. The Kishu Ken should be bathed infrequently, as doing so strips the waterproofing oils from its undercoat. Although a good indoor dog, this breed needs a great deal of exercise to be healthy and mentally stable. Daily walks are essential. Kishu Ken are charming, energetic, and willful. It is bright, eager, and very trainable. It is very important that the owner is a strong leader with this little dog, lest it become a tyrant. It is good with cats and other dogs if it is raised with them. It must be taught to be well-mannered with visitors, because it is innately protective and may be jealous. It is not a barker, and will be moderately active indoors. It feels itself strongly part of the human pack, and does not like to be left alone outside. The Kishu is good with older, respectful children it does not take kindly to rough handling and may retaliate.The territorial, protective Kishu Ken can make a great watchdog. Besides hunting with their dogs, Kishu Ken owners enjoy involving their dogs in hunting, tracking, and agility competitions.

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