Clever, Obedient, and Cute! The Charm of Japanese Dogs Like Shiba-Inu and Akita

   Japanese dogs are famous throughout the world, especially the "Shiba-Inu" and "Akita" breeds. Some overseas celebrities who keep Japanese dogs have even made headlines. These breeds attract attention from all over the world thanks to their strong bodies, noble appearance, courage, and faithfulness — cool character traits that are thought to be just like a samurai.

The Characteristics and Nature of the Six Registered Breeds of Japanese Dogs

   There are six breeds of Japanese dogs that are registered as natural monuments: Akita, Kishu-Ken, Kai-Ken, Hokkaido-Ken, Shiba-Inu, and Shikoku-Ken. Of these, the Shiba-Inu and Akita breeds are the two most popular, both in Japan and overseas.

   The Shiba-Inu is so popular that it accounts for 80% of all the Japanese dog breeds kept in Japan. The breed is intelligent and highly attentive to humans. Plus, the fact that they were originally small hunting dogs means they love exercise and playing with toys. The noble and charming Shiba-Inu is so lovable that it's often in the spotlight — whether as the mascot in a TV show or as the face of a major Japanese rail company.

   Akita are a clever breed that are very affectionate to their owners. They are also called "one-owner dogs," as they remain loyal to their owners for their entire lifetime. Helen Keller kept two Akita in the 1930s, raising the international profile of the breed, while the faithful dog Hachiko even inspired a Hollywood movie. Russian figure skating champion Alina Zagitova, who won gold at the Pyeongchang Olympics, made headlines when she appeared with an Akita she had adopted, stating "I want a friend like Hachiko."

   There are also other Japanese dogs with a lot to offer.
Hokkaido-Ken, Kai-Ken, Kishu-Ken and Shikoku-Ken are all classified as medium-sized breeds and have been much loved in their respective regions since ancient times, where they were traditionally used as hunting dogs and guard dogs.

Japanese Dogs Have Lived with Japanese People for More Than 10,000 Years

   So how long have Japanese dogs been around? It's believed that they came from Southern Asia around 10,000 years ago, as their bones have been discovered in remains from the Jomon period. From around 1870, many Western dog breeds were imported and, as they mingled with the original Japanese dogs, mixed breeds were created. If things remained unchecked, there was a risk that the purity of Japanese breeds would disappear, so the Nihon Ken Hozonkai (Japanese Dog Preservation Society) was established in 1928 to manage the numbers of Japanese dogs and preserve these outstanding breeds. Twice a year, the society holds a show of Japanese dog breeds and awards prizes for excellence. It also manages and provides guidance on breeding.

   In recent years, there have been some large-scale events restricted to Japanese breeds only. These encourage an understanding of how Japanese dogs should be kept through exchanges between owners, training, guidance on etiquette, and more.

   There's even a magazine about Japanese dogs, full of information all about them. The editor-in-chief says that many people are fascinated by the cool and obedient nature of Japanese dogs, and that once they keep one as a pet, they continue to do so.
   Japanese people never tire of their fascination with Japanese dog breeds, which have been much loved throughout the country's long history.

Japanese Dogs: Also Loved Outside of Japan

   Shiba-Inu and Akita have been used as a design motif on all kinds of products, including jigsaw puzzles and many others. These make great souvenirs for friends overseas, as well as welcome gifts for dog lovers. For those who would love to keep a dog but who can't, a calendar with the dogs' lovable expressions and gestures can help ease their everyday stress.

   Recently there has also been an increase in people overseas posting pictures of cute Japanese dogs and their adorable faces on social media. Through hashtags such as #shibainu and #shiba, these sites provide somewhere for owners and fans of Japanese dog around the world to interact.

   A Japanese journalist living in France, who owns a Shiba-Inu, has investigated how the lovable appearance of Shiba-Inu on social media sites has caused the breed's popularity to take off in France. The Shiba-Inu's pointing ears, curly tail, and well-proportioned body seem to have caught the attention of the French people. Previously, if you walked around the streets in France with a Shiba-Inu, you'd often be asked what breed it was, but these days you see them all over town. The Shiba-Inu's popularity really seems to have taken root!

   The noble appearance and independent character of Japanese dogs fascinates people all over the world, and they look set to become even more popular.