# The Nihon Ken — PADS Journal Article > Brad Anderson's published article in the Journal of the International Society for Preservation of Primitive Aboriginal Dogs covering all six Nihon Ken breeds, their history, genetic studies, hunting traditions, and preservation challenges. **By Brad Anderson** — [www.bradanderson.org](http://www.bradanderson.org) *Originally published in the Journal of the International Society for Preservation of Primitive Aboriginal Dogs (PADS), No. 30, February 2012* *Co-contributors: Shigeru Kato, Dr. Dave Roberts, Jennifer Anderson* --- ## Introduction This article introduces the reader to the six native Japanese dog breeds (the Nihon Ken), their history, and their role in historic and modern-day Japan. Much of the knowledge shared here comes from anecdotal stories and discussion with enthusiasts in Japan who have owned and/or worked their Nihon Ken for decades. Much of the information on the Nihon Ken is shared via stories and so is laced with myth, pride, and embellishment. In sharing this oral history of Japan's national treasures, it is my hope to provide an accurate picture of these breeds as they exist today, in the context of how they existed in the past. ## Six Native Breeds The creation of the Nihon Ken Honzonkai (NIPPO) in 1928 led to the standardization of the Nihon Ken and a separation of the breeds into three groups based on size: small, medium, and large. The Shiba Inu and the Akita Inu make up the small-size and large-size breed categories, respectively. The Hokkaido Ken, Kai Ken, Kishu Ken, and Shikoku Ken make up the medium-size category. The Shiba Inu and Akita Inu are by far the most recognizable and represent the bulk of the Nihon Ken population both in Japan and abroad. While NIPPO is the primary preservation society, most of the six breeds have their own independent preservation societies. One of NIPPO's goals was to standardize the Nihon Ken, using the Kishu Ken and Shikoku Ken as the basis for that standard. Some independent societies were created due to disagreements with NIPPO's broad standardization approach. The medium-sized breeds are considered the most "primitive" of the six. The Shiba and Akita have gone through decades of selection based on looks, while the medium breeds have continued to be selected for workability and hunting instincts. Because of this, the medium breeds are said to be harder to live with as pets. They can loosely be described as having two distinct types within each breed: the boar dog (shishi inu) and deer dog (shika inu). The Kishu Ken, Kai Ken, and Hokkaido Ken are sometimes still used for hunting. ## Genetic Studies In *Japanese Dogs*, Professor Yuichi Tanabe of Gifu University describes canine migration research surveying blood protein polymorphisms in over five thousand dogs from Japan, Korea, Mongolia, Taiwan, Indonesia, and Europe. Results published in 1991 and 1996 showed that Japanese and Western breeds differed genetically, and Japanese breeds could be divided into several groups: - **"A" group**: Hokkaido, Ryukyu, dogs of Iriomote and Yakushima — retaining genetic composition of early Jomon-period dogs with little impact from later arrivals. - **"B" group**: San'in Shiba, dogs of Tsushima, Jindo and Chejyudo (Korea), dogs of northern Sakhalin — strongest genetic impact from dogs brought via the Korean Peninsula during the Yayoi and Kofun periods (300 BC – AD 650). - **"C" group**: Akita, Kai, Shiba (except San'in), Kishu, Mikawa, Shikoku, Satsuma — considerable hybridization with later dogs. These results suggest the ancestors of today's Japanese breeds entered the archipelago from southern Asia via the Ryukyu Islands during the Jomon period. Later, during Yayoi and Kofun periods, dogs from the Korean Peninsula crossbred with early dogs to produce most modern Japanese breeds. Remote areas like Hokkaido and the southern Ryukyu Islands retained the early genetic composition largely intact. In 1999, researchers led by Professor Naotaka Ishiguro of Obihiro University analyzed mitochondrial D-loop DNA from ancient dog bones at Yayoi and Jomon archaeological sites, finding one DNA type common from Hokkaido to eastern Japan and another common across eastern, central, and western Japan. A 2001 study by Professors Ha and Tanabe comparing microsatellite DNA among Japanese, Korean, Chinese, and Eskimo dogs showed Japanese dog DNA is more complex than Korean indigenous dogs. ## Akita Inu The Akita Inu is the largest of the six Nihon Ken and the only breed in the "large" category. It originated in northernmost Honshu from the hunting dogs of the matagi (subsistence hunters). During the Edo period, the local Satake family promoted dog fighting, and the matagi dogs were crossed with Tosa, Karafuto, Hokkaido, and Western breeds (Mastiffs, German Shepherds, Great Danes). The breed lost many spitz characteristics and became the "Shin Akita" (New Akita). After dog fighting was outlawed, the breed declined. It was declared a Living Natural Monument in 1931. During WWII, most dogs were killed — their coats used for military clothing, many eaten. A few dedicated breeders prevented extinction. After the war, US servicemen took dogs home (founding the American Akita), while Japan began breeding back toward the original type, creating two divergent strains. Much of the Akita's fame comes from Hachiko, who waited daily at Shibuya station for his dead master's return. Dogs range 64-70 cm (males) and 58-64 cm (females). Colors: aka (red), shiro (white), and tora (brindle). Yearly registrations: 2,000-2,500. The main registry is the Akita Inu Hozonkai. ## Hokkaido Ken A medium-sized breed from Japan's northernmost island, often called Ainu Ken after Japan's indigenous Ainu people. The Ainu called their dogs "seta" or "shita" and used them to hunt bear and deer. The breed is thought to carry more genes from the older Jomon-period dogs and shares DNA with the Ryukyu Ken of Okinawa. The breed was originally comprised of several lines: Chitose, Biratori, Atsuma, and Yuwamizawa. Today the Chitose line is most prevalent. Declared a Living Natural Monument in 1937. Two registries: Hokkaido Ken Hozonkai and Hokkaido Ken Kyokai. Known for bravery — at breed shows, hunting tests are conducted where dogs are shown a live bear and scored on movement, reaction, and hunting drive. Dogs: 48.5-51.5 cm; bitches: 45.5-48.5 cm. Colors: white, red, black, brindle, sesame, grey. Many have tongue spots. Population: ~10,000-12,000 in Japan; 900-1,000 yearly registrations. Recently gained popularity through "Otousan" (Father) commercials featuring a white Hokkaido. ## Kai Ken Also known as Tora Inu (Tiger Dog), the Kai Ken is distinguished by its brindle coat. It originated in the mountainous Kai region (modern Yamanashi). Historical records tell of famed brindle hunting dogs with prowess second to none — traditionally used for kamoshika (mountain antelope), but versatile enough for pheasant, boar, deer, and bear. In 1931, prosecutor Dasuke Adachi discovered these dogs in Ashiyasu village and began preservation efforts, forming the Kai Ken Aigokai. The breed was declared a Natural Monument in 1933. The Kai emerged relatively unscathed from WWII thanks to prefectural government protection, including tax breaks for owners. After the war, over half the registered dogs in Yamanashi prefecture were Kai Ken. Three brindle colors: aka-tora (red), chu-tora (medium), kuro-tora (black). A recessive gene occasionally produces white/cream. The KKA recognizes Kai between 40-50 cm. Population: ~12,000-14,000 in Japan; 900-1,100 yearly registrations. ## Kishu Ken Originated in the Kishu region (modern Wakayama and Mie). Primarily a large game hunting dog specializing in wild boar and deer. Legend says the Kishu descend from wolves — a hunter helped an injured wolf, who later gave him a pup that became a great boar hunter and forefather of the breed. Originally comprised primarily of non-white dogs at about 7:3 ratio. The trend toward white started with the Ouchiyama line of white hunting Kishu, so impressive it was bred from extensively. Today very few non-white Kishu remain. Declared a Natural Monument in 1934. Dogs: 49-55 cm; bitches: 43-49 cm. Colors: white, red, sesame. More muscled and heavy-set than other medium Nihon Ken. Known as fearless, relentless hunters. Slightly more approachable by strangers than other Japanese breeds. Population: ~10,000-13,000; 700-900 yearly registrations. Main registry: NIPPO. ## Shikoku Ken Native to the mountainous Kochi prefecture on Shikoku island. Originally known as Tosa Ken, renamed to avoid confusion with the Tosa fighting dog. Accomplished big game hunters prized for tenacity with large game and relative calm around family. Three lines developed in reconstruction: Awa, Hongawa, and Hata. The Awa line disappeared after WWII. The modern Shikoku descends mainly from Hongawa (lighter build, flowing movement, excellent angulation) and Hata (heavier, stockier, thicker coats). Notable foundation dogs: Goma-gou (Hata, born 1934), Choushun-gou (Hongawa, born 1934), Kusu-gou, and Kuma-gou. Dogs: 49-55 cm; bitches: 43-49 cm. Four coat colors: goma (sesame), aka (red), kuro (black), shiro (white/cream). White is penalized; black is valuable for maintaining darker colors and thicker coats. Three sesame types: kuro-goma, aka-goma, shiro-goma. More eager to please than other Nihon Ken but still an independent thinker. One of the rarest breeds — ~100 outside Japan as of 2010; 300-400 yearly registrations; 5,000-7,000 in Japan. ## Shiba Inu The smallest and most popular Nihon Ken, not named after a geographic area. Theories on the name: resemblance to dried brushwood (shiba), the archaic meaning "small," or the breed's skill weaving through brushwood when hunting. The Nihon Ken has been present in Japan since the Jomon period — shell mounds have yielded canine bones matching the modern Shiba's size. Declared a Living Natural Monument in 1936. The Shiba accounts for ~80% of dogs registered with NIPPO annually. Dogs: 38-41 cm; bitches: 37-40 cm. Colors: red, black, sesame, with non-standard white/cream. All should have urajiro markings. ## Hunting Traditions Nihon Ken have been used for hunting small and large game for centuries. Today the Kishu Ken and Hokkaido Ken are most commonly used. They are baying dogs — the technique called "hoe-dome" (Bark and Stop). The Nihon Ken is a silent tracker that becomes vocal only when game is cornered. The ideal is captured in the phrase 一銃一狗 (ichijuu, ikku) — "one gun, one dog." The hunting partnership requires immense skill from both hunter and dog. Dogs flush game from steep, wet terrain thick with undergrowth and sharp bamboo, then bay until the hunter arrives. Both partners rely on each other. A good hunting Nihon Ken shows cautiousness toward prey, almost appearing cowardly, but gives chase instantly — charging, barking, retreating, sometimes biting hindquarters (kamidome). Hunters joke with pride that their dogs are "sadistic." But an aggressive, quarrelsome dog is a liability — the dog must respect the dangers of the hunt. During the off-season (more than half the year), these dogs are expected to be clean, easy to care for, good with family, and quiet — serving as watchdogs and companions. ## The Nihon Ken Today Today the Nihon Ken breeds have been refined through breed standards and kennel clubs. The Shiba and Akita are the most refined; the Hokkaido and Kai Ken the least. NIPPO's selection has had some downsides: the Kishu Ken lost its ability to climb steep ridges after selection for tight, round feet; the Shikoku Ken was selected for quarrelsome "strong character" making them harder to manage around other dogs; the Kai Ken was selected for reduced prey drive and bravery, limiting hunting utility. However, even with NIPPO's refinement, the medium-sized breeds maintain surprising agility, stamina, strength, and ruggedness. They excel at tracking, agility, and hiking. The Kai Ken and Kishu Ken are used in Japan for controlling monkey and raccoon populations, as well as Search and Rescue. For the active owner who wants a medium-sized, robust, rugged dog for hiking, camping, predator alerting, or hunting, one of the medium-sized Nihon Ken is an excellent choice. --- ## Contributors This article was a group effort. Thank you to Shigeru Kato, Dr. Dave Roberts, and Jennifer Anderson. - **Akita Inu** — Kato - **Hokkaido Ken** — Kato - **Kai Ken** — Anderson, Kato - **Kishu Ken** — Kato - **Shikoku Ken** — Dr. Roberts - **Shiba Inu** — Kato *Translation by Shigeru Kato* ## Details - **Category:** Topics - **Tags:** nihon-ken, japanese-breeds, genetics, preservation, hunting, nippo, pads, published, akita, hokkaido, kai-ken, kishu-ken, shikoku, shiba **Also read:** [All writing](https://bradanderson.org/writing?format=md) · [About Brad](https://bradanderson.org/about?format=md) --- **Navigate:** [Home](https://bradanderson.org/?format=md) · [About](https://bradanderson.org/about?format=md) · [Work](https://bradanderson.org/work?format=md) · [Projects](https://bradanderson.org/projects?format=md) · [Breeds](https://bradanderson.org/breeds?format=md) · [Writing](https://bradanderson.org/writing?format=md) · [LLM guide](https://bradanderson.org/llms.txt) _Ask BradBot directly: POST https://bradanderson.org/api/agent/ask with {"question": "..."} (details in https://bradanderson.org/llms.txt)._