
10 Most Popular Dogs in Japan
- Toy Poodle. Although the Standard Poodle was originally bred to hunt, the Toy Poodle was developed to be a companion dog.
- Chihuahua. Chihuahuas may be the smallest dog breed, but they have big personalities with a lot of love to give.
- Shiba Inu. ...
- Miniature Dachshunds. ...
- Pomeranian. ...
- French Bulldog. ...
- Miniature Schnauzers. ...
- Shih Tzus. ...
- Yorkshire Terrier. ...
- Mixed Breeds. ...
Is it illegal to eat dogs in Japan?
Generally speaking, Japanese people do not enjoy to eat dogs. It’s not our food culture. However, eating dog meets are not illegal in Japan. Many Asian immigrants including Korean and Chinese live in Japan and some restaurants import dog meets serving for such immigrants. Nonetheless, killing or hunting dogs in Japan are probably illegal in Japan.
Does Japan have service dogs?
Japan. Japan is one of the few east Asian countries that have dogs serving in law enforcement as others dislike dogs due to cultural norms. In ancient times, samurai had Akita service companions between the 16th and 19th centuries that would defend samurai while they slept at night.
What is the cheapest dog ever?
The 6 Least Expensive Dog Breeds to Own
- Rat Terrier. Cost to Acquire: May be had for as little as $200, but expect to pay between $400 and $600 in most cases.
- Affenpinscher. ...
- Australian Terrier. ...
- Feist. ...
- Beagle. ...
- Foxhound. ...
- Like this article? ...
Do Japanese people have pets?
Japanese are crazy about pets! Japan is a pets power. Pets are family to people, and we can say dogs and cats are still strongest of all pets. Nowadays, the number of dogs and cats has outnumbered children under 15. What attracts us Japanese human beings about living with their pets?

What is Japan's national dog?
There are 6 Japanese dog breeds that are called "Nihon-ken" and are treated as Japan's national dog. The Nihon-ken include: Shiba Inu, Kishu Ken, Shikoku Ken, Hokkaido Ken, Kai Ken and Akita inu. (Akita Inu is the type of dog well-known as "Hachiko"!)
What is the most popular pet in Japan?
DogsDogs were the most popular pets in Japan as revealed in a survey conducted in October 2021. The survey on pet ownership showed that dogs and cats were the most common animal companions kept in Japan, which is reflected in the dominance of dogs and cat goods within the domestic pet supplies market.
What are the popular dog breeds native to Japan?
According to the Japanese Dog Preservation Society, six indigenous breeds are "Nihon Ken" or Japan's national dogs: shibu inu, Akita, Kai ken, Kishu, Shikoku, and the Hokkaido. The ancient roots of these dogs go back thousands of years, dating back to the Paleolithic period.
What are the 5 most popular pets in Japan?
5 Popular Pets in JapanDogs. Dogs are very popular in Japan, and you are able to get them from almost any pet shop. ... Cats. Cats are also very popular in Japan because their independent and don't require as much hands-on care as dogs. ... Fish. Fish are also very popular as pets in Japan. ... Birds. ... Rabbits.
Do Japanese prefer dogs or cats?
Owner Motivation. While the demographic disparity between the two pet types has narrowed over the years, JPFA figures show the country takes a greater interest in dogs, with 23% of Japanese saying they would like to have one compared to 16% for cats. Motives for ownership, on the other hand, tend to be similar.
What dogs can you buy in Japan?
A Guide to the 11 Best Japanese Dog BreedsShiba Inu. Shibu Inu. ... 2. Japanese Chin. Japanese Chin. ... 3. Japanese Akita Inu. Akita Inu. ... 4. Japanese Spitz. Japanese Spitz. ... Shikoku. Shikoku dog (source) ... Kishu. Kishu Ken (source) ... Tosa. Tosa Inu. ... Hokkaido. Hokkaido dog (source)More items...
What is the rarest dog breed in Japan?
Sakhalin Husky. The Sakhalin Husky is by far the rarest Japanese dog breed in the world today. In fact, these dogs are nearly extinct. They're so rare that there were only two known purebred Sakhalin Huskies recorded in Japan by 2011.
What kind of dogs protect Japanese homes?
According to the Nihon Ken Hozonkai (A.K.A. Japanese Dog Preservation Society), the Nihon Ken are six indigenous dog breeds that have been designated as national natural monuments in Japan....6 Japanese Dog Breeds in the Nihon KenShiba Inu. ... Akita. ... Kai Ken. ... Kishu Ken. ... Shikoku Ken. ... Hokkaido.
Why are Shiba Inus so popular in Japan?
He has a lot of praise for the Shiba Inu. “They're easy to raise and their overall quality is strong,” Lee said. The Shiba Inu and other Shiba breeds have been popular in Japan since ancient times. Japanese tribes used them to hunt large and small animals.
What pets do Japanese not own?
Certain animals are categorised as special animals and require permission to own in Japan. These restricted special animals are generally those that can attack people such as monkeys, eagles, hawks, crocodiles and snakes. Permission to own these animals is required from the local municipality office.
What is the best dog in Japan?
The 5 Best Japanese Dog BreedsJapanese Chin.Shiba Inu.Kai Ken.Akita.Tosa.
Is Japan a dog friendly country?
Japan is a pet-friendly country and welcomes dogs and cats of all breeds. Bringing your pet to Japan is a complex process since Japan is a rabies-free country.
What pets are allowed in Japan?
Japan is a pet-friendly country and welcomes dogs and cats of all breeds. Bringing your pet to Japan is a complex process since Japan is a rabies-free country.
What pets do Japanese not own?
Certain animals are categorised as special animals and require permission to own in Japan. These restricted special animals are generally those that can attack people such as monkeys, eagles, hawks, crocodiles and snakes. Permission to own these animals is required from the local municipality office.
Does Japan like cats?
Cats are everywhere in Japan. While it is easy to see they are well-loved, Japan also fears cats. The country has a long, often terrifying history of folklore involving monstrous supernatural cats.
Do people in Japan own pets?
In contrast to Japan's dwindling birth rate, household pets are on the rise. There are some 20 million cats and dogs registered across the country, and an additional 60,000 pets joined households in 2020, according to the Japan Pet Food Association.
13 Most Popular Japanese Dog Breeds
The origin of modern Japanese dog breeds dates back thousands of years ago.
Characteristics of Dog Breeds
The six dog breeds that are native to Japan are double-coated and intelligent spitz-type.
Conclusion
Well, I have provided you with enough information on popular dog breeds in Japan.
What is a Japanese terrier?
They have tiny stature and short coats which make them unsuitable for the cold weather. Japanese terriers are also known as Nippon terriers. They are a strong athletic breed known for their lively and cheerful disposition. The breed is rare, even in Japan and almost extinct. Japanese terriers are also known by other names like Kobe, Mikado and Oyuki (snowy) terriers.
What is an akita dog?
Akita dogs are known for their superior intelligence, easy trainability and protective nature. The loyalty of Hachi-ko or Hachi, a famous Akita, is well known. Akitas have an intense personality and tendency to keep clean. They are good natured, bold, and courageous, but could get aggressive with other pets. These large, powerful working dogs measure about 80-120 lbs. They are expensive dogs; a purebred Akita puppy could cost anywhere between $500 and $1500.
What is a white spitz dog?
For years, the Japanese called white dogs ‘Samo’. Later in 1935, they started categorizing dogs as per their size so all larger white coat dogs were ‘Samo while smaller ones were the ‘Spitz’ dogs. Samoyed and Japanese Spitz are similar looking and closely resemble each other. The Japanese Spitz may have been developed from European Spitz type dogs. Later they were established in Japan where they became extremely popular house dogs. Japanese white spitz dog is famous for its ‘smile’ that can melt hearts. This is breed with wonderful combination of beauty and brains. Japanese Spitz is a medium breed that needs plenty of training and socialization. Their alert, lively and happy nature is evident just by looking at them.
What is a Shiba Inu?
Shiba Inu ( Inu is Japanese for dog ) is a small Japanese dog breed and also one of the most ancient ones. Its roots can be traced back to the Joumon period (10,000-300 BC). They are the smallest of all Japanese Spitz breeds. Also known as the Shiba Ken, these dogs were bred for hunting. They are medium sized dogs weighing between 15 and 25 lbs. Shibas make great watchdogs and they have a lively and playful personality.
How long do Shikoku dogs live?
Shikoku Japanese dogs can be found in beautiful black or sesame black colors. They have a lifespan of 10-12 years and weigh between 35-57lb. Shikoku is an affectionate breed but they cannot be trusted around small pets. Once used as boar hunters in the mountains of Japan, Shikoku are known for their resilience, agility and tendency to chase small animals. They are challenging to train but are extremely loyal to their owners.
What is a Kishu Ken?
Kishu Ken ( Ken means dog in Japanese) are hunting dogs. The matage (ancient hunters of Japan) believed this special native breed to have characteristics like loyalty, bravery, and obedience which made them excellent hunter companions. They have mild and considerate temperaments. Kishus have triangular receded eyes that are said to be ‘signifying their burning spirit within’. The breed is rare in United States. Even in Japan, Kishus are rare but highly prized and even considered the National Treasure of Japan. Kishu were bred to hunt in the mountainous region of Kyushu. These dogs are quiet and faithful but can be quite a handful owing to their strong instinct to chase.
How big are chin dogs?
Chins are small, well balanced dogs with silky coats that form a ruff at the neck. They weigh between 4-11 lbs and measure up to 11 inches in height. Japanese Chin dogs are known to have an excellent memory and they get along well with most people, including children and other pets. These are sensitive, mild mannered and intelligent dogs.
Where are Japanese dogs rare?
Some of the Japanese dog breeds, like the Akita, have grown popular across the world and in the United States, while others are still quite rare and only found in Japan. The Japanese treasure many of these rare breeds that they have officially been listed as “ National Treasures “.
What is the oldest dog in Japan?
History: Of all the six native Japanese Spitz breeds, the Hokkaido dog is the oldest. The breed is thought to be over 1000 years old and believed to descend from another breed of dog known as the Matagi-gen.
How big is a Shiba Inu?
The Shiba Inu is a small Japanese dog and is thought to be one of the smallest dogs native to Japan. The breed stands between 13.5-16.5 inches tall and weighs between 17-23 pounds. The breed has pointy ears and a curly tail and is often said to look like a fox.
What is Kishu known for?
In Japan, Kishu is most well known for its excellent hunting capabilities.
Where did the Shiba Inu originate?
The Shiba Inu originated in Japan and was originally used for hunting small game.
What is an akita dog?
Akita is a large, heavy dog with an imposing stature.
When did the Akita breed club start?
Various times throughout history, however, the breed teetered on extinction. To ensure that this did not happen, a National Breed club was formed in 1927 in Japan to protect breeds like the Akita. Today, the Japanese Akita is a thriving breed and is not only popular in Japan but also around the world.
What is the name of the Japanese dog with pointed ears?
3. Shiba Inu. One of the beautiful Japanese dog breeds looks similar to foxes with pointed ears, black noses and red coats. The breed is one of the lovable and adorable across the globe, however, they are new to the United States making tier entry in 1954.
How big is a Japanese dog?
Talking about the breed, it can reach upto 24 to 28 inches in height and weighs approximately 70 to 130 pounds.
What is the breed of dog that is similar to a cat?
Sometimes it is also known as ‘Small Brushwood Dog’. The breed has many qualities similar to cats because they are independent and bold and are little difficult to train. Also Read: Top 10 Cruellest Animals In The World. Related: Top 10 Smartest Dog breeds in the World. 4.
What is a spitz dog?
Also known as Karafuto-Ken and used as a sledge dog, The Japanese spitz looks similar to Akita Inu with small and pointed ears. The breed became popular across the globe after the movie Nankyoky Monogatari which is based on two Sakhalin Husky named Taro and Jiro that became heroes after surviving in Antarctica for a year with practically no food. It is one of the most popular Japanese dog breeds in Japan.
What is the biggest dog breed in the world?
Related: Top 10 Biggest Dog Breeds In The World. 2. American Akita. Similar to Akita Inu, the American Akita is a pet breed that belongs to the mountainous northern areas of Japan. The American Akita is considered to be more robust and pretty longer and larger than the Japanese Akita.
Why is the Japanese Spitz so famous?
The master needs to be taken care of training because the breed can become aggressive and stubborn. The Japanese Spitz was named after Ainu Tribe which came to Jas ago and brought the same breed with them.
How long does a Shikoku dog live?
The temperament of the dog is Agile, brave, cautious, energetic, intelligent and loyal with a lifespan of 10 to 12 years. The breed can grow upto 7-21 inches and weighs approximately 35-50 pounds.
What is the purest dog in Japan?
After years of isolation in the mountains, the Kai Kens are considered to be the “purest” of all Japanese breeds. They’re often called the “Tora Inu,” meaning tiger dog, due to their striped coats. There are two variations of the Kai Ken, one with a face resembling a bear and another resembling a fox.
When did the Japanese start raising dogs?
In the country of Japan, a “pet boom” can be traced back to the year 2003. At least in the eyes of the Japanese, raising dogs have become a viable and realistic alternative to raising a child. The data backs this statement.
What is the most ancient dog breed?
The Kishu Ken (sometimes referred to as the Kishu Inu) is one of the most ancient dog breeds to have come out of Japan. And according to Wag Walking, they’ve likely been bred in the country for several thousands of years.
Where are Hokkaido Inu from?
The Hokkaido Inu is native to the most northern island and prefecture of Japan, called Hokkaido. In Japan, they’re also referred to as the Ainu Ken , Seta and Ainu dog. Hokkaidos look eerily similar to the Shiba and Akita, though they’re the medium-sized version.
What is a Kai Ken?
The Kai Ken is an uncommon Japanese dog breed despite its national recognition. As one of the six indigenous dog breeds of Japan, the Kai Ken is a national treasure to its home and protected by the Nihon Ken Hozonkai (Nippo).
What is Japan known for?
Japan is a country known for the world’s finest sushi, incredible anime stories and sneaky ninjas. But did you know the country is also home to many unique, interesting and popular Japanese dog breeds as well?
When were dogs first domesticated?
The first dog was likely domesticated at least 20,000 years ago. However, dogs lived with humans as early as 10,000 B.C. in the Jomon period of Japan. In these early days, dogs were not as beloved as they are in Japan today.
What Are Popular Pets in Japan?
It’s often said that the number of pets is higher than the number of children in Japan! Because of the decreasing birth rate and increasing aging population in Japan these days, such situations are happening.
What is the cheapest pet in Japan?
5. Rabbits. Lastly, rabbits are another very popular animal for pets in Japan. The price is different for each kind, but the cheapest one is about 3,000 yen. It usually costs about 5,000 yen to take care of them per month. They live for 10 to 15 years, so you might need to think about this if you try to get them.
How many dogs are killed in Japan every year?
In fact, the number of dogs and cats which are killed in Japan every year is about 100,000 although it is decreasing every year.
Why are cats so popular in Japan?
Cats. Cats are also very popular in Japan because their independent and don’t require as much hands-on care as dogs. Cats can roam around freely, without needing to be walked or constantly cared for by owners. Like dogs, you can also get cats from health centers.
Can you have pets in Japan?
Even though having pets is common in Japan, many rental properties and apartments don’t allow pets. Because of this, it is important to confirm the pet policy where you live in Japan before getting a pet. If you live in a detached house, however, you typically do not need to be worry: pets are typically allowed in single-family homes.
Is it hard to have a pet in Japan?
Having a pet in Japan can be hard. What is not hard is to follow the Guidable Facebook page to join the community of people interested in Japan!
