There are a lot of Japanese dog breeds, some of which you may be familiar with. Many people have heard of the adorable and wildly popular Shiba Inu or the beautiful Akita, but there are tons of Japanese dog breeds that are lesser-known – and just as cute.
Many Japanese dog breeds originated hundreds of years ago, while others, like the Japanese Spitz, were only recognized by major kennel clubs in the 1920s and 1930s. The Nihon Ken Honzokai, also know as the Japanese Dog Preservation Society, has recognized six indigenous dog breeds that are considered national monuments.
These six breeds are known as the Nihon Ken – but they aren't the only breeds that hail from the country. Japanese dog breeds come in all shapes, sizes, colors, and temperaments– you may even see a dog breed on here you'd like to bring into your family one day!
From the incredibly popular Shiba Inu (the most commonly owned breed in Japan), or the gigantic and hard-to-find Tosa Inu, here are some Japanese dog breeds you should say Konnichiwa ("hello") to!
Japanese dog breeds
1. Shiba Inu
The ever-popular and beloved Shiba Inu is a Japanese dog breed and Nihon Ken that predates the emergence of modern, recognized breeds in the 19th century. They're considered a "basal breed", which means they are thought to be a dog breed that heavily influenced the development of modern-day breeds via genetics.
One of the cutest dog breeds, Shiba Inus were bred as hunting dogs to flush out and catch small game like rabbits and birds. They are double-coated to help keep them warm, and can be anywhere from 18–22 pounds while standing around 13–17 inches tall.
Shiba Inus are good-natured, bold, and have an infamously loud "scream" or bark that they can do when stressed or incredibly happy. Shiba Inus are also fastidious cleaners – you may find them grooming their paws just like a cat!
2. Akita
The Akita is the largest of the Nihon Ken Japanese dog breeds, as they can easily grow over 100 pounds and can stand more than 2ft tall. They were bred in the early 17th Century as hunting dogs that could comfortably exist in snow, as they originated in the mountains of northern Japan.
Akitas also make great guard dogs and are so beloved that newborn children are often given Akita figurines as means of protecting them through a long and happy life.
Many people have heard the story of Hachiko, an Akita who faithfully waited at the Shibuya train station every night long after his owner passed away. Hachiko has been immortalized through a bronze statue that rests at the station in question.
Akitas are usually best in single-dog households, as they can be territorial with property and reserved around strangers. They aren't considered a good breed for first-time dog owners.
3. Kai Ken
The Kai Ken is an incredibly rare Japanese dog breed that is also a member of the Nihon Ken dog group. Kai Kens are medium-sized dogs, usually between 17-22 inches tall and weighing about 25-55 pounds. They have a medium-length double coat that can be black, red, or brown brindle.
Kai Kens were bred to hunt for Japanese serow (a deer-like animal native to Japan), wild boar, and bears in steep, mountainous areas. Kai Kens are smart, alert, and make great watchdogs – so they can be a bit reserved towards strangers, but can be very good with children.
4. Kishu Ken
The Kishu, or Kishu-ken, is another Nihon Ken dog. Kishus are descendants of ancient medium-sized dogs from the Kishu region and are similar to the Kai Ken.
Quiet like Shiba Inus, Kishus were bred for boar and deer hunting, and prefer to stalk their prey rather than bark at it. They are still commonly used to hunt boar in Japan to this day.
Kishus can be between 17–22 inches tall and weigh anywhere from 30–60 pounds, and they can be white, red, or black-and-tan. Kishus have a strong prey drive, so they likely won't do well with cats, and need to be socialized as puppies to maximize their chances of being good with other dogs. They can be aloof towards strangers but are easily housebroken and very smart.
5. Hokkaido
The Hokkaido, Hokkaido-ken, or just do-ken, is another ancient Japanese breed that you'll notice looks a lot like the other dogs on this list. Hokkaidos are a medium breed that are around 20 inches tall and around 44 pounds, but if bred outside of Japan they tend to be even smaller.
They have double coats that come in a range of colors, from black to brindle, to wolf-grey. They are believed to have been brought over by immigrants from the island of Honshu in the 1140s.
Hokkaidos are very loyal and brave, with a great sense of direction and smell. They are commonly used to hunt boar and bear and are known for their iconic howls. They are very food motivated, work well with recall techniques, and require long walks to expel their energy.
6. Shikoku Ken
The sixth and final Nihon ken breed on this list, the Shikoku ken or Shikoku inu can sometimes be mistaken for a Japanese wolf. Designated a national monument in 1937, the Shikoku (sometimes called kochi-ken) is a larger dog, standing between 18–26 inches and weighing around 50 pounds.
Their coats can be red sesame, sesame, or black sesame, with white often found on their underside and tails. Shikokus are very alert, can be a bit wary, and make great dogs for outdoorsy families – though they can be a bit stubborn, so keep that in mind.
7. Japanese Spitz
The Japanese Spitz is a more newly recognized Japanese dog breed, and is a descendent of the German Spitzes that were brought over to Japan in the early 1900s during the war.
Sometimes called a "ground cloud" for its short stature and fluffy white coat, Japanese Spitz are tiny little dogs that weigh around 10–15 pounds and stand only 12–15 inches tall.
The Japanese Spitz tends to shed quite a bit, and their luscious coats require regular grooming. They are active, smart, and loyal dogs that make great companions for families with older adults or small children. They are companion dogs who love to be around their family, but will also happily romp around outside.
Read more about spitz breeds here.
8. Tosa Inu
The Tosa or Tosa inu is a rare large dog breed from Tosa, Shikoku, that is unfortunately used for dog-fighting, which is still legal in Japan.
Tosas vary a lot in size but are usually between 80–135 pounds and around 32 inches tall. Breeders outside of Japan often have dogs that are up to 200 pounds, and the dogs are considered the canine equivalent to Sumo wrestlers. Tosa Inus have a short coat that is usually brindle, fawn, or red.
Tosa Inus originated in the late 19th Century and were crossed with European breeds like the Mastiff in order to breed a larger, more powerful dog for fighting. Sadly, because of this stigma they do not deserve, they are a restricted or banned dog in many countries – but not in the US! There are Tosa-specific rescues that are working to break the stigma against them.
9. Japanese Chin
Also known as the Japanese Spaniel, the origin of this teeny-tiny toy breed is somewhat up for debate. Some say this small Japanese breed originated in China, while others suggest it came to be in Korea.
Whether Buddhist monks, Chinese emperors or European merchants brought the Japanese chin to its eponymous land up to a millennium cannot be said for certain. One sure thing, though, is that Japanese nobles made the breed what it is today.
The Japanese Chin makes the perfect lap or companion dog. Recognisable for its long, silky coat, large head and comical expression, the Chin is regal and cat-like in appearance.
At just 11 pounds, they are an ideal dog breed for apartment living. They have lively characters and are affectionate and gentle. As a brachycephalic breed, their exercise requirement is low, but they thrive in human company and do well accompanying you from the comfort of a dog carrier.
Love learning about breeds from around the world? Here are some of our favorite British dog breeds
Edited by Georgia Guerin.
Recent updates
This feature was last updated on March 12, 2025 by Bethany Stone.
