Kishu

The Kishu is thought to have originated on the large island of Kyushu located south of Japan. This multi-talented breed is very old. The Kishu was used for hunting, fishing, guarding livestock and property, and kept as a pet.

Kishu Photos . .

Description

The "Kishu" dog, believed to be the offspring of the hybrid from a domestic dog and a wolf, is designated as a protected animal by the Japanese Government, together with the "Akita" dog and the "Tosa" dog and is kept by many families in the town.  The dog is classified as a medium size category among Japanese dogs: its height is about 52 cm for dogs, and 49 cm for bitches. Most have white hair; although some have brown, red or black spotted hair. Regardless of the hair color, a dog with short hard hair is considered good.  Requirements of the good "Kishu" dog are: a broad face; a flat forehead; triangular dark brown eyes; a black muzzle for a colored dog and reddish brown muzzle for a white dog; slightly forward-tilted sharp thick ears.  For the ratio of body length to body height, 10 vs. 10 is ideal. As the selection of a "Kishu" puppy of is difficult, it would be better to select a pedigree one. Unlike foreign breeds, the dog has a characteristic of serving only one master as the samurai once did, and is difficult to tame once it has grown. It is, therefore, important to raise it from a puppy.  While the dogs are mostly kept as a watchdog or pet, some are trained as a hound, using the characteristic inherited from its ancestor the wolf, described as "so dauntless that it can kill a wild boar with one stroke." The "Kishu" dog is really wise and ferocious. Kishu Books Kishu Links . To add your website for FREE, click here!