Japanese dog breeds

Japanese dog breeds are known for their intelligence, loyalty and strong personality. They have been bred for centuries for hunting, protection and as companions. With their alertness, willpower and adaptability, they are popular worldwide. On this page you will find an overview of all Japanese dog breeds, their history and unique characteristics.

Japanese dog breeds - tradition, elegance and loyalty

Japanese dog breeds are known for their uniqueness, intelligence and strong bond with humans. Many of these breeds have a long history and were bred for hunting, protection or as loyal companions. They are characterized by their alertness, loyalty and independent personality.

History and character

Japanese dogs have been carefully bred over centuries and are known for their strong willpower, adaptability and endurance. Their distinctive appearance and respectful nature make them popular worldwide.

9 Japanese dog breeds with pictures

On this page you will find an overview of all Japanese dog breeds, their history and unique characteristics. Find out which of these fascinating dogs is best suited to you!

Akita Inu

Akita inu. Japanischer Hund. Horizontales Porträt eines Akita Inu der japanischen Rasse mit langem weißen und roten flauschigen Fell, der an einem sonnigen Sommertag im Park liegt. Depositphotos / Kristina_photo

The Akita Inu is a dignified and powerful dog from Japan, known for its loyalty, intelligence and independence. Originally bred as a hunting and guard dog, it shows a strong bond with its family. His thick coat protects him from the cold and he needs consistent training as well as sufficient exercise and mental exercise.

Hokkaido

Zwei Hokkaido-Hunde auf grünem Gras Depositphotos / gurinaleksandr

The Hokkaido is a robust and enduring Japanese hunting dog, known for its intelligence, loyalty and resilience. Originally bred for hunting in extreme climatic conditions, it has a dense coat and a strong bond with its family. He is courageous, alert and independent and requires consistent training and plenty of exercise.

Tosa Inu

Japanischer Tosa Inu Hund beobachtet im Garten Depositphotos / accept001

The Tosa Inu is a powerful and imposing Japanese dog, originally bred for traditional dog fighting. It is characterized by its calmness, loyalty and self-confidence. Despite its strength, it is balanced and intelligent, but requires consistent training and experienced owners. With the right leadership, it is a loyal and protective family dog.

Shiba Inu

Hund,Fleischfresser,Hunderasse,Kitz,Begleithund,Schnurrhaar,Landtier,Dingo,Sportliche Gruppe,Canidae, LéWuff

The Shiba Inu is the smallest and oldest Japanese dog breed, known for its independence, intelligence and alertness. Originally bred as a hunting and companion dog, it has a strong personality and a close bond with its owner. Its thick coat protects it from the cold and it needs consistent training and plenty of exercise.

Shikoku

Porträt eines lächelnden Shikoku-Hundes Depositphotos / anahtiris

The Shikoku is an agile and persistent Japanese hunting dog that was bred for hunting wild boar. It is characterized by its intelligence, alertness and strong bond with its owner. Its thick coat protects it from harsh weather. He is loyal, independent and full of energy and requires consistent training and plenty of exercise.

Kishu

Weißer mittelgroßer schöner Hund Kishu Inu Depositphotos / MolikaAn

The Kishu is a courageous and intelligent Japanese hunting dog that was traditionally bred for hunting wild boar and deer. It is loyal, alert and independent, but shows a close bond with its family. His short, easy-care coat protects him well. He needs consistent training and plenty of physical and mental exercise.

Kai Ken

Weiblicher Kai Ken Hund, die nationale japanische Rasse, steht von der Seite gesehen isoliert auf einem weißen Hintergrund Depositphotos / Miraswonderland

The Kai Ken is a rare and original Japanese dog breed, known for its intelligence, alertness and loyalty. Originally bred as a hunting and tracking dog, it has a dense, brindle coat that camouflages it well. He is independent, capable of learning and loyal, but requires consistent training as well as plenty of exercise and mental exercise.

Japan Chin

Studioaufnahme von zwei japanischen Chins vor violettem Hintergrund Depositphotos / Koldunova_Anna

The Japan Chin is a small, elegant companion dog with aristocratic roots. It is characterized by its friendly, playful and intelligent nature. Its soft, silky coat gives it a noble appearance. He is affectionate, charming and sensitive, loves company and needs a lot of attention and care to be happy.

Japan Spitz

Weißer japanischer Spitz läuft im Park Depositphotos / virgonira

The Japanese Spitz is a cheerful and intelligent companion dog, known for its snow-white, fluffy coat and friendly nature. It is affectionate, playful and alert, making it a great family dog. Despite his elegant appearance, he is robust and active and needs regular exercise and mental activity to stay balanced.

American Akita
American Akita dog looking at camera isolated on white
American Akita outside in green grass
American Akita standing with head raised
American Akita boy dog lying with head turned to the side on a dark background
American Akita dog close up portrait in autumn park
Show profile
Subscribe to our newsletter
to stay up to date on dog trends.
We won’t spam your inbox! We won’t sell or rent your email address.
To find out more, view our Privacy Policy
dogbible - a platform for people who love dogs
<svg aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" data-icon="facebook" role="img" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 512 512"><path fill="currentColor" d="M504 256C504 119 393 8 256 8S8 119 8 256c0 123.78 90.69 226.38 209.25 245V327.69h-63V256h63v-54.64c0-62.15 37-96.48 93.67-96.48 27.14 0 55.52 4.84 55.52 4.84v61h-31.28c-30.8 0-40.41 19.12-40.41 38.73V256h68.78l-11 71.69h-57.78V501C413.31 482.38 504 379.78 504 256z" data-v-b19174da="" class=""></path></svg> <svg aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" data-icon="instagram" role="img" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 448 512"><path fill="currentColor" d="M224.1 141c-63.6 0-114.9 51.3-114.9 114.9s51.3 114.9 114.9 114.9S339 319.5 339 255.9 287.7 141 224.1 141zm0 189.6c-41.1 0-74.7-33.5-74.7-74.7s33.5-74.7 74.7-74.7 74.7 33.5 74.7 74.7-33.6 74.7-74.7 74.7zm146.4-194.3c0 14.9-12 26.8-26.8 26.8-14.9 0-26.8-12-26.8-26.8s12-26.8 26.8-26.8 26.8 12 26.8 26.8zm76.1 27.2c-1.7-35.9-9.9-67.7-36.2-93.9-26.2-26.2-58-34.4-93.9-36.2-37-2.1-147.9-2.1-184.9 0-35.8 1.7-67.6 9.9-93.9 36.1s-34.4 58-36.2 93.9c-2.1 37-2.1 147.9 0 184.9 1.7 35.9 9.9 67.7 36.2 93.9s58 34.4 93.9 36.2c37 2.1 147.9 2.1 184.9 0 35.9-1.7 67.7-9.9 93.9-36.2 26.2-26.2 34.4-58 36.2-93.9 2.1-37 2.1-147.8 0-184.8zM398.8 388c-7.8 19.6-22.9 34.7-42.6 42.6-29.5 11.7-99.5 9-132.1 9s-102.7 2.6-132.1-9c-19.6-7.8-34.7-22.9-42.6-42.6-11.7-29.5-9-99.5-9-132.1s-2.6-102.7 9-132.1c7.8-19.6 22.9-34.7 42.6-42.6 29.5-11.7 99.5-9 132.1-9s102.7-2.6 132.1 9c19.6 7.8 34.7 22.9 42.6 42.6 11.7 29.5 9 99.5 9 132.1s2.7 102.7-9 132.1z" data-v-b19174da="" class=""></path></svg> <svg aria-hidden="true" focusable="false" data-icon="pinterest" role="img" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/svg" viewBox="0 0 496 512"><path fill="currentColor" d="M496 256c0 137-111 248-248 248-25.6 0-50.2-3.9-73.4-11.1 10.1-16.5 25.2-43.5 30.8-65 3-11.6 15.4-59 15.4-59 8.1 15.4 31.7 28.5 56.8 28.5 74.8 0 128.7-68.8 128.7-154.3 0-81.9-66.9-143.2-152.9-143.2-107 0-163.9 71.8-163.9 150.1 0 36.4 19.4 81.7 50.3 96.1 4.7 2.2 7.2 1.2 8.3-3.3.8-3.4 5-20.3 6.9-28.1.6-2.5.3-4.7-1.7-7.1-10.1-12.5-18.3-35.3-18.3-56.6 0-54.7 41.4-107.6 112-107.6 60.9 0 103.6 41.5 103.6 100.9 0 67.1-33.9 113.6-78 113.6-24.3 0-42.6-20.1-36.7-44.8 7-29.5 20.5-61.3 20.5-82.6 0-19-10.2-34.9-31.4-34.9-24.9 0-44.9 25.7-44.9 60.2 0 22 7.4 36.8 7.4 36.8s-24.5 103.8-29 123.2c-5 21.4-3 51.6-.9 71.2C65.4 450.9 0 361.1 0 256 0 119 111 8 248 8s248 111 248 248z" data-v-b19174da="" class=""></path></svg>