At a glance the quick version
The FCI standard sets no weight; Wikipedia gives 30-60 lb (about 14-27 kg).
Coat and looks how to spot one
short double coat
A sturdy, balanced spitz-type hunter. The outer coat is straight and harsh over a dense, soft undercoat, with somewhat longer hair on the cheeks and tail.1
Personality what they are like
A dignified, loyal dog with great endurance. It is quiet and docile at home but always alert, and tends to attach most strongly to one person while staying reserved to friendly with others.123
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Bred for long days hunting in the mountains, it has plenty of stamina and enjoys regular, active outings.12
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
The short, harsh double coat needs regular brushing, more often when the undercoat is shedding.1
Company who they like around
Devoted to its family and often closest to one person; good early socialising helps it feel at ease with new people.2
The story where it all began
The Kishu descends from ancient medium-sized Japanese dogs kept in the mountains of Wakayama and Mie to hunt boar and deer. Early dogs came in many colours including red, sesame and brindle, but when the breed was standardised and named a natural monument in 1934, solid colours were fixed and white became the most common.12
Fun facts for the dinner table
Recognised by the official bits
- FCI
- Standard no. 318, Group 5 (Spitz and primitive types), Section 5 Asian Spitz and related breeds; accepted on a definitive basis 1 February 1982.4
- Japan
- Designated a natural monument of Japan in 1934.1
- AKC
- Foundation Stock Service breed; its FSS grouping moved from Working to Hound in 2023.2
The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you
A typical home-care rhythm for a Kishu. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.
- BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
- Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
- Bathevery 10 weeks
- Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
- Ear checkevery 2 weeks
- Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
- ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
- Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
- Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
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Where this comes from
Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at support@furrydiary.app and we will fix it.
- FCI Standard No. 318 Kishu fci.beused for history, height, coat, colours, temperament
- Wikipedia: Kishu Ken en.wikipedia.orgused for other names, weight, AKC status, history, fun facts (secondary)
- AKC: Kishu Ken akc.orgused for temperament summary
- FCI nomenclature: Kishu (318) fci.beused for recognition, group
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.