The Kishu Ken is a breed of dog that is native to Japan.  This breed was originally used for hunting in the mountainous area of Kishu, which is how it got its name.  The Kishu Ken is mostly unknown outside of Japan, but it is a popular family dog inside its homeland.
   
    The Kishu Ken is a medium sized dog, similar in size to its cousins, the Kai Ken, Hokkadio, and Shikoku Inu.  Normally they stand between 17-22 inches.  They are of a spitz type of dog, and have the famous Akita look in appearance.  Their ears are pricked, and they have either a curled or sickle tail.  They have a double coat that is almost always all white.  Originally there were other colors and patterns, but later only solid colors were accepted.  Other colors still found on the Kishu Ken include red, sesame, and even less common, brindle.
   
    The history of the Kishu Ken shares much with the other native Japanese breeds.  It is known that spitz-type hunting dogs have been used in Japan for over 3000 years ago.  They were the matagi’s (Japanese hunters) dogs, and were used to hunt boar and deer.  Each dog developed differently depending on the region it was used in.  In 1934 the breed was recognized as a national monument by Japan.  The breed is slowly finding its way into other countries.  Currently the American Kennel Club (AKC) will allow the Kishu Ken to be registered in their Foundation Stock Service.
   
    Kishu Kens need too have a yard to have room to roam; they do not do well in kennel or apartment environments.  They have a strong prey drive, so therefore must be raised as pups with any smaller dogs and other animals in the household.  They are a devoted family dog and relatively clean.  It is said that the Japanese wanted to create a perfect dog and the result was the Kishu Ken.