11 Top Dog Breeds From Japan (Apologies In Advance…They’re Extremely Cute)

In this article we are going to take a look at eleven of the cutest dogs from Japan. Each of these breeds originated from Japan. They are all 100% adorable and lovely breeds.

So, let’s dive in and start looking at these amazing Japanese dog breeds (see also ‘Which Are More Loved In Japan: Cats Or Dogs?‘).

1. Shiba Inu

The name Shiba Inu translates to ‘brushwood’ in Japanese. This name comes from the terrain where this dog was bred to hunt birds.

The Shiba Inu is known for their excitable scream and their wonderful good-natured personalities.

Overview Of The Shiba Inu

• Group – AKC Non-Sporting
• Height – Males Grow Up to Between 14.5 Inches and 16.5 Inches Females Grow Up to Between 13.5 Inches and 15.5 Inches
• Weight – Males Weight Up to 23 Pounds. Females Grow Up to 17 Pounds
• Coat and Color – This breed of dog tends to have a long lean coat, this makes them shed quite heavily. The coat of Shiba Inus is usually tan with some red, cream or white parts. Their undercoat is often cream, buff, or gray.
• Life Expectancy – Both Males and Females Will Live Between 13 and 16 Years.

2. Akita

The Akita is a loyal, brave and stout dog breed. They are popular pets around the world. The main issue with them is the fact that their thick coat requires a lot of maintenance.

These quiet, brave and intimidating dogs are playful and affectionate in nature which is what makes them excellent family pets.

Overview Of The Akita

• Group – AKC Working Breed.
• Height – Males Grow Up to 28 Inches Females Grow Up to 26 Inches.
• Weight – Males Weight Up to 130 Pounds. Females Grow Up to 100 Pounds.
• Coat and Color – This breed is large and heavy boned. They have dense coats that can come in a wide variety of colors.
• Life Expectancy – Both Males and Females Will Live Between 10 and 13 Years.

3. Japanese Chin

This breed is often referred to as the Japanese Chin or Japanese Spaniel, either way, these dogs ooze charm. They are thought to have been around for over 500 years.

These small and dainty dogs are the perfect companions for those of you that want a lovable small breed of indoor dog.

Overview Of The Japanese Chin

• Group – AKC Toy
• Height – Males and Females Grow Up to 11 Inches.
• Weight – Males and Females Weigh Up to 11 Pounds.
• Coat and Color – These dogs have a long and sleek coat and can come in a wide variety of colors like black, white, lemon sable, white, and tan.
• Life Expectancy – Both Males and Females Will Live Between 10 and 14 Years.

4. Shikoku

Otherwise known as the Kochi-Ken, this native Japanese breed of dog is well known for being a tracker of wild boar. They have a lot of endurance and are very smart animals.

Despite their hunting nature they are actually very sweet dogs that are docile with their owner.

Overview Of The Shikoku

• Group – AKC Service Dog
• Height – Males and Females Grow Up to 22 Inches.
• Weight – Males and Females Weigh Up to 55 Pounds.
• Coat and Color – This breed of dog tends to have an outer coat that is thick, straight, and soft. They typically come in black, tan, red, or sesame.
• Life Expectancy – Both Males and Females Will Live Between 10 and 12 Years.

5. Tosa Inu

This breed of dog is one of Japans largest. It is a rare variety of Japanese Mastiff which was initially bred as a fighting dog.

Despite that they are quiet and affectionate animals that can thrive in a family environment.

Overview Of The Tosa Inu

• Group – AKC Foundation Stock Service Breed.
• Height – Males and Females Grow Up to 23.5 Inches.
• Weight – Males and Females Weigh Up to 200 Pounds.
• Coat and Color – This breed of dog tends to have a short dense coat that comes in red, apricot, fawn, brindle, or black. They can also have markings on their chest or feet.
• Life Expectancy – Both Males and Females Will Live Between 10 and 12 Years.

6. Hokkaido Inu

This is one of the oldest and wildest of the Japanese breeds. The Hokkaido Inu is an athletic and muscular dog that has typically been bred for hunting or and tracking.

They are also very rare dogs, so you are lucky if you see one.

Overview Of The Hokkaido Inu

• Group – AKC Foundation Stock Service Breed.
• Height – Males and Females Grow Up to 20 Inches.
• Weight – Males and Females Weigh Up to 66 Pounds.
• Coat and Color – This breed of dog tends to have a double coat which is most frequently red, white, brindle, sesame or even wolf gray.
• Life Expectancy – Both Males and Females Will Live Between 12 and 15 Years.

7. Kai Ken

This breed of dog is native To Japan and was initially bred for hunting game in the mountains. But they are also devoted and loving family dogs.

Just bear in mind that they like a lot of exercise and are quite agile. They have even been known to climb trees.

Overview Of The Kai Ken

• Group – AKC Foundation Stock Service Breed.
• Height – Males and Females Grow Up to 19.5 Inches.
• Weight – Males and Females Weigh Up to 40 Pounds.
• Coat and Color – This dog breed has a unique colored coat that comes in three varieties of brindle. Red, black, and regular brindle.
• Life Expectancy – Both Males and Females Will Live Between 12 and 15 Years.

8. Ryukyu Inu

This breed is not very common in Japan. They are almost considered to be a national treasure of the southern island of Japan.

They are athletic and agile dogs that can climb trees and track just about any prey.

Overview Of The Ryukyu Inu

• Group – Not an AKC Recognized Breed
• Height – Males and Females Grow Up to 19.5 Inches.
• Weight – Males and Females Weigh Up to 40 Pounds.
• Coat and Color – Thai breed has a short coat that can be single or double-coated. They come in various shades of brindle and can have some ivory, white, sesame, liver, or red.
• Life Expectancy – Both Males and Females Will Live Between 12 and 13 Years.

9. Japanese Spitz

This breed was first developed in Japan in the 1920s after there was a lot of cross-breeding with many different species of dogs.

These small and fluffy white dogs are wonderful companion pets that are friendly and fun-loving.

Overview Of The Japanese Spitz

• Group – AKC Foundation Stock Service Breed.
• Height – Males and Females Grow Up to 15 Inches.
• Weight – Males and Females Weigh Up to 25 Pounds.
• Coat and Color – This breed of dog tends to have a straight and stand-off layered coat which comes in a pure stark white.
• Life Expectancy – Both Males and Females Will Live Between 12 and 14 Years.

10. Kishu

This breed of dog was initially bred for hunting and tracking deer and boar in the Japanese mountains.

They are typically very athletic and dexterous dogs which require a lot of training and stimulation to thrive.

Overview Of The Kishu

• Group – AKC Foundation Stock Service Breed.
• Height – Males and Females Grow Up to 22 Inches.
• Weight – Males and Females Weigh Up to 60 Pounds.
• Coat and Color – This breed of dog tends to have a short and straight coat which is coarse and thick. They tend to come in white, red, sesame, black, and tan.
• Life Expectancy – Both Males and Females Will Live Between 11 and 13 Years.

11. Japanese Terrier

These dogs have been around since the 1700s. They are very similar to the English Smooth Terrier.

They were almost wiped out during World War 2. But since then they have come back and were even being used for hunting once again.

Overview Of The Japanese Terrier

• Group – AKC Foundation Stock Service Breed.
• Height – Males and Females Grow Up to 13 Inches.
• Weight – Males and Females Weigh Up to 10 Pounds.
• Coat and Color – This breed of dog tends to have a smooth and glossy coat which comes in black, tan, or white.
• Life Expectancy – Both Males and Females Will Live Between 12 and 15 Years.

Final Thoughts

We hope that you have enjoyed reading this article and learning all about these amazing Japanese breeds.

Each one is wonderfully unique and 100% adorable. If you don’t, believe us, go back and take a look at them again.