Nihon's Legend
日本伝説
-Nihon densetsu-
Shikoku breeding in the heart of Germany
Breeding with heart and mind, out of passion and love.
The Nihon Ken - Natural Monuments of Japan
Nihon Ken is the generic term for the 6 Japanese dog breeds which have been protected as natural monuments in Japan for decades. So importing the dogs as we know them today was impossible!
Like many original breeds, none of them have a "typical dog smell". Striking are the erect ears, their wild appearance and gaze as well as the sickle-shaped tail. They are characterized by loyalty, courage, perseverance and strength. Each breed was named after the prefecture it came from, with the exception of the Shiba. They also have different specializations.
- You can find more information under the respective breed. -
Like all dogs, the Nihon Ken used to be hunting and working dogs and, as already mentioned, specialized for their region. When Western influence hit Japan, other breeds of dogs interbred with the native breeds to obtain better fighting dogs. Many Nihon Ken were also seen as "pests" and killed due to absurd claims (e.g. diseases) and compared to the "great European dogs".
Due to the isolation of many villages in remote areas and the importance as a working dog there, the Nihon Ken has been preserved in its purity. In 1928, the Nihon Ken Honzonkai (Japanese Dog Protection Society), also known as Nippo, was formed to promote and protect these dogs.
The subdivision is not based on breed, as we do, but on size, small (Shiba), medium (Kai Ken, Hokkaido, Shikoku and Kishu) and large (Akita).
Image by Shigero Kato
Unfortunately, despite many efforts, Nihon Ken populations are very unstable. The Shiba and Akita have already found many followers overseas and in Europe, increasing their registries. The middle breeds are badly affected. Compared to the Hokkaido and the Kai Ken, the most endangered breeds remain the Shikoku and the Kishu.
Here we have a rough overview for you. It can be seen very clearly that the number of registered dogs has fallen sharply, from several thousand to a few hundred over the course of a few years. The overview does not show all newly registered puppies in Japan, but only those from separate clubs (e.g. KKA - Kai Ken).
Image by Shigero Kato
Many believe that Nihon Ken are not beginner dogs. However, this is not really the case. If you already have experience with other "normal" breeds such as a shepherd dog or a labrador, you can quickly despair of the archetypal behavior and the "stubbornness" of the Nihon Ken. But if one is impartial and accepts the demands of the breed, deals with the archetypes (like a wolf - see wolf pack), as well as responds to the Nihon Ken as an individual personality and finds a suitable path with commitment (patience & consistency!), there are no problems on our part as a beginner to get into dog ownership.
It is always best to experience the dream breed live in real life. It is not personal preference based on appearance that says a dog suits someone. It is the basic features of the breed that should enrich everyday life and the personality of the dog that makes it a full member of the family. This harmonious unity must be found. A dog or an animal in general should never be taken for base reasons, for example to satisfy a need for prestige. Most of the time, the weakest suffer, our children/animals!
