Kishu Ken

The Kishu Ken’s exact date of origin is unknown but many researchers believe that he dates back about 3,000 years or even longer. Since most Japanese dogs do not have their history written down, it is impossible to say exactly when a breed was developed. It is known that he did originate in the mountainous region of Kyushu, which is located off the mainland of Japan on the southernmost island. He was bred to hunt wild boar, deer and even bear. His job was to track the prey and then hold it until the hunter could catch up. In some regions the Kishu Ken is still used to hunt wild boar, but he is mainly kept as a pet. All Japanese breeds at one time were considered to be one breed and were only separated by their location and their size. The Kishu Ken and Shikoku Ken, both of similar size and region were many times crossbred and thought to be purebred because the Japanese saw all their dogs as being the same. Today, all Japanese dogs are closely related with the exception of the Hokkaido Ken who was isolated from the rest of Japan. The Kishu Ken is also called the Kishu Inu. The words ken and inu both mean dog in Japanese. He is extremely rare outside of Japan and has been on the Japanese Protected Species list since 1934. It is very difficult to import a Kishu Ken from Japan into other countries. Even though it is difficult to export him from Japan, there is enough living within the United States to have enthusiasts of the breed petition the American Kennel Club (AKC) to register the Kishu Ken in their Foundation Stock Service.