How to Identify a Kishu Ken

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Last Updated: April 27, 2021

The Kishu Ken is an ancient Japanese breed of spitz descent assigned to the working group.^{[1]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.

Go to source} In mountainous regions, they were first bred to hunt deer and boar.^{[2]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.

Go to source} Kishu share much in common with other spitz-type dogs, but they also have several distinct traits. By learning what these traits are, this wikiHow will help you identify a Kishu Ken.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Checking the Structure

Kishu Ken are medium in size when compared to other dogs. They have an average height of 17–22 inches (43–56 cm) and weigh between 30–60 pounds (14–27 kg).^{[3]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.

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A Kishu's muzzle is shaped to resemble a wedge and is of a moderate thickness with fairly pronounced cheeks. The dog's nose tends to be black, though it may be pigmented differently a small amount if the dog has a solid white coat, and the bridge of the nose appears straight. The lips fit tightly and cover the strong jaws and scissors bite. You should also notice a forehead of a good breadth, as well as a stop where the muzzle and skull meet that is a bit abruptly placed and the start of a furrow.^{[4]
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The eyes of a Kishu Ken are brown, typically a dark shade, when it comes to color and are a fine size but not overly small. They are almost shaped like triangles due to their upward turned corners on the eyes' outsides.^{[5]
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Kishu have small-sized ears that are carried erect in a prick. Standing on an incline, they seem to tilt forward a bit while remaining a triangle shape.^{[6]
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A Kishu Ken's paws are the same in both the front and back. They have elastic-like pads of good thickness and toes that form arches held closed together. The nails are generally dark and have a hard texture.^{[7]
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The tail of a Kishu starts from a high-set position and proceeds to form a sickle curve or a curl on the dog's back. It is decently thick and long enough to extend near the hock joints if it were held downward.^{[8]
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Kishu Ken are of good bone, balanced, compact, muscular, and slightly longer than they are tall. They have a neck of fair thickness, shoulders that form good slopes, a deep chest, ribs which are fairly sprung, angled limbs, a barely present tuckup, and a straight back that has good strength. Their gait is rather light-footed while maintaining resilience.^{[9]
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Taking a Look at the Coat

A Kishu Ken's coat has both an outer coat and an undercoat, being a double coat. The dog's outer coat feels rather harsh in texture, yet the undercoat is soft to the touch while being quite dense.^{[10]
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The coat of a Kishu is moderately long in length on the dog's tail and cheeks. Overall, it, specifically the outer coat, appears straight.^{[11]
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Kishu Ken are solid-colored dogs and may be seen with coats of red, white, or sesame. A sesame coat in this breed is a combination of black, white, and red hairs while maintaining a solid appearance.^{[12]
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Did you know? Kishu used to be seen with more variety in coat. In fact, before 1934 when only solid-colored dogs were considered acceptable, one could be seen with a brindle or even a spotted coat.^{[13]
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American Kennel Club
The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.

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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Identifying Temperament

Kishu Ken have a plentiful amount of energy and need playtime, exercise, and stimulation. Agility, canine sports, and similar activities can do well to relieve them of their energy.^{[14]
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As a breed known for hunting, Kishu have a high prey drive and may chase other animals due to this. Additionally, many are aloof toward other dogs and not incredibly friendly with strangers.^{[15]
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Known to be attentive, Kishu Ken are rather watchful and keen dogs. However, they do not make great watchdogs and are not aggressive.^{[16]
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Kishu are intelligent and resourceful dogs that are quick learners and problem solvers. Though they may act independent, they are not overly stubborn and are still fairly easy to train.^{[17]
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Forming strong bonds with their families, Kishu Ken are vastly loyal and affectionate. They are gentle but love taking part in activities with their families.^{[18]
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Tips

If you'd like to know your own dog's breed, think about using a DNA test. This will confirm if your dog is a Kishu Ken.

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