Kishus stop growing at 12 to 18 months of age. They will continue to fill out and gain muscle mass until they are about two years old. Regular exercise and a balanced diet will encourage healthy growth during their early development.

Kishus live 12 to 15 years. Individual lifespans will vary based on genetics, overall health, diet, exercise, and quality of veterinary care. 

Yes, Kishus shed. They have a double coat, which means they typically experience seasonal shedding, especially during spring and fall when they “blow” their coat. Regular brushing can help manage shedding and keep their coats looking healthy.

Kishus come in white, red, and sesame, but white is the most common color.

Kishu are medium- to large-sized dogs, weighing 30 to 60 pounds and standing 19 to 22 inches tall.

No, Kishus do not bark a lot. This is a quiet and reserved breed. When hunting, they stalk their prey quietly. At home, they will only bark to alert their families or express a need. Early training and socialization can help discourage barking and encourage appropriate communication.

Yes, Kishus are smart dogs with keen problem-solving skills who can learn commands and tasks quickly. With this breed, it’s especially important to provide mental stimulation and engaging training sessions to discourage any behavioral issues.

No, Kishus aren’t as easy to train as some other breeds, although training any dog takes substantial time and effort, regardless of breed. This dog’s intelligence and independence require an experienced, consistent trainer who can teach a Kishu the hierarchy of the home using positive reinforcement training methods.

Yes, Kishus are good family dogs. Though they can be aloof with strangers, Kishus are devoted to and protective of their own families. They love to be included in all activities and are quite an energetic breed, so an active family would make the best match.

No, Kishus aren’t as friendly as some other breeds, given their reserve and caution when dealing with strangers. With their own families, however, Kishus are affectionate and sociable. With proper socialization and positive experiences with people in a variety of environments from a young age, Kishus can develop a friendly disposition.

Kishus are good with kids, especially if they are raised alongside each other from a young age. They will be devoted and playful companions to children. Kishus do have an independent streak and strong hunting instincts. 

As with all dogs, supervise interactions between your Kishu and kids to keep everyone safe and happy. Teaching children how to properly approach and handle dogs is crucial to ensure positive experiences for both the dog and the child, as is teaching dogs how to interact gently with children.

Yes, Kishus are good with other dogs, especially if properly introduced and socialized from a young age. With smaller dogs or more passive breeds, the Kishu’s hunting instincts may kick in. Many Kishus can peacefully coexist with other dogs, and their behavior depends on their individual temperament and socialization.

No, Kishus aren’t great with cats. With their strong hunting instincts, they’re likely to chase any cats they weren’t raised alongside. The Kishu has a high prey drive, which makes them poor roommates to cats they have not been raised alongside. 

Of course, each dog (and cat) has their own preferences and temperament, so interactions will vary among individual Kishus and cats.

Like most ancient breeds, the Kishu is free from most genetic disorders.

Like all dogs, Kishus may be prone to certain diseases, including:

• Hip and/or elbow dysplasia: Hip and elbow dysplasia are two of the most common skeletal diseases seen in dogs. They are similar diseases in which either the hip or elbow joint has grown abnormally or is misshapen. The abnormal shape prevents the joints and sockets from adequately meeting one another, resulting in rubbing and grinding instead of sliding smoothly. Though the main complication with hip dysplasia is joint instability, the abnormalities present in elbow dysplasia often result in pieces of bone and/or cartilage breaking loose and irritating the joint tissues. Over time, the rubbing from dysplasia can cause a variety of issues, such as pain, lameness, and secondary osteoarthritis. Surgery can fix the joint if diagnosed before the onset of arthritis. If you are rescuing a Kishu, have them checked out by a vet to see if they are prone to dysplasia.

• Entropion: Entropion is a genetic defect where one or both eyelids are inverted or roll inward and rub on the surface of the eye.

• Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is a thyroid malfunction that results in low hormone production and slows down the metabolism. Common signs of hypothyroidism include obesity, low energy, and a brittle coat.

No, Kishus are not hypoallergenic. They have a double coat that sheds, especially during seasonal changes. If allergies are a concern, spend time with a Kishu before bringing one home for good.

Yes, Kishus are considered rare, especially outside of their native Japan. While they have a dedicated following and are recognized as a national treasure in Japan, their numbers are limited globally. In recent years, efforts have been made to promote and preserve the breed, but they remain uncommon in many countries. This rarity can make finding a Kishu as a pet more challenging.

Kishus were bred for hunting boar and deer in the rugged terrain of Japan’s Kishu Peninsula. With their excellent sense of smell, agility, and endurance, the white Kishu could also be easily spotted while hunting in a densely forested landscape.

The Kishu Ken, or Kishus for short, are from the mountainous Kishu region of Japan. The Kishu Ken (ken means “dog” in Japanese) descends from a line of tough, medium-sized dogs who roamed the mountains of Japan many centuries ago. Kishus are considered a national treasure in Japan, and they are prized for their endurance, dignity, and loyalty.