Other names

Kishu Ken

Life expectancy

13 years

Age adult

18 months

Height (Shoulder height)

50 cm

Weight

22 kg

Coat texture

medium length / smooth / undercoat

Coat color

white, sesame, red

Common illnesses

ear diseases / thyroid diseases (mostly hypothyreosis) / allergies

Food expenses per month in €

about € 50

Suitable for children

Rather not

Needs a garden

Rather not

Hunting motivated / needs alternative employment

Rather yes

First dog suitable

Rather not

Allergy friendly

Rather not

Athletic

Attention

Care and grooming

Eager to learn

Exercise

Nature

quick and eager to learn / alert / likes hunting / loyal / protective / loving / agile / stubborn / readiness to defend / mistrustful of strangers

Bred for

bear hunt / boar hunt

Common illnesses

ear diseases / thyroid diseases (mostly hypothyreosis) / allergies

Dog type according to FCI

spitz and primitive types

FCI description

Many dogs of this group were kept as guard, hat, hunt, or sled dogs. They are considered to be very strong-willed and often less affectionate than other breeds. Many have a pronounced territorial consciousness and get along with same-sex conspecifics less well. They are often not easy to educate and only participate in things they consider useful.

So if you want a cuddly family dog that does every trick, you wont be happy here. Generally many of these dogs, like Chow Chow, Aktita and Co. are rather one-man dogs, i.e. related to one person and do not bind themselves to the whole family. Spitze in particular tend very much to loud utterances.

Short description

The Kishu is a very stubborn dog, but can be a good family-dog if trained softly and firmly. Owners have to earn his respect, and he needs thorough socialization to learn how to accept strangers and other dogs. He loves nature and spending time outdoors. Do not underestimate his hunting instinct. He loves to cuddle, but only as long as he wants.