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Rescue a Kishu Ken
Kishu Ken Puppies for Sale
Kishu Ken
(Kishu) (Kishu Inu)

"Tarot, short for Kishu Ken-nels Zigmund Stardust de Tarot the Kishu Ken. Tarot is a very handsome, energetic guy who needs a big yard. He is extremely intelligent and by the 2nd day I had him, was walking on a leash better than my last dog ever did (truth). He is generally very quiet, but he loves to play, especially outside. He is very fast and agile and takes great joy in being trained. Tarot has now completed his AKC title in Advanced Rally, gotten his 1st leg in AKC Novice Obedience and six 1st place wins with the American Rare Beed Association. He needs 3 more 1st place wins to become a Champion, which should be completed by this fall."
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Description |
The Kishu Ken is a medium sized sturdy dog. The coarse, double coat is short, straight with a thick soft undercoat. Coat color mostly comes in white but occasionally brindle, sesame or red do occur. The nose is usually black, but can be brownish or pink. Has a scissor or level bite. Has a broad head with prick ears inclined forward and are on the smaller side. Tail curls over the back. There is fringing on the tail and cheeks. They have a close resemblance to the Shiba Inu, Akita Inu and Ainu Dog. |
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Temperament |
The Kishu Ken is loyal and loving with their family. A friendly, quiet, and calm, but tough and agile breed. Intelligent, clean and easily housebroken. Can be aloof with strangers, socialize well. Not a barker. Does well with other dogs. An excellent pack hunter, the Kishu stalks prey rather then bark. They have a high prey drive and should be socialized with cats at a young age and should not be trusted with other small non-canine pets such as hamsters and guinea pigs. They have been known to climb trees to catch prey. This breed needs an owner who is calm, but firm, confident and consistent, displaying a natural authority over the dog. If the Kishu senses the humans around them are weaker minded them themselves they will become headstrong and willful as they will assume the position of the leader. Proper human to canine communication is essential. Kishu Ken who are well socialized and who see themselves as below humans in the pack order will be good with children. Children should be taught not to tease the dog. |
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Height, Weight |
Height: 17-22 inches (43-56 cm.)
Weight: 30-60 pounds (13-27 kg.) |
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Health Problems |
Usually a healthy breed. |
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Living Conditions |
Does not do well in a kennel environment, they need to be part of the family. Should have a fenced in yard. |
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Exercise |
Kishu Ken have a somewhat high energy level. They will do best with some type of job to do. They need to be taken on a daily, long walk or jog. While out on the walk the dog must be made to heel beside or behind the person holding the lead, as in a dog's mind the leader leads the way, and that leader needs to be the human. |
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Life Expectancy |
About 11-13 years. |
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Grooming |
Brush weekly with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when necessary. Trim nails and check ears regularly for dirt, wax build up or infection. |
| Origin |
The Kishu is also called a Kishu Ken or Kishu Inu, both Ken and Inu are Japanese words for dog. The Kishu is very rare in America or actually anywhere outside of Japan. It has been a "Protected Species" in Japan since 1934, which is a major reason why they are so rare. The Kishu is a very ancient breed, some sources say they have been bred for 3000 years or more. They originated in the mountainous region of the island of Kyushu, the southern most island of Japan. Since they had no contact with other breeds, the Kishu stock is very pure. The breed was originally used to hunt deer, wild boar and sometimes bear. There is a Japanese expression to describe his hunting prowess, "one dog, one shot". This means that the Kishu would hunt and keep the prey at bay until the hunter could catch up and approach close enough to kill the prey with one shot. Nowadays they are still used in Japan to hunt boar but generally they are kept as pets. There are only two breeders outside of Japan, one in the Netherlands and the other in the USA, Kishu Ken-Nels is in Texas. |
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Group |
Working, Hunting |
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Recognition |
ARBA, JKC, Nippo, AKR, AKC as FSS Foundation Stock Service, DRA, NAPR |
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ARBA = American Rare Breed Association
JKC = Japanese Kennel Club
Nippo = Nihonken Hozonkai
AKR = American Kishu Registry
AKC = American Kennel Club - Foundation Stock
DRA = Dog Registry of America, Inc.
NAPR = North American Purebred Registry, Inc.
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"Tarot the Kishu Ken. Tarot is a sweet, good natured dog who I've never seen snap at anyone. He loves to give a lick and when he opens his mouth it forms a natural smile. He has slanted triangular eyes. I have read that the Kishu breed was a Japanese attempt to create the perfect dog. I won't say that Tarot is perfect, but he is the kind of dog that people instantly fall for. I attribute this to his good looks and good nature. My youngest daughter says she smiles every time she thinks of him."

Tarot the Kishu Ken floating in the pool.

Tarot the Kishu Ken.

Tarot the Kishu Ken as a puppy.
Understanding Dog Behavior
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