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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+5
Dogs
# The Kishu: temperament, price, health, and breeders
Japan
A sober, loyal and hardy Japanese dog, attached to its owner.
Size MediumLife expectancy 11–13 yearsBudget ≈ €107/monthPuppy €2,500 – €3,000
[Find a breeder 1](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-kishu) [ Compare with other breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-dog-breeds?races=kishu)
The right choice?
## Is this breed right for you?
[Find your ideal breed with our online quiz!](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-dog)
Families and children Good
Daily exercise needs High
Apartment living Fair
First-time owners Fair
Other pets Good
Tolerance of being alone Good
Guarding instinct Fair
Strengths and weaknesses
- Loyal: He forms a strong bond with his owner and shows loyalty every day.
- Robust: His compact, hardy build allows him to keep up well with an active lifestyle.
- Calm at home: Once he has had enough exercise, he knows how to remain settled and pleasant to live with.
- Hunting instinct: Its hunting dog heritage requires serious socialization and management outdoors.
- Not ideal for beginners: Its independence and sensitivity require consistent and regular training.
- Pronounced shedding: It clearly sheds its coat twice a year and then requires daily brushing.
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- Calm and consistent owner: The Kishu responds well to steady, gentle and firm handling at the same time.
- Active household: It is suitable for people able to ensure several daily outings.
- House with a fenced garden: A secure outdoor space suits its need for movement well.
Not recommended for
- People who are often absent: He does not cope well with a daily life lacking in interactions and activities.
- Sedentary people: This dog needs regular exercise to remain balanced.
- Beginners without guidance: His training and socialization require consistency and a minimum ability to read the dog.
Meet the breed
## What does it look like?
1,75 mHuman
49 cmKishu
- Height at the withers
- 43–55 cm
- Weight
- 19–25 kg
- Coat
- Short, straight, with dense undercoat
- FCI group
- 5
- Origin
- Japan
- Grooming
- Easy to care for
## Photos and videos
See the Kishu in photos and videos: coat colors, size, and distinctive expressions.
Origins
## Where does it come from?
The Kishu originates from the mountainous regions of Kishu, straddling the prefectures of Wakayama and Mie in Japan. An ancient deer hunting dog, it was then mainly selected for wild boar hunting. The breed was declared a Natural Monument in 1934, then definitively recognized by the Fédération Cynologique Internationale on 1 February 1982.
Appearance
## What does it look like?
The Kishu is a medium-sized dog, robust, compact and well proportioned. Its head is rather square in shape, with a broad forehead, a thick muzzle and strong jaws. Its small triangular ears are well erect and slightly inclined forward. Its tail, set high, is carried in a sickle shape or curled. The coat is short, straight and harsh, with a soft and dense undercoat. The coat color can be white, sesame or red.
Temperament
## Temperament and personality
The Kishu is an alert, energetic, docile and calm dog at the same time. Hardy, faithful and loyal, it develops a strong attachment to its owner. Its sober and attentive temperament makes it a pleasant companion, but its hunting dog background keeps a certain independence and a marked instinct.
Playful
Living together
## Living with children and other pets
On a daily basis, the Kishu is calm indoors if it gets enough exercise, but it remains an active dog that needs regular outings. It can live in an apartment with 3 to 4 walks per day, even if it clearly prefers having access to a fenced outdoor space. It appreciates routine, physical activity and a stable environment.
Training
## Training and socialization
The Kishu’s training must start early, with an approach that is both gentle, consistent and firm, without a power struggle. Its sensitivity and independence require a calm owner, able to establish clear boundaries and to work on socialization from the youngest age. Consistency gives better results than coercion.
Budget
## Price and budget for the Kishu
The Kishu remains a rare breed whose purchase price mainly reflects the rarity of litters, the selection of breeding dogs and the seriousness of the breeding. It is important to favor a breeder that is transparent about health, temperament and socialization.
[See cost breakdown](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/kishu/price)
Health
## Health at a glance
The Kishu is generally a robust and resilient dog when it benefits from good hygiene habits, a suitable diet and regular activity. Its health profile is rather favorable for a breed of this size, but normal veterinary follow-up remains important.
[Prevention and things to watch for](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/kishu/health)
Nutrition
## Feeding your pet well
The Kishu needs a complete and digestible diet, adapted to its age, its weight and its activity level. The quality of the ingredients and the regularity of meals matter more than an abundant ration.
[Our feeding advice](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/kishu/food)
Did you know?
## Fun facts and popularity
The Kishu is part of the traditional Japanese spitz-type breeds. Its noble silhouette, its elegant expression and its history as a mountain hunting dog make it a breed that is both rustic and refined. Solid-colored coats have been favored since the 1930s, which has made red or sesame individuals rarer.
FAQ
## Frequently asked questions about the Kishu
Answers to common questions from future owners before their new companion arrives.
### Can the Kishu live in an apartment?
Yes, it can adapt to apartment living if it gets 3 to 4 outings per day and sufficient physical exercise, but it generally prefers a fenced outdoor space.
### Is the Kishu easy to train?
Its training is manageable with a calm, consistent, and patient owner, but its independence as a hunting dog makes it more of a breed for someone who is already somewhat comfortable with dogs.
### Does the Kishu shed a lot?
Yes, shedding is pronounced twice a year. Weekly brushing is enough the rest of the time, but it ideally becomes daily during shedding periods.
## Find a Kishu breeder
The areas where Pedibase lists the most Kishu breeders, along with their litters and typical prices.
### Kishu breeders by country
[1 breeder of Kishu in Finland](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-kishu/finland) [1 breeder of Kishu in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-kishu)
[All breeders of Kishu in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-kishu)
## Ready to welcome a Kishu?
Find a registered, verified breeder near you and meet your future companion with confidence.
[View breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-kishu)
## Discover other breeds
[Hokkaido Ken
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/hokkaido)
[Kai
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/kai)
[Shikoku
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/shikoku)
[Akita Inu
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/akita-inu)
[Shiba Inu
](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/shiba-inu)
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