COUNTRY: Japan
WEIGHT: 44-55 pounds for large size
HEIGHT: Small size 16-18 inches, large size 20-22 inches
COAT: Short, harsh; stand-off, abundant
COLOR: Red, black/tan, tan, fawn, salt/pepper, or pied
GROUP: Northern
Breeders developed the Sanshu Dog about 1912 on Honshu, Japan's main island where all of the major cities and population centers are located. They started by crossing indigenous middle-sized Japanese dogs with the Chow Chow from China.
The robust Sanshu looks very much like a small Akita (or a large Shiba), but his tail tends to curl more loosely over the back.
He comes in a wide range of attractive colors. Both varieties are popular as companion dogs throughout Japan. Despite this, he has never achieved any official recognition.