Kishu
COUNTRY: Japan
HEIGHT: 17-22 inches
WEIGHT: 30-60 pounds
COAT: Short, coarse and straight, soft, dense undercoat, fringe on cheeks and tail
COLOR: White most common, but can be red, sesame or brindle
REGISTRY: FCI
GROUP: Northern
Kai Dog
COUNTRY: Japan
Height: 17-22 in./43-56 cm.
Weight: 25-55 lb./11-25 kg.
COAT: Short, straight and coarse with soft, dense undercoat, hair longer on the tail
COLOR: Black brindle, red brindle or brindle
OTHER NAMES: Tora (Tiger) Dog
REGISTRY: FCI
GROUP: Northern
The Kishu, Kai Dog and Shikoku fall into the category of Shika Inu, or medium-sized Japanese dogs. They are very similar with overlapping colors and have only small differences in size and other fine points. Originally, these were all dogs that assisted the matagi, the professional hunters, with wild boar or deer. Known for their bravery, it is said that the Shika dog "will not concede a step before danger."
Although mainly working dogs, they all have been more or less adapted as companions and guardians since the matagi profession has nearly disappeared.
The Kishu is the matagi's dog from the mountainous regions of Wakayama and Mie prefectures and has been known since before the Christian era. Although previously used for deer, it was best known for boar hunting. The hunter's weapon was the firelock, which could be fired only once before reloading. If a wild boar was wounded, it could fatally charge the hunter, and the dog was expected to courageously run interference until the hunter could reload. It is not difficult to discern why the breed was noted for its "scarred glory."
These dogs are clean, silent and docile. Although they are useful in herding, as watchdog, fishermen's helpers, or hunters* aides, many are also kept in the home. The Kishu is distinguished from the Ainu Dog because he is a bit longer in body proportions and,although cautious, is more benign of temperament. The white coat tends to disappear in the snow, but has the advantage of being easily distinguished from his dark-colored prey.
Used more for deer, the Shikoku and the Kai are other varieties of the Shika (mid-sized) dogs. As former hunting dogs of the matagi, they were often referred to as "deerhounds." Coming from the mountains around Fuji and the southern Alps region of Yamanishi prefecture, the Kai was considered too rough to make a good house pet, being close to the wild in temperament. Modern dogs are milder and some are now seen in homes. He is, however, loyal to his master and a fine hunter. The Japanese say he is a one-man dog with people. Hunted in packs, he is companionable with other dogs. Brindling may not be apparent until after six months of age.
The Shikoku is the final variety of Shika dogs, and is similar to the other two. His home is Shikoku Island, across the inland sea from Osaka, where he was also used for hunting. This smallest of the middle-sized dogs comes only in solid reds and brindle color. None of the Shika dogs are known outside Japan.