These 8 Japanese Dog Breeds Have Pretty Incredible Origin Stories

Japan has great reverence for animals, and dogs are certainly no exception. For the Japanese, dogs are thought of as national treasures. Though the native breeds of Japan can be traced back thousands of years, many Japanese dog breeds are considered rare even in Japan, making them even more special. Anyone who owns one of these rare dog breeds is exceptionally lucky, not only because they have a dignified and steadfast companion, but because many of Japan’s native dogs also have a fascinating history.

While there a handful of popular Japanese dogs breeds, only six of these breeds are recognized as being true native Japanese breeds: Shiba Inu, Shikoku, Kishu, Kai Ken, Hokkaido, and Akita. Western influences and war nearly wiped out the native dogs, but fortunately, Japanese dog preservationists saved and stabilized these beautiful pups. Here are eight rare and beautiful Japanese dog breeds with fascinating histories and very lucky owners.