The Kishu Ken Standard: Foreward
Per NIPPO, Japanese dogs were standardized in 1934 as "small", "medium" or "large" in type. The Kishu Ken is one of four of the breeds that is shown in the "medium" sized category along with the Shikoku Ken, Kai Ken, and Hokkaido Ken.
You may see the breed referred to in a few different ways. The breed name, "Kishu Ken" is used over the name "Kishu Inu" due to grammar practices in most cases: "Kishu" (紀州) is read using the "on" pronunciation of the kanji, so "Ken" should be used as the "on" pronunciation of the kanji "犬." However, it should be noted "Kishu Inu" and "Kishu dog" (or, simply, "Kishu") are used interchangeably outside of Japan when speaking about the same breed.
You may see the breed referred to in a few different ways. The breed name, "Kishu Ken" is used over the name "Kishu Inu" due to grammar practices in most cases: "Kishu" (紀州) is read using the "on" pronunciation of the kanji, so "Ken" should be used as the "on" pronunciation of the kanji "犬." However, it should be noted "Kishu Inu" and "Kishu dog" (or, simply, "Kishu") are used interchangeably outside of Japan when speaking about the same breed.
The Kishu Ken has a handful of official standards. This is the complete list of officially recognized standards.
NIPPO Standard: An Unofficial Translation
This standard was written by us, to roughly bring the NIPPO standard to an English language audience. This was achieved through a beginner's understanding of the Japanese language, Japanese dictionaries, and online automated translation features. It is not an official translation and does not cover the entirety of the NIPPO standard and resolutions. The links section of this website will provide other translations of the NIPPO standard and links directly to the Nihon Ken Hozonkai for more education and information.
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1. Essence and Expression: It is very important that the dog has a rustic, spirited, and bold essence. Naive in expression, the Kishu should be elegant and graceful with quick, elastic steps and an agile gait. Kishu are confident dogs. Overly shy or submissive dogs are not desired.
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2. General Appearance: Males and females are obviously distinct. The male is slightly more square than the female, but both sexes are somewhat longer than they are tall. 19 inches is the desired female size. For males, this desired height is 20.5 inches. 1.5 inches above or below the desired size is acceptable.
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A few of the standard visuals in the Japanese-language book "The Kishu Ken", published as part of a Japanese dog breed series.
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3. Ears: The inner ear is straight. The outer ear is somewhat rounded. Ears should appear as small triangles, inclined slightly forward and set wide on the head. Large ears and ears set on top of the head are not desirable.
5. Muzzle: The nose is straight and the muzzle is moderately thick, with a gradual stop. Lips are flush with the teeth, not overly loose or sagging. Black noses are desired, but flesh noses are permitted in white dogs. Full dentition is required. Overshot or undershot is not permitted.
7. Forelegs: Elbows should be tight to the chest and spaced the same width as the chest. Feet and toes are well knuckled.
9. Chest: Chest depth is 45-50% of body height. Ribs are well-sprung in an ovular shape.
11. Tail: The tail is strong and moderately thick. The tail must be carried up in either a sickle or a curl. When dropped, the tail should reach the hock. Overly short tails are not permitted. Tails that hang are not permitted.
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4. Eyes: The eyes are somewhat triangular in shape and should slope upward toward the outside corner of the eye. Eyes are dark in color. Light colored eyes are not desirable.
6. Head and Neck: The forehead is wide, with well-developed cheeks. The head and neck are well-muscled.
8. Rear Legs: The hind legs are strong and held naturally apart at the same distance as the waist. Feet and toes are well knuckled. Rear dewclaws ("wolf claw") are sometimes seen, but may be removed soon after birth.
10. Back and Loin: The back is straight and the tuck-up is evident. The waist is to be study; individuals who sway their waist when they walk are not desired.
12. Coat: The hair is coarse and hard in the outercoat, but dense and soft in the undercoat. White coats are the most common, but sesame, red, or black and tan are also permitted. Pinto (red, sesame, or black and tan dogs with white markings that reach over the shoulder) markings are not desired and should be faulted. Brindle coats are not permitted.
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