Aggression is incredibly useful to humans and we have bred hundreds of breeds to assist us by exhibiting aggressive behaviors. From terriers to herding dogs to livestock guardians to hunting dogs, they are all bred for some degree of aggression or perpetuate aggressive behavior.

But at some point it seems we became uncomfortable calling useful aggression what it was and reserved it only for the aggression that seemed out of place in a pet home. The trouble is that we have spent hundreds and thousands of years breeding the domestic dogs of different populations to exhibit these aggressive behaviors and then become frustrated or perplexed when those behaviors follow us home.

Kishu Ken are an aggressive breed. For a while I became so offended at people twisting and manipulating this to imply Kishu Ken were horrible dogs who would rather eat you than be your friend (untrue) and may have stopped being as frank about this as I could be. If you are interested in the breed, you must know this and be prepared for it. I would say all Japanese dog breeds are bred for aggression in one way or another, but I'm going to focus on the Kishu Ken and how this aggression manifests.

Kishu Ken are a boar hound. No shrinking flower of a dog will ever be a successful boar hound. These dogs are brave and tough and will fight when challenged.

In my opinion and experience, the aggression Kishu tend to exhibit is entirely animal directed or born from frustration and more rarely, their response to fear. A Kishu Ken who is aggressive toward their owner/hunter or their family has no place, IMO, in the population and cannot be safe in the most basic function of the dog. Kishu Ken who are aggressive towards strangers are rare in my experience so far and I would shy away from breeding such a dog if better options existed. That, simply, is not what I prefer in a dog or a Kishu. Other breeders may feel differently.

Keeping a high-energy, primitive dog as a household pet can be a challenging, but rewarding task. Generally speaking, the breed is high in physical energy, working drive, and prey drive. The combination can present difficulties to a pet owner, particularly when her Kishu Ken is in his adolescent months, testing boundaries and learning quickly.

Despite this, the Kishu Ken can make a wonderful, intelligent, and affectionate companion in the home. Kishu Ken thrive in an environment where they can holistically develop a bond with their owner. An environment that is consistent, but never harsh or too repetitive - the latter can cause contention and disharmony between dog and owner.

As companions, Kish Ken require daily stimulation. This stimulation may come in many forms, not limited to: regular, long leash-walks, hiking, camping, brain puzzles, and training games! Exercising your Kishu Ken is important to their physical and emotional well-being. They are always eager to meet adventure, no matter the form, as long as they have the experience to understand the environment. In the home, however, a Kishu owner will note his dog often turns into an affectionate creature, just as happy to curl up on the couch and cuddle with their family.

As a warning, the most difficult time in a Kishu's life - for dog and owner - is the tumultuous adolescent stage, between 8 months and maturity when the juvenile Kishu is testing her boundaries. Kishu Ken in this stage of development are wont to become destructive when bored, combative with other dogs, and potentially challenging of their owners. Special care must be taken during this stage to keep a healthy, strong bond between dog and family, until they grow into their maturity. Consistent, fun training and experience can help through this period of growth.

This adolescence comes at a particular surprise because Kishu Ken puppies tend to be hyper-intelligent, biddable, and learn very quickly. Kishu Ken puppies have a habit of absorbing experience and training like a sponge, and rarely have the "rebellious streak" of their teenage counterparts. Creating a solid foundation during their formative puppy weeks and months is key to a confident and well-trained adult.