KISHU KEN RESCUE & SHELTER NOTE
While Kishu Ken numbers in the USA are very small (with likely under 75 individuals in the entirety of North America) we are happy to help any suspected Kishu in rescue or shelter environment. Please get in contact with us so we may assess any potential Kishu Ken in need of aid. Most people will know they have a Kishu Ken when they surrender it. Sometimes, in situations of homes that do not speak English as a first language or situations where the dog needed to be trapped/was found as a stray, this information is not easy to obtain.
Kishu Ken in an unfamiliar situation are likely to be obstinate, strong-willed, but not unfriendly or cautious around strangers. This is a primary factor that typically separates them from other primitive and Japanese dog breeds. They may be willful and snappy when they feel pushed or restrained and may act out or lash out to the person that is restraining them. This does not necessarily mean a Kishu Ken is an aggressive breed or an individual dog is aggressive.
Unfortunately, particularly in the first few days of destabilization, aggressive reactions to their new situation are not uncommon in Kishu. A dog may seem difficult to manage or may be difficult or impossible to touch before they become comfortable again and show their true personality. This largely depends on the individual Kishu's genetic predisposition, age, and their socialization and training prior to coming into the rescue and shelter environment.
Some breeds that may be mistaken for Kishu Ken (or Kishu may be mistaken for, themselves) are the Korean Jindo, Siberian Husky mixes, a large Shiba Inu and their mixes, and/or a small Akita and their mixes. If you are not certain if you have a Kishu Ken in need of rescue and/or assistance please email us so we can get a description and photos to see if we can do anything to assist with resources and placement.
If you think there is a chance you have a Kishu simply reach out to us and we are happy to help.
Kishu Ken in an unfamiliar situation are likely to be obstinate, strong-willed, but not unfriendly or cautious around strangers. This is a primary factor that typically separates them from other primitive and Japanese dog breeds. They may be willful and snappy when they feel pushed or restrained and may act out or lash out to the person that is restraining them. This does not necessarily mean a Kishu Ken is an aggressive breed or an individual dog is aggressive.
Unfortunately, particularly in the first few days of destabilization, aggressive reactions to their new situation are not uncommon in Kishu. A dog may seem difficult to manage or may be difficult or impossible to touch before they become comfortable again and show their true personality. This largely depends on the individual Kishu's genetic predisposition, age, and their socialization and training prior to coming into the rescue and shelter environment.
Some breeds that may be mistaken for Kishu Ken (or Kishu may be mistaken for, themselves) are the Korean Jindo, Siberian Husky mixes, a large Shiba Inu and their mixes, and/or a small Akita and their mixes. If you are not certain if you have a Kishu Ken in need of rescue and/or assistance please email us so we can get a description and photos to see if we can do anything to assist with resources and placement.
If you think there is a chance you have a Kishu simply reach out to us and we are happy to help.