My name is CJ, I operate Akiyama no Roushya which is a NIPPO (Nihon Ken Hozonkai) registered kennel. I currently own and breed Kishu, but I also have one older male Shikoku who was my introduction to the medium-sized Japanese breeds.
I used to work as a trainer before I completed my psych courses. Now I'm moving into wildlife bio, work at the local zoo, and at an animal ER in my city. Eventually, I would love to add an exotic and have been considering birds (ravens, crows), canines (dingo, wolfdogs), and a recent experience with a few Savannahs has endeared them to me.
At current, I just have the 4 dogs - 3 Kishu and 1 Shikoku.
Both breeds are closely related and were standardized from the landrace that existed in the Kii mountains and the island of Shikoku, respectively. These original dogs were bred to hunt boar, deer, and sometimes bear if it was called upon (though the latter game was usually reserved for other types, such as the large-sized dogs that became part of the Akita foundation.) The Kishu is the most used Japanese breed for hunting in its country of origin. I believe the Shikoku is mostly a show dog or active companion these days, with individuals who hunt being in the minority.
All of my dogs are companions/hiking buddies, though the Kishu wish we would hunt. ;)
Dogtax pictures...
Fionna, a 2 year old female Kishu (white coat)
Toutarou (co-owned), a 7 month old male Kishu (sesame/black sesame coat)
Nami, a 5 year old female Kishu (sesame/red sesame coat)
Cúchulainn, a 5 month old male Kishu (red coat)
TK, a 10 year old male Shikoku (black sesame coat)
Nice to meet you all!
