"The Nihon Ken, our country's aboriginal canine breed, has a long history as a hunting dog, and companion. From 1931-1937 these native dogs were classified by the government as 'Tennenkinenbutsu', national treasures. From bone fragments and haniwa pottery unearthed from the Jomon Period, we are able to surmise the roots and the type of these dogs. Through comparison, we are able to see that the native dogs have survived for generations without losing their primitive type. One could say the Nihon Ken is a living cultural heritage. 6 types have been preserved, and living all throughout Japan, they are indelibly entwined in the Japanese lifestyle."
自分が会員である日本犬保存会のHPから引用しました。現在の日本犬はペット又はショードッグが殆どです。柴犬と秋田犬は結構知られている中、中型の日本犬の数が年々減り、絶滅に近づいている犬種もいます。四国犬・紀州犬・北海道犬・甲斐犬、この4犬種が「日本犬・中型」と呼ばれています。現在国内では小型犬ブーム、大型犬を飼う方は洋犬という厳しい状況です。しかし海外では密に日本犬の人気が上がっています。洋犬に無いこの性格、気品でありながら素朴な顔貌。何千年も日本人の性格とこの島国の気候に合わせて進化してきた犬種はやはり世界が認めています。そろそろ国内でも誇りをもってこの生きた天然記念物を飼う方が増えても良いのではないかと思っています。
The words in the first paragraph are borrowed from the website of the Nihon Ken Hozonkai. The Nihon Ken of today is usually a pet or a show dog. While the Shiba Inu and Akita Inu are fairly well known, the medium size Nihon Ken have been steadily decreasing in number, with several heading toward extinction. The Shikoku, Kishu, Hokkaido, and the Kai are referred to as the medium type Nihon Ken. Currently in Japan, toy breeds are very popular, and most people who want to own a larger dog prefer Western breeds, which creates a very dire situation for the Japanese breeds. In contrast, the Nihon Ken is starting to rise in popularity overseas. The temperament and expression of the Nihon Ken is unique and unlike what is seen in Western breeds. The world is now appreciating these Japanese breeds that have evolved on this island country with the climate and people over thousands of years. Perhaps it's about time that these national treasures experience a resurgence in their native country?
日本犬・中型は猟犬と言うイメージがあり、猟犬は危ない・飼いづらいと思われる方は多いと思いますが、自分は逆だと思っております。最高の猟犬は最高の相棒。日本犬標準に書かれている「良性」通り、猟犬は危ない犬ではなく物事を瞬時に落ち着いて判断し、飼い主とのコミュニケーションをとりながら動く。これがすべてです。最高の猟犬は最高のパートナー。
The medium size Nihon Ken has an image as a hunting dog here in Japan, and hunting dogs have a reputation as being dangerous and difficult to own. We feel that the opposite is true. A great hunting dog is a great companion. Written into the Nihon Ken standard is "ryosei" which roughly translates to "of a good nature". As such, a good hunting dog is not dangerous. It is able to quickly take stock of situations, and take action while communicating with its owner. This to us, encapsulates the entirety of the hunting Nihon Ken. The best hunting dog makes the best partner.
安房山犬荘は千葉県館山市の山間部で有害鳥獣増加による農産物被害が多い中、狩猟犬の血を代々引き継いできた日本犬の作出に励んでおります。オーストラリアと日本のハーフの加藤兄弟が房総半島の山と海を犬と一緒に遊びながらブログを書きます!
Awa Yamainu Sou is located in the hill country of Tateyama city, Chiba prefecture. With the increasing population of wildlife, and the subsequent increase in crop damage, we are working to preserve and pass on the bloodlines of the hunting Nihon Ken to future generations. This is the blog of the Australian/Japanese Kato brothers, writing about their experiences in the mountains and seas of the Boso Peninsula.
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