Petzlover
Kishu is originated from Japan but Utonagan is originated from United Kingdom. Kishu may grow 28 cm / 11 inches shorter than Utonagan. Kishu may weigh 13 kg / 28 pounds lesser than Utonagan. Both Kishu and Utonagan has almost same life span. Both Kishu and Utonagan has almost same litter size. Both Kishu and Utonagan requires Moderate Maintenance.
The Kishu is a Spitz type hunting dog that originates from Japan. Many people believe he is a descendant of the wolf. Those who have studied the dog say that it has kept its genetic purity and that there has been very little cross breeding with other dogs.
The Kishu is also known as the Kumano Ken, a name given after the area the dog originated from. The breed was officially recognized and standardized in 1934, and is known as the Kishu Ken. In 1934 the dog was also designated a Living Natural Monument in Japan and is protected by law.
The dog is also included in the group ‘Asian Spitz and Related Breeds’ class of primitive dogs.
The Utonogan is such a wolf-like dog, you couldn’t be blamed for thinking you’d come face to face with a true wolf. They’re a rare dog breed that came about from crossing the Siberian Husky, the German Shepherd and the Alaskan Malamute.
The dog was developed by Edwina Harrison and it was in the 1980s that the dog was introduced into the UK.
The Utonagan is a rare dog with only a few breeders. Take care with where you buy your Utonogan from and certainly steer clear of backyard breeders or puppy mills.
The Kishu is a medium sized dog standing between 43 – 56cm in height and weight is between 14 – 27kg.
He has a short, straight double coat which can be white, red or brindle. The dog has minimal shedding, making him an easy dog to groom.
The nose of the dog is black, but particularly with the white coated dogs, the nose can be brownish or pink in color. The ears are erect and pointed forwards and the tail is carried slightly curved over the dog's back.
The docile Kishu is no pushover and he is a strong minded, courageous dog. He is also an amicable dog breed, getting on well with his human family as well as with other dogs in the home.
He is somewhat aloof and reserved around strangers. Even though he is a docile dog, it is a good idea to have him trained and socialized so that he can be obedient and balanced in all situations.
He is intelligent and learns easily. An interesting aspect with the Kishu Ken is that he likes to take in everything going on from a vantage point, often seeking out a higher spot from where he can look about.
Kishu Kens like to keep an eye on whatever is going on, and sometimes he looks for a high place so that he can survey everything. They can be aloof or shy around strangers.
These dogs are large and lean, looking vibrant and strong. They stand at between 63-84 cm in height and weigh roughly between 32-40 kg.
The body is long with strong but slender legs with webbed paws. They look like wolves with the sharp muzzle, the erect ears, bushy tails and slanted eyes with black eye rims. The double coat is thick and straight. Colors of the coat can be silver or gey, cream, brown, or black. The coat becomes thicker in the Winter.
The Utonagan is a very social dog, wanting to spend a lot of time with his human family. They have so many excellent qualities that make him a splendid pet - loving, loyal and gentle.
Whether you have other pets in the home or children, he is a dog that is able to get on with everyone. He is wary of strangers though and with training ad socialization he is going to be the most fantastic pet and companion.
The Kishu is a hardy dog breed known for his exceptional hunting instincts and loyalty. He is a brave, clever, playful, tenacious dog eager to please his master.
He isn’t so much a hunting dog anymore but is essentially a companion dog, bonding closely with his human family. He will get on well with children and pets in the home, but more so when he has been trained and socialized.
Apart from making a splendid companion, the Kishu promises to be an excellent guard dog to anyone who threatens his human family.
The Utonagan is an intelligent dog and also very social and people-oriented. He wants to be part of his human family, with a friendly, playful nature.
He will certainly not like being left alone and outside day after day. He can become frantic with frustration and this can be laid at the feet of an irresponsible dog owner.
Give him the life he wants and deserves, and this beautiful wolf-like dog will be your friend for life.
Before you bring a new puppy or rescue dog into your home, you must be prepared for the responsibility of a dog. If you're just simply looking for a watchdog to stick into your backyard, you're being cruel.
A dog is a social creature and you need to spend time with them and care for them. Sometimes he can get sick and then you may need to get him to the vet.
Some of the illnesses your Kishu can get will be easily treatable, while others may be life-threatening and require surgery.
The health of your dog will depend a lot on the food you provide it with as well as your lifestyle. Common dog health problems can range from typical eye- and ear infections to bloat, hip dysplasia and cancers.
The thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone which can lead to other health problems such as tiredness and weight gain. A daily thyroid pill from the vet can help sort this issue out.
This is a common health problem, seen more in older dogs. Your once active dog will move around slower and battle to stand up after lying down.
Arthritis can’t be cured but you can alleviate the pain and suffering. Your vet will tell you that diet and nutrition are important factors to ward off arthritis in the first place.
If your dog has arthritis and is in pain, get him to your vet who can prescribe medications to alleviate the symptoms.
This is a respiratory infection which can be transmitted from one dog to another. You’ll notice coughing, tiredness, runny nose and watery eyes and loss of appetite. Take him to your vet who will know what to do to speed up recovery for your pet.
Yur Utonagans can live to be between 12 and 15 years of age, but a few issues can include cancer and joint dysplasia.
Cancer is a major cause of death in dogs old and young. There also seems to be some dog breeds that are more prone to cancer than others.
Thankfully most of the cancers are curable if you get them in the nick of time. The warning signs of cancer in your dog is much the same as with people and you’ll discover a new lump on your pet or a wound that simply won’t heal.
When you detect that your pet is lethargic and not acting his usual perky self, it is time to get him immediately to the vet.
The Kishu will need to be brushed twice a week to keep the coat free of dust and loose hairs. Their ears should be checked regularly too for wax build up and dirt as ear infections are a common dog illness.
Their nails should also be trimmed regularly. Take him regularly to have his teeth cleaned because dental problems can put his entire body at risk for disease.
The Kishu needs a good sized garden to roam. He is best suited to country life because he needs regular exercise. If he lives in the city, put him on a leash and take him for walks.
Apart from exercise, good food is imperative as nutritious food contributes to longevity. Top quality food and the right size portions can ensure lean, energetic, happy, healthy dogs.
Take trouble to understand the ingredients listed on the commercial dog food packaging. Generally the low quality, processed commercial foods are inflammatory.
Even if you go for the top brand kibble, don’t just provide your pet with dry kibble night after night. Mix in some cooked chicken, brown rice and vegetables.
Remember too, that fresh whole foods such as vegetables have live enzymes and are packed full of fiber which is so necessary for digestion. A good diet with fresh, cool water is guaranteed to provide an excellent dimension to your pet’s health.
These are very high energy dogs and they will need exercise every day. While they will love a walk, they would be happier with something more vigorous such as a hike.
Swimming, ball games and hide and seek will all need to be on this dog’s menu of events. It is why it’s a dog that is better suited to life in the country as opposed to life in the city.
If you opt to buy this dog commercially manufactured food, he will need to have a high quality one high in vitamins and minerals and designed for energetic dogs. Try and avoid the inferior brands as they are packed with ingredients that can be of no value to your pet. There are ingredients which can actually make him sick.
Home-made food is always a good thing for dogs, especially when it is simple, nutritious food that won’t aggravate the stomach.
You can’t go wrong with foods such as boiled chicken, brown rice, and vegetables such as spinach, carrots and sweet potato. A little bit of raw meat added in occasionally can be excellent as well. Always make sure that a bowl of fresh water is available to your pet around the clock.
This is such a beautiful dog, you want to keep him that way. His thick coat is going to require regular brushing to keep it free from matting. Not only that, grooming stimulates the skin. You can also check him over at the same time for ticks and fleas and make sure there aren’t any unusual lumps on the body.
This type of dog values the grooming session as it is a bonding time for him, making him that much happier and content.
Other grooming needs will include taking care of his nails and checking inside his ears and mouth for signs of infection.