MyDogBreeds
Kishu is originated from Japan but Anatolian Shepherd is originated from Turkey. Kishu may grow 20 cm / 7 inches shorter than Anatolian Shepherd. Kishu may weigh 41 kg / 90 pounds lesser than Anatolian Shepherd. Both Kishu and Anatolian Shepherd has almost same life span. Kishu may have less litter size than Anatolian Shepherd. Both Kishu and Anatolian Shepherd 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.
Up in the mountains of central Turkey, in the region called Anatolia, a large, strong and rugged dog breed was born and is honored today on a postal stamp. This was the Anatolian Shepard – keeper of the flocks with strength, agility and speed. The Anatolian Shepard is able to pursue and catch any predator that threatens his livestock and they are his livestock. His keen sense of hearing and his excellent sight only add to his prowess as a protector.
The Anatolian is a giant dog, classified as a shepherd by the UKC – Kennel Club of the United Kingdom, while he is classified as a mountain dog or molossus by the Federation Cynologique International. When the breed was created, they were a gift to the farmers in the mountains to guard the livestock from cheetahs. This helped the cheetahs to stop attacking the livestock and prevented the farmers from wiping out the cheetah population by shooting them.
The Anatolian Shepard does have some controversy in his lineage as in some areas he is considered to be either the most closely related or the same breed as the Turkish Kangal Dog. The Anatolian is considered to have a blood line that goes back at least 6000 years.
They are direct descendants of mastiffs and mountain dogs. Yet they have the long legs, agility and aloofness of the sight hounds that are also in their bloodline. Originally called the “Coban Kopegi” or shepherd dog by their Turkish farmers, they were eventually separated into the breed called the Anatolian Shepard. When the breed was first brought into the United Kingdom the line of the Kangal dog was first. Then they were crossed with dogs called Anatolian Shepherds. Many breeders believe that the Anatolian Shepherd is a category that includes the Kangal, Coban Kopegi, Aksaray Malaklisi and the Akbash dog.
So as of January 2012, the Australian National Kennel Club no longer considers the Anatolian Shepard and the Kangal as separate breeds. The UK Kennel Club now recognizes the Kangal and the Anatolian as the same breed. For others they are still clearly separate and distinct breeds with the ASD being their own breed. In fact, the government of Turkey recognizes them as separate breeds and the Kangal Dog as the National Dog of Turkey.
The Anatolian Shepard was already in the United States in when the Anatolian Shepard Club of America came into being because of a young naval officer who had met the dogs in Turkey. They were allowed into the Miscellaneous Class of the American Kennel Club in 1996 after this naval officer had been breeding them in California for years. By 1998 they had moved to the Working Group where they reside today.
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.
Coming from the mountains and guarding their flock against cheetahs has led the Anatolian Shepherd to be a muscular dog with broad heads and thick necks and sturdy, strong bodies. Their ears drop and are triangular in shape, while their muzzles are rectangular with tight lips. Their double coat is thick and warm fitting for life in the mountain regions. They do blow their coats with excessive shedding twice a year. The fur on their throat is extra thick for their protection.
Muscular, thin, their rib cage is large while their stomach is small. Their tails can be intact or docked. The Anatolian Shepherd is much like the Kuvasz or the Great Pyrenees in their size, shape and responsibilities. He is more agile and slenderer than those two dogs. Their bite is scissors or level, while their eyes are almonds, set apart in their heads.
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.
This breed is independent, stubborn and strong. They are great protectors of their flocks and people, but they are incredibly challenging to own. They are intelligent, loyal dogs who learn quickly when they want to. They key being “when they want to”. The Anatolian Shepard was bred to be nomadic, following the herd and hunting for the herd’s predators. Microchip your ASD because they will roam if they get the chance.
If you want your Anatolian to get along with other dogs, cats or other animals, socialize them together when the ASD is a puppy. If the animal or child is part of his flock the ASD will protect them with his life. Though he is loving, quiet and calm, the Anatolian is just as demanding and dominating. Never let your Anatolian Shepherd believe that he is above the humans in the pack or you will have a major problem controlling him. He will be especially leery of strangers and will not accept your word that the stranger is part of the family. However, if she understands that humans are above her and you are the leader, she will accept any person you accept.
Even if they accept strangers, they will not allow anyone other than the family into the home when the owner is not there. This is a proud, proud dog that can be stubborn, demanding and bossy. Being such a large dog, you need to be in control. This is not a dog for everyone. Be firm, confident, be loving and consistent when training an Anatolian Shepherd. Do not offer your ASD any additional training in protection. He doesn’t need it and it could be detrimental. They will protect children, but they do not respect them. Therefore, supervise their interactions with children.
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.
This is a healthy breed without a lot of the issues that plaque other giant breeds. In one recent survey the leading cause of death among the ASD is cancer and old age. Skin issues are more prevalent than dysplasia though it does occur. They have a sensitivity to anesthesia and their immune system does take longer to mature so all young ASD should be discussed with vets before any vaccinations are given. Bloat is not as common among this breed either. They should be screened for eyelid inversion or entropion. They are susceptible to Demodectic Mange or demodicosis which is caused by a mite.
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.
Feed your Anatolian Shepherd a measured amount twice a day and keep him from becoming overweight. It is recommended that you feed her from 4-6 cups of dry, high quality food for the entire day. The more active your dog is, the more she will need to eat. Using treats in training is appropriate but don’t give her too many as these will add to the waist line.
As mentioned previously this is a very healthy breed especially when compared with other giant and/or mountain dog breeds. However, they are susceptible but not prone to:
Should be tested for this condition in which the bones don’t fit well into the joint. Elbow Dysplasia – the same as above except it is the arm bone does not fit well into the joint. Both these conditions can cause arthritis or lameness.
Caused by mites and a weakened immune system it can result in patches of scaly, red skin and hair loss. A generalized version can cover the entire body and can be fatal.
This can result if obesity, hair loss, epilepsy, lethargy and other skin condition. It is easily treatable.
Mentioned previously it causes the eyelid to roll inward and requires surgery.
Your Anatolian Shepherd does not need a lot of exercise despite his size. A large yard with a good fence will do for him as long as he gets a walk daily. If they can run free in a large yard they will be happy. If not, you will need to take them to a dog park, preferable when other dogs are NOT present. You can’t assume he will be ok with other dogs. Never walk them off leash as they love to wander. They need a job to do.