10 Most Popular Dog Breeds in Japan in 2022 (with Pictures)

Owning dogs is undoubtedly something that most of us obtain many benefits from, regardless of where you are from. Pet ownership rates have significantly decreased as a result of the COVID -19 pandemic, since more people are staying at home and looking for company. Japan is no different.

Have you ever wondered which dog breeds Japanese dog owners prefer the most, despite the fact that Japan is known for having its own breeds? Here are the most recent statistics on the top 10 dog breeds in Japan.

The Top 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds in Japan

Small Mixed Breed

Mixed breed dogs are the most popular dog breed in Japan! Although they have long been among the most popular dogs in Japan, this may be the first time they have eclipsed purebreds.

The size, temperament, and appearance of mixed breeds can really be practically any combination of different dog breeds. However, as they make up 22.2% of dogs owned in Japan, little Mixed Breed dogs (up to 35 pounds) appear to be the preferred breed.

Toy Poodle

The Toy Poodle, which once occupied the top spot in Japanese homes and hearts, is now ranked second. In order to serve as a companion dog, the Toy Poodle was specifically designed to have all the wonderful characteristics of the Standard Poodle in a miniature form.

They are lively dogs who require a significant amount of activity, but because of their size, they may live well in apartments. They are very intelligent and simple to train. A Toy Poodle can be found in about 20.3% of Japanese homes.

Chihuahua

Chihuahuas are tiny dogs with enormous personalities. They develop close ties with their families and are therefore comparatively simple to educate. Because they may fit in a typical-sized purse, they are referred to as “purse dogs.”

Though they could be a touch boisterous, they made excellent apartment dogs (small dog syndrome equals plenty of barking). With 11.9% of dogs owned in Japan being Chihuahuas, they are in third position and fit in well with city dwellers due to their small size.

Shiba Inu

Due to the Doge meme, the Shiba Inu is arguably the most well-known Japanese breed. They are independent, tiny to medium-sized, and active dogs. Though you shouldn’t go overboard, they can be left alone for short periods of time.

They must engage in lots of activity to both assist use the enormous amount of energy they have and prevent boredom. Boredom-induced dog behavior is more likely to be destructive. With 8.8% of owners, they are the fourth most common breed of dog in Japan.

Pomeranian

The Pomeranian is a floofy small dog with an attractive foxy face that is independent and fierce. They enjoy playing about and being clowns for our amusement and are intelligent and easily trained.

Poms make excellent city dogs because of their petite stature, and 5.3% of dogs in Japan are Poms.

Miniature Dachshund

The Miniature Dachshund is a boisterous, affectionate, and outgoing dog with lots of energy. Additionally intelligent, they enjoy spending time with their humans. The Miniature Dachshund is even smaller than the Standard Dachshund, which is one of its two sizes.

Due to their long spines, they are ideal for households with one floor or apartments because stairs and dachshunds don’t mix. With 4.8% of all dogs owned in Japan being miniature dachshunds, they are the sixth most popular breed.

French Bulldog

The French Bulldog is a cute small dog that is getting more and more well-liked among urban residents. They are endearing, loving, and laid-back dogs, although they have a reputation for occasionally being a touch headstrong. This indicates that they are capable of training, but a Frenchie will present a greater difficulty.

The Frenchie ranks seventh with 2.9% of dogs owned, making it the ideal small dog for city dwellers.

Miniature Schnauzer

The Miniature Schnauzer is a sportive, robust, perceptive, and energetic little dog. They love playing with kids of all ages and being a part of the family. They are sociable, bright, and small enough to live in an apartment, but they might also thrive in the countryside.

Miniature Schnauzers make up about 2.3% of dogs owned in Japan, which is not surprising given how great these small dogs are!

Yorkshire Terrier

A lively small dog with a wonderful long, silky coat is the Yorkshire Terrier. They may appear fragile, but they are not. They possess the same vitality and tenacity as other terriers. They develop close relationships with their owners and struggle when left alone for extended periods of time.

Yorkies are the ninth most popular dog breed in Japan, where they account for 2% of all dogs.

Shih Tzu

Shih Tzus make excellent family pets since they are friendly and entertaining around kids. Since they were developed to be companion dogs, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that they enjoy playing just as much as they like spending time on your lap in the evenings. They follow their owners throughout the house since they are so dedicated to them.

Even though the Shih Tzu placed last, it still makes sense to own one. 1.7% of dog owners in Japan adore their tiny Shih Tzus.

Japanese Dog Breeds

Here are some intriguing facts about Japanese dog breeds now that you’ve viewed the most well-known canine varieties in the country.

Conclusion

It’s interesting to observe that all of these well-known Japanese breeds are rather small. The lone Japanese breed is the biggest of the group, although even they are tiny to medium-sized dogs. These numbers most likely represent dog owners who live in cities, therefore the dogs are little in stature but big and lovable within.

Credit for the Featured Image: Africa Studio, Shutterstock