Kishu Ken Club (KKC)

The National Kishu Ken Club (NAKC) serves as the official AKC National Parent Club in the United States, dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the Japanese Kishu Ken. Founded in 2015, the club is committed to upholding the standards established by the Nihon Ken Hozonkai (NIPPO), the breed's primary registry in its country of origin, while fostering a community for owners and enthusiasts to ensure the breed's future.

History and Mission

The Kishu Ken is a relatively young breed, standardized in 1934, originating from the mountainous Kii Peninsula in Japan. Historically associated with the Japanese wolf, these dogs were developed as robust, medium-sized hunting hounds. The NAKC was established to unite American enthusiasts, provide education, and maintain the integrity of the breed standard within the American Kennel Club (AKC) Foundation Stock Service (FSS). The club's core mission includes:

• Preserving the breed's diversity and health.
• Promoting responsible ownership and ethical breeding practices.
• Acting as a central hub for breed history, expertise, and registration in the USA.
• Supporting the NIPPO standard as the definitive guide for breed appearance and temperament.

Activities and Versatility

The Kishu Ken is a versatile, high-energy hound capable of excelling in various disciplines. The NAKC encourages participation in a wide range of activities, including:

• Conformation: Participation in AKC, UKC, IABCA, and NIPPO-USA events.
• Performance Sports: Agility, obedience, rally, scent work, and coursing events.
• Field Work: The breed maintains its ancestral hunting instincts, with members active in boar hunting, tracking, and search and rescue operations.

The club also manages a comprehensive title program, including the Versatility Certificate (VC), Register of Merit (ROM), and Hunting Hound titles, to recognize the achievements of dogs and their handlers across these diverse fields.

Health and Standards

The NAKC prioritizes transparency regarding breed health. While the Kishu Ken is generally robust, the club provides guidance on managing potential concerns such as autoimmune conditions, allergies, and eye or joint issues. Breeders are encouraged to perform recommended health screenings, including genetic testing, thyroid evaluations, and eye exams, to maintain the health and genetic diversity of the population. The club maintains a strict Code of Ethics and provides registration services to track the breed's growth and pedigree data within the United States.