In Japan, dogs are more than just pets; they’re part of the family. From small toy breeds like toy poodles, dachshunds, and Pomeranians to iconic Japanese dog breeds such as the Shiba Inu, you’ll see furry companions everywhere. Some have long, thick coats, while others wear adorable winter jackets to keep warm. The love for dogs in Japan is nothing new, but in recent years, Japanese dog breeds have been gaining popularity both domestically and worldwide.
When I first visited Japan in 2013, I was surprised to see so many people pushing their dogs in baby strollers. Among these pampered pups, Shiba Inu stood out with their charming personalities and distinctive coats, usually a warm red-brown but sometimes black and tan.
In this article, we’ll explore the most popular Japanese dog breeds, why they’re loved in Japan and abroad, the average cost of owning a dog in Japan, and even how local organizations care for stray dogs, cats, and other small animals.
Do Japanese People Have Pets?
We can answer this question very clearly with “Yes.” While Japan is famous for fancy animal cafés, the preferences of Japanese people for their pets are similar to those of other nations. According to an annual survey by the Japan Pet Food Association, there were around 9.77 million cats and 8.79 million dogs in Japanese households in 2019. However, surveys show that dogs are fast becoming the favorite pet.
In a 2018 survey, 11.5% of Japanese respondents said they would own a dog as a pet, followed by cats and exotic fish. When asked what kind of pet people would want in the future, 19.2% answered with “dog”, followed by “cats” as preferred pets.
However, Japan’s ubiquitous space problem is also evident in pet preferences. Insects (especially stag beetles) can also be found among the top six domestic pets in Japan. Indeed, a very popular pet for children. You can find complete shelves with terrariums and furnishing options for the little crawling animals in pet stores.
And yet it is pretty evident that dogs in Japan live up to their reputation as “man’s best friend.” They are not only one of the most popular pets in the Japanese archipelago but also a popular motif for accessories, stationery items, and other items.
Japanese Dogs in General: Which Breeds are Popular?
What dog breed comes to your mind when you think of Japanese dogs? It may be the Akita Inu 秋田犬, a breed made famous due to the story of the loyal dog Hachiko, who waited ten years for his deceased owner to return home.
Naturally, there are numerous other Japanese dog breeds in addition to the Akita, which we would like to introduce to you in a short summary. A common characteristic of Japanese dogs that applies to most of the following breeds is their loyalty to their owners and their strong and idiosyncratic character, which doesn’t necessarily make them dogs for beginners.
Akita Dog
Made famous by Hachiko, the Akita Ken 秋田犬 is now the epitome of loyalty. Originally used as a hunting dog, this Japanese dog was declared a national monument by Emperor Hirohito in 1931. The Akita has its origin in the identically named Akita Prefecture, in Odate City.
Shiba Inu
Besides the Akita, the Shiba is one of the best-known and oldest Japanese dog breeds. Like its big brother, the Shiba was also used as a hunting dog, mainly for small animals. The Shiba Inu 柴犬, which was declared a national monument of Japan in 1937, has its origins in the mountainous region on the Sea of Japan. Nowadays, the shiba has become one of the most popular Japanese dogs with its typical reddish-brown or black coat.
Other Kinds of Japanese Dog Breeds:
| Dog Breeds | Characteristics | National Monument |
| Japanese Chin 狆 | It is the smallest breed of Japanese dogs. With his lively manner, the Chin is a perfect family dog. During the Edo era, the Chin was bred to be a lapdog at the Japanese imperial court. | No. |
| Japanese Terrier 日本テリア | Due to its character, it is considered to be the perfect family dog. This relatively young breed of Japanese dogs developed around the year 1920. | No. |
| Tosa Inu/Ken 土佐闘犬 | This breed developed in the middle of the 19th century and is known as a so-called fighting dog. A male Tosa can reach a top weight of up to 90kg. | No. |
| Shikoku Inu/Ken 四国犬 | This dog breed has its origin on the identically named Japanese main island of Shikoku and was originally bred for hunting. | Yes, since 1937. |
| Kishu Inu/Ken 紀州犬 | This breed evolved from dogs that were native to the Wakayama and Mie prefectures. | Yes, since 1934. |
| Kai Inu/Ken 甲斐犬 | The Kai Ken was also bred for hunting. This dog breed finds its origin in the region of Yamanashi Prefecture. | Yes, since 1934. |
| Hokkaido Inu/Ken 北海道犬 | This dog breed has its origin in the same-named Hokkaido Prefecture, where this dog breed was used for hunting bears and other wild animals. Its thick fur has adapted to the weather conditions in this prefecture. | Yes, since 1937. |
What are the Most Popular Dog Breeds In Japan?
We have already made ourselves familiar with which breeds are considered “Japanese dogs,” but that doesn’t tell us much about the most popular four-legged friends in Japanese households. Here are the small dog breeds ranking in Japan:
The most popular dogs in Japan compete against each other in an annual ranking, with the top 3 of the four-legged friends selected each year. For 2025, the Toy Poodle, the Chihuahua, and the Shiba compete for the crown as the most popular Japanese dog.
Other popular dog breeds are Dachshunds, Pomeranians, Yorkshire Terriers, and small mix breeds. So, you can see that it is mainly the small dog breeds represented in Japanese households.
Popular Dog Names in Japan
Here’s a little comment about the most popular dog names in Japan in 2025: The top three for males are Leo, Maru, and Barley. And Coco, Moko, and Momo for females. Do you notice something? Some names are related to food, one of the favorite topics in the Japanese archipelago.
How Much Does it Cost to Have Pets in Japan?
But how much does a pet cost in Japan, and, above all, how much do Japanese dogs and their maintenance cost?
The annual cost of dogs in Japan depends primarily on their size. A small dog in Japan can cost an average of 2,800 USD per year, a medium dog a little more than 2,900 USD, and a large dog more than 4,300 USD per year. This cost includes veterinarian fees, food, insurance, dog groomer, and dog run, to name a few. What is also remarkable is that the cost of grooming small dogs is the highest compared to other dogs, with around 45,000 yen (approx. 304,43 USD) per year. Likewise, those spending on dog clothes can expect to spend around 14,400 yen (approx. 100 USD) for small dogs and around 8,300 yen (approx. 56,15 USD) for large dogs per year.
Japanese people spend around 1,500 USD per year on cats, with food being the largest source of expenditure at around 480 USD (approx. 70,950 yen). But anyone who thinks that it would be cheaper to buy a small pet is wrong. Among the small pets, rabbits are the most expensive pets, with around 850 USD (approx. 125,644 yen) per year, followed by ferrets.
The acquisition costs show that Japanese dogs, such as the Shiba or Mameshiba (a small version of Shiba Inu), are around 7,659 USD, and pedigree cats, such as the Scottish Fold, with costs up to 7,200 USD, are among the most expensive pets.
Refuge for Japanese Dogs and Cats: From the Street to a Permanent Home
Stray animals are a reality in Japan, such as cats roaming urban parks or wandering near coastal towns. And where do these pets, which have been abandoned by their owners, end up? While traditional animal shelters, common in countries like Germany, are relatively rare in Japan, the country has developed its own unique way to help homeless pets: animal rescue cafés.
Often mistaken for tourist attractions, some animal cafés in major Japanese cities actively work to rehome stray dogs, cats, and other small pets. These cafés allow visitors to interact with the animals in a calm, comfortable environment, increasing their chances of finding a loving family.
One example is Hogoken Café 保護犬カフェ, with locations in Osaka, Tokyo, Chiba, and Hyogo. Specializing in dogs, the café offers a safe space for people and pets to connect, often leading to successful adoptions. Prioritizing animal welfare over entertainment, some of these cafés have rules such as not allowing preschool-aged children to ensure the animals feel safe and stress-free.
From tiny lapdogs to iconic Japanese breeds like the Shiba Inu, it’s impossible to overlook Japan’s love for dogs. On your next visit, you’ll notice just how deeply these furry companions are woven into daily life— and how their popularity is growing both in Japan and worldwide.
Maybe you’ll even take home a souvenir featuring one of the most popular Japanese dogs, like the Shiba Inu. Japan’s pet shops, often located in shopping malls, are full of unique items for your own four-legged friend — whether it’s a jersey of the Japanese national soccer team, a stylish collar with a traditional Japanese pattern, or an adorable seasonal outfit.
Cover photo: Patrick Pahlke
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