Kishu Ken Kuvasz Mix

The Kishu Ken Kuvasz Mix, is a mixed breed dog resulting from breeding the Kishu Ken and the Kuvasz. Both of these dogs can be friendly but personalities differ, so you never know. The Kishu Ken is known for being docile, dignified, and noble. All dogs need proper socialization and that will be a big factor in how they interact with others. What does this mixed breed look and act like? Is it more like the Kishu Ken or the Kuvasz? Those are the questions we will try and answer below. Continue reading below to see pictures, videos, and learn more about the beautiful Kishu Ken Kuvasz Mix.

While we really recommend that you acquire all animals through a rescue, we understand that some people might go through a breeder to get their Kishu Ken Kuvasz Mix puppy. That is, if they have any Kishu Ken Kuvasz Mix puppies for sale.

If you are interested in helping animal rescues raise money, please play our quiz. Each correct answer donates to help feed shelter animals.

Kishu Ken Kuvasz Mix History

All hybrid or designer dogs are tough to get a good read on as there isn’t much history to them. Breeding specific dogs like this has become common in the last twenty years or so even though I am sure that this mixed breed found it’s share of dogs to the shelter due to accidental breeding. We will take a closer look at the history of both parent breeds below. If you are looking at breeders for new, designer dogs please beware of Puppy Mills. These are places that mass produce puppies, specifically for profit and don’t care at all about the dogs. If you have a few minutes, please sign our petition to stop puppy mills.

Kishu Ken History

Kishu Ken, also known as Kishu Inu or simply Kishu. This is a Japanese breed of dog that has been developed in Japan for thousands of years. Although the standard only permits solid colors to be shown, the many acceptable colors of the Kishu include white, red or sesame. White seems to have become a more popular color than the others.
Tough, agile and friendly. These are three great words to describe the Kishu Ken. As a very loyal breed, the Kishu is great with a single owner or a family. There is a tendency to hunt small animals or rodents, but with socialization skills instilled at a young age, there should be no problems with other animals such as dogs and cats. Also, being a medium-sized breed, be sure to have the time and the space to let these dogs move around if you decide to bring home a Kishu Ken.

Kuvasz History

Kuvasz, also called a Hungarian Kuvasz, have been known as working dogs, caring for livestock, for most of their history; but as the centuries continued, the Kuvasz has become more of a companion dog than a guardian dog.

Having an intelligent and attentive behavior, the Kuvasz is very loyal to its owners and ensures its space and environment is protected. The beauty of the Kuvasz comes with two types of white coat, wavy and straight. The soft white coat of a Kuvasz is also no accident. The original breeds wanted to be able to distinguish their dogs from the wolves or other predators of the area.

The history of the Kuvasz goes back as far as 896 A.D. when the Magyar tribes moved into the Carpathian Basin in Hungary. They had Kuvasz-type dogs, which served as livestock guardians, that eventually diversified into the dogs we have today.

The reason for this discovery is due to fossilized skeleton structures that were found in 1978 revealing a 9th Century Kuvasz-type dog with almost identical body makeups to the current breed. Interestingly, if this is the true ancestor of the Kuvasz dog, then that means the Kuvasz is among the oldest identifiable dog breeds that have been dated beyond the 9th Century.

Moving from the royal courts in the 15th Century, as the Kuvasz was one of King Mattias Corvinus’ breed of choice, the Kuvasz moved on through history until the 19th Century when most of the Kuvasz in Hungary were killed in World War II. There were a reported 30 Kuvasz left after the war ended, although it has been argued that it could have been fewer than 15. But with the hard work of dedicated breeders, the population of Kuvasz was increased once more in Hungary.

There are some that say the genetic pool was too thin to not have used other animals in the breeding process, but the main concern was for the continuation of the breed and so the issue still stands unanswered. The first Kuvasz was registered in the U.S. was in 1931.

Kishu Ken Kuvasz Mix Size and Weight

Kishu Ken
Height: 17 - 22 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 30 - 60 lb.
Lifespan: 11 - 13 years

Kuvasz
Height: 15 - 18 inches at the shoulder
Weight: 20 - 35 lb.
Lifespan: 10 - 15 years

Kishu Ken Kuvasz Mix Personality

The Kishu Ken and the Kuvasz are known for being courageous and protective. They are also very loving dogs. This dog will require a very strong and firm owner who makes sure to assert that they are the alpha and not the dog. They are cautious, yet non-threatening with strangers, and are affectionate towards family and children. Early socialization helps take care of any bad habits that could develop. She responds well to positive reinforcement, like all dogs. She should be rather affectionate and enjoy spending lots of time with you. Don’t plan on leaving her alone for long periods as he won’t do well alone. She wants to be with the “pack.”

Kishu Ken Kuvasz Mix Health

All dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems as all breeds are susceptible to some things more than others. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. If they won’t do this, then look no more and don’t consider that breeder at all. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. We obviously recommend that you look for a reputable animal rescue in your area to find your new mixed breed. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition.

The Kishu Ken mixed with the Kuvasz might be prone to joint dysplasia, allergies, among others.

Note that these are just common problems in both breeds.

Kishu Ken Kuvasz Mix Care

What are the grooming requirements?

Even if you know the breed, sometimes it is hard to tell if it will be a heavy shedder or a light shedder. Either way, Get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin.

What are the exercise requirements?

Plan on taking them for extremely long walks and hikes to keep their energy level down. This mix will more than likely have a high energy level. This exercise will keep them from being destructive. A tired dog is a good dog. A tired dog is a good dog though. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him.

What are the training requirements?

This is an intelligent dog that will be a little bit challenging to train. They are going to want to take the alpha position and need someone with a firm, strong, hand that can let them know their place. The best thing you can do is break the sessions into shorter daily sessions to keep their attention span higher. It might have a prey drive and be disposed to running for and chasing small prey, but if handled properly this can be managed. All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible.

Kishu Ken Kuvasz Mix Feeding

"A lot of times diet is done on a per-dog basis. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U.S. are overweight. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background.

Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia.

I good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background."

Kishu Ken Links

Links to other breeds you might be interested in