Overview
The Ryukyu Inu comes from the Ryukyu Islands at the southern tip of Japan, where it was used to hunt boar in dense, rocky forest. It is a medium-sized, lean, pricked-eared dog of primitive type, often brindle, with a reputation for climbing trees and rocks after its quarry. The breed nearly died out and remains rare even in Japan.
A UK walker will almost never meet one, and little walking-specific information exists in English. Treat it as a close relative of the Shiba and Shikoku: clean, independent, reserved with strangers and driven by prey.
Exercise and walking needs
Around seventy five minutes a day in two outings suits an adult, with as much variety as you can offer. These dogs are built for scrambling over rough ground and will be bored by flat tarmac. Hills, woodland and a chance to investigate suit them far better.
The breed comes from a hot, humid climate and is likely to tolerate British summers better than most Japanese natives, but it still wears a double coat. Winter cold and wet may bother it more, so watch for shivering.
On the walk
- Prey drive: Bred to find and hold boar, this dog will go after deer, squirrels and cats without a second thought. Keep it on the lead or in a secure field.
- Climbing: Ryukyu dogs are known for scaling obstacles. Any fence you trust needs to be tall and solid, with nothing to use as a step.
- Other dogs: Reserved and sometimes sharp with unfamiliar dogs, like most primitive Japanese breeds. Avoid group walks until the owner confirms the dog mixes well.
- Strangers: Aloof rather than hostile, but not a dog that wants to be petted by passers-by. Let it observe people from a distance.
- Lead manners: Agile and quick to dart after movement. A harness with a secure fit prevents a slipped collar when the dog twists.
Tips for professional walkers
- Walk the dog on a lead everywhere until the owner has shown you a space they trust and a recall that works for them.
- Pick routes with varied terrain; this breed is happier on a slope than on a pavement.
- Check fences from top to bottom before any off-lead time and assume the dog can climb what you cannot.
- Keep greetings with people and dogs short and calm, and let the dog choose to approach.
- Carry a coat for the dog in cold, wet weather and check for shivering.
What to ask the owner
- Does the dog climb or jump fences, and what height has it cleared before?
- How does it react to deer, cats and squirrels, and has it ever caught anything?
- Is it comfortable with other dogs, and are there any it walks with regularly?
- How does it handle cold, wet British weather, and does it wear a coat?