Kishu vs English White Terrier - Breed Comparison

English White Terrier is originated from United Kingdom but Kishu is originated from Japan. English White Terrier may grow 10 cm / 3 inches shorter than Kishu. English White Terrier may weigh 18 kg / 39 pounds lesser than Kishu. English White Terrier may live 5 years less than Kishu. English White Terrier may have more litter size than Kishu. Both English White Terrier and Kishu requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Working dog
undefined
United Kingdom
Japan
Height Male:
44 - 46 cm
17 - 19 inches
43 - 56 cm
16 - 23 inches
Height Female:
42 - 44 cm
16 - 18 inches
43 - 56 cm
16 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
6 - 9 kg
13 - 20 pounds
14 - 27 kg
30 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
5 - 8 kg
11 - 18 pounds
14 - 27 kg
30 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
5 - 8 Years
11 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 9
2 - 6
Size:
Small
Medium
Other Names:
Old White English Terrier, White English Terrier Old English Terrier British White Terrier. Old White Terrier
Kumano Ken, Kishu Ken
Colors Available:
brown, white with brindle, black or other markings
White, red or brindle
Coat:
Close, hard, short, and glossy
Short, straight and dense double-coat
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Aggressive, Docile, Friendly, Gentle, Lively, Loving
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

The English White Terrier was developed in the 1860’s by a group of breeders from the Sealyham terriers, the Jack Russell terrier, and the Fox Terrier. These breeders were looking for a white terrier that could be more successful in the show ring than the current prick-eared English terrier. They named their new breed, the English White Terrier or the Old English terrier. In later years in the United States, the English White Terrier was mixed again with the Rat Terrier and the Old English Bulldog to create both the Boston terrier and the Bull terrier.

Although the breed did not last long it did have a prestigious ancestry that could be traced back centuries in England among ancient terriers. The word terrier was in use in England in 1440, showing that the dogs were well known at that time. Most historians agree that the dogs were even older than the 1400’s. It is believed that terriers who “went to ground” after prey, existed as far back as the time of Christ in England.

Most of these ancestors of the English White Terrier were not white. White terriers came onto the scene around the 1700’s.The first picture of white terriers appeared in 1790 when Sawre Gilpin, a British artist, painted “A Huntsman with Hounds Foxhunting” and the terriers in the painting were white with brown marks. Others began to show the same kind of terriers in their artwork – white coated. Before this it is believed that breeders killed the white terriers at birth because they were often deaf and inferior to the other terriers. In the early part of the 19th century, the white terrier began to be completely white with no markings. The Kennel Club recognized them in 1874 as the White English Terrier.

The breed faced many genetic issues, deafness and the Kennel Clubs felt there was no difference between the current White English terrier and the English White terrier despite the difference in their ears. The new English White Terrier had dropped ears instead of Prick-ears. They considered them to be the same breed and not even different types. They were the smallest of all terriers and considered to be a good pet but not a show dog or a working dog. Because of this it was not very popular, and it actually had been bred to be a show dog and not a working dog. The English White Terrier was not recognized by any Kennel Club and within 30 years it was extinct.

kishuThe Kishu is a Spitz type hunting dog that originates from Japan. Many people believe he is a descendant of the wolf. Those who have studied the dog say that it has kept its genetic purity and that there has been very little cross breeding with other dogs.

The Kishu is also known as the Kumano Ken, a name given after the area the dog originated from. The breed was officially recognized and standardized in 1934, and is known as the Kishu Ken. In 1934 the dog was also designated a Living Natural Monument in Japan and is protected by law.

The dog is also included in the group ‘Asian Spitz and Related Breeds’ class of primitive dogs.

Description

The English White Terrier had a pure white coat with no markings of any kind. His coat was short, hard, and glossy and his body was firm, muscular and hard. The breed was small – almost a toy. They had a body like the Manchester Terrier. They had long legs and large feet. The tail was medium size and straight out from the body.

The English White Terrier had a very refined head with a fairly long muzzle. Their bite was even, and their eyes were brown, amber or black. Their ears dropped – unlike the pricked ears of the White English Terrier.

kishu puppy - descriptionThe Kishu is a medium sized dog standing between 43 – 56cm in height and weight is between 14 – 27kg.

He has a short, straight double coat which can be white, red or brindle. The dog has minimal shedding, making him an easy dog to groom.

The nose of the dog is black, but particularly with the white coated dogs, the nose can be brownish or pink in color. The ears are erect and pointed forwards and the tail is carried slightly curved over the dog's back.

Temperament:

The docile Kishu is no pushover and he is a strong minded, courageous dog. He is also an amicable dog breed, getting on well with his human family as well as with other dogs in the home.

He is somewhat aloof and reserved around strangers. Even though he is a docile dog, it is a good idea to have him trained and socialized so that he can be obedient and balanced in all situations.

He is intelligent and learns easily. An interesting aspect with the Kishu Ken is that he likes to take in everything going on from a vantage point, often seeking out a higher spot from where he can look about.

Kishu Kens like to keep an eye on whatever is going on, and sometimes he looks for a high place so that he can survey everything. They can be aloof or shy around strangers.

Characteristics

The English White Terrier was affectionate and devoted to his family. It was the softest tempered of all terriers and made an excellent pet. Some of the English White Terriers were animal aggressive while others were not. Training was difficult because of the wide-spread deafness in the breed. IT loved to be cuddled and held. They were also tenacious and game for any type of fight or hunt despite their size and deficiencies.

kishu dog - characteristicsThe Kishu is a hardy dog breed known for his exceptional hunting instincts and loyalty. He is a brave, clever, playful, tenacious dog eager to please his master.

He isn’t so much a hunting dog anymore but is essentially a companion dog, bonding closely with his human family. He will get on well with children and pets in the home, but more so when he has been trained and socialized.

Apart from making a splendid companion, the Kishu promises to be an excellent guard dog to anyone who threatens his human family.

Health Problems

The breed was considered to be unhealthy for the most part and became extinct because of this. Many complained that the breed was inbred and had a weak constitution because of it. Deafness was prevalent throughout the breed. This deafness occurs in many white animals, but the English White Terrier had the highest rates among all white dogs.

kishu puppies - health problemsBefore you bring a new puppy or rescue dog into your home, you must be prepared for the responsibility of a dog. If you're just simply looking for a watchdog to stick into your backyard, you're being cruel.

A dog is a social creature and you need to spend time with them and care for them. Sometimes he can get sick and then you may need to get him to the vet.

Some of the illnesses your Kishu can get will be easily treatable, while others may be life-threatening and require surgery.

The health of your dog will depend a lot on the food you provide it with as well as your lifestyle. Common dog health problems can range from typical eye- and ear infections to bloat, hip dysplasia and cancers.

Hypothyroidism:

The thyroid gland doesn’t produce enough thyroid hormone which can lead to other health problems such as tiredness and weight gain. A daily thyroid pill from the vet can help sort this issue out.

Arthritis:

This is a common health problem, seen more in older dogs. Your once active dog will move around slower and battle to stand up after lying down.

Arthritis can’t be cured but you can alleviate the pain and suffering. Your vet will tell you that diet and nutrition are important factors to ward off arthritis in the first place.

If your dog has arthritis and is in pain, get him to your vet who can prescribe medications to alleviate the symptoms.

Kennel Cough:

This is a respiratory infection which can be transmitted from one dog to another. You’ll notice coughing, tiredness, runny nose and watery eyes and loss of appetite. Take him to your vet who will know what to do to speed up recovery for your pet.

Caring The Pet

Feeding

It was best to feed the English White Terrier 1-2 cups of dry meal per day served in 2 meals.

Health issues

As mention previously, the English White Terrier was congenitally deaf and had a weak constitution.

Exercise and games

This little dog with all its problems was still a very energetic dog and needed considerable exercise. Owners had to develop exercises and games to keep the English White Terrier occupied as with any terrier. If they didn’t have a job or something to occupy their minds and bodies, they were destructive.

Grooming:

kishu dogs - caringThe Kishu will need to be brushed twice a week to keep the coat free of dust and loose hairs. Their ears should be checked regularly too for wax build up and dirt as ear infections are a common dog illness.

Their nails should also be trimmed regularly. Take him regularly to have his teeth cleaned because dental problems can put his entire body at risk for disease.

Exercise:

The Kishu needs a good sized garden to roam. He is best suited to country life because he needs regular exercise. If he lives in the city, put him on a leash and take him for walks.

Diet:

Apart from exercise, good food is imperative as nutritious food contributes to longevity. Top quality food and the right size portions can ensure lean, energetic, happy, healthy dogs.

Take trouble to understand the ingredients listed on the commercial dog food packaging. Generally the low quality, processed commercial foods are inflammatory.

Even if you go for the top brand kibble, don’t just provide your pet with dry kibble night after night. Mix in some cooked chicken, brown rice and vegetables.

Remember too, that fresh whole foods such as vegetables have live enzymes and are packed full of fiber which is so necessary for digestion. A good diet with fresh, cool water is guaranteed to provide an excellent dimension to your pet’s health.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Kishu vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Kishu vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Kishu vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Kishu vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Kishu vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Kishu vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Kishu vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Kishu vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Kishu vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Kishu vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Kishu vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Kishu vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Kishu vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Kishu vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Kishu vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Kishu vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Kishu vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Kishu vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Kishu vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Kishu vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Kishu vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Kishu vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Kishu vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Kishu vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Kishu vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. English White Terrier vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. English White Terrier vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. English White Terrier vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. English White Terrier vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. English White Terrier vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. English White Terrier vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. English White Terrier vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. English White Terrier vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. English White Terrier vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. English White Terrier vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. English White Terrier vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. English White Terrier vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. English White Terrier vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. English White Terrier vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. English White Terrier vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. English White Terrier vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. English White Terrier vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. English White Terrier vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. English White Terrier vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. English White Terrier vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. English White Terrier vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. English White Terrier vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. English White Terrier vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. English White Terrier vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. English White Terrier vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison