The Jōmon Dog Shiba Inu’s Ancient Ancestor

The Jomon dog is believed to be the ancient ancestor of Japan’s native dog breeds, dating back thousands of years to the Jomon period (14,000–300 BCE). Archaeological remains show that these dogs lived alongside early hunter gatherer communities and were revered for their loyalty, agility, and sharp instincts. Over time, as Japan’s geography and human settlements evolved, regional adaptations of the Jomon dog gave rise to the six recognized Nihon Ken breeds: Shiba, Akita, Kishu, Kai, Shikoku, and the elusive Kochi Inu. While each developed unique traits suited to their environments like the mountainous agility of the Shikoku or the independence of the Kochi, their shared lineage traces back to the primal spirit of the Jomon dog, a symbol of survival, loyalty, and deep rooted Japanese heritage.