Ryukyu Inu Dog Breed Overview and Tips

The Ryukyu Inu is a rare and ancient dog breed that originated in the Ryukyu Islands of Japan. They're a sight to behold, with their distinctive fox-like features and fluffy coats.

The Ryukyu Inu is a small to medium-sized dog, typically weighing between 20-40 pounds and standing between 15-20 inches tall at the shoulder. They're a relatively small breed, but don't let their size fool you - they're intelligent and energetic dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation.

One of the unique characteristics of the Ryukyu Inu is their independent nature. They're not as needy or clingy as some other breeds, but they still require attention and affection from their owners. With proper training and socialization, they can thrive as loving and loyal companions.

The Ryukyu Inu is a unique breed with some striking physical characteristics. They come in a variety of brindle coats, including red, black, and white, as well as liver and red colored coats.

Their coats are short, with some dogs having a single coat and others having a double coat. This breed is medium-sized, with males and females standing around 18-20 inches tall.

Ryukyu Inus have a sleek body that's longer than it is high, giving them a speed and agility that's quite impressive. They have well-developed muscles on their hind legs, which helps them move quickly and easily.

Their muzzles are long and straight, and they have dark brown eyes that can sometimes appear yellowish with liver-colored coats. Their ears are pricked and triangular, adding to their wolfish appearance.

Despite their athletic build, Ryukyu Inus have a working dewclaw that allows them to climb trees, a useful feature for a breed that's adapted to living in the rainforests of Okinawa.

The Ryukyu dog is a medium-sized breed with a broad head and a straight muzzle. The muzzle is drawn longer than the skull.

Their ears are pricked and triangular in shape, which is a desirable trait. Dogs with dropped ears are considered undesirable.

The Ryukyu dog has a moderate neck width and straight forelegs. Their body is longer than it is high, with a well-developed chest.

Their coat is short and can be either single-coated or double-coated. Long coat is considered a fault. The breed comes in four recognized colors: black brindle, red brindle, white brindle, and red and liver.

The Ryukyu dog is a medium-sized breed, with males typically weighing between 46.3-49.6cm and females weighing between 43.4-46.9cm.

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There are two distinct lines of Ryukyu dog: the Yanbaru and the Yaeyama.

The Yaeyama line dogs tend to be bigger, with males averaging 49.6cm at the withers.

Males from Yanbaru lines, on the other hand, average 46.3cm at the withers.

Yaeyama line dogs also have longer bodies and deeper chests compared to Yanbaru line dogs.

The Ryukyu dog Hozonkai advises against breeding Yanbaru line dogs with Yaeyama line dogs at this time to preserve the breed.

The Ryukyu dog is not currently recognized by any kennel club, but the Ryukyu Ken Hozonkai has issued a breed standard that outlines its characteristics.

The breed is known for its broad head, straight muzzle, and clear dark brown eyes. The corner of the eye is not lifted, and in liver-colored coats, the eyes are golden/yellow.

Ryukyu dogs have pricked ears in a blunt triangle shape, with dogs having dropped ears being undesirable. A scissor bite is preferred, and undershot, overshot, or missing teeth are major faults.

The breed's neck is moderately wide and not lean or chunky. Forelegs are straight, and the chest is well-developed, wide, and deep.

Ryukyu dogs are longer than high, with a straight back and strong hindquarters. Dewclaws at the back are preferred, and the tail should ideally be in the shape of a blade or curled.

The breed comes in four recognized colors for conformation: black brindle, red brindle, white brindle, and red and liver. A small amount of white is permitted, but excessive white is a fault.

Male Ryukyu dogs typically stand between 46.3 and 49.6 cm tall, while females stand between 43.4 and 46.9 cm tall.

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The Ryukyu dog is a quiet and agile breed that's capable of hunting in a group or on its own. They're natural hunters with a high prey drive, which means they need plenty of physical and mental stimulation to keep them happy and healthy.

They're not sensitive dogs, but they can be escape artists and have amazing climbing abilities, especially those with working rear dewclaws. They're also very smart, which is why they require a lot of mental stimulation.

Ryukyu dogs are obedient and playful, making them great with children. However, they shouldn't be trusted around small animals, and it's best to introduce them to cats early on to avoid any potential issues.

Despite their hunting background, Ryukyu dogs are calm and placid when trained correctly, making them ideal for therapy dog work. However, their high prey drive makes them unsuitable for disability assistance work.

With the right training and socialization, Ryukyu dogs can be loyal and devoted companions. They learn quickly, especially when treats and play are involved, and they thrive on respect and attention from their owners.

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The Ryukyu Inu is considered a fairly healthy dog with little to no health issues. However, breeders should check for conditions like elbow and hip dysplasia, glaucoma, patella luxation, hypothyroidism, and Collie eye anomaly (CEA).

They tend to live for 10-12 years, but some Ryukyu Inu have been known to live up to 16 years old. This is a testament to their overall health and well-being.

To keep your Ryukyu Inu healthy, provide them with top-quality food that can be mixed with kibble. Foods like boiled chicken, spinach, brown rice, and sweet potatoes are very nutritious for them.

The Ryukyu Inu is a relatively healthy breed, but as with any dog, there are some potential health issues to be aware of. These can include elbow and hip dysplasia, glaucoma, patella luxation, hypothyroidism, and Collie eye anomaly (CEA).

If you're considering bringing a Ryukyu Inu into your family, it's essential to be prepared for regular veterinary check-ups to monitor their health.

In terms of lifespan, Ryukyu Inus can live for 10-12 years, but some have been known to live up to 16 years with proper care.

Here are some common health issues to watch out for in Ryukyu Inus:

When it comes to feeding your Ryukyu Inu, you want to make sure they're getting the nutrients they need to thrive. The Ryukyu Inu can be given homemade food that can be mixed with kibble.

They love foods like boiled chicken, spinach, and sweet potatoes, which are all very nutritious for them. Brown rice is another great option.

They should have access to water at all times as they are active breeds. Giving them top-quality food will help maintain their health.