Great Japanese Dog
A powerful, loyal breed with a calm presence and protective instincts. Makes a devoted family companion and is known for its dignified, confident demeanor.
Breed Characteristics
Average sizes and life expectancy of the breed.
HEIGHT
64–70 cm (male)
58–66 cm (female)
WEIGHT
45–59 kg (male)
32–45 kg (female)
LIFE EXPECTANCY
10–12 years
Great Japanese Dog: Breed snapshot
Everything you need to know about this beloved breed at a glance
Key Breed Characteristics
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Chordata
Class
Mammalia
Order
Carnivora
Family
Canidae
Genus
Canis
Species
Canis lupus familiaris
Diet
Omnivore
"A Great Japanese Dog isn't just a pet — they're a loyal companion, a playful friend, and a loving family member all in one."
Temperament & personality
Understanding Great Japanese Dog's temperament is key to knowing if they're the right match for your lifestyle.
Personality Overview
The Great Japanese Dog is typically calm, alert, and dignified, showing loyalty and protective instincts toward its family while generally being reserved with strangers.
Key Personality Traits
Reserved with strangers, loyal to family members
Learns commands quickly, responds to training
Moderate activity needs, enjoys daily walks
Not highly playful, prefers calm activities
Adjusts to routine changes with some patience
Strengths
- Loyal to family members
- Strong protective instincts
- Calm and dignified demeanor
- Good tolerance for cold weather
- Generally healthy with proper care
Challenges
- Can be aloof with strangers
- Requires consistent, firm training
- High prey drive towards small animals
- Prone to dominance behaviors
- Needs ample daily exercise
Protect your Great Japanese Dog
Great Japanese Dog can develop hip dysplasia and thyroid issues. PetSecur covers unexpected vet costs with quick payouts and personal service.
Intelligence & exercise needs
Great Japanese Dogs are both highly intelligent and energetic, requiring mental and physical stimulation to thrive.
🧠 Intelligence & training
Trainability
Learns with consistency
Overall rating
This breed is intelligent and learns quickly but can be independent-minded, requiring consistent, patient training with positive reinforcement to achieve the best results.
Trainable Tasks:
🏃 Exercise & energy levels
Daily Exercise
60–90 minutes daily
recommended per day
The Great Japanese Dog has moderate energy levels and needs regular daily walks and play sessions, along with mental stimulation to prevent boredom and encourage well-balanced behavior.
Recommended Activities:
Is this breed right for you?
Great Japanese Dogs are versatile dogs that adapt well to many lifestyles, but they're not the perfect match for everyone. Here's a quick guide to help you determine if a Great Japanese Dog would fit well in your home.
First-time Owner
Needs experienced handling and firm training for best results
Apartment Living
Large size and exercise needs make apartments unsuitable
Active Lifestyle
Enjoys vigorous activity and benefits from an active lifestyle
Kids
May be too large and boisterous for small children
Multiple Pets
May show dominance toward other pets without careful introduction
Being Left Alone
Dislikes being left alone and can develop separation anxiety or destructive habits
Breed comparisons
Wondering how Great Japanese Dogs compare to other popular breeds? Check out our detailed comparison pages.
Frequently Asked Questions about Great Japanese Dog
Find answers to the most commonly asked questions about this breed
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