| The Koshino dog was an extinct Japanese breed. Designated a National Natural Heritage Treasure in 1934, its population declined sharply after World War II, leading to its extinction. It was found in the three prefectures of Hokuriku: Toyama, Ishikawa, and Fukui. Depending on their place of origin, these dogs were called Tateyama Inu, Hakusan Inu, or Oono Inu. They were all renamed Koshino Inu upon being designated a National Treasure. Medium-sized, they belonged to the Nipponinu (Japanese dog) system. They had a robust body, a rough, downy coat, small, thick, erect ears, and a relatively short muzzle. Many had a reddish-brown coat. The Koshino Inu was a traditional Japanese Spitz-type hunting dog, similar to other native Japanese breeds such as the Kishu Ken and the Shikoku Inu. After reaching its peak as a recognized breed, its bloodlines began to decline, and the consequences of World War II led to its extinction. Although the Koshino Inu no longer exists, it is part of the history of the six remaining native Japanese dog breeds, which include the Akita Inu, Hokkaido Inu, Kai Ken, Kishu Ken, Shikoku Ken, and Shiba Inu. Belonging to the Zhongbei (Nipponinu) system, it has a sturdy, medium-sized body. Its coat is harsh and downy, and its ears are small and thick, standing erect. This dog, often reddish-brown, has a short, well-proportioned muzzle, stands about 50 cm tall, and weighs about 1.5 kg, but appears agile despite its seemingly carefree appearance. Its geographical range is not specified at the national level. Its primary habitat was in the Koshino Inu and Hokuriku prefectures. After World War II, it virtually disappeared and is now endangered. |
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