How much do dogs cost?

Prices vary by breed. From breeders directly, Toy Poodles typically run 200,000-450,000 yen, Chihuahuas 150,000-350,000 yen, Shiba Inu 120,000-250,000 yen, and large breeds 200,000-500,000 yen, varying with pedigree, coat, and the parents' track record.

What are the benefits of buying from a breeder?

The biggest advantage is being able to see the parent dogs and rearing environment, and to ask directly about temperament, health, and socialization. Under Japan's Animal Welfare Act, sellers must show the actual animal at their premises and provide in-person written explanation of care and date of birth before handover.

At what age can I bring home a puppy?

Under Japan's Animal Welfare Act, breeders cannot sell or hand over puppies until they are 56 days (8 weeks) old. For the six native Japanese breeds (Shiba, Akita, Kishu, Kai, Hokkaido, Shikoku) sold directly by specialist breeders, the threshold is 49 days (7 weeks).

How long do dogs live?

Generally, small breeds live 12-16 years, medium breeds 10-14 years, large breeds 10-13 years, and giant breeds 8-10 years. Proper diet, exercise, and regular checkups help extend their healthy lifespan.

What do I need to prepare before getting a dog?

Basics include a pen or crate, toileting supplies, food and bowls, a collar and leash, and grooming items. After bringing the dog home, promptly arrange a vet health check and vaccination plan, plus municipal registration and the required rabies vaccination.

Dog Encyclopedia — 223 Species Directory

Encyclopedia of popular dog breeds with traits, temperament, and care guides.

Browse by size

Toy dogs

Adult weight up to 4 kg

Small dogs

Adult weight 4–10 kg

Medium dogs

Adult weight 10–25 kg

Large dogs

Adult weight 25 kg+

All Beginner Intermediate Advanced

Medium Large Small Terrier Herding dog Beginner Giant Hunting dog Active Guard dog Toy Watchdog Family dog Medium breed Small breed

Showing 18 of 223 species

Bedlington Terrier

Intermediate

British small terrier with distinctive lamb-like curly coat. Gentle and affectionate yet athletic.

SmallLow-allergenActive

Brittany Spaniel

Intermediate

French hunting dog from Brittany region. Energetic and smart, perfect outdoor activity partner.

Medium breedHunting dogOutdoor

Cairn Terrier

Beginner

Small terrier famous as Toto in The Wizard of Oz. Sturdy build with curious, active personality.

Small breedTerrierActive

Croatian Sheepdog

Intermediate

A Croatian herding dog with strongly developed gathering and guarding instincts. Alert, modest and easy to train.

IntermediateMediumSheepdog

German Pinscher

Intermediate

An old German breed sharing its ancestry with the Schnauzer. Cheerful, lively and self-assured, an all-round family companion.

IntermediateMediumWatchdog

German Shorthaired Pointer

Advanced

Versatile German gun dog, athletic and intelligent. Excellent family companion with high stamina.

LargeActiveIntelligent

Irish Setter

Intermediate

Beautiful mahogany red coat. Cheerful, affectionate, and very active.

IntermediateLargeBeautiful red coat

Miniature American Shepherd

Intermediate

Smaller version of the Australian Shepherd. Smart and active with high working ability in a compact body.

Medium breedHerding dogActive

Miniature Bull Terrier

Intermediate

Smaller version of the Bull Terrier. Distinctive egg-shaped head and unique expression, mischievous and fun-loving.

Medium breedTerrierUnique

Miniature Pinscher

Intermediate

An energetic breed packed with spirit. Known as the King of Toys with a distinctive proud, hackney-like gait.

Small breedActiveEasy grooming

Norfolk Terrier

Beginner

One of the smallest terriers with charming drop ears. Active, brave, and curious with true terrier spirit.

Beginner-friendlyToyTerrier

Norwich Terrier

Beginner

Small terrier similar to Norfolk Terrier. Distinguished by erect ears, big courage in a small body.

Small breedTerrierActive

Papillon

Beginner

Elegant toy dog with butterfly-like ears. One of the smartest small breeds, excels in training and dog sports.

Beginner-friendlyToyIntelligent

Schipperke

Intermediate

Belgian breed meaning little captain. Black coat, pointed ears, and curious personality.

Small breedWatchdogActive

Smooth Fox Terrier

Intermediate

A smooth-coated terrier with a history in English fox hunting. Alert, agile, friendly and utterly fearless.

IntermediateSmallTerrier

Standard Dachshund

Beginner

The original and largest Dachshund variety. Originally bred for badger hunting, brave and active.

Medium breedHunting dogBeginner friendly

Welsh Terrier

Intermediate

Black and tan medium terrier. Active, playful, and intelligent.

IntermediateMediumTerrier

Wire Fox Terrier

Intermediate

Fox Terrier with wiry hard coat. Active and playful, popular in dog shows.

Small breedTerrierActive

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Dog FAQ

How much do dogs cost?: Prices vary by breed. From breeders directly, Toy Poodles typically run 200,000-450,000 yen, Chihuahuas 150,000-350,000 yen, Shiba Inu 120,000-250,000 yen, and large breeds 200,000-500,000 yen, varying with pedigree, coat, and the parents' track record.
What are the benefits of buying from a breeder?: The biggest advantage is being able to see the parent dogs and rearing environment, and to ask directly about temperament, health, and socialization. Under Japan's Animal Welfare Act, sellers must show the actual animal at their premises and provide in-person written explanation of care and date of birth before handover.
At what age can I bring home a puppy?: Under Japan's Animal Welfare Act, breeders cannot sell or hand over puppies until they are 56 days (8 weeks) old. For the six native Japanese breeds (Shiba, Akita, Kishu, Kai, Hokkaido, Shikoku) sold directly by specialist breeders, the threshold is 49 days (7 weeks).
How long do dogs live?: Generally, small breeds live 12-16 years, medium breeds 10-14 years, large breeds 10-13 years, and giant breeds 8-10 years. Proper diet, exercise, and regular checkups help extend their healthy lifespan.
What do I need to prepare before getting a dog?: Basics include a pen or crate, toileting supplies, food and bowls, a collar and leash, and grooming items. After bringing the dog home, promptly arrange a vet health check and vaccination plan, plus municipal registration and the required rabies vaccination.