This Japanese hunting dog has been described as extremely courageous. They have powerful predatory instincts and can often be spotted hunting smaller animals. They were originally bred for boar and deer hunting.
If these dogs are not socialized well, they can easily become quite combative, but with the necessary training, they are devoted and protective dogs. If you end up adopting one, be wary when they meet strangers.
Hovawart
This is no easy breed and is not exactly ideal for new dog owners! These dogs lean toward the stubborn side and need quite a lot of attention. For owners who do spend their efforts on teaching this kind of dog the appropriate behavior, the reward is an incredibly loyal pet.
It's important to remember that these dogs love a job. Without it, they can get aggressive. They are amazingly creative worker dogs with high levels of energy. Hovawarts are wonderful for search and rescue organizations, therapeutic activities, obedience trials, agility trials, and flyball, and also make great service dogs.
Beauceron
This dog is not for the faint of heart. Beaucerons are robust and muscular dogs with a strong presence. Reaching as high as 27 inches at the shoulder, these dogs can do quite a bit of harm. The American Kennel Club has described these dogs as "well-chiseled," with dark brown eyes that "project an expression breed fanciers describe as frank and confident."
It is important to stay dominant with these dogs as they can very easily dominate a weaker owner. It is good to note, however, that once these dogs are disciplined, they are excellent with the smaller and defenseless.
Shiba Inu
Essentially a popular companion dog, the Shiba still has a predatory instinct as it was bred as a hunting dog. The dogs do not take kindly to provocation and can show aggression, but above all, when expressing emotion, these dogs emit what is labeled as the "Shiba scream." This high-pitched scream can ward off unwanted guests and can also serve as a strong warning sign for mishandling.
The Shiba is Japanese (it is a Japanese breed!) for Brushwood, which is a type of shrub or bush that turns red in the fall. Many people believe that is what was kept in mind when naming the dog. On the other hand, in Nagano, an ancient Japanese dialect, Shiba also means small. Either way, this "Little Brushwood Dog" packs a punch.
Lhasa Apsos
It might be impossible to believe, but these dogs were originally bred to be indoor monastery-sentinel dogs by Tibetan Buddhist monks. Yes, these tiny dogs are not scared off easily. If these dogs are left untrained, they can turn into aggressive little monsters.
Highly suspicious of strangers, they are eager to express their dissatisfaction with their owners. They can also be very stubborn and have been seen to lie flat on the floor without moving when they are not in the mood for walking.