The Kishu Ken is an aboriginal Japanese hound used since its standardization in 1934 for the pursuit of wild boar. The breed's foundation comes from dogs used since the Jomon Era to hunt wild boar and deer. This breed has deep roots as a hunting hound and a rich cultural history with hunters.

In May, 2022, the National Kishu Ken Club, the parent club selected to represent the Kishu Ken within the American Kennel Club in the USA, petitioned to change the grouping of the Kishu Ken from preliminary "Working Group" designation to "Hound Group" designation to respect and honor their ancient and modern use.

In June, 2022, the AKC declined our request citing that other dogs from FCI Group 5, Section 5 had not been sorted into Hound Group. This FCI section is a grouping of geography, not function.

We were asked to submit a new request later in 2022 and submitted a 7 page letter with published and historic references as a result.

Our membership still holds the accurate placement for the Kishu Ken is within the Hound Group. Communication with a representative at Nihon Ken Hozonkai (NIPPO, the Kishu Ken's parent club in Japan) has also supported this placement. The NAKC cite the AKC group definitions and have asked to establish this petition to show their support of this group change.

• AKC Hound Group
• AKC Working Group

The AKC will decide if the Kishu Ken will be sorted into the AKC Hound Group rather than the AKC Working Group in January of 2023.