Ryukyu-ken is a scarce breed of dog found on the Island of Okinawa. In the past, these dogs were used to hunt down wild boars in the Yanbaru forest. They are currently designated as an Okinawan national treasure. I have personally seen these dogs hunt wild birds and they have no problems catching them. The Ryukyu ken has a great sense of smell. They can smell their prey from far away. These smart dogs are outstanding hunters.

It’s impressive that these dogs hunt such a large powerful animal. Ryukyu wild boar (Sus scrofa).

I was out searching for birds and saw this beautiful male Ryukyu Inu. I knew he was out on a hunting mission.  It was just a matter of being at the right place at the right time.

I tried to get a better photograph but the dogs kept avoiding me. The Ryukyu ken caught a duck with the help of a team partner.

I often would see the Master walking his dogs on the beach and one day I finally asked him if I could photograph him and his dogs.

I had the opportunity to meet another Ryukyu Ken this weekend.  What caught my eye was the the double claw ( AKA Dew claw) on the rear legs. He had six toenails on the hind legs and only four toenails on the front legs, the term for this is polydactyl. I have only seen extra digits on the front legs of a cats before.

Check out those dew claws- six toenails on the hind legs

Meet boots the Hemingway cat (Polydactyl). Check out those extra digits!

Look at those beautiful patterns of the Ryukyu ken.

The Ryukyu Ken is my favorite dog.

I often find some of the most interesting dogs on my photographic adventures exploring the Island. I try to capture their unique personality.  Below are some of my favorite dogs.

Sometimes on my adventures, I run into aggressive dogs.  They are just protecting their territory.  I respect their space and leave the scene.

 

Sometimes I run into kind photogenic dogs that love their photograph taken.

 My Mission: To Document and Preserve the Wildlife of the Ryukyu Islands

This site is also designed to help people identify the beautiful animals of Okinawa, basically to serve as an online nature reference guide. If you would like to make a contribution to support my mission, please click on the donation link  paypal.me/maketheswitch4nature

Your donations will help conservation initiatives as well as bring solutions to the worldwide pollution issues on our beautiful shorelines.  Thank you for your support, Shawn M Miller.

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