Dog Day Afternoon

Not much has changed about my perverse infatuation with other people's dogs. Living in a first world country, Japanese have the luxury of owning and caring for dogs in the same way as those  in the US. Much like San Francisco, people enjoy parading around with their canine companions, showing just what kind of owner they are. With true obsession comes astute observation, and I've been able to summarize the top 5 most popular dog breeds in Japan.

 Shiba Inu

 A native Japanese breed that trots with the pomp and pride of its recent internet acclaim via Puppy Cam. My favorite feature: the swirled tail covered in what looks like the softest of fuzz.

Long haired Dachshund

As a smaller breed, they seem suitable for Japanese-style living, especially in the confines of a bicycle basket, where I often see them nudging their miniature paws over the edge with a sophisticated schnoz pointing ahead. Those stubby little nubbin legs wont take them far, especially in this heat. 
Toy Poodle

I've never cared much for the poodle breed or any mix conceived of a similar likeness. But, Japanese have adroitly pinpointed the most attractive ones sporting the delicious coffee-colored coat with a hint of auburn swirled in. Most of the poodles I've noticed are also well-groomed, which is crucial for the breed since most of their existence lies in their aesthetics. 
Welsh Corgi

With it's wobbly saunter and oversized headdress, this goofy pooch seems to make the perfect park side companion for the Japanese. It could be the exaggerated features or disproportion that makes it so tenderly loved in this country. 

Golden Retriever

A western classic. A dog that needs no introduction. Unless a pup, I would never look twice at a retriever in the states because they are a dime a dozen among white, upper-middle class families, so the breed has almost become cliche for this socio-economic demographic. However, here in Japan, I almost feel a certain nostalgia for American prairies and the urge to watch Homeward Bound.