Trying to identify this dog, it's definately a japanese somethingorother so I've been told. Its got a brown chocolatey velvet looking coat, but not too long, short nosed and brown eyed. Anyone any ideas?

Dee

Shiba Inu?

That was my first thought, Do Shiba's or Akitas' have chocolate coloured coats?

Kai Ken?

Nope. Just looking at gotdogsonline, loads of pictures! It could be a chow chow? OOh I hate it when I see a dog but I don't know the breed :)

Roughly how big a dog? ;)

roughly the size of an akita. He's got three of them and they are all about the same size.

Chows originated in China as palace guard dogs, they're not japanese, I grew up with one.

Chows have purple tongues and a tail that sits on their backs......... very stocky with short prick ears, don't suppose this helps, but it might eliminate or confirm the breed for you :P

Tosa? 

Hope not in britain

The Tosa is a Mastiff type I believe

Have a look here

don't think its a tosa - they have smooth coats