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Rescue an Ainu
Dog
Ainu Dog Puppies
for Sale
Ainu Dog
(Hokkaido Dog) (Hokkaidoken) (Hokkaďdo) (Ainu-Ken) (Ainu Inu)
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Description |
The Ainu Dog is a thin, muscular, sturdy-looking
dog. It is impulsive and fast and has a light gait. Ainu's have small, erect
ears that are at a right angle to the brow. Its eyes are somewhat small, dark
brown and set triangularly. The teeth are healthy, solid and non-protruding.
Some have spots of black on their tongues. The bridge is straight leading to its
dark nose. The well-fitted lips have dark pigmentation. The tail curls in
typical Spitz fashion. The Forelegs are straight and lean and the hindquarters
are covered with a double coat. The harsh, straight coat colors come in sesame,
brindle, wolf gray, red, brown or white. |
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Temperament |
The Ainu Dog's character is packed full of
desirable qualities. He has proven a fearless and determined hunter, watchdog,
guard and defender, and at the same time a loyal and well-behaved dog. They have
also been used as sled dogs and scenting hounds and can be trained for defense.
It is intelligent and quickly trained. This large game hunter is extremely
courageous for its size, willing to attack a 650 pound bear! Yet it is
still gentle, obedient and home-loving. It has an innate sense of
direction and can therefore return to its master no matter how great the
distance. This is a typical Shika-Inu, or medium-sized dog. If it's owners do not display true pack leader qualities they can become headstrong,
stubborn, and aggressive with other dogs. They need an owner who understands what it means to be a leader and the differences between human and canine.
Despite its long history as a working breed, the Ainu Dog ideally combines the
roles of family pet and hunter. This breed should not be allowed to run free
around other animals. They are good with children if they are raised with them
from puppyhood. Children should be taught how to display leadership skills, and the dog should be taught to respect the child. |
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Height, Weight |
Height: 18-22 inches (46-56 cm.)
Weight: 45-65 pounds (20-30 kg.) |
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Health Problems |
- |
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Living Conditions |
The Ainu Dog is not recommended for apartment
life. It is moderately active indoors and will do best with a large yard. They
can live outdoors - for their warm coats protect them from the cold. |
| Exercise |
The Ainu needs moderate but regular exercise to
stay in shape. It should be taken for
long daily walks. |
Life Expectancy |
About 11-13 years. |
| Grooming |
The harsh, straight, double coat of the Ainu Dog
should be brushed and combed on a regular basis. |
Origin |
The Ainu Dog is a Japanese Spitz breed rarely seen
outside the country of Japan. The dog was named after the Ainu tribe. Origin is
unknown. They arrived in Japan over 3,000 years ago when the Ainu brought this
Spitz-type dog with them. As the Ainu were pushed onto the island of Hokkaido by
an influx of Japanese people, their dogs gradually became restricted to this
island. The dog's ever alert and suspicious nature lent itself to the required
role of village guardian. Their dog has changed little over the centuries. The
Ainu Dog is probably the oldest of the Japanese breeds. It was later named the
Hokkaido Dog, but is still better known as the Ainu Dog; indeed it is registered
with the FCI under that name. Many Ainu Dogs have blue-black tongues, a physical
trait that suggests a distant relationship with the similarly tongued Chow
Chow and Shar Pei. Through the active work of the
Society For The Preservation of Japanese Breeds, the Ainu Dog was designated a
Japanese Natural Monument in 1937. The Ainu Dog has always distinguished itself
in big-game hunting (especially bears), in guarding property, and as a draft
animal. |
Group |
Northern |
Recognition |
FCI, NKC, CKC, APRI, ACR |
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FCI = Fédération
Cynologique Internationale
NKC = National
Kennel Club
CKC = Continental
Kennel Club
APRI = American Pet Registry Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry |
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