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Description

The Ainu Dog is a thin, muscular, sturdy-lookingdog. It is impulsive and fast and has a light gait. Ainu's have small, erectears that are at a right angle to the brow. Its eyes are somewhat small, darkbrown 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 itsdark nose. The well-fitted lips have dark pigmentation. The tail curls intypical Spitz fashion. The Forelegs are straight and lean and the hindquartersare covered with a double coat. The harsh, straight coat colors come in sesame,brindle, wolf gray, red, brown or white.

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 and/or properly socialized. Children should be taught how to display leadership skills, and the dog should be taught to respect the child.

Height, Weight

18-22 inches (46-56 cm.)
45-65 pounds (20-30 kg.)

Living Conditions

The Ainu Dog is not recommended for apartmentlife. It is moderately active indoors and will do best with a large yard. Theycan live outdoors - for their warm coats protect them from the cold.

Exercise

The Ainu needs moderate but regular exercise tostay in shape. It should be taken forlong daily walks.

Life Expectancy

About 11-13 years.

Grooming

The harsh, straight, double coat of the Ainu Dogshould be brushed and combed on a regular basis.

Origin

The Ainu Dog is a Japanese Spitz breed rarely seenoutside the country of Japan. The dog was named after the Ainu tribe. Origin isunknown. They arrived in Japan over 3,000 years ago when the Ainu brought thisSpitz-type dog with them. As the Ainu were pushed onto the island of Hokkaido byan influx of Japanese people, their dogs gradually became restricted to thisisland. The dog's ever alert and suspicious nature lent itself to the requiredrole of village guardian. Their dog has changed little over the centuries. TheAinu Dog is probably the oldest of the Japanese breeds. It was later named theHokkaido Dog, but is still better known as the Ainu Dog; indeed it is registeredwith the FCI under that name. Many Ainu Dogs have blue-black tongues, a physicaltrait that suggests a distant relationship with the similarly tongued ChowChow and Shar Pei. Through the active work of theSociety For The Preservation of Japanese Breeds, the Ainu Dog was designated aJapanese Natural Monument in 1937. The Ainu Dog has always distinguished itselfin big-game hunting (especially bears), in guarding property, and as a draftanimal.