Ainu Dog
When the Ainu tribe arrived in Japan nearly 3,000 years ago, they had dogs of Nordic type with them, and these became the Ainu Dog. The Ainus were an ancient people who migrated to and were the first settlers in Japan, ten centuries before Christ. They were a white race of unknown origin, and at one time lived on all the islands of Japan.
The Ainus were slowly pushed out over the centuries by the influx of Yamato (Japanese) people and now live only in their own settlements on the northernmost island of Hokkaido. (They live in their own groups, with their own separate and quite primitive culture.) Their dog has changed little over the centuries. The Ainu Dog is probably the oldest of the Japanese breeds and may have been altered somewhat through crosses with matagi dogs.
The Ainu Dog is known for its strength and was a draft dog originally, but is used today for hunting and guarding. The Ainu Dog is extremely courageous for his size, willingly attacking a 650-pound bear. He is generally kept in the home.
As is common with most of the Japanese breeds, the Ainu Dog is clean and mannerly yet quite ready to warn of danger. As a working dog for so long, he tends to be a bit coarser and more primitive than the other Japanese breeds. His character is sharp and fearless. He also differs by having smaller ears, a broader head and a fiercer expression. Also of interest is that, although not particularly desired, these dogs occasionally have the black tongue. This may hint at ties to the Chow Chow and mainland China. If loved and cared for, he is said to be obedient to his master and an irreplaceable friend.
COUNTRY: Japan
HEIGHT: 18V2-21V2 inches
COAT: Moderately short, thick, stand-off, with undercoat
COLOR: Sesame, brindle, wolf gray, red, brown or white
OTHER NAMES: Hokkaido Dog, Ainu-Ken
REGISTRY: FCI
GROUP: Northern
HEIGHT: 18V2-21V2 inches
COAT: Moderately short, thick, stand-off, with undercoat
COLOR: Sesame, brindle, wolf gray, red, brown or white
OTHER NAMES: Hokkaido Dog, Ainu-Ken
REGISTRY: FCI
GROUP: Northern