Ainu Dog - Facts, Characteristics & Temperament

Ainu dogs are the oldest breed of dog in the world. They originated from the mountainous region of Hokkaido Island. The Ainu Dog is a Japanese Spitz breed.They are rarely seen outside the country of Japan.

Reports have shown that about 3000 years ago these animals were descended from the usual dogs. These dogs were medium sized and had arrived on the island along with others from the mainland. The dog was named Ainu after the name of tribe Ainu tribe.

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The Ainu are thought to have kept these dogs from the beginning and they respect them in the same way as other human beings.The Ainu Dog is probably the oldest of the Japanese breeds.It is observed that due to cross breeding the characteristics of the Ainu dogs have changed a little over the years but still this breed is said to have a very wild streak.

Appearance

The Ainu dog is a lean, muscular breed. They are normal sized i.e. neither too tall nor too short and has tiny, triangular, erect ears. They are impulsive, fast and have a uniqueway of walking.The tiny eyes have a prominent triangular outline.

Colours include black, tiger,red, sesame,and white, wolf-gray. The Ainu dog is recognized for its intimidating look, characterized by small dark brown eyes, a wide head, and a pointed muzzle.

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Their ears are relatively small and sharply pointed. The forelegs are straight and lean.Thisgives them a more active and energetic look. Its tongue is found to be withnumerous black spots and is hence said to have a genetic connection with the Chow Chow.

Chow chow is a smaller species of domestic dog found in china.Male dogs are generally 50 cm in height. On the other hand, the females are a few centimetres shorter. Body mass is in the range of 20 kg. The lifetime of Ainu dog is about 15 years.

Ainu Dog Diet

The Ainu, with the help of Ainu dogs hunt salmon, bear and dear. These dogs were fed on meat of these animals. Now a days they are kept as pet. They are given a total of 200-400 grams of dry-dog-food per day. It is divided into 2-4 feedings a day. Food involves fish, meat and other dog foods. The adult dog is provided 300 grams of dry-dog food every day. They tend to get thirsty frequently and drink water often.

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Breeding

One of the most common breeds is the Hokkaido. Its alternative names are Ainu-ken and Seta apart from Ainu dog. The Ainu Dogs were initially originally bred by the nativehunters. They help them in catching food, and provide protection against large animals. Although the Ainu Dog has a long history as a working breed, today it serves as both a family companion and a hunter, thanks to its alert and exceptionally brave temperament.

Predators

In ecology, predator is an organism that feeds on the prey that it hunts. Ainu dog serves as a good home guard along with it they are quite good hunters. The Ainu people brought this his Spitz-type dog with them about 3000 years ago.

They help them to catch salmon, hunt deer and to protect them from large animals. Apart from can hunting bear and dear, they can hunt cicadas, mice, birds, snakes, and cats in the backyard. Sometimes they hunt for fun purpose. At that time they don’t eat the prey.

Life Cycles & Lifestyle

The Ainu Dog typically lives up to 15 years and generally experiences few genetic health problems. On average, a female Ainu Dog will have about 7 puppies per litter. They are born both blind and with hardly any fur. From the end of first month itself, these dogs become able to stand up themselves and have a history of growing up rapidly.

Ainu dogs should not be let loose around other animals, as they may not interact well. However, they tend to get along with children if they are raised together from a young age. This breed is not suited for apartment living and prefers a moderately active environment indoors.

Ainu Dog Facts

The dog is named as Ainu for its courage nature. They are capable of confronting bears much larger than themselves to safeguard their owner. Today, they can be found in households in some parts of Europe and America. The Ainu Dog are considered a cherished national breed by the Japanese people. In 1937 Hokkaido-Ken was declared as the official name of the Ainu dog.The breed typically remains healthy and there are no known health issues.

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Habitat

Dogs of this breed are found to be very faithful to their owners. They have a great sense and experience of choosing the right direction and so they can return to the owner, no matter how far the distance may be. The Ainu dog can withstand in cold and even in snow fall.

Ainu dogs have a double coat of thick fur to protect them from in extreme climate. The characteristic are by cross breeding, so that they can survive in any climatic condition.

Images, Pics, Pictures and Photos of Ainu Dog :

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Behaviour

The Ainu Dog is also known to howl.They are exceptionally energetic dogs. They are good hunters. In addition to their hunting abilities, they can thrive with children if they are raised alongside them from a young age. They are smart, alert and more suspicious dogs. They are faithful to their owner. The dogs need exercise, so let them run in the backyard.

They should be kept in good shape as they have grown in colder areas. They have poor appetite during the daytime due to heat. They get a bit annoyed if they tied for more hours.Use a soft and strong collar, as hard collar itches.They should be properly trained to obey their master.

Ainu dogs are faithful and obedient when they are kept as pet.They are well known for being sanitary and exceptionally clean. Their size is quite contrary to their physical abilities and activities as these were previously used as reliable hunters by the Japanese.

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