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Ainu Dog |
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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.
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