Ainu Dog

The Ainu dog is a spitz-type breed that originated in Japan and is also commonly referred to as the Hokkaido, Seta and the Do-Ken. This is a working dog that is most known for its bravery and loyalty. While Ainu dogs are great with children, they are not recommended for households that have other types of pets. Ainu dogs were appropriately named after the Ainu tribe in Japan. They made their first appearance more than 3,000 years ago when the Ainu tribe brought them to the country. After some time, the tribe settled on the island of Hokkaido, and the breed was then commonly referred to as Hokkaidos. While most Ainus were used for protection purposes, some were also used as draft animals, search and rescue dogs and to help hunt down bears. It is thought that Ainu dogs are the oldest Japanese breeds and may be related to such other breeds as Shar Peis and Chow Chows.

Ainu dogs are medium-sized canines that typically weigh between 45 and 65 pounds full grown. They have short, harsh hair that can comes in a variety of colors including brown, red, white, gray and brindle. Some have black spots on their tongues, and they are most known for their curled tails and small, triangular ears.

Personality

Ainu dogs are loyal and brave canines that will fearlessly protect their human families. They are also highly intelligent and can be quite gentle when trained properly. Since they are active dogs, if you choose an Ainu dog as a pet, you will need to provide it with a lot of exercise and space to roam. While Ainu dogs were originally bred for protection purposes and to hunt down bears, they can be extremely gentle and loyal pets. These spitz-type dogs make great family pets; however, they need owners who are willing to offer them plenty of exercise and room to run and play.

Breed Characteristics

Ainu Dog Build Information

Ainu dogs are medium-sized canines that typically weigh between 45 and 65 pounds full grown. They have a double coat that is long and stiff on the outside and short and soft on the inside it that can come in a variety of colors including brown, red, white, gray and brindle. Some have black spots on their tongues, and they are most known for their curled tails and small, triangular ears.

Behaviour and Personality

Ainu dogs are loyal and brave canines that will fearlessly protect their human families. They are also highly intelligent and can be quite gentle when trained properly. Since they are active dogs, if you choose an Ainu dog as a pet, you will need to provide it with a lot of exercise and space to roam. While Ainu dogs were originally bred for protection purposes and to hunt down bears, they can be extremely gentle and loyal pets. These spitz-type dogs make great family pets; however, they need owners who are willing to offer them plenty of exercise and room to run and play.

Appearance

The Ainu dog will only need a bath about once per month unless it becomes particularly dirty. However, you will want to brush your Ainu regularly, especially during shedding seasons. Additionally, you should trim your Ainu dog's nails regularly and check its ears for any excessive wax about twice a month.

Ainu Dog Common Health Conditions

Ainu dogs are quite hardy and currently, there are no health issues associated with the breed. Nevertheless, you need to make sure that you keep your Ainu's vaccinations current and schedule regular veterinary checkups. When taken care of properly, an Ainu can live as long as 14 years old.

Ainu Dog Pet Insurance

When adding a dog or cat to your family you want to make sure your pet is happy, healthy and protected. During its lifetime your pet is exposed to many illnesses and diseases and some breeds are affected by a congenital disease which is a condition existing at birth. At these moments when your pet is ill or maybe needs surgery, you want to be protected for the unexpected and high veterinarian costs.

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Breed Talents and Facts

In 1937, the Ainu dog was designated as a rare breed protected by law in Japan. An Ainu dog by the name of Kai-kun starred in many Japan commercials for the SoftBank Telecom Company.