Ainu Dogs, aka Hokkaido Inus

The Ainu people, said to be the aboriginals of Japan, brought this spitz type breed to Japan about 3000 years ago. The Ainu were driven on to the island of Hokkaido by the Japanese, where the breed continued to develop. They are sometimes referred to as Hokkaido Inu; inu meaning "dog." They are registered with FCI as Ainu Dogs. It is probably Japan's oldest breed.

Ainu dogs were used to hunt & attack large animals like bears. Because of their attack instinct, they should be trained from an early age not to attack larger dogs! Ainus need an owner that can dominate the dog. Children should be carefully supervised and taught to respect the dog. The dogs' good sense of direction & homing instinct made them excellent scent hunters, with the ability to follow the trail of another animal without getting lost.

Hokkaido is the most northern of the string of islands that comprise Japan. Much of Hokkaido is still untamed wilderness & national parks which are home to bears. There are lakes, mountains, volcanoes, hot streams, but it's cold enough for snow, and skiing is popular.

Ainus have also been used to pull sleds over the snow. Because of their working background, they are eager to learn and do well with training. They make good guard dogs.

Ears stand erect. Tongue sometimes has patches of dark pigmentation, reminiscent of Chow-chows & Shar-peis.

Coat - brown, grey, brindle, white or sesame. The coat is harsh with a double coat on hindlegs. The coat is sufficient to keep the dog warm in cold weather, so they enjoy living outdoors. Exercise is essential.

Ainus are medium sized dogs. Height at shoulder: 18 - 22" 46 - 56 cm. Weight: 45 - 65 lbs, 20 - 30 kg.

It's a brave dog that will stand up to a bear! A bear is a fearsome sight, as David will testify. David was employed to guard his father's livestock from bears. He had some close encounters, but always remembered that God was on his side if he led a God-fearing life. The memory of the bears gave him courage when he stood up to his enemy, a Philistine attacker. He said, "The God who delivered me from the paw of the bear, will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine." 1 Samuel, 17. 37