Hokkaido Dog Info And Characteristics

The Hokkaido Dog (Hokkaido Inu) or Ainu Dog (Ainu Inu) is a Spitz type working dog originating from the Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan. Some experts believe that this is probably the oldest (more than 3.000 years) and most primitive of all Japanese breeds – even older than the Kai Ken, but that is up for debate. Ainu Ken is the descendant of ancient Japanese hunting dogs (Matagi-Ken) that were brought from the Tōhoku region (Honshu Island) by the Ainu people (thus the name Ainu Dog) sometime during the Jōmon period. There, in the isolation of the Hokkaido Island, the genetic pool of these dogs left relatively pure and safe from interbreeding with dogs of another breed that were later brought to the Tōhoku region by the Yayoi people. Many Ainu Dogs have blue-black tongues, which suggests that they are of the same origin as the Chow Chow and Shar Pei dogs. In 1937, the breed was designated a Living Natural Monument in its native country. Since then it has been protected by law. The Hokkaido Dog was recognized by the FCI on a definitive basis in 1964 and belongs to the group 5: Asian Spitz and Related Breeds in the class of primitive dogs. Continue Reading →

Kai Ken Dog Breed Info And Characteristics

The Kai Ken or Tora Inu (Tiger Dog) is a Spitz type hunting dog that originated in the isolated district of Kai (Yamanashi Prefecture) on Honshu Island, Japan. Experts believe that this is the purest and most ancient of all dog breeds in Japan. Tora Inu is the descendant of ancient Japanese dogs that were brought to Kai by the Jōmon or Yayoi peoples around 12.000 BC. There the breed left isolated for centuries thanks to the high mountains that surround the Yamanshi. That is, in fact, the main reason Kai Dogs bloodline remained relatively pure to this very day, but is also the main reason they have always been rare even in their native country. So, the preservation of the Kai breed begun in 1931 when Dasuke Adachi discovered for the first time these dogs in Ashiyasu village (now part of the city of Minami-Alps). Thanks to him, in 1934, Kai Ken Dog was designated a Natural Monument in Japan and since then it has been protected by law. Since 1982, it has been included on a definitive basis by the FCI in the group 5: Asian Spitz and Related Breeds in the class of primitive dogs. Continue Reading →

Korean Jindo Dog Breed Info And Characteristics

The Korean Jindo Dog (Jindogae) or Chindo is a Spitz type hunting dog that originated on Jindo Island, South Korea. We know with certainty that Jindos existed on this Island for centuries, but the way in which they got there remains a mystery. However, there are few theories about the actual origin of this breed, but scientists still cannot precisely determine which one of them is correct. According to the first theory, Jindos evolved from dogs that ended up on this Korean Island after the Chinese ship had a shipwreck off its coast. This accident happened at the time of the Song Dynasty (960-1279). Second theory tells that Chindos are in fact descendants of dogs that were imported from Mongolia around 1400 to be guardians at the national ranch located in the Jindo County. Continue Reading →

Ten Most Interesting Chow Chow Facts

The Chow Chow is a distinctive-looking companion dog originating from northern China, where it is also known as Sōng Shī Quǎn (Fluffy Lion Dog), Lang Gou (Wolf Dog) and Xiong Gou (Bear Dog). This lovely canine will charm you with its fluffy appearance like a teddy bear, its panda-like sluggishness, flattened and rounded face with the cute appeal of a puffball, cat-like personality, and its lovely snore. This is a naturally aloof, reserved and stubborn dog that is well known after its couch potato lifestyle. He makes an good family companion that is very affectionate and loyal to all members of the household. However, the Chow Chow can be also aggressively protective of its owner and property to the point he would actually attack and even bite a stranger. This is the reason it is very important to socialize your dog as soon as possible. Being primarily an indoors companion, it is perfectly clear that this is not an excessively active dog, but that doesn’t mean he is some calm cuddly pet. On the contrary, the Chow Chow can be very unpredictable and intolerant if annoyed or abused. That’s why this dog is not recommended for families with small children unless they’re raised together. On the bright side, Chow is usually friendly with cats and other dogs since its hunting instincts are not so strong. With that being said, it’s time to take a look at ten most interesting Chow Chow facts. Continue Reading →

American Akita Breed Info And Characteristics

The American Akita or Great Japanese Dog is a powerful Spitz type hound originating from Japan, not the USA as its widely accepted name suggests. This is actually quite a young breed that was developed from Akita Inu dogs after the World War II. At that time, Japan was under occupation of the USA and US servicemen were regularly sent on tour in that land. Some of those soldiers fell in love with these noble Japanese dogs and had brought them back home in America. Of course, they were more impressed with larger and stronger dogs with good guarding abilities, which is the reason this Akita is a bit larger and heavier than the Japanese version. So, the Japanese Akita and this American Akita are in fact the same dogs with only a few differences, which I’ll go through later in the text. That is why both of these breeds are by the FCI included in the Asian Spitz And Related Breeds group in the class of primitive dogs. Continue Reading →