Ainu Dog Breed
(a.k.a. Hokkaido)

Japan

The Ainu is one of the smallest Japanese Pomeranian breeds, however, not the smallest: the Shiba, for example, it is approximately 2.5 cm smaller and it does not have such a dense coat as the Ainu. Its name comes from the island Hokkaido, where the inhabitants primitively bred its own variety of Pomeranian dogs. In many places, this breed is still known by the name of the island. The Ainu is used for hunting and as watchdogs, but it is rarely seen outside of Japan. It is considered easy to train; likewise, it is good tempered.

It gives the impression of a strong, robust dog, however, it is agile. The front legs are much more developed and are stronger than the rest of its body. Its head is big, with stiff ears quite characteristic of the Pomeranian dog and its slanted oriental eyes. It has a thick tail, which it carries over its loins like sable or slightly curled.

The color may be red, white, black and cinnamon, salt and pepper with grey, red or black tones. Its height at withers is from 41-50 cm long for male dogs, and proportionally smaller for female dogs.