Also known as the Hokkaido Dog, Hokkaidoken, Hokkaïdo, Ainu-Ken, or Ainu Inu, the Ainu Dog is rarely seen outside Japan. The true origin of this breed is unknown, but they came to Japan with the Ainu tribe almost 3000 years ago. The dog became a guardian of the tribe mostly due to their suspicion of strangers and their desire to protect. This breed is thought to have a common ancestor with both the Chow Chow and the Shar Pei because of the black spots on the tongue. This is, however, purely speculation. We do know that the Ainu Dog is proficient at guarding people and property and is useful as a big game hunting dog and a draft animal.
Physically, the Ainu is thin, muscular, sturdy, and strong. This quick dog has a light gait and small ears that stand erect and are at a right angle to the brow. The eyes are small and set triangularly and almost always a deep brown in color. In many associations, eyes other than brown are an immediate disqualification. There are black spots on the tongue of many, but not all Ainu Dogs have this distinct trait. The nose and lips should both be black or a very dark brown. Pink is not acceptable in any association in which the breed is recognized. The coat of the dog should be straight and dense and may come in a variety of colors, including sesame, brindle, wolf gray, red, brown or white.
The Ainu Dog is considered fearless and determined but also well behaved and loyal. These traits make the Ainu attractive as a hunter, guard dog, or watchdog. They are also popular sled dogs due to their strength and muscular legs. As an intelligent breed, the Ainu is quickly trained and excels as a scent dog, making them attractive as tracking hounds. An innate sense of direction allows this dog to find its way home over great distances and has even been known to rescue a lost person from the depths of the woods, guiding them gently to safety.
As a house pet, these dogs are a bit of a paradox. When raised among small children, the Ainu can make the perfect family dog. Introducing an adult Ainu to small children and pets, however, can be fraught with difficulty. They can be stubborn and headstrong and sometimes refuse to accept smaller family members. It is generally recommended that this dog either be raised among children or have no contact with children. The middle ground doesn't seem to work well with this breed.
Standing from 18 to 22 inches tall, this dog is not a very good apartment dog. Their thick coats and active nature generally mean they need a yard. The Ainu can stay outside in most weather due to their thick coat, but in the summer it's important to make sure your Ainu is not overheating. Heat stroke can be a significant problem with this delightful breed.
With moderate exercise this breed can be the perfect companion or working dog. But they do need a strong pack leader. If you're considering the Ainu as an addition to your family, you should certainly be ready to lead.
The Aidi is also known as the Chien de l’Atlas, the Atlas Sheepdog, and the Atlas Mountain Hound. This dog is muscular and lean with ears that are slightly tipped forward. The tail should have a heavy plume and there should be a visible black lip along the mouth. Eyes should be of a medium shape and dark in color, though the specific color will vary. The eyes should also be rimmed with black, almost as if the dog is wearing mascara. The nose should be either black or brown, depending on the coat color. The coat itself should be thick and resistant to most weather. Acceptable colors for the Aidi include black, white, black and white, tawny and pale red.
Originally used as a flock guard dog, the Aidi is highly energetic and bonds easily to its family. Once this bond is established, the Aidi is very protective of its family. These dogs like to have a job, so if they can't guard a flock, consider hunting or trials or even agility (they are agile and alert). Anything to keep the dog occupied. They can also be stubborn and occasionally intractable. This is a powerful breed and is not for everyone. But if you're willing to work with your dog so both of you are kept busy, this might be the breed for you.
Standing from 21 to 24 inches and weighing from 50 to 55 pounds, this dog is not a very good apartment dog. The Aidi needs space to run, so a yard is good. But they also like to jump, so fence your yard with a fence at least 5 feet high. In addition to being allow to roam, these dogs do need daily walks to keep them fit and healthy.
Thought to have originated in the Sahara, this powerful breed has few natural health problems. But you do have to keep them occupied if you want them to stay out of trouble.
The Africanis, also known as the Hottentot Hunting Dog, Hottentot
Dog, African Hunting Dog, Umbwa Wa Ki-Shenzi, Bantu Dog, Khoikhoi Dog, or the Zulu Dog, are loyal and courageous despite their small size (ranging from 25 to 45 kg). They have tremendous stamina, are very playful, and are quite intelligent. If you look at an Africanis in profile, they look almost like the dogs found in Egyptian hieroglyphics, which gives you some idea of how old the breed is. This dog is one of only two domestic breeds indigenous to Africa (the other one being the Rhodesia Ridgeback).
Though not yet recognized around the world as its own breed, the Africanis Society of Southern Africa is working to conserve the Africanis. However, they are more concerned with preserving it as a landrace (a species that has developed mostly by natural processes with little or no human intervention). Developing it as a breed is not a priority. But since the Kennel Union of South Africa (KUSA) recognizes it as an emerging breed, it may well one day be recognized worldwide.
The Africanis has a short coat and is considered a medium-sized dog. They are well muscled and are actually a little longer than they are tall. They can be of any color and even occasionally have a ridgeback. They are beautiful and simply constructed dogs. They are slender, agile, supple, fast, and designed to hunt on the African plains.
Often considered independent and highly territorial, the Africanis is highly trainable and intelligent. They are friendly without being truly intrusive and they make wonderful watchdogs as they bond to their family and have a great desire to protect. They are naturally submissive, which makes them a great family pet, even for families with young children.
One of the greatest benefits of the Africanis as a breed is that it requires little in the way of special treatment. These dogs don't need a special diet and they don't suffer from any real genetic difficulties. They are a strong breed with a natural resistance to parasites and other infestations.
The Africanis is sweet tempered and loving. Both the males and females make great house pets and will steal your heart with their luminous eyes.
Hot spots, more accurately known as acute moist dermatitis, are horribly uncomfortable for dogs, and can sometimes even be dangerous. These spots are inflamed and infected areas of the skin, and due to frequent scratching and licking, they can spread quickly. While this can affect any dog, some are more prone to hot spots than others, especially those dogs that tend to lick at one spot repeatedly. Luckily, hot spots are fairly easy to treat with a little patience, and occasionally some assistance.
Hot spots can be caused by dust mites, fleas, allergies, excess moisture, or simply from licking and biting at a specific area frequently. If a dog is experiencing areas of redness, oozing, itchiness, and even hair loss, then this dog likely has hot spots. These spots will be sensitive and painful, and may affect a dog’s attitude. Dogs with hot spots may be prone to biting or other forms of aggression. For these any other reasons, hot spots should be treated immediately.
The first step in treating hot spots is to trim the hair away from the infected area. This should be done carefully as to not alarm the dog, but you must ensure that you trim away as much hair as is possible. Exposing hot spots to air will help to dry them out and speed the healing process. The area should be cleansed with a mild water-based astringent or antiseptic. If neither of these are on hand, a mild baby shampoo can also be used. Never use rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide on a hot spot, as the dog may be startled by the pain and bite. Pat the area dry, but do not rub to avoid irritating the damaged flesh any further.
To stop the itching and speed healing, a hydrocortisone spray or lotion might prove useful. It is possible to use Benadryl Itch Stopping Cream or another similar product for temporary relief of inflammation and itching, but this should be discussed with a qualified veterinarian before use. Never use a product designed for humans on a dog without speaking to a veterinarian first.
The dog should not be allowed to lick or scratch the hot spot. If necessary, use a plastic cone or Elizabethan collar to keep the dog from causing further damage to the infected area. Observe the area carefully, and if it worsens or spreads, take the dog to the veterinarian as soon as is possible. A vet can, if necessary, prescribe a topical medication such as an antifungal spray to speed the healing process. Oral medications are also an option, and some veterinarians give cortisone injections to get the healing started.
Hot spots can be very painful, so be careful when treating a dog for this condition. If there is no visible improvement in hotspots after five days of treatment, take the dog to a veterinarian, even if you think the problem is under control, as there may be a deeper skin infection involved. Only a veterinarian can assess the severity of any possible infections.
With patience and care, hot spots can be easily treated. Once the pain and irritation have been relieved, the dog will feel considerably better and should return to being a loving companion.
