Ryukyu Inu vs Northern Inuit Dog - Breed Comparison

The Ryukyu Inu is a medium-sized dog that comes from Okinawa, Japan.

It’s a dog that is fairly rare having been used to track boar. There isn’t much information on the dog’s history but after its numbers declined after World War II, there was an urge in the 1980s to save the breed.

The dog isn’t recognized by any major Kennel Clubs.

Looking at the beautiful Northern Inuit Dog, you’ll think that this crossbred dog is a wolf.

As with many other dogs, there are sometimes different stories regarding their history. It was in the 1980's that founder of the breed, Eddie Harrison, bred a number of mixed-breed rescue dogs with Siberian Huskies, German Shepherds and Alaskan Malamutes to produce the early Northern Inuit dogs. This is a dog that closely resembled a wolf in looks but which has the more companionable characteristics of the domesticated dog.

The dog is only recognized by its own independent breed club, but by none of the other major kennel clubs.

Japanese dog breeds end with the word ‘Inu’ or ‘Ken’ . It means ‘dog’.

The medium sized Ryukyu Inu stands at between 46 to 50cm in height and weighs between 15 to 25kg. He has a black nose, dark brown eyes and erect ears. The tail is long and curls over the back.

The dog’s coat is short and you get the single- and double coated varieties. The coat can be brindle, red, white, liver or black. Some of the dogs have tiger-like stripes in the coat. People are amazed at these dogs as they have incredible climbing abilities and are even capable of climbing a tree.

Temperament:

These dogs are quiet, unobtrusive dogs. The Ryukyu Inu looks very much like a wild dog, which gives the impression of being un-trainable and ferocious but they are easily trained and make splendid pets.

Many people who have had them as pets say they would choose this dog over and over again. They are brave too and get on well with children or pets in the home. They don’t look for trouble, and their kind, stable natures make them excellent therapy dogs.

They’re intelligent dogs and will require plenty of mental and physical stimulation. They will also need to be trained and socialized as they are confident, strong-willed dogs who might not obey you if left to do what they want.

Friendly, calm and gentle, the Northern Inuit Dog is a crossbreed, described as a medium to large sized dog that stands at roughly 58– 81cm in height, male and female, and weighs in the region of 25–48kg.

He has a double coat in typical wolf shades of grey, white, black and cream. He is regarded as a moderate shedder. The ears are erect, the face bright, intelligent and alert and the tail long, bushy and straight.

Temperament:

The Northern Inuit dog is independent, strong-willed and stubborn, and if you want to own one of these dogs, your dog will respond well if you are firm, fair, strong, kind and consistent. This is because the dog is stubborn, sharp, independent and intelligent.

The owner of such a dog must be a firm leader. Training and socialization should start when the dog is still young. He is good with kids, being playful and affectionate with them.

This dog has always been a hunting dog so he will want to have his fair share of good exercise – long walks as well as ball and rope games.

He makes a splendid pet because he has an amicable nature wanting to please. He is quiet, loving and loyal, and with such a dog in your home and heart, you just keep discovering what a wonderful pet this 4-legged friend can be.

It’s not surprising that people who love wolves would want a similar looking pet. However, they also want this wolf-like dog to be a friend and companion. This is precisely what they get with the beautiful Northern Inuit dog.

With his bright, alert face, the Inuit is actually a calm, gentle dog, bonding closely with his human family and not showing any aggression.

Intelligent and social, and somewhat stubborn, when you provide him with the home he deserves, you’ll see that this beautiful creature can be relied on to be a wonderful family pet.

These Japanese dogs are thought to be fairly healthy dogs, but like with most other dogs, you would need to be aware of hip dysplasia, bloat, caner and hypothyroidism.

The Ryukyu Inu, with its 10 to 12 years lifespan, will be prone to minor ailments, but with good care he is not likely to succumb to any of them.

Cataract:

Cataracts have a number of causes in dogs. This disease of the eye can occur at any age, and can develop over weeks or even years.

Cataracts can occur in just one eye or both eyes and a disease such as diabetes can bring on a cataract.

Good nutrition is important for a dog to build a strong immune system, and nutritional supplementation can certainly help to enhance lens health. Cataract surgery can be performed to remove the cataracts.

There are some genetic problems with this dog breed, although with good care, you are highly unlikely to see your dog with them.

Some of these are hip dysplasia and epilepsy.

Hip Dysplasia:

Hips are always a worrisome aspect with dogs as it can bring on lameness. There are some things that can be done to reduce the incidence of hip dysplasia.

Joint laxity in dogs occurs when the head of the femur doesn’t fit into the acetabulum properly. This could be the result of several things such as the dog being overweight, injury or something else.

Epilepsy:

Epilepsy in dogs is a chronic condition that results in seizures. This neurological disorder is actually a life-long disease, occurring when there is abnormal electrical activity in the brain and which changes a dog’s behavior.

Some breeds are more predisposed to epilepsy than others but you will need to get your dog to the vet when you see your pet jerking uncontrollably. Most of these epileptic fits happen without warning, they last a few seconds to a minute or so and stop on their own.

The coat of the Ryukya Inu requires brushing twice a week to remove loose hairs. At the same time check your dog over for new lumps and check inside his mouth for bad teeth. Bad teeth can cause lots of pain and toxins within the body. You can also choose to have the teeth seen to and cleaned by your vet.

Provide him with his own warm, dry place to sleep.

Provide him with top quality food. There are some excellent commercially manufactured foods on the market that make a point of ensuring good ingredients in them. Your Ryukya Inu needs good food to ensure longevity and health.

Try to include some home-made food for him which can be simply mixed into the dry kibble twice a week. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots is super tasty and nutritious. This food can all be chopped up, refrigerated and added warmed up and in small portions to your pets dry kibble once or twice a week. Your dog will love it.

Ensure there is always a bowl of fresh, cool water within his reach.

Have him neutered or spayed if you aren’t wanting puppies.

Keep his vaccines up to date against some deadly canine diseases.

Get him to the vet when he is injured, in pain or sick.

It’s no longer cheap caring for a dog – just like with a child, by bringing a dog into your home, you have a responsibility to care for it.

If you bring a puppy into your home, you will need to feed him 4x a day. If you feed him commercially manufactured food it will need to be specially formulated for puppies. You will have to read on the packaging to make sure you get the right food.

Later on your pet can start having one or two meals a day. Two smaller meals is best as then he doesn’t gobble up his food too fast which can lead to a life-threatening condition known as bloat. Home-made food is always a welcome treat for your pet, but keep it simple and consistent. Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and some cooked vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes and spinach chopped up and added to his dry kibble can offer him some variety from time to time as well as also adding in some raw meat when you get the chance. He must always have access to fresh, cool water.

Your puppy will be due at the vet for his first vaccinations. Your puppy's first vaccination will usually be at about 8 weeks of age.

Your new pet will require a warm, dry, comfortable place to sleep and to retreat to.

You will need to provide him with chewy toys to stimulate him both mentally and physically.

You will need to exercise your pet – nice long walks, ball- and rope games etc.

Nearly every dog sheds, and the Northern Inuit will require you brushing him twice a week to remove all those loose hairs. During the brushing session, check him over for fleas and ticks and run your hands over him and make sure there are no unusual lumps on his body.