re: Karelian Bear Dog. One bad pooch

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German Shepherds are the total package. They are extremely intelligent, have a high motor, eager to please, generally good natured, loyal and highly trainable. The force of their bite is rated in the top 5 of all breeds. Please name a breed more physically and mentally capable...

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Japanese history, both verbal and written, describe the ancestors of the Akita, the Matagi dog (Japanese:????)(hunting dog, Bear hunting dog, Deer hunting dog),[12] as one of the oldest of the native dogs. Today's Akita developed primarily from dogs in the northernmost region of the island of Honshu in the Akita prefecture, thus providing the breed's name.[12] The Matagi's quarry included wild boar, Sika deer, and Asian black bear.[citation needed] This precursor dog tracked large game, holding it at bay until hunters arrived to make the kill. The breed is also influenced by crosses with larger breeds from Asia and Europe, including English Mastiffs,[citation needed] Great Danes,[12] St. Bernards,[12] and the Tosa Inu,[12] in the desire to develop a fighting dog for the burgeoning dog fighting industry in Odate in the early 20th century.

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