Mutt Maker

Now you can create your own breed at Animal Planet's Mutt Maker Game. Sadly there is not way to make a Ninja Dog. Oh well. Their loss.

Springtime for Ninjas

The spring is not usually an ideal time for Japanese Ninja Dogs. The breed suffers from allergies to pollen and spend much of the season wheezing and sneezing. So far this season, the allergen content of the air seems to be low and this particular Ninja Dog was able to enjoy a nice Memorial Day with his humans as a result.

But spring also means more shedding than usual for the dogs. Because of its double coat, the breed sheds year-round, but when warmer weather arrives, the shedding kicks into high gear. Enough fur comes off in one brushing to cause little tumbleweeds in the yard for weeks to come. While Ninja Dogs, because of their even temperament, fierce loyalty and love of children and other animals, are ideal indoor companions, the shedding creates a need for constant vacuuming and cleaning. Obviously, for those with dog allergies the breed is not a good choice.

Step 2: Get show name

My name is Roland. At least that's what I'm called. I am also called Ro or Ro-Ro or Ro-Ro-Ro Your Boat — though these names can be a little embarrassing, especially when called out when one is in front of the lady dogs.

But as everyone knows, dogs must have show names if they are to compete at Westminster. This year's champion, for example, while known to everyone simply as Stump, is actually called Ch. Clussexx Three D Grinchy Glee (note the champion designation at the beginning). Last year's winner, the oh-so popular Uno, is actually named Ch. K-Run's Park Me In First. In 2002 a miniature poodle named Spice won, whose full name is really Ch. Surrey Spice Girl. And I could go on (but won't).

The point of all this is to reveal, at last, my own show name. I don't know if I'll live to ever hear it called out as I trot around the champion ring at Westminster, but if I do get the chance, I'll be ready. My name is: Ch. (I hope) Van Cortland's King Deshaine. And no x's were harmed in the making of that name.

Step 1: Find Ninja Dogs

The first step to getting the Japanese Ninja Dog recognized as a breed with AKC will be to gain a listing as a rare breed in the Foundations Stock Service Program. The name of the program is derived from the fact that owners have a rare breed they are working to establish and the dogs that are registered therein form the foundations stock from which an AKC fully recognized breed may result. We have to get 150 individual Japanese Ninja Dogs registered before the breed can participate in AKC events.

While this wouldn't be a problem in Japan — the Japanese Ninja Dog is still a popular breed there — it will present quite a struggle in the United States. This is due primarily to the prevalence of spay/neuter programs in this country, which limit breed reproduction.

Even with 150 registered dogs, it will not be an easy move into full recognition by the AKC. Among the dogs still on the Foundations Stock Service Program list, if you can believe it, are Jack Russell Terriers and Bluetick Coonhounds. Blueticks are the state dog of Tennessee and the mascot of the University of Tennessee and yet that, apparently, isn't enough for AKC!

But still, first things first. We have to find 150 Japanese Ninja Dogs. Internets here we come!

Ninja Dogs in gaming

As with anime, Ninja Dogs figure prominently in the video gaming word as well. Often these two cultures share the same members, so it makes sense that the presence of the Ninja Dog would be felt in both.

Ninja Dog, in a way, can be found in the XBox game, "Ninja Gaiden Black". More specifically, it is "Ninja Dog Mode", which is a higher level of difficulty in the game, though not the highest. There is, however, no actual Ninja Dog.

The truth is, that these Ninja Dogs, while amusing, have very little in common with actual Ninja Dogs. Japanese Ninja Dog is a breed of dog. We have very specific breed standards and traits. These do not include running around in white or black sheets with our faces covered, swinging swords. They do include cuddling in bed with our human companions and defending them from vacuum cleaners when necessary.

We Pause for a Warning

Ninja Dog Festival

The Japanese region of Iga prides itself on being the birthplace of the ninja and to celebrate holds a Ninja Festival on the first Sunday in April. Iga is also believed to be the birthplace of the ninja dog and an accompanying Ninja Dog Festival is also held.