They were originally used as hunting dogs of big wild game such as bear. They are from the northern part of Japan, and while they can pull sleds and are a northern breed they are unrelated to alaskan malamutes and siberian huskies. They are from the spitz family. They are an independent breed, loyal to their family, and with correct consistent leadership a wonderful dog to have in the family(IMO). They take their job of guarding the family seriously but with a leader they respect will welcome friends into their circle of trust. They are not the dog for everyone, but in the right home they are a joy and a thrill to own. They are a thinking breed and reason things out in their own way. I feel they are quite smart and enjoy watching them think things through. Once they know something that pleases you they will never forget it. If they do not trust you they will not respect you and vice versa. Being that they are independent thinkers they want a reason for pretty much everything they do. Thus, another reason they are not the breed for everyone. You need to understand their mind a little more than other breeds of dogs.