This is Cinnabar, an unusual mix of pit bull and Plott hound, the latter a scent hound breed that originated in the Appalachian and Great Smoky mountains of the eastern United States and was originally used for hunting bear.

Cinnabar is only 6 months old and smaller than he may look, weighing in at only about 15 kilograms, but he is expected to grow to about 20 kg. He came from the home of a hunter who bred dogs to hunt wild boar.

The situation was a dire one, though, fraught with violence and cruelty, not only to the dogs but other people as well. If the owner didn’t like a dog he’d bred, he shoot, poison or otherwise kill it. Cinnabar was one of the dogs that a friend of the man’s wife managed to get out.

Cinnabar would be great paired with someone who is outdoorsy, as long as there are no tiny children in the house.
Cinnabar would be great paired with someone who is outdoorsy, as long as there are no tiny children in the house. | SAKURA NISHITAKI

Many of the dogs have come to ARK, and Cinnabar is an awesome puppy who loves people. Wiry and busting with energy, he can get a bit too serious with his play fighting when overexcited. He’ll need some training to be a house dog, but he definitely has it in him. No cats or rabbits though, as he has a strong prey drive.

The picture of health, Cinnabar would likely be a great partner for an outdoorsy person, couple, or a young family, as long as there are no tiny children.

If you are interested in adopting, email ARK at [email protected] or call 050-1557-2763 (English or Japanese) Monday to Saturday (bilingual) for more information. Animal Refuge Kansai (with offices in Kansai and Tokyo) is an NPO founded by U.K. native Elizabeth Oliver. It is dedicated to rescuing and rehoming abandoned animals. All animals are vaccinated, neutered and microchipped. Prospective owners are required to undergo a screening process. Web: www.arkbark.net