As soon as I saw the Raccoon Dog (Nyctereutes procyonoides) I checked to see if they were available as pets. These primitive dogs live in rural Japan, Korea, and China. They are one of only two Canids to be able to climb trees, the other one being the Gray Fox. And, it's the only dog capable of hibernating during the winter.
The raccoon dog is monogamous and prefers to run away or scream if danger approaches. Raccoon Dogs have become the focus of groups against fur trade. The (this link is not for the squeamish) reality of the situation seems to be grim. In a weird twist, the Raccoon Dog is considered an invasive pest in several European countries. The video below is pretty entertaining.
Images from:
http://scienceblogs.com/zooillogix/raccoon%20dog%201a.JPG
http://retrieverman.wordpress.com/2009/02/24/the-tanuki-marderhund-or-raccoon-dog/
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