Cuteness of the day: The raccoon dog is man's best friend (7 photos + 2 videos)

This is a raccoon dog. It lives in Japan and resembles a raccoon in appearance, although genetically it is a member of the canine family. It has short legs, a sturdy body, very thick fur, and a dark "mask" on its face. It can hibernate briefly in winter, which is unusual for canids. Raccoon dogs are omnivores: they eat berries, insects, small animals, and other readily available food. They are primarily active at night and usually live in pairs, forming long-term monogamous bonds. They can also be tamed!