Komainu is an important pet of Susanoo.(God of land,sea and another world)
You can find Komainu at Susanoo group shrines.
There are some different shrine groups.
Komainu must be a pair as husband and wife.
They are guardians of shrine and watching visitor's level of heart.
Many people think Komainu is kind of lion or lion-dog.
But according to Isehakusando,The master of Shinto and Buddhism,Komainu looks like a fat Akitainu.(Japanese dog)
Bigger and round face than the photo.
And it has plump and cute front legs.
By the way,every god and god's world has many levels or dimensions.
Susanoo god world has almost 9 levels.
Highest level of Susanoo looks like an old man with white long beard
and he takes along with Komainu.
Lower Susanoo looks like young and wild character
and some have forehead thrones like Moses.
The statue called Shisaa is a kind of Komainu in Okinawa prefecture.
Okinawan Shisaa is placed on roof or entrance and protects each family.