Japan Red Clay Pottery Animal Help & Maybe Staffordshire Dogs?

Hi all,
Two things I need help with, one is made in Japan, the other I don't know where they were made, maybe Staffordshire? I'll split them into 2 comments
I was surprised to see the Made In Japan mark on the foot, any idea on the company that did a glaze like this? Also, what do think it is, a dog or maybe a tiger or lion cup?
any information appreciated
thanks for looking

 

these two dogs, I have no idea on where they were made. Searching I find many listed as Staffordshire, but I don't know about these. They don't look very well made, lots of inclusions in the body. Maybe Japan? They are 4"H. The only mark is what looks like 7.00, so an old price I suspect. I don't think they started out life as a pair, one with a muzzle, the other has a different body colour
Any information appreciated
thanks for looking

 

First one kinda looks like a Schnauzer-ish puppy....except I’ve never seen a blue & green Schnauzer!! Is that supposed to be a muzzle on one of the pair? JUST SO not sure on these 2..

 

These aren't Staffs, hard paste pugs so usually German ...although they could be Japanese copies I suppose ...Pretty sure German though.

 

thanks Aquitaine, will check out Schnauzers yes, a muzzle on the one dog.

Germany makes sense, thanks blooey