The Hokkaido, also known as the Ainu, is a dog breed native to Japan, considered one of the oldest and purest dog breeds in the world. They are animals of extraordinary ability and sensitivity, whose history, behavior and health are fascinating. In this article, we will take a closer look at this unique breed that is a source of pride for Japan.
What do you find in the article?
Hokkaido – description and appearance of the breed
The Hokkaido is a medium-sized dog, which is characterized by a strong and muscular body. The height of the Hokkaido dog ranges from 45 to 52 cm for males and 42 to 48 cm for females. Their weight is usually between 20 and 30 kg.
The Hokkaido dog has a broad head with well-defined cheeks. The eyes are small, almond-shaped, dark brown, giving an expression of a strong but calm nature. The ears are small, triangular, straight and quite thick, set wide.
The coat of the Hokkaido dog is thick and stiff, with dense undercoat. They are double-coated dogs that need regular grooming to maintain a healthy coat. The coat color can vary, including white, black, red, sand, brindle or wolf gray.
Character of the Hokkaido dog breed
Skills – what should you know?
Hokkaido dogs are dogs with extraordinary abilities and intelligence. They are naturally inclined to defense and hunting, so they have good tracking and fetching abilities. They are also well known for their courage and ability to make decisions on their own, making them excellent working dogs.
What kind of personality does it have?
Hokkaido dogs are loyal, courageous and alert. They are independent by nature, but at the same time very loyal to their owner. They are alert and wary of strangers, but rarely aggressive. They are quiet and calm by nature, which makes them excellent companions.
Hokkaido – how to train and raise?
Due to its intelligence and independence, the Hokkaido can be somewhat difficult to train. It requires patience and consistency, but properly trained, it can become an obedient and reliable dog. It is important to start training as early as possible, and to give the Hokkaido dog plenty of physical and mental stimulation.
For whom is the Hokkaido suitable?
The Hokkaido is a breed perfectly suited for active people who value independence and intelligence in their dog. Given their natural hunting abilities, they may not be suitable for homes with other small animals. Because of their loyalty and alertness, they can be good guard dogs.
Hokkaido – price
The price of Hokkaido puppies can vary, depending on a number of factors, such as the reputation of the kennel, pedigree line, appearance and age of the puppies. In general, prices range from 3,000 to 6,000 zlotys. Remember that breeding a dog is not just a one-time purchase cost, but also the ongoing costs of feeding, grooming and health care.
Advantages and disadvantages
Disadvantages
The Hokkaido, like any breed, has its downsides. Due to their intelligence and independence, they can be difficult to train for some owners. In addition, due to their natural instincts, they may not be suitable for families with young children or other pets.
Advantages
Nevertheless, the Hokkaido has many advantages. They are extremely loyal, courageous and intelligent. They have an exceptionally strong sense of direction and are extremely capable. The Hokkaido is also a healthy breed with few health problems.
Hokkaido – Health, diseases and care
Nutrition
The Hokkaido dog’s nutrition should be balanced and appropriate for its age, size and activity level. Choosing a quality food is crucial to the health and longevity of the Hokkaido.
Care
The Hokkaido requires regular care. Its thick, double-layered coat needs regular brushing to keep it in good condition and minimize shedding. Although the Hokkaido is not a breed with a high demand for physical activity, it does require daily walks and mental activity to remain happy and healthy.
Diseases
Hokkaido dogs are generally healthy and long-lived. Like any breed, they are prone to certain genetic diseases, such as hip and knee dysplasia, and eye problems. Regular veterinary check-ups and proper genetic testing are key to maintaining the health of the Hokkaido.
Accessories and equipment or how to prepare for this breed?
When preparing to welcome a Hokkaido into your home, it is necessary to provide the right accessories and equipment. You will need feeders and water bowls, a bed, chew toys and interactive toys, a leash and collar, and brushes for grooming the coat.
History of the Hokkaido dog breed
Origins
Originally, the Hokkaido breed, also known as the Ainu Inu, originated in the northern part of Japan – the island of Hokkaido. There are traces suggesting that the original Hokkaido dogs accompanied humans for more than 3,000 years. These original dogs were thought to have accompanied the nomadic Aino tribes that roamed the cold, Arctic areas of Asia before settling on the island of Hokkaido. Known for their courage and extraordinary strength, the breed was an invaluable support to these people, serving as hunting, defense and draft dogs.
Development of the breed
Over the centuries, Hokkaido dogs have been nobly used to hunt big game such as bear, deer and wild boar. They also used their courage and strength when confronting other predators. They were known as dogs that would not hesitate to face even bears, which was a testament to their extraordinary courage.
The breed was extremely valuable to the local Ainu community, which valued Hokkaido dogs not only for their strength and courage, but also for their intelligence, hunting ability and loyalty to their owner. These dogs also exhibited extraordinary orienteering abilities that made them indispensable partners in difficult mountainous terrain.
Currently
Today, Hokkaido dogs are among the six dog breeds recognized as Japan’s national treasure. Their remarkable history, courage and loyalty make them highly valued in their home country. Although they are not very common outside Japan, their reputation as extremely capable hunting and defense dogs has endured to this day.
These dogs are now mainly bred as companion dogs, but let’s not forget that they still have strong hunting instincts and need the right amount of activity and stimulation. The breed is a living symbol of Japan’s history and traditions, and its unusual characteristics make the Hokkaido one of the most fascinating dogs in the world.
Hokkaido dog breed pattern
The Hokkaido is a medium-sized dog with a strong and sturdy body that fully reflects its ancestors – fearless hunting dogs. The Hokkaido’s appearance emphasizes its natural abilities and tough character, while reflecting elegance and pride.
These dogs are characterized by a proportional silhouette. They have a wide, slightly rounded muzzle with a straight profile. Their eyes are small, slightly slanted, dark brown in color, which exude shrewdness and alertness. The Hokkaido’s ears are small, triangular and vertically set, adding to their alert appearance.
Hokkaido have strong mandibles with a regular and complete scissor bite. Their chest is deep and well-developed, and their abdomen is slightly pulled up. The Hokkaido’s limbs are straight and muscular, ending in strong, round paws.
The Hokkaido’s coat is coarse and straight, with dense, soft undercoat. They can come in a variety of colors, including red, black, salt and pepper, cream, white, black and red.
The Hokkaido tail is also a distinctive feature of the breed. It is carried high, curled or curved over the back. When moving, it often waves, which adds to the dog’s unique charm.
The Hokkaido is a breed whose pattern emphasizes not only its physical characteristics, but also its temperament. These dogs are known for their independence, intelligence and courage. They are alert and cautious dogs, but at the same time loyal and devoted to their owner.
Hokkaido – interesting facts about the breed
The Hokkaido breed is full of fascinating and unusual traits that make them one of the most unique dogs in the world.
- Navigation skills: Hokkaido dogs are known for their remarkable navigational skills, which have been used in hunting. They can return home even from a great distance, making them ideal dogs for hunting in dense forests.
- Cold Resistance: Hokkaido dogs originated in northern Japan, where harsh, cold conditions prevail. As a result, they have a natural resistance to the cold and perform well in cold temperatures.
- Encountering bears: The Hokkaido is one of the few dog breeds that can naturally face bears. They are fearless dogs that will not hesitate to defend their territory or owner.
- National treasure: The Hokkaido is one of six dogs considered a national treasure of Japan. This is a great honor that highlights their unique characteristics and important place in the country’s history and culture.
- Different eye colors: An interesting feature of Hokkaido dogs is that they can have different colored eyes – one blue and one brown. While this is a rare trait, it adds even more charm to this already unusual dog.
- Voice: Hokkaido dogs are known for their unique barking, which is decidedly different from that of other breeds. In Japan, this is highly appreciated and considered one of the breed’s distinctive marks.
Emily Carter is an experienced pet enthusiast and writer, with over a decade of experience caring for and working with animals. From her early days volunteering at animal shelters to becoming a pet care advisor, Emily has dedicated her life to understanding the unique needs of pets and helping pet owners provide the best possible care for their furry companions. She is especially passionate about topics like pet nutrition, behavior, training, and animal welfare.
