Discover Everything About Hokkaido
Learn about the breed characteristics, health, history, and find trusted breeders
Breed Profile
The Hokkaido, also called Hokkaido Inu or Ainu Ken, belongs to FCI Group 5: Asian Spitz and related breeds. With his strong stature and pronounced muscles, he appears elegant and robust at the same time. Its coat is thick and straight with an ample undercoat that protects it from harsh weather conditions. The Hokkaido has a special charisma that is expressed in its strong eyes and proud facial expression. A notable feature is its erect ears, which contribute to its alertness and alertness. This breed does not differentiate between performance and show lines and is characterized by its adaptability and versatility. Hokkaidos are known for their talent as hunting, protection and rescue dogs, but they have also proven themselves as family dogs.
| Height | 45 - 45 cm (Female), 48 - 48 cm (Male) |
| Weight | 18 - 25 kg (Female), 20 - 30 kg (Male) |
| Life Expectancy | 12 - 15 years |
| Character | Robust, loyal, independent |
| Coat | Stiff and straight with a dense undercoat |
| Coat Color | Red, Sesame (reddish brown with black tips), Brindle, Black, White, Wolf Gray |
| Price | 2000 - 3500 € € |
History
The origins of Hokkaido go back a long way and are closely linked to the history of the Ainu, the indigenous people of the Japanese island of Hokkaido. It is believed that the Ainu kept the Hokkaido as a working dog over 3,000 years ago. These loyal dogs helped hunt and protect settlements and were highly valued by the Ainu. The isolation of the island of Hokkaido helped the breed retain its original characteristics for thousands of years. It was only with the Meiji Restoration in the 19th century, when Japan opened up to the West, that the Japanese began to recognize the special nature and value of these ancient breeds and to strive to protect them. In 1937, Hokkaido was officially recognized as a national treasure by the Japanese government. The breed is named after its home island of Hokkaido and is considered one of Japan's six native dog breeds. Despite its national importance, Hokkaido is still relatively unknown outside of Japan.
The Hokkaido was bred by the Ainu as a hunting dog for large game such as bears and also serves as a guard dog.
Japan
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Character & Temperament
The Hokkaido is a working dog through and through. Its robustness and endurance make it an excellent one Companion for active people and families. But in addition to his work ethic, the Hokkaido also has a strong protective instinct. As a guard dog, he is attentive and vigilant without being overly aggressive. The Hokkaido has an independent spirit, which can make them seem a bit stubborn at times. But that doesn't mean he can't learn. On the contrary, the Hokkaido is quite trainable and responds well to positive reinforcement. While he is a natural guard dog, he can also learn to stay alone when necessary. While this breed is not overly playful, they do show some enjoyment in activities that challenge them mentally and physically. This can range from hikes to agility exercises to nose work. The Hokkaido has a strong hunting instinct that can come into play when in contact with smaller animals. It is therefore important that he learns to control this instinct as a puppy. Early and ongoing socialization can help promote good compatibility with other animals. What sets the Hokkaido people apart is their loyalty to their family. He shows a deep bond and a strong protective instinct, especially when there are children in the household. His cautious and calm nature makes him a pleasant family dog, yet remains alert and attentive. The Hokkaido is an excellent companion for active and experienced dog owners. He is intelligent and willing to learn, but also needs clear leadership and sufficient activity. His toughness and endurance make him a great partner for outdoor activities, while his faithfulness and loyalty make him a beloved family member. With proper training and socialization, the Hokkaido can live happily and healthily in both urban and rural environments. If you are ready to make room for a Hokkaido in your life, you will be rewarded with a loyal and robust companion who will certainly delight you with his devotion and strong character. It is important that you research this breed thoroughly before purchasing to ensure it fits your lifestyle. We will assist you in your search for the perfect Hokkaido puppy and help you find the right breed for your home.
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| Hunting or Herding Drive |
Although the Hokkaido is still relatively unknown in Germany, it is one of the oldest and most original dog breeds in Japan. There it is considered a national treasure! We hope that we were able to give you a good overview of the Hokkaido with this breed portrait. If you feel that Hokkaido fits your lifestyle well and you are ready to take on the responsibility of an active and intelligent dog, then a Hokkaido could be the perfect companion for you. We look forward to supporting you in your search for your new four-legged family member!
Fun Fact!
What Awaits You
The Hokkaido is a dog of remarkable endurance and dignity. His temperament is loyal, docile, very alert and courageous. He has good judgment and great endurance.
Housing & Care
The Hokkaido is an active and intelligent dog that can be kept both in the city and in the country as long as it receives enough exercise and mental stimulation. Since it was originally bred as a hunting and guard dog, it needs a lot of exercise and activity. Although the Hokkaido is generally considered to be good with children, any interaction between children and dogs should always be supervised. Since he has a strong protective instinct, he can sometimes be a bit cautious or reserved towards strangers. With other pets it can be more complicated, as the Hokkaido has a strong hunting instinct. Early and thorough socialization can help minimize the risk of problems.
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| Dog Friendly | |
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Owning a dog is not only a privilege, but also a responsibility. If you want to bring a dog into your life, you must be aware of the commitment that dog ownership entails!!
Training & Education
The Hokkaido is an intelligent and willing to learn dog, but he can also be independent and sometimes a bit stubborn. Therefore, consistent but loving leadership is necessary. Positive reinforcement usually works best, and training should be designed as a fun and rewarding game. Due to his working history, the Hokkaido is very active and requires daily exercise and mental stimulation. Although he doesn't have any particular inclination to be a "ball junkie" shows, you should make sure that playing with the ball does not become your only activity. Various activities such as search games, nose work or agility can exercise the Hokkaido both physically and mentally and help him improve his frustration tolerance and impulse control. When raising a Hokkaido, the focus should also be on socialization and retrieval in order to get their natural hunting instincts under control. Patience, consistency and positive reinforcement are the keys to success here.
Nutrition & Care
When it comes to the Hokkaido's diet, attention should be paid to balanced, high-quality food. A Hokkaido is an active and hardy dog that requires a high-protein diet to maintain its energy and health receive. Make sure the food contains all the necessary vitamins and minerals to keep your dog healthy and fit. Grooming the Hokkaido is generally straightforward. It has a thick, medium-length coat with an undercoat that protects it even in cold temperatures. Regular brushing - especially during shedding - helps remove loose hair and keeps the coat healthy and shiny. In general, the Hokkaido gets along well with the climate in Germany and sheds moderately.
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This information is currently being reviewed by experts. If you discover an error, please send an email to info@honestdog.de!!
Health
No Health Tests Available
No specific health tests are currently available for this breed.
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