Dog Breeds - Hokkaido

Breed Attributes & Qualities

CARING WITH FAMILY + Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection a breed is likely to exhibit towards its family members or familiar individuals is highly variable. Certain breeds may appear distant towards everyone except their owner, while others display a friendly demeanor to everyone within their acquaintance treating them as if they were their closest companion.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN + Unwise Good With Children
The level of tolerance and patience a breed exhibits towards children's behavior, as well as its overall family-friendly nature differs among breeds. It is crucial to always supervise dogs around young children or children of any age who have limited exposure to dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS + Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The general friendliness of a breed towards other dogs varies. While dogs should always be supervised during interactions and introductions with fellow canines, certain breeds tend to have a natural inclination to get along with other dogs, whether it be in the home environment or in public settings.

SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere +
The amount of fur and hair a breed is prone to leaving behind can vary. Breeds that shed heavily will require more frequent brushing are more likely to trigger specific allergies and may necessitate more consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling to maintain cleanliness.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily +
The grooming needs of a breed involve the frequency of bathing, brushing, trimming and other forms of coat maintenance. It is essential to consider the amount of time, patience and budget you can allocate for grooming when evaluating the required care. It is worth noting that all breeds require regular nail trimming.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel +
The tendency of a breed to drool can vary. If you have a preference for cleanliness, you may want to consider breeds that are less likely to leave ropes of slobber on your arm or create big wet spots on your clothes.
COAT TYPE +
Double
COAT LENGTH +
Medium

FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend +
The level of welcoming behavior a breed exhibits towards strangers differs widely. Certain breeds tend to be reserved or cautious around unfamiliar individuals regardless of the setting, whereas other breeds display a happy disposition and are readily open to meeting new people whenever the opportunity arises.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop +
The level of enthusiasm a breed has for play can vary even beyond the puppyhood stage. Certain breeds will continue to enjoy engaging in games like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years, while others prefer spending most of their time relaxing on the couch with their human companions.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant +
Certain breeds have a predisposition to alert their owners when strangers are present. These breeds are more likely to react to any perceived threat, whether it's the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. Moreover, they are prone to become more accepting of strangers who enter the house and are welcomed by their family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable +
The adaptability of a breed to handle change can vary. This includes changes in living conditions, noise levels, weather conditions, daily schedules and other variations in day-to-day life.

OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please +
The ease of training and the willingness of a dog to learn new things can differ among breeds. Some breeds are highly motivated to make their owners proud and are eager to learn, while others have a more independent nature preferring to do what they want, when they want and wherever they want!
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy +
The amount of exercise and mental stimulation a breed requires can vary. High-energy breeds are typically ready for action and eagerly seek their next adventure. They thrive with plenty of running, jumping and play throughout the day to expend their energy. On the other hand, low-energy breeds tend to be more content with a relaxed lifestyle and are happy to lay around and snooze for most of the day.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal +
The frequency of vocalization, whether through barks or howls can vary among breeds. Some breeds tend to be more vocal and may bark at every passer-by or bird they spot through a window. Others may only bark in specific situations. It's worth noting that barkless breeds can still express themselves through other vocalizations or sounds.
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Loaf Needs an Activity +
The amount of mental stimulation a breed needs to remain happy and healthy can vary. Purpose-bred dogs, in particular, may have jobs or tasks that require decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other cognitive qualities. Without sufficient mental exercise, these dogs may find ways to keep their minds occupied by creating their own projects, which may not always align with what their owners desire. Providing appropriate mental stimulation for such breeds is crucial to their well-being and can help prevent the development of undesirable behaviors.

COLORS +
,
PATTERNS +
Marking

CARING WITH FAMILY Independent Lovey-Dovey
The level of affection a breed is likely to exhibit towards its family members or familiar individuals is highly variable. Certain breeds may appear distant towards everyone except their owner, while others display a friendly demeanor to everyone within their acquaintance treating them as if they were their closest companion.
LOVE WITH CHILDREN Unwise Good With Children
The level of tolerance and patience a breed exhibits towards children's behavior, as well as its overall family-friendly nature differs among breeds. It is crucial to always supervise dogs around young children or children of any age who have limited exposure to dogs.
BEHAVIOR WITH DOGS Unwise Good With Other Dogs
The general friendliness of a breed towards other dogs varies. While dogs should always be supervised during interactions and introductions with fellow canines, certain breeds tend to have a natural inclination to get along with other dogs, whether it be in the home environment or in public settings.
SHEDDING LEVELS & MANAGEMENT No Shedding Hair Everywhere
The amount of fur and hair a breed is prone to leaving behind can vary. Breeds that shed heavily will require more frequent brushing are more likely to trigger specific allergies and may necessitate more consistent vacuuming and lint-rolling to maintain cleanliness.
COAT GROOMING STANDARDS Monthly Daily
The grooming needs of a breed involve the frequency of bathing, brushing, trimming and other forms of coat maintenance. It is essential to consider the amount of time, patience and budget you can allocate for grooming when evaluating the required care. It is worth noting that all breeds require regular nail trimming.
DROOLING INTENSITY Less Likely to Drool Always Have a Towel
The tendency of a breed to drool can vary. If you have a preference for cleanliness, you may want to consider breeds that are less likely to leave ropes of slobber on your arm or create big wet spots on your clothes.
COAT STYLES GUIDE
Double
COAT SPECTRUM
Medium
FRIENDLINESS Reserved Everyone Is My Best Friend
The level of welcoming behavior a breed exhibits towards strangers differs widely. Certain breeds tend to be reserved or cautious around unfamiliar individuals regardless of the setting, whereas other breeds display a happy disposition and are readily open to meeting new people whenever the opportunity arises.
LIVELINESS Only When You Want To Play Non-Stop
The level of enthusiasm a breed has for play can vary even beyond the puppyhood stage. Certain breeds will continue to enjoy engaging in games like tug-of-war or fetch well into their adult years, while others prefer spending most of their time relaxing on the couch with their human companions.
VIGILANCE INTENSITY What's Mine Is Yours Vigilant
Certain breeds have a predisposition to alert their owners when strangers are present. These breeds are more likely to react to any perceived threat, whether it's the mailman or a squirrel outside the window. Moreover, they are prone to become more accepting of strangers who enter the house and are welcomed by their family.
ADAPTATION CAPACITY Lives For Routine Highly Adaptable
The adaptability of a breed to handle change can vary. This includes changes in living conditions, noise levels, weather conditions, daily schedules and other variations in day-to-day life.
OBEDIENCE LEVEL Self-Willed Eager to Please
The ease of training and the willingness of a dog to learn new things can differ among breeds. Some breeds are highly motivated to make their owners proud and are eager to learn, while others have a more independent nature preferring to do what they want, when they want and wherever they want!
STAMINA LEVEL Couch Potato High Energy
The amount of exercise and mental stimulation a breed requires can vary. High-energy breeds are typically ready for action and eagerly seek their next adventure. They thrive with plenty of running, jumping and play throughout the day to expend their energy. On the other hand, low-energy breeds tend to be more content with a relaxed lifestyle and are happy to lay around and snooze for most of the day.
VOCALIZATION Only To Alert Very Vocal
Medium
LEARNING CURIOSITY LEVEL Happy to Lounge Needs a Job or Activity
The amount of mental stimulation a breed needs to remain happy and healthy can vary. Purpose-bred dogs, in particular, may have jobs or tasks that require decision-making, problem-solving, concentration and other cognitive qualities. Without sufficient mental exercise, these dogs may find ways to keep their minds occupied by creating their own projects, which may not always align with what their owners desire. Providing appropriate mental stimulation for such breeds is crucial to their well-being and can help prevent the development of undesirable behaviors.
COLORS	,
PATTERNS	Marking

About The Breed

The Hokkaido is a remarkable breed known for its endurance and dignified nature. They have a faithful and docile temperament, being highly alert and bold. With accurate judgment and great stamina, they are well-suited for various tasks. The Hokkaido is medium-sized and strongly-built, distinguishing itself from other Japanese breeds with its longer and thicker coat, wider chest and smaller ears. Their double coat consists of protective outer guard hairs and a dense undercoat that is shed seasonally. This breed can be found in several colors including white, red, black, brindle, sesame and wolf grey. With proper training from an early age, the Hokkaido becomes a loyal and dedicated companion, seeking to please its human family. They possess high intelligence, problem-solving skills and excel in tasks assigned to them. It is important to socialize them properly to ensure they do not become wary of strangers and remain protective of their families. The Hokkaido breed is exceptionally rare outside of Japan with an estimated population of 10,000-12,000 in their native country and annual registrations of approximately 900-1000.

What to Expect When Caring for a Hokkaido

Owning a dog is indeed a significant responsibility that extends far beyond providing the basic necessities of food and shelter. Dogs as sentient beings require a comprehensive level of care that encompasses physical health emotional well-being, and mental stimulation.

Anticipating the Needs of Your Hokkaido: Insights and Tips.

Taking a dog under your wing is no small favor; it's a true commitment. These devoted pets count on us for life's necessities such as food and a safe abode, however, they are entitled to a greater level of care.

Health

	Well-bred Hokkaido dogs generally enjoy good health and have an average lifespan of 12-15 years. However, like all breeds they can be prone to certain hereditary diseases. Some of the common health issues found in Hokkaido include collie eye anomaly, hip dysplasia, luxating patella, heart murmurs, idiopathic seizures, anxiety, psychogenic polydipsia and pica. It is important for owners to regularly monitor their Hokkaido and prevent them from chewing on items that could potentially harm them. It is recommended to inspect toys regularly discard broken toys, and remove any small pieces that could be ingested. Regular veterinary check-ups and proper care can help ensure the overall health and well-being of the Hokkaido breed. Recommended Health Tests from the National Breed Club: Patella Evaluation Hip Evaluation BAER Testing Ophthalmologist Evaluation

Grooming

	The Hokkaido is a breed that is relatively self-managed in terms of grooming. Their natural oils help in keeping their skin and coat clean and dry, even in unfavorable weather conditions. It is not necessary or recommended to trim or shave their fur, as regular brushing is typically sufficient to remove dead fur and maintain a healthy coat. However, during the shedding period when they blow their undercoat twice a year, it is necessary to give them baths and brush them frequently to remove the dead fur effectively. Regular nail trims are important to prevent overgrowth and cracking, while teeth should be brushed on a regular basis to maintain good oral hygiene. Overall, the grooming needs of the Hokkaido breed are relatively low maintenance.

Exercise

	The Hokkaido is indeed a highly active breed and is best suited for an active family that enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, jogging or camping. Like many working breeds, giving the Hokkaido a "job" or engaging them in performance events can be beneficial for their well-being. They excel in various performance events including agility rally, flyball, weight pull lure coursing and dock diving among others. It is crucial to provide them with both physical and mental stimulation to prevent boredom anxiety and hyperactivity indoors. If you have a backyard where you allow your Hokkaido to run it's important to have a six-foot fence, as they are known to be good jumpers. When taking them for daily walks using a strong leash and a properly fitted martingale collar or harness is recommended. This ensures their safety and control during outdoor activities.

Training

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Nutrition

	Absolutely, providing a high-quality diet is essential for the overall health and well-being of the Hokkaido breed. A balanced diet that includes appropriate levels of proteins, fats and carbohydrates is important to meet their nutritional needs. The specific diet and the frequency of meals can vary based on individual factors such as age, activity level and any specific health considerations. Consulting with a veterinarian or breeder is recommended to determine the best feeding routine and adult diet that promotes longevity for the Hokkaido. When properly nourished, Hokkaido dogs should have thick shiny coats and clean teeth. It is also important to ensure that fresh and clean water is readily available for them at all times.

Historiography

The Hokkaido is indeed one of the oldest native Japanese spitz breeds with a rich history. It is believed that they originated from medium-sized Japanese dogs that accompanied the Ainu people during their migration from Honshu to Hokkaido in the Kamakura era (around the 1140s). As the Ainu people adapted to the harsh winter climate and rugged landscape of Hokkaido their dogs also adapted to survive and thrive in these conditions.

The Hokkaido dogs played a crucial role in the lives of the Ainu people. They were highly regarded for their unwavering loyalty, bravery, and exceptional hunting skills particularly in hunting large game such as bears and deer. The Ainu's livelihood heavily relied on the prowess of their remarkable bear dogs.

Recognizing the breed's significance and historical value, the Hokkaido was designated as a Living Natural Monument by the government of Japan in 1937. Today, there are two main breed registries, namely the Hokkaido Ken Hosomaki (Hokkaido Dog Preservation Society) and the Hokkaido Ken Kyokai (Hokkaido Dog Association). It is worth noting that almost all Hokkaido dogs are registered within these two clubs making the breed quite exclusive and limited in terms of registrations outside of Japan.