Hokkaido Dog Breed Information

Group

Foundation Stock Service

Weight

22-32 kg

Height

45-55 cm

Lifespan

11-13 years

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About the Hokkaido

Reviewed by:

Dr. Dilber Hussain

Veterinarian

Hokkaido, otherwise known as Hokkaido Ken is one of the many Japanese dogs. They’re an intelligent and alert dog breed that’s perfect for families of all kinds, whether that’s households with kids or young couples.

They go by several names including the Ainu-Ken, Ainu Dog and Seta. Despite them being rare outside of Japan, you can still find many breeders around the world, as well as rescue centres and shelters that may occasionally have them available.

If you’ve been looking for unique and rare breeds, then here’s an in-depth guide all about the Hokkaido.

What is the history & origin of the Hokkaido?

This active breed was originally a type of working dog that came off the main island of Hokkaido, hence their name. Dog experts believe that this breed is the oldest dog breed to exist of all of the Japanese dog breeds that are out there,

The dog was first discovered back in 1869 by a zoologist called Thomas Blankinston. Bred originally as hunting dogs, they were also used for interbreeding with other dog breeds. Their blue and black tongue could suggest their relation to the Shar-Pei dogs or Chow-Chows. They’re also a similar-looking breed to the Shiba Inu.

In 1937, they became a recognised breed that’s a living natural monument in Japan. That means they’re protected by law! They have been used over the years for search and rescue missions and as far as the American Kennel Club it’s on its way to being part of the list. However, there are not quite enough numbers of these dogs in the US as of today.

What is a Hokkaido Breed?

The Hokkaido Ken is a dog breed that originates from Japan. They have a double coat that has a thick, straight overcoat and a soft undercoat. With a wonderfully round face, pricked ears, and a curled tail, they’re a beautiful breed to behold when seeing them for the first time.

They typically come in white or tan, with some having a mix of both these colours. As medium-sized dogs, they are an excellent choice for those looking for a manageable dog that might not be quite small enough to fit easily on your lap.

Who is a Hokkaido Best For?

As a breed, they may be great playmates with children despite their size. As long as they’ve been socialised properly, ideally from a young age, they should get on well with all of their household family members.

As a hunting dog, they’re very protective over their owners and as such, make great guard dogs. They’re suited for both apartments and townhomes, depending on the space that you have available.

Preferably, they’d do best if they have a nearby park or a backyard to play in. From single-person households to large families, your Hokkaido dog will settle into any surroundings.

Hokkaido Grooming & Shedding

Along with the common colours of white and tan, you may also come across black, red, black and tan, brindle, and sesame.

It can be challenging to groom this breed, which can make it difficult for those who are completely new to owning a dog. With a double coat, you’ll need to be actively brushing their coat every day. They also don’t like baths, making it a battle to get them into the tub every so often.

They often shed more during the summer and therefore you’ll need to up the brushing during this time.

Do Hokkaidos bark a lot?

Teaching the quiet command is going to help curb any excessive barking which isn’t something this breed is necessarily prone to. The Hokkaido dog will bark occasionally but that’s due to their vigilance.

Use a calm and firm voice to gradually train them into being a little quieter at times. On the odd occasion, they will also howl when they’re happy or excited.

What is the average weight & height of a Hokkaido dog?

The Hokkaido dog breed is medium-sized dogs and most will weigh between 22 and 32 kilos. In height, you’ll likely find the averages range between 45 and 55 cm.

Female Hokkaido dogs are often smaller in stature and as such, they also weigh less. However, they often sit closely within the averages mentioned above.

Are Hokkaidos easy to train?

Obedience training is important when it comes to the Hokkaido Ken. This is due to their natural hunting abilities and that instinct doesn’t simply go away by becoming household pets.

Be sure to get this breed involved in dog sports if you can where possible. You may find that they need slightly more of a walk than most average dogs would. However, with energy to burn, it’s useful to get them on a thirty-minute walk or so every day. If you can do this twice a day, this will help them with their temperament and behaviour.

How do Hokkaidos behave? A look at their temperament and personality

The Hokkaido dog is very devoted to its owners and they have great qualities that as a dog owner, you’ll love to show off to others. They love to go outdoors and play games when they need some mental stimulation.

They have a wonderful temperament if given enough exercise and they’ve got a personality that everyone will love, both adults and children. The Hokkaido dog is a well-suited breed for most homes.

Does the Hokkaido have any common health issues?

Despite them being a relatively healthy breed, they do have a few hereditary issues that they could have. These diseases include any of the following:

Hip Dysplasia – This is where the thigh bone doesn’t fit snugly into the hip, causing problems that include lameness and arthritis, both conditions that can impact the quality of the dog’s life.
Idiopathic Seizures – These are repetitive seizures that take place throughout their lifetime. It’s a chronic condition that unfortunately can’t be cured.
Psychogenic Poly Dipsia – A condition that has no cause or apparent reasoning. The dog drinks water excessively which is considered to be related to behavioural traits.
Collie Eye Anomaly – The Hokkaido dog is prone to this condition due to its small eyes and is often an inherited disease. The condition won’t be worse for the most part but it’s something to look out for.

What is the lifespan of a Hokkaido?

The Hokkaido dog is a generally healthy breed, which means you can expect the Hokkaido Ken to live an average lifespan of between 11 to 13 years. That’s a fairly substantial amount of time on planet Earth to make plenty of memories and to give them the happy life they so truly deserve.

As long as you’re watching what they eat and helping them keep fit with regular exercise, they should live a long and healthy life.

How much does a Hokkaido need to be fed?

Feeding-wise, the Hokkaido dog need a good amount of dog food due to its medium size and average energy capacity that they have. Despite this, you also need to watch their weight, especially if they don’t get as much exercise as they’d typically need.

Sticking to a regular feeding routine will avoid them from over-eating and losing weight can be harder than gaining it, so it’s important to keep an eye on the number of treats they have.

How much can you expect to pay for a Hokkaido in Australia?

Hokkaido puppies are a rarity when it comes to parts of the world, especially in Australia and North America. As such, the Hokkaido Inu can cost anywhere between $1,500 to $3,000 depending on where you get the dog from. With them being extremely rare in some parts, it does mean you’re likely to have to fork out more as a result.

Hokkaido FAQs

Can Hokkaido dogs be left alone?

As highly intelligent dogs, the Hokkaido Ken can very quickly become bored if they’re not given enough mental stimulation. They’re more likely to develop separation anxiety if left for too long during the day. If you’re someone that’s out regularly, then you may want to look for a more independent dog.

Are Hokkaidos hypoallergenic dogs?

As a dog breed, the Hokkaido Ken has a double coat and despite some dog breeds where the undercoat can collect up more of the dander, it’s not the case with this one. These coats aren’t considered hypoallergenic and as such, this breed is not best suited for those that have dog allergies.

Do Hokkaido dogs swim?

Yes, just like other dogs, this rare breed does enjoy swimming and has a certain level of intuition that can help train them to swim a lot easier than most. Their body is also well adapted to the water, compared to other breeds like the Pug or Daschund.

Are Hokkaido dogs ideal for first-time dog owners?

With the right training, you’re going to have a great family companion for those who have older children. They’re not necessarily the right breed for those with young children and as such, they’re also not the best for first-time dog owners either.