Hokkaido
Temperament:
The Hokkaido - also known as Ainu-ken or Ainu-Inu - was once bred for bear hunting and is characterized by its remarkable endurance. Today it is also considered a "natural monument" worthy of protection.
Characteristics
This dog breed can reach a shoulder height of up to 52 cm. The medium-sized Hokkaido is strongly built and has a strong bone structure. Its musculature is well developed. The coat of this breed is also hard-wearing. It consists of a hard outer coat and a soft undercoat. The coat can be red, black or white.
The appearance is similar to that of the Akita, which also originates from Japan. The dogs have a rather broad head with small black eyes and a mostly black nose. The ears are triangular and pointed. The tail is carried curled over the back.
The Hokkaido only binds itself to one person who serves as its pack leader. It often only takes orders from this person and is happy to ignore the orders of others. The Hokkaido is usually reserved towards strangers and thus retains a certain dignity.
However, the dog's stubbornness does not always make it easy for its owner to get his way and often presents even experienced dog owners with a challenge. His sensitivity often translates into stubbornness if he is treated unfairly.
Coat care:
Shedding:
Energy level:
Trainability:
Children suitable:
The right food
When choosing food, make sure that it contains high-quality ingredients, is balanced and meets your dog's requirements. Age, size or weight, activity and health status play an important role. You should follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the amount of food.
Treats should only be fed in moderation and deducted from the basic diet to avoid obesity.
Puppies can be fed 4-6 times a day. The number of meals should be gradually reduced to 2 per day until the dog is fully grown. A rest period should be observed after meals.
Fresh drinking water should be available at all times.
Health & Care
Your dog's coat should be brushed well about two to three times a week, even daily during the shedding period.
The ears and teeth also need to be cleaned from time to time. Ideally twice a week. The claws should also be checked regularly for excess length and shortened if necessary.
Otherwise, the Hokkaido is very clean. Bathing is therefore not necessary and can even damage the hair structure.
Suitable accessories
This breed needs a lot of exercise and running around. A large garden is therefore a prerequisite for acquiring such a dog.
For walks, we recommend at least a long lead with a collar or harness. However, it is best if the dog can run freely, although good training is of course very important. A coat brush is also essential.
Other accessories that are part of every dog's basic equipment: dog basket or dog mat as a place to retreat, water and food bowl, tick tweezers, claw clippers, toothbrush and toothpaste for the dog, transport box for transportation in the car and a first aid kit. Ask your vet what belongs in the first aid kit.
Origin & History
The Hokkaido has its origins in Japan, as its name suggests. There it was mainly used for hunting big game. Catching fish is still one of its tasks today.
It is assumed that the breed is descended from other medium-sized dogs that served as companions for emigrants in the Kamura period.
Breeding was continued by the Ainu, the indigenous people of Hokkaido. They virtually worship these brave dogs. The breed only received its current name and protected status in 1937.