Hokkaido

Other names : Hokkaido-Ken, Ainu-ken, Seta, Ainu dog, Dō-ken

This deeply fluffy cutie may look like a cuddle on legs, but he’s built for action. The Hokkaido’s affable, dignified expression and distinctive coat make him a common pet in his homeland of Japan, but he originally worked as a hunter of boars and even of the mighty bear, who he disarmed ‘playground-style’ by leaping on her back and biting her neck flesh until she gave up or retreated. Today, he is making solid inroads towards domestic life, although his playing style – as unconventional as his bear-baiting style – has marked him out to some as a risk. In fact, he’ll play nicely with humans and other dogs, although smaller creatures should beware that he’s still keen on a casual game of hunt-the-furry-thing.

Checked by animal care professional

Comment •

Life expectancy	The Hokkaido has a life expectancy of between 11 and 13 years
Temperament	Intelligent
Size	Medium
Adult size	Female Between 18 and 19 in Male Between 19 and 20 in
Adult weight	Female Between 40 and 51 lb Male Between 44 and 55 lb
Coat colour	Black White Red
Type of coat	Short Hard
Eye colour	Brown

Good to know

The Hokkaido is one of the oldest of the six native Japanese spitz breeds that also include the Akita, Shiba Inu, Kai Ken, Shikoku, and Kishu Ken. While the Hokkaido-Ken has become a common pet in Japan, it still takes time and work to find an available pup in the UK.

More details about the Hokkaido

Hokkaido: Origins and history

Named for his home island, the Hokkaido seems to have originated from the medium-sized Japanese dogs who migrated there nearly 1,000 years ago. Over the centuries, he has been a brave and loyal hunting colleague, but he became very rare by the early 20th century. Partly thanks to his appearance in animations and a series of commercials, the Hokkaido-Ken has enjoyed a renaissance in Japan in recent years; now, due to the proliferation of cute pics on the internet, he is ready to take over the world. Here’s to our Hokkaido-Ken overlords!

Physical characteristics of the Hokkaido

The Hokkaido-Ken is aesthetically notable for two main characteristics: his upturned, almost triangular eyes; and his puffed-up coat, giving him the look of an inflated wolf (if instead of air he was inflated with cuteness). His face is mid-length, and his wedge-shaped head works its way back to small triangular ears flanked by thick fur that avalanches down over his powerful neck. Beneath that deeply dreamy double-coat, his body is broad and muscular, adding to the sense that he could bear-hug as strongly as any of his long-vanquished ursine foes. But you really know they’ve made an effort with this dog because, although he’s already proven himself spectacular long before you reach his rear, the Hokkaido bum is decorated with a high, thick, sickle-shaped tail in perfect curved relief to the rest of his square-edged body.

FCI classification of the Hokkaido

Group 5 - Spitz and primitive types
Section 5 : Asian Spitz and related breeds

Hokkaido: Characteristics

More or less affectionate

This dog can be quite an affectionate type, depending on the individual.

Moderately playful

He loves to play, and his ‘pronking’ style with other dogs should not be mistaken for aggression.

More or less calm

The Hokkaido-Ken can make for a very calm household pet.

High intelligence

He needs to perceive meaning in what is asked of him, and in this he shows great intelligence. He does not blindly obey. He’s a natural problem-solver.

Moderate prey drive

Naturally, and while his star rises in the pet world the Hokkaido can still be found working to keep boar and bear numbers in check.

Fearful of strangers

He can be wary and protective against strangers, so should be well-socialised from a young age to keep the balance right.

Moderately independent

He is faithful to his social group, but independent like many in his class.

Hokkaido: Behaviour

Tolerates being left alone

If he gets enough exercise he can tolerate some alone-time.

Not very easy to train

This is not an easy dog to lead, and is not recommended for novices. He needs to be trained from early on by an experienced master, who knows the peculiarities of the breed. Patience and determination must be the watchwords for this one.

Moderately vocal

He never barks without reason, but can be intimidating if needed.

Has a tendency to run away

His independent temperament pushes him to flee, especially if he is hasn’t been exercised enough.

Can be destructive

If he is bored, he will do damage to let off some steam.

Moderately food motivated

Treats are welcome to overcome his stubborn side.

Very good watchdog

His intelligence, loyalty, and potential fierceness make the Hokkaido-Ken a great guard or watchdog.

Training a Hokkaido

Hokkaido: Lifestyle

Not very compatible with living in a flat

Due to his size, exercise needs, and predilection for outdoor work, the Hokkaido-Ken is not recommended for a home without a garden.

Needs a lot of exercise

This dog needs plenty of vigorous daily exercise, and thanks to his instincts and intelligence this can be in support of a number of human outdoor pastimes or classic dog challenges such as agility training.

Moderately easy to travel with

There are no major problems transporting this dog so long as regular breaks are taken to stretch his legs, and trips on public transport are well planned.

Breed compatibility Hokkaido

Not very compatible with cats

Caution should be taken with this natural hunter, but if raised alongside cats he should learn not to see them as prey.

Not very compatible with other dogs

Cohabitation with other dogs can be complicated unless the Hokkaido-Ken puppy grows alongside a canine friend.

Moderately compatible with children

He is good with children if he meets plenty while he’s a puppy; however, kids and Hokkaido-Kens should not be left alone together due to his strength.

Not compatible with senior owners

The high exercise needs of this dog may discourage some older people from taking him on.

Not recommended for a first-time owner

Those new to dogs may be easily seduced by the comic book cuteness of the Hokkaido-Ken but should be aware that due to his power and fierceness (he can bring down a bear, man!) he is not ideal for first-time ownership.