The Hokkaido Inu, also known as the Hokkaido, Hokkaido Ken, and Ainu, is a spitz breed from Japan and assigned to the working group. [1] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Thought to be one of the oldest Japanese spitz dogs, they were developed by the Ainu people to withstand rough terrain and harsh winter weather. [2] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Hokkaido share much in common with other Asian spitz-type dogs, but they also have several traits that can be used to distinguish them. This wikiHow will help you identify a Hokkaido by recognizing what makes them unique.
Steps
Method 1
Method 1 of 3:
Checking the Structure
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Consider the dog's size. Hokkaido are medium-sized dogs when compared to other breeds. They can weigh anywhere from 44 to 66 pounds (20 to 30 kg) and have a height of 18–20 inches (46–51 cm). [3] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
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Take note of the head and muzzle. A Hokkaido's head is a small amount flattened but still of great breadth. The muzzle resembles a wedge in shape, and the stop where the skull and muzzle meet is noticeable yet rather shallow. The dog has good cheeks that are as wide as the skull is long, and the nose is generally black with a straight bridge but sometimes unpigmented a bit in dogs with solid white coats. The strong jaws and tightly drawn lips with edges colored black conceal a scissors bite. [4] X Research sourceAdvertisement
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Inspect the eyes. The eyes of a Hokkaido are a shade of brown that is dark in color, and their size is not overly small. With outside corners that are tilted upward a small amount, the eyes appear to approach a triangular shape. [5] X Research source
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Check the ears. Hokkaido have small-sized ears that are pricked erect with firmness, though they may seem to tilt forward on an incline. Their shape resembles triangles. [6] X Research source
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Notice the paws. A Hokkaido's paws have nails that are generally a dark color if not black and feel hard in texture. The elastic pads are of a good thickness, and the toes are held close together and form arches. The paws in the front and back are identical. [7] X Research source
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Look at the tail. The tail of a Hokkaido is either held in a sickle curve or as a curl on the dog's back, though if it were to be let down, it would be long enough to barely stand above the hocks. It is rather thick and high-set. [8] X Research source
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Examine the dog's overall build. Hokkaido are of good bone, toughly muscled, built in a sturdy manner, and cut cleanly. They have a muscular neck, shoulders that slope a fair amount, a deep back, ribs of good spring, straight forelegs, strong hindquarters, and a straight back. Their gait suggests much resilience and activity while maintaining quick speed and light-footedness. [9] X Research sourceAdvertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:
Observing the Coat
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Analyze the coat. A Hokkaido's coat is a double coat, being comprised of both an outer coat and an undercoat, and the dog's tail is coated with feathering of a long length that stands away from the skin. The undercoat is of a high density and feels soft to the touch, while the outer coat appears straight and is harsher in texture.
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Check the coat color. The coat of a Hokkaido may be white, black, red, brindle, or sesame. A black coat may occasionally be seen with tan markings. [10] X Research source
- A sesame coat is seen with a combination of mixed red, black, and white fur. [12] X Research source
Did you know? A white-coated Hokkaido helped bring the breed to fame by appearing in the commercials of a telecom company in Japan. [11] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source
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Understand the dog's grooming requirements. Hokkaido do not need much grooming, though they are seasonal shedders as they biyearly blow their undercoat. Getting their coat brushed once a week and washed regularly suffices. [13] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club The American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to sourceAdvertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:
Recognizing Temperament
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Expect stubbornness. Hokkaido are intelligent dogs, but this leads to them becoming stubborn during training. They require a great deal of mental stimulation and firm training to prevent this. [14] X Research source
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Notice curiosity. Many Hokkaido are naturally curious and inquisitive, desiring to explore and potentially escape. They need to be given constant attention and outside areas with high secure fences so they do not wander off too far. [15] X Research source
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See if the dog needs regular activity. As a working breed, Hokkaido should be exercised on a regular basis. Hiking, playing, or walking can help relieve some of their energy. [16] X Research source
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Check for courage. Due to their hunting heritage, Hokkaido were bred to be tough and fearless dogs. This can make them great guard dogs but may lead to them picking fights with creatures larger than them. [17] X Research source
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Identify loyalty. Hokkaido are known to strongly bond with their families and value being around them. Because of this, they may be prone to experiencing separation anxiety if they are left alone for long periods of time. [18] X Research sourceAdvertisement
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Tips
- Consider DNA testing if the dog in question is your own. A DNA test will confirm if your dog is a Hokkaido.Thanks
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References
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/hokkaido/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/hokkaido/
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/hokkaido/
- ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/261g05-en.pdf
- ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/261g05-en.pdf
- ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/261g05-en.pdf
- ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/261g05-en.pdf
- ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/261g05-en.pdf
- ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/261g05-en.pdf
- ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/261g05-en.pdf
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/hokkaido/
- ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/261g05-en.pdf
- ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/hokkaido/
- ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/hokkaido-dog-temperament/
- ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/hokkaido-dog-temperament/
- ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/hokkaido-dog-temperament/
- ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/hokkaido-dog-temperament/
- ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/hokkaido-dog-temperament/
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