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Breed Characteristics
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Hokkaido
| Other Names | Dō-ken, Ainu-ken, Seta, Ainu dog |
| Country of Origin | Japan |
| Weight | 45 - 65 lbs. (20 - 30 kg) |
| Height (at withers) | 18 - 22 in. (46 - 56 cm) |
| Coat | The Hokkaido has a coat of long, stiff fur, and a second, shorter coat of soft fur. |
| Colour | Colours include red, white, black, tiger, sesame, black and tan and wolf-gray. |
| Litter Size | 4 - 8 puppies, average 6 puppies. |
| Life Span | 11 - 15 Years |
| Origin & History | The Hokkaido is thought to have its roots in the Matagi-ken （Japanese:マタギ犬）（hunting dog, Bear hunting dog, Deer hunting dog） a breed brought by the Ainu people from the Tohoku region in the Jōmon period. The later Yayoi people brought a different breed to the Tohoku, but the isolation of Hokkaido led to its line of Jōmon dog having the least influence from the Yayoi. In 1869, the English zoologist Thomas W. Blankiston gave the breed the name Hokkaido. The breed was useful in the search for survivors of an Army expedition that was caught in heavy snow crossing the Hakkōda Mountains of Aomori Prefecture in 1902. In 1937, the Ainu dog was designated in Japan as "a rare species protected by law" by the Ministry of Education and it was decided that the official name of the breed would be Hokkaido-Inu. However, the dogs are almost always called Hokkaido-Ken among the Japanese people. In 2007, Japanese telecom company SoftBank began using a white Hokkaido named Kai-kun (カイくん?) in its commercial campaigns for their White Plan where he stars as "Father" (お父さん Otōsan?) or Jiro Shirato (白戸 次郎 Shirato Jirō?), the patriarch of the Shirato family, with his wife portrayed by Kanako Higuchi, children portrayed by Aya Ueto and Dante Carver, and mother portrayed by Ayako Wakao; Father's speaking voice is provided by Kin'ya Kitaōji. The commercial series won the 2008 ACC Grand Prix Minister of Internal Affairs and Communications Award. The American director, producer, screenwriter, and noted Japanophile, Quentin Tarantino, guest-starred in an installment of this series of commercials. |
| Personality | The Ainu Dog's character is packed full of desirable qualities. He has proven a fearless and determined hunter, watchdog, guard and defender, and at the same time, a loyal and well-behaved dog. They have also been used as sled dogs and scenting hounds and can be trained for defense. It is intelligent and quickly trained. This large game hunter is extremely courageous for its size, willing to attack a 650-pound bear! Yet it is still gentle, obedient and home-loving. It has an innate sense of direction and can therefore return to its master no matter how great the distance. This is a typical Shika-Inu, or medium-sized dog. If its owners do not display true pack leader qualities it can become headstrong, stubborn and aggressive with other dogs. They need owners who understand what it means to be a leader and the differences between human and canine. Despite its long history as a working breed, the Ainu Dog ideally combines the roles of family pet and hunter. This breed should not be allowed to run free around other animals. They are good with children if they are raised with them from puppyhood and/or properly socialized. Children should be taught how to display leadership skills, and the dog should be taught to respect the child. |
Care Requirements
| Health | The Hokkaido dog has a very high rate of Collie eye anomaly (CEA). About 1/3 of Hokkaidos are affected by CEA while 2/3 are carriers. |
| Grooming | The harsh, straight, double coat of the Ainu Dog should be brushed and combed on a regular basis. |
| Exercise | The Ainu needs moderate but regular exercise to stay in shape. It should be taken for long daily walks. |
| Other Considerations | The Ainu Dog is not recommended for apartment life. It is moderately active indoors and will do best with a large yard. They can live outdoors, for their warm coats protect them from the cold. |
