The Hokkaido is an ancient Japanese breed originating from the island of Hokkaido, originally bred by the Ainu people for hunting large game. This medium-sized, robust dog has a muscular, athletic body and a curled tail that give it a powerful, alert appearance. The breed is highly devoted to its family and has a strong protective instinct. Additionally, they are intelligent and independent, making them well-suited for owners with dog experience who can provide consistent, active guidance.
The Hokkaido originates from the Japanese island of Hokkaido, where the breed was developed by the indigenous Ainu people. Also known as the Ainu-ken, the Hokkaido was developed centuries ago as a hunting and companion dog, particularly for hunting large game such as bears and deer. Its strong, sturdy build and thick double coat made it well-suited for the harsh, cold weather conditions of the island. The Hokkaido was valued for its courage, loyalty, and endurance — qualities that still define the breed today.
The Hokkaido has a brave, loyal, and intelligent character. This breed is known for its deep devotion to its family and strong protective instincts, making it an excellent watchdog. Hokkaidos are independent and have a strong hunting instinct. Due to its self-reliant and spirited nature, the Hokkaido can sometimes react assertively to other dogs and tends to have a mind of its own. With proper socialisation and training, Hokkaidos become reliable, loyal family members who enjoy being actively engaged with their owners.
The Hokkaido is a medium-sized, robust dog with an athletic and compact build, designed for strength and endurance. It has a straight back, deep chest, and strong, muscular legs, giving it a powerful appearance. Its head is broad, with a slightly rounded skull and triangular, erect ears that convey alertness and intelligence. The eyes are dark and almond-shaped, giving it a vigilant expression. The Hokkaido has a thick double coat that protects it against the cold and comes in colours such as white, red, black, brindle, and wolf grey. Its tail is full and often curls gracefully over its back. This gives the Hokkaido a natural, wild appearance that matches its strong, independent character.
The Hokkaido requires a lot of daily exercise to stay both physically and mentally healthy. This breed typically needs 1.5 to 2 hours of activity per day, which should include long walks, play sessions, and preferably activities that challenge its intelligence, such as obedience training or puzzle games. Due to its hunting instinct and energetic nature, the Hokkaido also enjoys demanding activities like running or agility sports. Having space to move freely is ideal, and a fenced garden or access to open nature makes the dog happiest.
The Hokkaido has a double coat that needs regular grooming, especially during shedding seasons. Weekly brushing is usually enough to remove loose hairs and dirt, but during shedding periods — which occur twice a year — daily brushing is recommended to prevent tangles and excessive hair loss. It’s also important to regularly check and clean the ears to keep them healthy, and to brush the teeth or provide dental chews to maintain oral hygiene. The nails should be trimmed regularly if they don’t wear down naturally through movement. In general, the Hokkaido is low-maintenance, but regular attention to coat and dental care helps keep it in top condition
The Hokkaido is generally a healthy and strong breed, but like many other dog breeds, it can be prone to certain hereditary conditions. Hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia may occur and can lead to pain and reduced mobility. Additionally, the kneecap (patella) in some Hokkaidos can become displaced, causing discomfort during movement. Eye issues such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA) can also occur, which may eventually lead to reduced vision. While the Hokkaido is a sturdy dog, skin allergies can sometimes cause irritation and itching. With regular veterinary check-ups and good care, these issues can be detected and addressed early, helping the Hokkaido stay healthy and happy.
Several breeds share characteristics with the Hokkaido, both in appearance and temperament. Here are a few comparable breeds:
When getting a Hokkaido, it is important to choose a reputable breeder who tests the parent dogs for hereditary conditions such as hip dysplasia and eye problems. A well-socialised puppy is essential, as the Hokkaido can naturally be somewhat reserved toward strangers.
The price of a Hokkaido can vary depending on factors such as the care given during breeding, the pedigree, and the health tests performed. While price is a consideration, it is more important to focus on the health and socialisation of the puppy. A lower price can often indicate less attention was given to crucial aspects like health testing and early development.
It is therefore always advisable to choose a certified and reliable breeder who contributes to the long-term health and well-being of your new family member.
The Hokkaido is a loyal and active dog, but it has specific needs that make it ideal for a certain type of owner. If you are considering bringing a Hokkaido into your home, it’s important to understand what qualities are necessary to care for this dog properly. Below are some key points to help determine whether this breed is a good match for you:
The Hokkaido is suitable for an owner who:
All in all, the Hokkaido is best suited for someone seeking a sturdy, faithful companion who can meet its need for both mental and physical challenges.
The Hokkaido is better suited for experienced owners. Due to its independent character, strong hunting instinct, and need for consistent training and socialisation, this breed requires someone who already has experience with dogs. For beginners, the Hokkaido can be challenging, especially because of its active and self-reliant nature.
The Hokkaido is ideal for an experienced owner who knows how to provide structure and leadership—without using a harsh approach.
This blog article discusses 10 common large dog breeds with the most important characteristics associated with these breeds. Large dog breeds are dogs with an adult weight heavier than 25 kg. Interested in another breed not listed in our top 10? Then take a look at our dog breeds page.
The answer to the above question is subjective and depends on your own preference and that of your dog. We’ve made an overview of the most popular diets in every category, using our extensive range of dog foods.
If you've ever owned a dog, you'll know that every dog is unique. Dogs can have breed-specific characteristics, though, like joint or coat issues. To support these specific characteristics, Royal Canin has created special nutrition that meets the needs of individual dog breeds. Read all about breed-specific dog food in this article!
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