The Hokkaido is a brave, devoted and intelligent breed. It is one of the six native Japanese Spitz breeds that are recognized as national treasures of Japan. The breed is descended from medium-sized Japanese dogs that followed the Ainu immigrants from Honshu, Japan's largest island, to Hokkaido, Japan's northernmost island. The Ainu people used these dogs to hunt bear and other big game. Today in Japan it is primarily considered a guard and companion dog, the Hokkaido is still being tested against bears under very controlled conditions. The body shape of the Hokkaido is well suited for working in extreme cold and heavy snow. Sharp judgment and great endurance characterize the breed. Hokkaido was declared a national treasure in 1937.
Outside of Japan, the Hokkaido breed is recognized by The United Kennel Club (UKC), the Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and the American Kennel Club Foundation Stock Service program (AKC FSS®).
The temperament of Hokkaido
Through early socialization and training, the Hokkaido is a very loyal and dedicated companion who loves to please his human family. With proper training, it becomes an excellent family dog. The Hokkaido always wants to be with his owner and participate in what his human family is doing. He insists on following his owner from room to room in the house, and loves nothing more than driving around to run errands. Separation anxiety can be observed in many hokkaidos. The Hokkaido is an incredibly intelligent thinker and problem solver. It is a very trainable breed, but only with the right leader who takes into account the breed's natural independence and strong will during training. Because of its independent and bold nature, the Hokkaido requires training and socialization from a young age. If not properly socialized, the Hokkaido can become suspicious and protective of strangers. Due to its hunting history, the Hokkaido can be aggressive towards small animals.
The Hokkaido is an active breed that needs a lot of exercise on a daily basis to keep fit and mentally healthy. Because of their high energy and high level of intelligence, Hokkaidos need to be given "work". This does not mean that you have to hunt bear with it, as it was bred to do... The Hokkaido is a very versatile breed; excels in activities such as hunting, agility, obedience, performing various tricks, etc.
The appearance of Hokkaido
Hokkaido has adapted to survive the cold and harsh Hokkaido landscape. Thus, it developed thick weatherproof fur, large paws, small ears, a powerful chest, a strong jaw and robust features. The Hokkaido is a medium-sized dog, male 48.5 - 51.5 cm, female: 45.5 - 48.5 cm. height at withers. They are slightly longer than they are tall, balanced, strong built and well boned. Their muscles are hard and clean cut. Bitches should look feminine without showing bone/muscle. The short double coat of the Hokkaido has a hard guard coat with a very thick and soft undercoat that does not require frequent bathing.
The Hokkaido has five different color variations: red, white, black and brown, brindle and sesame. DOKENO enables a sixth color: wolf gray. Colors that are not specifically included in the breed standards, but are still acceptable and should not be faulted, include solid black, lace, pointed black and tan, white breast splashes, and urajiro (white undercoating). Acceptable but undesirable colors in Japan include white with red overlay/shading and sōge (red with black). Pinto is a fault established in all Hokkaido breed standards.
