What makes the Hokkaido Inu Unique?
Ainu Dogs offer the best of both worlds to the active and outdoorsy family. They are brave and hardworking in the field, but gentle and relaxed around the home. Ainu Dogs form very strong bonds with their families and have a gentle way with children. Intelligent and adaptable, Ainu Dogs are eager to learn and easy to train.
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Is the Hokkaido Inu Right For You?
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.
This breed should not be allowed to run free around other animals. They are good with children if they are raised with them as pups. This dog is not recommended for apartment life. It is moderately active indoors and will do best with a large yard.
In 5 Words
- Alert
- Gentle
- Obedient
- Loving
- Intelligent
Characteristics
Learn About the Hokkaido Inu
Description
General Description
The Hokkaido Inu is a medium sized, strongly built dog. They have longer thicker coats than the other Japanese breeds, and also have wider chests, and smaller ears. Like all the Nihon Ken, they have a double coat made up of protective coarse outer guard hairs, and a fine thick undercoat that is shed seasonally. The breed comes in several colors: white, red, black, brindle, sesame, and wolf grey (HKH). Many Hokkaido also have spotting on their tongues. The breed has prick ears, and curl or sickle type tails. Dogs are between 48.5-51.5cm, and bitches 45.5-48.5cm (JKC,FCI,HKH), dogs 49-55cm, bitches 46-52cm (NIPPO).
Short History of the Hokkaido Inu
This breed is said to have originated from medium-sized Japanese dogs that accompanied migrants from Honshu (the main island of Japan) to Hokkaido during the Kamakura era (in the 1140s), when exchanges were developing between Hokkaido and the Tohoku District. When the breed was designated as a « natural monument » in 1937, it took an the name of the area. It also came to be known as the « Ainu-ken », since the Ainu-the former inhabitants of Hokkaido-used to breed these dogs for hunting bears and other animals. The physique of the Hokkaido enables it to withstand severe cold and heavy snowfalls. It also shows accurate judgement and great stamina.
Temperament
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.
Caring for Your Hokkaido Inu
General Health
Health issues in the Hokkaido are rarely reported due to geographic isolation and low numbers. Generally speaking, it is reasonable to presume that diseases common to the other Nihon Ken (Kai, Shiba, Japanese Akita, Kishu and Shikoku) will be present in the Hokkaido population due to the relatedness of these breeds. Luxating patella, hip dysplasia, allergies, immune problems, cardiac issues and eye problems have all been observed.
Grooming & Bathing
The harsh, straight, double coat of the Ainu Dog should be brushed and combed on a regular basis.
Exercise & Training
The Ainu needs moderate but regular exercise to stay in shape. It should be taken for long daily walks.
Hokkaido Inu Picture Gallery
