The Japanese breed with Akita and Kishu influences is one of the best breeds. It has a childish aura that can take care of almost any negative energy in the surroundings. The best thing about the Hokkaido is that it is one of the most manageable breeds in existence.
Read on and learn more about this amazing breed.
Hokkaido History
The Hokkaido, as you may have guessed from its name, is a Japanese breed. The inception of this breed is a tale older than time. There aren’t a lot of records specifying what the Hokkaido was and how it developed. The widespread belief is that it is related to the Matagi Ken. The birthplace of this breed is believed to be the Ainu region.
Explorers discovered the breed only in the mid 18th Century. Afterward, it gained fame and quickly became one of the most popular breeds. It was used as a search and rescue dog as well as a companion dog. The breed was at one point used by the Japanese Army too. The Hokkaido is on the list of protected species for Japan.
Hokkaido Characteristics
The Hokkaido looks like a Spitz version of the Shiba Inu. It has erect triangular ears and sharp eyes. The muzzle of the Hokkaido is medium long. It has a rather intimidating figure. The muscle definition of the Hokkaido can scare almost anyone. Let’s just say you wouldn’t want the Hokkaido to be your enemy. The coat of the Hokkaido is usually superbly dense and double-layered. Say bye-bye to heat tolerance. The colors for the coat are Brindle, Fawn, Brown, White, and Red.
How Big do Hokkaido Get
As discussed above, the Hokkaido is a spitz-type breed and has great stamina. And so, The Hokkaido is a semi medium breed. The average height of female Hokkaido is 18 to 19 inches. The average height of male Hokkaido is 19 to 20 inches. And the weight of female Hokkaido varies between 44 to 66 lbs. The weight of male Hokkaido is approximately the same.
How Long Does Hokkaido Live
The Hokkaido is a slightly healthy breed and will usually live between 11 and 13 years of age. If you want it to live an even longer life, then please give it a healthy lifestyle. Increase the frequency of its check-ups. Make sure that its diet is tasty and healthy. In short, please do whatever you can on your end to make its life easier.
How Much Does a Hokkaido Cost
The initial cost of getting a Hokkaido puppy isn’t that much. At most, it will cost you 400 to 800 dollars. The price will change based on the health factor and the pedigree of the breed. The characteristics and proportions also play a vital role in considering its price.
Hokkaido Temperament/Personality
The Hokkaido is a breed meant to be family-friendly. The best thing about the Hokkaido is its amazing adaptive qualities. The Hokkaido can get along with just about anyone. Older people in the house, young children in the house, it doesn’t matter. The Hokkaido will love everyone equally. It will even try to accept other pets in the house if you introduce them properly. In short, the right type of socialization plays a vital role in its manageability.
Training the Hokkaido would be the easiest thing if it wasn’t stubborn. Its stubbornness can force the best of the best to crack. We would recommend a strong routine, which can be repeated often. You will have to make the routine as engaging and interesting as possible. In the end, what matters the most is diligence and determination.
Caring for Hokkaido
We know that you have an overwhelming desire to be the best partner to your amazing buddy. For that specific reason, we believe that this section is perhaps of the utmost importance to you.
Hokkaido Nutrition
The Hokkaido is a medium-sized breed and requires food accordingly. We recommend giving it at most two to three cups of food every day. The Hokkaido will require food based on its nutritional requirements. To find the best diet for it, we recommend getting a vet consultation. You may use a healthy brand like Purina Dog Food or Wellness Dog Food to fill its belly. If you don’t like the brands mentioned, you can visit the Dog Food section.
How to Groom a Hokkaido
The Hokkaido has a highly dense coat. The coat of the Hokkaido tends to get entangled, which is why we believe that it needs frequent brushing. Commonly it would be best if you were willing to brush its coat at least three times per week. When brushing its coat, ensure the use of a Dog Brush to make the process smoother and healthier. You should bathe the Hokkaido only rarely. Bathing it should be in a strictly safe and fun environment. Use a Dog Shampoo for the safety of its skin. Finally, trim its overgrown nails and brush its teeth.
Hokkaido Activity Levels
The Hokkaido adopts moderation in almost everything. The activity requirements will need overly to be fulfilled every day to sate its sanity. We recommend giving it at least 40 to 60 minutes long workout sessions. If you ignore its demand for exercise, it will lose all interest in its workouts and become self-destructive.
Caring for Hokkaido
The Hokkaido isn’t a needy breed. It hardly aims for anything more than your love. Yet if you want it to be even happier, then there are a few tricks and tips. First of all, please clean its ears. If you clean its ears, then you will save it from numerous health problems. The second thing is keeping it safe from the heat. Extreme heat isn’t something meant for the Hokkaido.
Hokkaido Health
The Hokkaido is one of the best breeds possible, but it does have certain limitations. The first of which is its health. The hybrid nature of the Hokkaido makes it a slightly tricky breed to manage. It has a few conditions and holes in its immunity that you should be looking out for. These holes are mainly Elbow Dysplasia, Hip Dysplasia, and Cryptorchidism. It may even have to suffer from the all too problematic Collie Eye Anomaly.
If you want it to live a healthy and long life, keep in contact with the vet. If you ignore its medical needs, then it will develop certain skin conditions. The best thing that you can do is take it to the vet as often as you can. Give it thorough examinations and a strong, healthy diet. If you doubt its health even for a second, then please do not ignore it.
Breeds Similar to Hokkaido
Best Dog Food For Hokkaido
The best dog food for a Hokkaido is Taste of the Wild High Prairie Grain-Free Dry Dog Food. This formula contains bison and buffalo that are essential ingredients for providing protein to your Hokkaido. Also, it has the right antioxidant and fiber balance to maintain good health and support the digestive system.
- It is a grain-free meal with the necessary amount of proteins and vegetables
- It contains omega fatty acids that help in keeping skin and coat healthy
- The right blend of nutrients permits digestive health
Best Puppy Food For Hokkaido
The best puppy food for a Hokkaido is Merrick Classic Healthy Grains Puppy Recipe Dry Dog Food. This kibble has real deboned chicken as a primary ingredient to nourish your Hokkaido puppy with an adequate amount of protein in its daily diet. It comprises all essential nutrients to support the growing muscles and bone development.
- It comprises of healthy grains and real chicken
- It contains essential minerals, vitamins, and nutrients for good health
- The meal has the right amount of DHA, glucosamine, and omega acids
Best Dog Crate For Hokkaido
The best dog crate for a Hokkaido is EliteField 3-Door Collapsible Soft-Sided Dog Crate. This crate comes with collapsible doors that make it convenient for travel and space. The frame is long-lasting, and the material is easily washable, which makes it a perfect choice.
- The crate is not heavy and can be easily kept anywhere in the house or yard
- It does not need the help of tools for assembling
- It comes with a travel case for easy carrying
Best Dog Bed For Hokkaido
The best dog bed for a Hokkaido is FurHaven Ultra Plush Oval Bolster Cat & Dog Bed w/Removable Cover. This bed has a nest-like structure that provides maximum comfort and support while your Hokkaido is asleep on it. Also, the best has a removable pillow cushion to maintain cleanliness and hygiene.
- The side walls provide extra comfort and support to your Hokkaido
- It is available in several sizes and colors
- It has a front cut-out for convenience
Best Dog Harness For Hokkaido
The best dog harness for a Hokkaido is PetSafe Happy Ride Car Safety Dog Harness. It is a ride safety harness that keeps your Hokkaido safe and secure during the entire journey. Also, it has belts for a good fit and maximum comfort.
- It can fit well in any car
- It has soft padding to avoid hurting your Hokkaido;
- The harness has leash hoops for walk breaks
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