Hokkaido (dog)

The Hokkaido dog (also called an Ainu dog) is a type of dog from Hokkaido, Japan. It is one of six types of purebred dogs that originated in Japan. The others are Akita, Shiba, Kai, Kishuu, and Shikoku. These are said to have the same ancestry. In the public interest incorporated foundation "Nihon Ken Hozonkai" has designated those six ones as the Japanese dogs and each of which is a national natural memorial. The Hokkaido dog is known as a character of the Japanese mobile company SoftBank. Therefore many Japanese people may know or see this breed at least once through the animal TV programs or TV commercials even if they are not familiar with it. 

 Appearance 
Hokkaido dogs are a relatively rare breed. It is estimated that there are only about 7,000 Hokkaido dogs currently in Japan. Their lifespan is about 13 to 15 years. It is generally said that medium dogs have a lifespan of 10 to 14 years old, so Hokkaido dogs are the same. Also, their average height is about 42 to 53 centimeters and their weight is about 15 to 30 kilograms. It is a little bigger than the most other medium dogs. Some people may mistake Hokkaido dogs for Shiba dogs because they and look similar,  but their size is a little different. Hokkaido dogs are slightly larger than Shiba dogs, and the chest of the Hokkaido dog is deeper and the muscles are firm. 

They have the double coat with long hard and short soft. Because they are from the Hokkaido area, so it prevents cold weather and the air. It consists of an over coat which is bristle and an under coat which is a soft one that can adjust their body temperature. Some people may know white colored ones. However there are various colors such as sesame, tiger, red, dark brown, wolf ash and white. In addition, their small triangular “standing ears” is eye catching.

 History 
The ancestors of it lived in Honshu and moved to Hokkaido with humans, and became a pure breed. It has lived with the Ainu people there for a long time, so it is also popular as an Ainu dog. In Ainu language, it is called “Seta.” It was designated as a national natural monument in 1937.

 Character 
Ainu people have long been hunting large beasts, so dogs are brave and strong to hunt. Furthermore, they affectionately treat their owners who are recognized as leaders by dogs, and they have a strong loyalty to protect their owners.

 References 

Category:Dog breeds originating in Japan
Category:Rare dog breeds