The Hokkaido dog, the noblest dog

The dog Hokkaido it's an animal very smart and active that he can become very dependent on a single member of the family, although that does not mean that he is not affectionate with others. In fact, it is a social animal that gets along well with both young and old.

It is not a very well known breed in the West yet, but we are going to try to make it a little more so with this special 🙂.

Origin and history of Hokkaido

This amazing and beautiful dog has its origin in Japan, specifically in the homonymous prefecture of the country. It is also known as Hokkaido-ken, Hokkaido-inu, and Ainu-ken. Originally, he is identified as Do-ken. This animal is believed to be a descendant of the Matagi-Ken, a breed of dog that was brought by the Ainu from Tohoku to Hokkaido. In 1937 it was declared a »natural monument», at which time it would go on to adopt the name of its origin.

Although it was once bred to hunt bears for its resistance to cold, its strength and its vitality, Nowadays little by little it is being used more as a companion dog since it has known how to adapt to different situations and environments.

Physical characteristics

Our protagonist is a medium-sized furry, weighing about 20kg and a height at the withers between 45 and 49cm. Its body is protected by two layers of hair: one with long and hard hair, and another shorter and softer, of very different colors: white, red, wolf gray, sesame or even black.

The head is triangular, with small erect ears and small eyes.. The snout is elongated and the legs are robust. The tail keeps it raised or turned towards the back.

Has a life expectancy of 15 years.

Behavior and personality

It's a dog brave, awake, who be aware of everything that happens around you. It is also very noble and faithful. He will learn any trick if he is educated with patience and above all with respect, although yes, after work, he will like to go out for a walk or play a little with the person you love the most in the world. 🙂

The Hokkaido is a hardworking dog, so it is not recommended to have it in an apartmentunless you exercise every day.

What care do you need?

Image - Niseko.com

Food

Every day you should have clean and fresh water at your disposal. Also, as a carnivorous animal it is feed with high quality food free of grains or by-products. The price is higher than that of the feed that does have these ingredients, but the benefits are much greater. Among them, we highlight a shinier and healthier hair, a better mood and strong white teeth.

Hygiene

Once a month you should bathe using a special shampoo for dogs. In the event that it has gotten dirty long before its time, you can wipe it with a cloth dampened only with water, or use a dry shampoo.

Occasionally eyes and ears should be cleaned using clean gauze moistened with water for each eye or ear.

Exercise and education

As your caregiver, you have to worry about taking him out for a walk at least once a day and playing with him, as well as his education, from the first day he comes home. On this article We explain how to teach you different tricks.

"Salud"

Although it is a breed that generally enjoys good health, from time to time throughout its life you will have to take it to the vet to have it fitted. necessary vaccinations, microchip, neuter or spay him if you don't want to breed him, as well as every time you suspect that he is ill. In this way, your dog can live his happy life by your side.

Curiosities of the Hokkaido dog

It is considered a primitive dog

This is how it is classified in the International Canine Federation (FCI). This can already tell us a lot about your health, since primitive races tend to suffer less serious diseases than the newer ones.

Can be alone

Not long, of course. But if you have to be away to go to work or to do the shopping, the Hokkaido can get used to being alone. It is an independent animal, which will remain calm as long as you leave it something to do, like playing with a ball, or looking for hidden pieces of food.

Gets bored quickly

The boredom and frustration accumulated by not having gone out to do enough physical exercise, They will lead you to wreak havoc at home and misbehavior like barking incessantly. For this reason, it is not a good breed for those who are rather sedentary.

Price

The price of a Hokkaido puppy can be around $1000. You may find it for 800 euros, but in any case, make sure that the animal is healthy and that it has all the papers in order.