How to Identify a Hokkaido Inu

The Hokkaido Inu, also known as the Hokkaido, Hokkaido Ken, and Ainu, is a spitz breed from Japan and assigned to the working group.^{[1]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.Go to source} Thought to be one of the oldest Japanese spitz dogs, they were developed by the Ainu people to withstand rough terrain and harsh winter weather.^{[2]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.Go to source} Hokkaido share much in common with other Asian spitz-type dogs, but they also have several traits that can be used to distinguish them. This How.com.vn will help you identify a Hokkaido by recognizing what makes them unique.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Checking the Structure

Hokkaido are medium-sized dogs when compared to other breeds. They can weigh anywhere from 44 to 66 pounds (20 to 30 kg) and have a height of 18–20 inches (46–51 cm).^{[3]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.Go to source}
A Hokkaido's head is a small amount flattened but still of great breadth. The muzzle resembles a wedge in shape, and the stop where the skull and muzzle meet is noticeable yet rather shallow. The dog has good cheeks that are as wide as the skull is long, and the nose is generally black with a straight bridge but sometimes unpigmented a bit in dogs with solid white coats. The strong jaws and tightly drawn lips with edges colored black conceal a scissors bite.^{[4]XResearch source}
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The eyes of a Hokkaido are a shade of brown that is dark in color, and their size is not overly small. With outside corners that are tilted upward a small amount, the eyes appear to approach a triangular shape.^{[5]XResearch source}
Hokkaido have small-sized ears that are pricked erect with firmness, though they may seem to tilt forward on an incline. Their shape resembles triangles.^{[6]XResearch source}
A Hokkaido's paws have nails that are generally a dark color if not black and feel hard in texture. The elastic pads are of a good thickness, and the toes are held close together and form arches. The paws in the front and back are identical.^{[7]XResearch source}
The tail of a Hokkaido is either held in a sickle curve or as a curl on the dog's back, though if it were to be let down, it would be long enough to barely stand above the hocks. It is rather thick and high-set.^{[8]XResearch source}
Hokkaido are of good bone, toughly muscled, built in a sturdy manner, and cut cleanly. They have a muscular neck, shoulders that slope a fair amount, a deep back, ribs of good spring, straight forelegs, strong hindquarters, and a straight back. Their gait suggests much resilience and activity while maintaining quick speed and light-footedness.^{[9]XResearch source}
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Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Observing the Coat

A Hokkaido's coat is a double coat, being comprised of both an outer coat and an undercoat, and the dog's tail is coated with feathering of a long length that stands away from the skin. The undercoat is of a high density and feels soft to the touch, while the outer coat appears straight and is harsher in texture.
2
Check the coat color. The coat of a Hokkaido may be white, black, red, brindle, or sesame. A black coat may occasionally be seen with tan markings.^{[10]XResearch source}
- A sesame coat is seen with a combination of mixed red, black, and white fur.^{[12]XResearch source}
Did you know? A white-coated Hokkaido helped bring the breed to fame by appearing in the commercials of a telecom company in Japan.^{[11]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.Go to source}
Hokkaido do not need much grooming, though they are seasonal shedders as they biyearly blow their undercoat. Getting their coat brushed once a week and washed regularly suffices.^{[13]XTrustworthy SourceAmerican Kennel ClubThe American Kennel Club (AKC) is a purebred dog pedigree registry in the United States. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show.Go to source}
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Recognizing Temperament

Hokkaido are intelligent dogs, but this leads to them becoming stubborn during training. They require a great deal of mental stimulation and firm training to prevent this.^{[14]XResearch source}
Many Hokkaido are naturally curious and inquisitive, desiring to explore and potentially escape. They need to be given constant attention and outside areas with high secure fences so they do not wander off too far.^{[15]XResearch source}
As a working breed, Hokkaido should be exercised on a regular basis. Hiking, playing, or walking can help relieve some of their energy.^{[16]XResearch source}
Due to their hunting heritage, Hokkaido were bred to be tough and fearless dogs. This can make them great guard dogs but may lead to them picking fights with creatures larger than them.^{[17]XResearch source}
Hokkaido are known to strongly bond with their families and value being around them. Because of this, they may be prone to experiencing separation anxiety if they are left alone for long periods of time.^{[18]XResearch source}
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