Hokkaido

The Hokkaido (北海道犬 Hokkaidō-ken or Hokkaidō-inu) is a breed of dog. Other names for the breed include Ainu-ken, Seta, and Shita. In Japan, its name is sometimes shortened to Dō-ken. The Hokkaido is native to the prefecture of the same name in Japan.

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Appearance

The breed is medium in size, and has small, triangular, upright ears. The small eyes have a rising triangular outline. The Hokkaido has a coat of long, stiff fur, and a second, shorter coat of soft fur. Colors include red, white, black, tiger, sesame, and wolf-gray. Males are typically 50 cm tall, and females a few centimeters shorter, with body masses in the 20 kg range. Lifetimes of about 15 years are common.

Temperament

The breed is known for faithfulness to its keeper, bravery, and the ability to withstand the cold, among other traits.

Health

A lifespan of about 15 years is common.

History

The Hokkaido is thought to have its roots in the Matagi-ken, a breed brought by the Ainu people from the Tohoku region in the Jomon period. The later Yayoi people brought a different breed to the Tohoku, but the isolation of Hokkaido led to its line of Jomon dog having the least influence from the Yayoi.

In 1869, the English zoologist Thomas W. Blankiston gave the breed the name Hokkaido.

The breed was useful in the search for survivors of an Army expedition that was caught in heavy snow crossing the Hakkoda Mountains of Aomori Prefecture in 1902.

In 1937, the Ministry of Education designated the breed a natural monument, and officially named it Hokkaidō-inu.