About Hokkaido Ken
History of The Ainu Dog
The Hokkaido in North America
The Hokkaido in North America
The Hokkaido is one of the oldest of the six native Japanese spitz breeds. They are said to have originated from medium-sized Japanese dogs that accompanied the Ainu people from Honshu (the main island of Japan) to Hokkaido during the Kamakura era in the 1140s, when exchanges were developing between Hokkaido and the Tohoku District.
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The Hokkaido is one of the oldest of the six native Japanese spitz breeds. They are said to have originated from medium-sized Japanese dogs that accompanied the Ainu people from Honshu (the main island of Japan) to Hokkaido during the Kamakura era in the 1140s, when exchanges were developing between Hokkaido and the Tohoku District.
Over time, the Ainu people and their dogs adapted to survive the severely cold winter climate and rugged landscape. The dogs were revered by the Ainu people for their devout loyalty, bravery, and large game hunting ability. The Ainu were bear and deer hunters by culture, and their livelihood depended on their renowned bear dogs.
The Hokkaido was classified as a Living Natural Monument by the government of Japan in 1937. There are two main breed registries, the Hokkaido Ken Hozonkai (Hokkaido Dog Preservation Society) and the Hokkaido Ken Kyokai (Hokkaido Dog Association). Almost no Hokkaido are registered outside of these two clubs.
The Hokkaido in North America
The Hokkaido in North America
The Hokkaido in North America
The Hokkaido Ken, or Ainu dog, is one of the 6 native Japanese spitz breeds. It is a very old breed that has been isolated historically to Hokkaido Island. The breed is not common within Japan. As of August 2019, there are approximately 51 Hokkaido in North America with 7 known litters born to date. Annual registrations in Japan have
The Hokkaido Ken, or Ainu dog, is one of the 6 native Japanese spitz breeds. It is a very old breed that has been isolated historically to Hokkaido Island. The breed is not common within Japan. As of August 2019, there are approximately 51 Hokkaido in North America with 7 known litters born to date. Annual registrations in Japan have dropped to 200-300 dogs.
Hokusei Kashinoki is the first Hokkaido breeder in North America and founder of the HANA project. In 2015, a litter of 6 puppies from Genko (black and tan import Japan) and Yezo (brindle import Japan/Canada) were born. The breed is newly AKC Foundation Stock Service eligable since early 2016, and is a member of the Working Group. The Hokkaido Association of North America has adopted the Dokenho standard, but AKC is officially using the FCI standard which is also acceptable. http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/261g05-en.pdf
Currently there are 3 dedicated Hokkaido breeders in the US: HK (Hokusei Kashinoki), Apricity, and Kaiju Kennels (who have recently produced their first litter.)
Living With Hokkaido
The Hokkaido in North America
Living With Hokkaido
Hokkaido kind of fall in between Akita and Shiba for size, temperament and looks, with a few key differences. They are slightly larger than Shibas, the males more so, and tend to be more stout with very thick double coats in more muted tones. My females top out around 35lbs. Mine love outside time with me, exploring, romping with their
Hokkaido kind of fall in between Akita and Shiba for size, temperament and looks, with a few key differences. They are slightly larger than Shibas, the males more so, and tend to be more stout with very thick double coats in more muted tones. My females top out around 35lbs. Mine love outside time with me, exploring, romping with their dog friends, and anything else I like too.
They are notably affectionate and demonstrative towards their people, wanting little more than to spend time with their humans, in close contact. They are moderate to high energy, especially as young dogs, and do not do well in apartments without outdoor running time, or confined away from people.
They require moderate socialization to other animals and new situations throughout their lives, not unlike Shiba. They have a strong unrelenting desire to please the humans in their lives, but do still have small flares of willfulness if they feel they are being treated unfairly.
Health issues documented so far include seizures, CEA, cataracts, hip dysplasia, and missing teeth. The primary breed preservation society in Japan is the Hokkaido Ken Hozonkai. The Hokkaido Association of North America https://www.hokkaidoken.org is the founding club.