Hokkaido

The Ainu, or Hokkaido dog, has a long and distinguished past stretching back more than 1,000 years – one of the first canine breeds to exist. Clearly descended from Matagi-ken dogs that lived alongside indigenous Japanese people centuries ago, it is an intriguing mystery as to how exactly this breed was created with no written records kept in those ancient times.

For centuries, the Hokkaido dog has been hunting alongside Japanese people, long before guns were invented. Breed fanciers proudly speak of these dogs’ remarkable abilities to take down a brown bear with ease and tenacity; they will clamp onto their quarry’s neck until it is brought down.

Resourceful by nature, the Hokkaido dog has been a treasured companion of ancient Japanese people since time immemorial. Not only were these pups employed as hunters to catch fish from streams, but they’ve also served as guardians and protectors for their families. In recent times, this versatile breed is even trained in search and rescue missions!

If you’re looking for a loyal, medium-sized breed of dog that’s perfect for any lifestyle, the Hokkaido may be your answer! These gorgeous pups can fit into both apartments and large homes with ease. They are very active dogs who need plenty of outdoor exercise like running in yards or walking to parks nearby. When properly socialized at an early age, these alert-minded pooches get along well with all kinds of people – from single individuals to larger families – plus kids too! So if loyalty is what you seek in a canine companion, the arctic beauty known as Hokkaido could be just right for you.

Undoubtedly, the most characteristic trait of a Hokkaido Dog is their unyielding loyalty. They will wholeheartedly commit themselves to their master and can at times be difficult to re-home due how deeply attached they become with one person in particular. Furthermore, this breed exhibits remarkable courage when facing off against dangerous adversaries without any hesitation or fear. Despite having an extremely powerful bite force and potential for aggression, these dogs make perfect household companions as they are often quite docile and mellow around people.

The beautiful Hokkaido breed has a range of colors, including black, red, black & tan, white, brindle and sesame. Their thick double coat is not hypoallergenic but it does keep them warm in chilly climates. However brushing their fur can be laborious – if done almost every day this will help reduce the shedding during summer months when they are most likely to do so. For hygiene reasons bathing these dogs should occur no more than once or twice a year as they do not particularly enjoy that activity!

The Hokkaido dog is content with minimal exercise and typically only requires 30-60 minutes of activity per day. Going on hikes or jogs would be a great way to keep the pup entertained while enjoying some time outdoors together. However, due to the breed’s inclination towards chasing small animals, it is suggested that they are kept on a lead at all times when out in public.