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This is a Spitz breed native to Japan. Other names include the Seta, Shita and DoKen. It is quite possibly the only canine to have been made a national monument. It is named after the Hokkaido region where it originated.
The Hokkaido is a hardy, long-lived breed, renowned for its bravery and faithfulness. It was once kept as protection against the native brown bears that roamed its native mountains, using a peculiar method of fighting called Higuma. This involved the dog scampering up the bear’s back and “worrying” it behind the head until it gave up the fight.
Hokkaido dogs have an uncanny sense of direction and are able to travel many miles from their masters yet still find there way home. They make excellent rescue dogs and have been known to track down army personnel lost in heavy blizzards.
The HYPERLINK “http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hokkaido_%28dog%29” Hokkaido’s roots lie with the Matagi-ken, an ancient breed brought to HYPERLINK “http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hokkaido_%28dog%29” Hokkaido
from the Tohoku region, by the Ainu people. The isolation of the Hokkaido region ensured the dog has remained little changed since that time.
The Hokkaido is a medium size breed with a double coat of long, stiff fur, less thick than that of Arctic breeds. Colour varies, including every shade from pure white to wolf grey and black. The dog has a broad head, with small eyes and ears. Average height is 50cm (20inches) at the withers, with an average weight of 20kgs (44 lbs)
The breed has many traits that make it an excellent family pet.
