{"id":117564,"date":"2015-02-09T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2015-02-08T22:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/?p=117564"},"modified":"2025-12-09T12:48:19","modified_gmt":"2025-12-09T10:48:19","slug":"hokkaido-ainu","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tvaryny.com\/en\/breed-hokkaido-ainu","title":{"rendered":"Hokkaido (Ainu)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

The Hokkaido <\/strong>or Ainu<\/strong> is not merely a dog; it is a living legend of Japan, the embodiment of the spirit of the northern islands and an indomitable will. This is a breed that has been tempered for centuries in the harsh conditions of snowy winters and whilst hunting large game. If you are looking for a plush toy for the sofa, you have come to the wrong address. But if you need a loyal samurai, ready to stand in defence of your family at the cost of their own life, the Hokkaido is the choice for you. Learn more on Tvaryny<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hokkaido (Ainu): a brief overview and characteristics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Parameter<\/th>Characteristic<\/th><\/tr><\/thead>
Country of origin<\/strong><\/td>Japan (Hokkaido Island)<\/td><\/tr>
FCI Classification<\/strong><\/td>Group 5 (Spitz and primitive types), Section 5 (Asian Spitz and related breeds)<\/td><\/tr>
Purpose<\/strong><\/td>Hunting dog, companion, guardian<\/td><\/tr>
Life expectancy<\/strong><\/td>11-13 years (often reaching 15)<\/td><\/tr>
Height at withers (Males)<\/strong><\/td>48.5 – 51.5 cm<\/td><\/tr>
Height at withers (Females)<\/strong><\/td>45.5 – 48.5 cm<\/td><\/tr>
Weight<\/strong><\/td>20-30 kg (depending on sex and build)<\/td><\/tr>
Coat type<\/strong><\/td>Double (stiff outer coat and soft undercoat)<\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

History of origin: from the Jomon era to the present day<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Ainu dogs are amongst the oldest Japanese dogs and are living carriers of the archipelago’s history. Genetic studies show that they are direct descendants of dogs from the Jomon period (approximately 10,000 BC). The Ainu people, the indigenous people who were pushed to the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido, preserved the purity of this breed for millennia. Imagine this: when civilisations were only just emerging in Europe, the ancestors of this dog were already hunting bears in the dense forests of Japan.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

These hardy dogs could work in blizzards and thunderstorms; they feared neither the cold nor harsh mountain conditions. These dogs specialised in hunting the brown bear (Higuma), which is a very dangerous opponent, as well as the Ezo deer. A particular feature of the Hokkaido is their impeccable sense of direction. These dogs never get lost, wherever they are, which was critical for the “Matagi” hunters who tracked prey for tens of kilometres from home.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In 1937, the Japanese Ministry of Education declared the breed a natural monument, and it was then that the official name was changed from “Ainu-ken” to “Hokkaido-ken”. However, after the Second World War, the breed’s numbers dropped noticeably. People began to prefer dogs with a softer character or Western breeds. To this day, Hokkaido numbers are low, and they remain a rarity even in their homeland.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What the Hokkaido looks like: detailed description of the exterior<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
\"Hokkaido<\/figure>\n\n\n\n

The Hokkaido is a sturdy, compact and extremely muscular dog. It radiates strength but does not look heavy. It is a balance between speed and power. Sexual dimorphism is clearly expressed: males look more masculine and massive, while females are more elegant but no less robust.<\/p>\n\n\n\n