Hokkaido
hoh-KYE-doh
Japan· Hokkaido, northern Japan
The Hokkaido is a medium-sized Japanese spitz breed developed by the Ainu people of northern Japan for hunting large game.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Medium
Exercise needs
1-2 hours per day
Home size suited to
Medium home with secure outdoor space
Grooming frequency
Weekly brush, more during shedding
Coat length
Medium, double coat
Sheds
Yes, seasonally heavy
Lifespan
11-13 years
Town or country
Prefers rural or active lifestyles
Garden size needed
Medium or larger, securely fenced
Where it comes from
Origins of the Hokkaido
Hokkaido's harsh winters and mountainous forests demanded a dog tough enough to track and hold large game such as bear in deep snow. The Ainu people, the island's indigenous inhabitants, developed and relied on these dogs for centuries, valuing their endurance and keen senses over appearance.
- Region
- Hokkaido, northern Japan
- Climate it was bred for
- Cold, snowy northern island climate
- Original job
- Hunting bear and deer in mountainous terrain
The long read
About the breed
Its history as a bear and deer hunting dog produced an animal of great stamina, courage and independence, with acute senses and a strong prey drive.
In the home it is loyal and devoted to its family but can be wary of strangers and other dogs, needing early socialisation, and it thrives with active owners who can give it consistent mental and physical work.
Today the Hokkaido survives mainly in Japan as a designated natural monument, with small but growing numbers kept abroad by enthusiasts of primitive Japanese breeds.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Friendliness
3/5
How openly the Hokkaido greets people it does not know.
Trainability
3/5
How readily the breed takes to training in an ordinary home.
Energy
3/5
How much daily exercise and stimulation the breed expects.
Barking
3/5
How vocal the breed tends to be day to day.
Grooming
3/5
How much coat work the breed needs to stay comfortable.
Suits a first-time owner
3/5
How forgiving the Hokkaido is for someone taking on their first dog.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Skull
The Hokkaido's skull is judged on balance rather than size — proportionate to the body, with a clean cheek and a stop typical of the breed. Coarseness or an over-refined head are both faulted.
Timeline
History & development
1140s
Early origins
Ancestors arrived with settlers from Honshu and were developed by the Ainu people as hunting dogs.
1869
Named for the island
Following Japanese naming of Hokkaido island, the breed took on its modern name.
1937
Natural monument
The Japanese government designated the Hokkaido a Natural Monument for its historical importance.
1965
FCI recognition
The breed gained international recognition through the FCI.
1990s
Conservation efforts
Dedicated Japanese breed clubs worked to preserve genetic diversity as numbers declined.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Compact and well-muscled with a straight back, deep chest and firm loin.
- coat
- Harsh, straight double coat with a dense, soft undercoat suited to cold climates.
- ears
- Small, triangular and firmly erect, set slightly forward.
- eyes
- Small, triangular and dark brown, set obliquely for an alert, keen expression.
- head
- Broad and wedge-shaped with a moderate stop and strong, deep muzzle.
- size
- 45-52cm at the withers
- colour
- Red, white, black, sesame, brindle and black and tan.
- temperament
- Bold, faithful and highly alert, with strong hunting instincts and a cautious nature towards strangers.
- general appearance
- Medium-sized, well-balanced spitz with a sturdy, muscular build suited to work in snow and rough terrain.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
Dogs like this
Hokkaidos added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
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Made for the Hokkaido
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Hokkaido illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
Own stock — shipped by us
Framed poster
Hokkaido Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Hokkaido illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Hokkaido Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Hokkaido illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Hokkaido Mug
Ceramic mug with the Hokkaido illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
Slicker & Deshedding Brush
Self-cleaning slicker head for coats of every length.
Fits any dog
Pawpoint on YouTube
Watch the full Hokkaido video
Breed deep-dives, history and honest ownership talk. New film every week.
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