Hokkaido
The Hokkaido (北海道犬, Hokkaidō-ken, or Hokkaidō-inu) is a breed of dog. Other names for the breed include Ainu-ken, Seta, and Shita. In Japan, its name is sometimes shortened to Dō-ken. The Hokkaido is native to the prefecture of the same name in Japan.
History
The Hokkaido is thought to have its roots in the Matagi-ken, a breed brought by the Ainu people from the Tohoku region in the Jōmon period. The later Yayoi people brought a different breed to the Tohoku, but the isolation of Hokkaido led to its line of Jōmon dog having the least influence from the Yayoi. In 1869, the English zoologist Thomas W. Blankiston gave the breed the name Hokkaido. The breed was useful in the search for survivors of an Army expedition that was caught in heavy snow crossing the Hakkōda Mountains of Aomori Prefecture in 1902. In 1937, the Ministry of Education designated the breed a natural monument, and officially named it Hokkaidō-inu.
Appearance and Size
The breed is medium in size, and has small, triangular, upright ears. The small eyes have a rising triangular outline. The Hokkaido has a coat of long, stiff fur, and a second, shorter coat of soft fur. Colors include red, white, black, tiger, sesame, and wolf-gray. Males are typically 50 cm tall, and females a few centimeters shorter, with body masses in the 20 kg range.
Personality
The breed is known for faithfulness to its keeper, bravery, and the ability to withstand the cold, among other traits. It has an innate sense of direction and can therefore return to its master no matter how great the distance. This breed has the unusual capability of fighting against the Hokkaido Brown Bear, or Higuma to protect its master. The way in which the Ainu Dog accomplishes this is to scurry up the bear's back and sink its upper and lower incisors full force into the dorsal flesh of the bear's neck until the bear retires. Despite its long history as a working breed, the Ainu Dog ideally combines the roles of family pet and hunter. This breed should not be allowed to run free around other animals. They are good with children if they are raised with them from puppyhood. This dog is not recommended for apartment life. It is moderately active indoors and will do best with a large yard.
Wikipedia and GNU
The content of this entry is from the Wikipedia article "Hokkaido" licensed under the GNU Free Documentation License.
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Videos of Hokkaidos
Akita Inu and Hokkaido Ken at play 03/2009 (O Chanur Kennel)
chanur.free.fr Satchan Hokkaido Ken joue avec Chibi Busu Akemi O Chanur (Akita inu). Stachan the Hokkaido ken at play with Chibi Busu Akemi O Chanur (Akita Inu)
Akita Inu/Hokkaido Ken: Angers dog show 03/2009 (O Chanur Kennel)
chanur.free.fr Satchan Hokkaido Ken, avec les Akita Inu « O Chanur » à lexposition canine internationale dAngers 2009. Stachan the Hokkaido ken, with 4 of Akita Inu from my kennel at Angers internationale dog show
BBQ grill in Kushiro, Hokkaido, Japan
Hot dogs, giant scallops and more. Enjoyed in a BBQ pit in Kushiro, Hokkaido, Japan
Dogs 101- Shiba Inu
For more, visit animal.discovery.com | If you're looking for a dog that's easy to train, then the Shiba Inu is not for you. Despite its stubbornness, this pup is a loyal companion.
JaJa and Amandil - two japanese dogs
JaJa and Amandil playing in our garden, Buffy (Siberian Husky) is watching their play.
Shiro - "white, innocence" hokkaido-inu
北海道犬, "hokkaidō-ken", "hokkaidō-inu", "ainu" ~Shiro and siberian husky ~Yasu
Jack Russell Terrier vs. Snake
I'm sorry "Jpngrish" To the people that this looked like a venomous snake... It might be difficult to distinguish with the video only. However, this is just a Rat snake. RATSNAKE!! Of course there is no poison. I had known this thing since before. I have encountered the snake many times. I can instantaneously distinguish whether this snake has the poison or doesn't have it. In addition, there is no venomous snake in the my region. Momo lives with me in the city. Therefore I can take a walk only on street. T
Mammalian hibernation part 1.flv
A four part story following the efforts of 3 scientists studying the wild Japanese raccoon dog over a winter in Hokkaido, Northern Japan. Outlines natural history, social history and genetics of raccoon dog. Presents detailed descriptions of types of mammalian hibernations and concludes with results of radio transmitter and datalogger experiment on wild Tanuki showing their hibernation strategy.
ふんが～フンガ～♪（Hokkaido Dog・Saluki）
かい（北海道犬）のお気に入りのバットマン！ 音が出ないけれどﾌﾝｶﾞｰﾌﾝｶﾞｰと楽しそうです＾＾ でも・・ 入れ歯を外したおじいちゃんみたいでした(･∀･；
Weird True & Freaky: Dogs vs. Grizzly Bear
When the scent of salmon comes a knockin', grizzlies come a callin'. However, it ain't easy being a bear when you're contending with courageous canines.
