Hokkaido vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison

Hokkaido vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed ComparisonBelgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) is originated from Belgium but Hokkaido is originated from Japan. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) may grow 15 cm / 6 inches higher than Hokkaido. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) may weigh 15 kg / 33 pounds lesser than Hokkaido. Both Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) and Hokkaido has almost same life span. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) may have more litter size than Hokkaido. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) requires Low Maintenance. But Hokkaido requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Working dog
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Belgium
Japan
Height Male:
61 - 66 cm
24 - 26 inches
48 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
Height Female:
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
29 - 34 kg
63 - 75 pounds
46 - 49 kg
101 - 109 pounds
Weight Female:
25 - 34 kg
55 - 75 pounds
17 - 27 kg
37 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
11 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 10
4 - 7
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Mali,Berger Belge Malinois, Mechelse Berger
Ainu-ken, Hokkaido-Ken, Dō-ken, Seta, Ainu dog
Colors Available:
Fawn-colored with black tips on the hairs, brown or red
black, and wolf grey, red, sesame, brindle, white
Coat:
short and dense
double coat made up of protective, coarse outer guard hairs, and a fine, thick undercoat
Shedding:
Constant, Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Social, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Docile, Energetic, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Responsive
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

belgian shepherd dog malinoisThe Belgian Malinois is one of 4 Belgian Shepherd varieties. The dogs were developed- and hail from Belguim. The Malinois has a short, fawn colored coat. The American Kennel Club recognizes that the Malinois is a separate breed from the other 3 varieties. It was in 1892 that Professor Reul wrote the first Belgian Shepherd Dog standard, recognizing 3 varieties – dogs with short coats, dogs with long coats and dogs with rough coats.

Today's Malinois goes back to a breeding pair owned by Adrien Janssens. It was in 1885 that he bought a fawn, rough-haired dog, breeding the dog with a short-haired dog named Lise de Laeken. After other breedings, the two dogs were recognized as ancestors of the modern Belgian Shepherd Dogs.

The city of Malines formed a club for the promotion of these fawn short hairs and the name Malinois became synonymous with them. In March 1992, the American Belgian Malinois Club received AKC parent club status.

hokkaidoThe Hokkaido breed originates in Japan and is also called Ainu-ken, Ainu dog, Seta or Do-ken. The last being its common name in Japan. It is believed that the Hokkaido is descendent from the Japanese Matagi-ken, meaning hunting dog, deer hunting dog or bear hunting dog. It was the Ainu peoples that brought the breed to Tohoku. Many years later the Yayoi people brought in another breed of hunting dogs. These breeds were in isolation for most of their existence and therefore they had little influence on the further development of other breeds.

The Ainu dog was used in searches as well as hunting and became in 1937 “a rare species in Japan that is protected by law”. At that time the Official Name of the breed was set in place as Hokkaido-Inu. But they are still called Hokkaid0-Ken by most Japanese people.

This is a very rare breed of dog. It is hardly known outside of Japan and in country there are about ten to twelve thousand remaining. Of those about nine hundred to one thousand are registered in Japan every year. It is guessed that less than thirty exist outside Japan.

The Hokkaido breed is the oldest Japanese breed of dogs. Today they are great indoor companions, loyal and friendly. Most people in Japan still call them the Ainu dog.

Description

Similarities to German Shepherd

belgian shepherd dog malinois puppy - descriptionThe Malinois is a medium-size Belgian shepherd dog. People sometimes mistake them for the German Shepherd as they are fairly similar to look at. The Malinois however is a smaller, lighter boned dog with naturally upright ears and a black-masked face. He is shorthaired and fawn-colored with black tips on the hairs, although other colors are brown or red too. He is an intelligent and active dog, always having been used for herding-, police- and rescue work.

Reserved or Friendly

You’ll find the Malinois somewhat unpredictable as some are friendly and confident while other can be shy and withdrawn around strangers. This is a dog who loves to be around his human family, but to bring out the best in him, training and socialization classes will be necessary. Well-socialized Malinois are always good with children and other pets, more so if they’ve been raised with them.

hokkaido puppy - descriptionThe Hokkaido breed is medium in size but very strong in build. Dogs bred outside Japan tend to be smaller. They have wide, deep chests, and long thick coats compared with Japanese dogs from other breeds. It is a double coat of long fur on top and short softer fur underneath for the second coat. Their ears are triangular and small while their eyes have a triangle outline. The double coat could be sesame, white, red, black, black and tan and wolf-gray.

They are an intelligent breed with an impulsive gait. They are alert, courageous and suspicious. They were used for guarding the city gates. Their skull is flat and broad and the tongue, like the chow chow, is blueish. black. With a black nose and a wedge shaped muzzle, the Hokkaido is a handsome dog. His lips are with black and tight. High set, thick tail over the back or slightly curved to the side.

Characteristics

belgian shepherd dog malinois dog - characteristicsThe Belgian Malinois makes a wonderful guard dog and he works hard to ensure that his human family, whom he adores, are well protected under his watch. They’re such intelligent dogs too that you may feel inclined to pass over some of your chores to him.

He responds well to training, and to get the best from this breed, start with training and socialization as soon as you bring your puppy home.

Socialization is excellent as it introduces your puppy to different people, animals as well as situations.

He is an adaptable dog and can live in an apartment if he is well exercised. He can be your devoted and loyal friend for a good number of years but you will have to do your part in providing him with the best care possible.

Children friendliness

hokkaido dog - characteristicsChildren friendliness very good with every member of the family and that includes children

Special talents

They have terrific stamina and good judgement

Adaptability

Good. They can adapt to live anywhere

Learning ability

They are intelligent and anxious to learn

Health Problems

belgian shepherd dog malinois puppies - health problemsBelgian Malinois are generally healthy dogs. However every dog, regardless of breed, can pick up illnesses, and it is always wise to be aware of some of the diseases your Malinois might face.

Hip Dysplasia

An inherited condition where the thigh bone doesn't fit properly into the hip joint. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA)

A degenerative eye disorder that can lead to blindness.

Dental problems

Brush his teeth at least 2 or 3 times a week to remove tartar build-up. Too much plague leads to inflamed gums, bad breath, pus inside the mouth and even loss of teeth.

hokkaido puppies - health problemsOften breeds that are isolated like the Hokkaido, have a pretty good health history but there are a few serious issues that they face.

CEA- Collie Eye Anomaly

1/3 of all dogs have it while 2/3 are carriers. This disease is congenital and there is no cure. It affects the sclera, retina and choroid. It can be mild or it can cause blindness.

Hip Dysplasia

Affecting joints and cause arthritis and lameness.

Luxating Patella

Floating kneecap – not as prevalent here as in smaller dogs.

Heart Mumurs

Could be mild or serious. Could require a pacemaker.

Idiopathic Seizures

Seizures of an unknown origin. Can be treated with medication not cured.

Psychogenic Polydipsia

Excessive, uncontrollable urge to drink large amounts of fluid without a stimuli.

Caring The Pet

Regular Brushing as he’s a Shedder

belgian shepherd dog malinois dogs - caringBecause the Malinois is a constant shedder, with a couple of heavy shedding periods during the year, you’ll need to be conscientious with his grooming and brush him at least twice a week to get rid of loose hairs and to give his thick coat a glossy, healthy look to it.

Exercise

Because of their high energy, Malinois aren’t recommended for couch-potato type owners. It will be cruel to buy such a dog and to leave him to waste away with boredom and frustration in your back yard. He’ll want lots of rough and tumble, ball games, runs in the park or in the country and long walks.

Feeding

Belgian Shepherd Malinois puppies are vulnerable when they’re tiny, and it would be wise to speak to your vet about superb nutrition to build up a puppy’s immune system.

An excellent way to ensure the health of your growing Malinois is to give him a home prepared meals along with commercially manufactured food recommended by your vet. You can’t just put a bowl of commercially manufactured dog food in front of him day after day month after month.

Apart from what your vet recommends, give him some brown rice, some cooked vegetables and some raw meat. Raw meat will ensure he can fight of skin infections. The age of the dog, emotional state and environmental influences can all play a role in skin diseases with dogs, but by ensuring some raw meat in his diet, the immune system is strengthened and skin disorders are eliminated. Always ensure a steady supply of fresh water.

Feeding the puppy

hokkaido dogs - caringThe puppy needs about 300 -400 calories per day in 3-4 servings per day

Feeding the adult

The adult dog needs about 250-350 calories a day to maintain good weight and health. Feed 2-3 times per day.

Health Factors

Strong, stamina

Games and Exercises

These dogs love exercise and definitely need it. They will get to be anxious or bored if they don’t get enough exercise. A back yard run is fine but remember that the Hokkaido is a jumper and make sure your fence is at least six feet high. They need daily walks even if you have a fenced yard. Martindale collars or harnesses are needed when walking them.

These dogs love games and competitive activities. They are good at hunting and guarding of course. There are other activities they can excel at and enjoy jogging, biking with you, and hiking. In competition they enjoy and are good at agility, flyball, lure coursing, rally, weight pull, dock diving, and obedience. They do not participate in confirmation.

Comparison with other breeds

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  4. Hokkaido vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Hokkaido vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Hokkaido vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Hokkaido vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Hokkaido vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Hokkaido vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Hokkaido vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Hokkaido vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
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  16. Hokkaido vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
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  26. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison