Sussex Spaniel vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Sussex Spaniel vs Hokkaido - Breed ComparisonSussex Spaniel is originated from United Kingdom but Hokkaido is originated from Japan. Sussex Spaniel may grow 13 cm / 5 inches shorter than Hokkaido. Sussex Spaniel may weigh 29 kg / 63 pounds lesser than Hokkaido. Both Sussex Spaniel and Hokkaido has same life span. Both Sussex Spaniel and Hokkaido has almost same litter size. Both Sussex Spaniel and Hokkaido requires Moderate maintenance.

History

sussex spaniel - historyThe Sussex Spaniel comes from Sussex in southern England. The whole purpose of his development was for him to rush between reeds, causing birds to fly up and for their owners to then shoot them so that they could retrieve them.

His history dates back to the 19th century when breeding for the dog started. The first breed standard was also written during this time.

It was about in 1969 that some of these Sussex Spaniels were imported to the United States where they were referred to as a sporting breed. Today they are still a rare breed.

hokkaido - historyThe 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.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Working dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
Japan
Height Male:
33 - 38 cm
12 - 15 inches
48 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
Height Female:
33 - 38 cm
12 - 15 inches
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 20 kg
35 - 45 pounds
46 - 49 kg
101 - 109 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 20 kg
35 - 45 pounds
17 - 27 kg
37 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
11 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 8
4 - 7
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
The Sussex
Ainu-ken, Hokkaido-Ken, Dō-ken, Seta, Ainu dog
Colors Available:
Golden liver
black, and wolf grey, red, sesame, brindle, white
Coat:
Quite long, thick, silky
double coat made up of protective, coarse outer guard hairs, and a fine, thick undercoat
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Docile, Energetic, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Responsive
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

sussex spaniel puppy - descriptionWith his low, long body and short legs, this beautiful golden liver color spaniel has long, silky ears and a long, feathery tail.

He is a moderate shedder. He is quite a distinctive looking dog with his silky coat and sombre expression. You’d descibe him as medium sized dog, standing at between 33 – 38cm in height and weighing 16 -20kg.

Temperament:

The Sussex Spaniel is more slow and sedate than the Cocker Spaniel but he still makes an excellent pet and companion.

He is strong and robust. He is clever too, but slightly stubborn, while also being clownish and entertaining. They’re the kind of dogs who bond strongly with their family and aren’t that enthusiastic with strangers.

They take a while to warm towards people they don’t know. He is steady, reliable and determined and makes a good watchdog. Because he is gentle and even tempered he makes an ideal pet for children and he is able to get on well with other dogs too.

It’s good to have them trained and socialized as they become even more amicable around other people and dogs they don’t know.

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

The Sussex Spaniel makes the perfect pet for families where there are children.

sussex spaniel dog - characteristicsHe is a low drooling dog and he adapts easily to life with his human family, preferably in the countryside.

He isn’t the most intelligent breed, but most people love him just like that because he’s eager to please and just wants to be your trusted, loyal pet and companion.

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

sussex spaniel puppies - health problemsYour Sussex, like any other dog, is going to be prone to some diseases and conditions. If you are going for a puppy, always look for a reputable dog breeder, as this at least gives your dog a better chance of a healthy life.

Some health conditions that can affect your Sussex Spaniel include -

Pulmonic Stenosis: 

This is a congenital heart disease where blood doesn't flow properly and where the right side of the heart works harder and actually enlarges.

If the obstruction is severe, it can cause arrhythmia or congestive heart failure.

If the stenosis is mild, you may not even notice any conditions, but if it's severe, your pet may have difficulty with breathing, his stomach may be distended, and with strenuous exercise he could even collapse.

Intervertebral Disc Disease:

This is when a disc in the spine ruptures and pushes upward into the spinal cord. It can be an injury or an inherited condition.It is painful and will include anti-inflammatory medications and possibly surgery.

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

Grooming:

sussex spaniel dogs - caringBecause of the long, silky hair, brushing your Sussex twice a week will be necessary to prevent matting from dirt adhering to the fur.

The insides of those long floppy ears can be a breeding spot for bacteria as they don’t easily dry. When you brush him, check inside the ears to make sure they aren't red which could be a sign of ear infection.

Remember, if you don’t like to do all the grooming chores there are, a grooming parlour will do the chores for you. They cut your dog’s hair, check inside his ears, clean his teeth and trim his nails.

Diet:

Every dog needs excellent food to be healthy. Many people feed their pets the wrong kinds of foods and then wonder why they have to fork up so much on vets fees.

If you feed your Sussex Spaniel one of the commercial manufactured foods, make sure its one of the good ones packed with vitamins and minerals. Tasty home-made food added to his kibble a couple of times a week can do him the world of good if its kept simple – no spicey, exotic foods that can upset the stomach.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots all chopped up and mixed into the dry kibble once or twice a week will ensure a healthy, happy pet.

To avoid skin allergies and a dull coat, try and add in some raw meat occasionally. Always make sure he has access to fresh, cool water.

Exercise:

These dogs have been accustomed to a life of running in open spaces and they’re going to want lots of exercise. They love ball games and they love a walk in the countryside with lots of new scents to follow.

It’s why this dog isn’t suited to life in a small city property. He needs space and the outdoors to use up his energy.

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

  1. Sussex Spaniel vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  2. Sussex Spaniel vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  3. Sussex Spaniel vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  4. Sussex Spaniel vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Sussex Spaniel vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  6. Sussex Spaniel vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  7. Sussex Spaniel vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  8. Sussex Spaniel vs Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever - Breed Comparison
  9. Sussex Spaniel vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  10. Sussex Spaniel vs Field Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  11. Sussex Spaniel vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  12. Sussex Spaniel vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  13. Sussex Spaniel vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison
  14. Sussex Spaniel vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  15. Sussex Spaniel vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  16. Sussex Spaniel vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison
  17. Sussex Spaniel vs Slovakian Hound - Breed Comparison
  18. Sussex Spaniel vs Small Munsterlander - Breed Comparison
  19. Sussex Spaniel vs Kooikerhondje - Breed Comparison
  20. Sussex Spaniel vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  21. Sussex Spaniel vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  22. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Sussex Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  23. West Siberian Laika vs Sussex Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  24. Wetterhoun vs Sussex Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  25. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Sussex Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  26. Sakhalin Husky vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  27. Portuguese Water Dog vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  28. Puli vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  29. McNab vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  30. Porcelaine vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  31. Hokkaido vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Hokkaido vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  33. Hokkaido vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  34. Hokkaido vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  35. Hokkaido vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  36. Hokkaido vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  37. Hokkaido vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  38. Hokkaido vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  39. Hokkaido vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  40. Hokkaido vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  41. Hokkaido vs Finnish Lapphund - Breed Comparison
  42. Hokkaido vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  43. Hokkaido vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  44. Hokkaido vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  45. Hokkaido vs Griffon Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  46. Hokkaido vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  47. Hokkaido vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  48. Hokkaido vs Jamthund - Breed Comparison
  49. Hokkaido vs Karelian Bear Dog - Breed Comparison
  50. Hokkaido vs Karelo-Finnish Laika - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds