Toy Schnauzer vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Toy Schnauzer is originated from Germany but Hokkaido is originated from Japan. Toy Schnauzer may grow 16 cm / 6 inches shorter than Hokkaido. Toy Schnauzer may weigh 40 kg / 88 pounds lesser than Hokkaido. Both Toy Schnauzer and Hokkaido has same life span. Both Toy Schnauzer and Hokkaido has almost same litter size. Both Toy Schnauzer and Hokkaido requires Moderate maintenance.

History

The Miniature Schnauzer was actually a distinct breed as early as 1899. It is believed that the dog came from breeding the smallest Standard Schnauzers with Affenpinschers, Black Poodles, and the gray Spitz.

Miniature Schnauzers were registered as a separate breed in 1926. The Toy Schnauzer is registered as a Miniature Schnauzer but is actually a little bit smaller.

The Miniature Schnauzer was developed as a farm dog with the purpose of killing rats.

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:
Toy dog
Working dog
Origin:
Germany
Japan
Height Male:
33 - 35 cm
12 - 14 inches
48 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
Height Female:
33 - 35 cm
12 - 14 inches
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
4 - 9 kg
8 - 20 pounds
46 - 49 kg
101 - 109 pounds
Weight Female:
4 - 9 kg
8 - 20 pounds
17 - 27 kg
37 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
11 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 8
4 - 7
Size:
Toy dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Miniature Schnauzer
Ainu-ken, Hokkaido-Ken, Dō-ken, Seta, Ainu dog
Colors Available:
Black and silver, chocolate or a salt and pepper look
black, and wolf grey, red, sesame, brindle, white
Coat:
Medium length, hard and wiry
double coat made up of protective, coarse outer guard hairs, and a fine, thick undercoat
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn
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

The Toy Schnauzer is a small dog standing at between 33–35cm tall and weighing about 4 to 9 kg.

He has medium length hair which is hard and wiry and which requires minimal grooming. These low-shedding dogs make the ideal family pets for those people who have allergies.

Colors of the coat are essentially black and silver, chocolate or a salt and pepper look. You'll find they have a beard and bushy eyebrows, giving him an almost human-like expression.

These dogs were brought about to be all-around farm dogs and ratters and they are tough, muscular, and fearless without being aggressive.

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 Toy Schnauzer is spunky, strong-willed and confident. They all have different personalities and while some people report they are aloof, stubborn and uppity, others say they are playful, friendly and amicable.

A lot depends on the owners as dogs often develop the temperaments of the owners.

With this range in temperament, you can’t say with certainty how your Toy Schnauzer will turn out. Most of them just want to be involved with their human families and they make great family pets.

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

Your Toy Schnauzer has a life expectancy of 12 – 15 years if you care for them properly. They can, however, suffer from some health problems that so many other dogs might also have to contend with.

Some of these are -

Cataracts:

You’ll notice your pet's eyes taking on a filmy look. Most times these cataracts emerge in older dogs and they can be surgically removed.

Entropion and Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) are other eye diseases that may affect your dog. Most dogs are able to adapt well to their limited vision and can even adapt to lost vision.

Bladder Infection:

A bladder infection can be terribly uncomfortable for your pet and occurs when bacteria gets into the bladder. Females are more likely to get a bladder infection, but male dogs can pick up the infection too. Having a bladder infection increases the pet’s urge to urinate even when there is no urine to come out.

The little bit of urine that does come out may be cloudy or even have some blood in it. It is imperative to get your pet urgent veterinary attention. When you see your pet trying to urinate all the time with nothing happening, then this is the sign to get your dog to the vet for a course of antibiotics.

Congenital Megaesophagus: 

This is when food and liquid are retained in the dog's esophagus so that you find him regurgitating his food. This can lead to pneumonia.

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

Most people have their Toy Schnauzers professionally groomed on a regular basis. He is a double-coated dog with a wiry coat. Some people, looking to maintain the wiry texture do hand-stripping, certainly if the dog is used for show purposes.

Diet:

No dog deserves to have dry kibble served up to him day after day. However, there are some excellent commercial dog foods on the market and you can choose the best one.

These foods provide a lot of convenience for the dog owner. Dogs also need to have their share of home-made food. It doesn’t have to be all complicated as dogs like simplicity.

Wholesome foods such as boiled chicken, brown rice and some nutritious vegetables such as sweet potatoes, spinach and carrots can do him the world of good. Schnauzers are also prone to pancreatis so you want to avoid giving him food that is high in fat.

Exercise:

Toy Schnauzers love an active lifestyle. They don't like sitting around inactive for too long.

Your Toy Schnauzer can adapt to life in the country or the city but he will certainly need to be well exercised. Walking your dog each day will be essential as will ball games and just generally giving your pet some of your attention,

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. Toy Schnauzer vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  2. Toy Schnauzer vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  3. Toy Schnauzer vs Morkie - Breed Comparison
  4. Toy Schnauzer vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  5. Toy Schnauzer vs Chorkie - Breed Comparison
  6. Toy Schnauzer vs Pekingese - Breed Comparison
  7. Toy Schnauzer vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  8. Toy Schnauzer vs Chiweenie - Breed Comparison
  9. Toy Schnauzer vs Chug - Breed Comparison
  10. Toy Schnauzer vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  11. Toy Schnauzer vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  12. Toy Schnauzer vs Chipoo - Breed Comparison
  13. Toy Schnauzer vs Chiapom - Breed Comparison
  14. Toy Schnauzer vs English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) - Breed Comparison
  15. Toy Schnauzer vs Long Haired Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  16. Toy Schnauzer vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  17. Toy Schnauzer vs Russian Toy Terrier - Breed Comparison
  18. Toy Schnauzer vs Franzuskaya Bolonka - Breed Comparison
  19. Toy Schnauzer vs Phalene - Breed Comparison
  20. Toy Schnauzer vs Bugg - Breed Comparison
  21. Toy Schnauzer vs Cockachon - Breed Comparison
  22. Toy Schnauzer vs Shih Tzu - Breed Comparison
  23. Toy Schnauzer vs Silky Terrier - Breed Comparison
  24. Toy Schnauzer vs Snorkie - Breed Comparison
  25. Toy Schnauzer vs Toy Bulldog - 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