Hokkaido vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison

Hokkaido vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed ComparisonAmerican Eskimo Dog is originated from United States but Hokkaido is originated from Japan. Both American Eskimo Dog and Hokkaido are having almost same height. American Eskimo Dog may weigh 33 kg / 72 pounds lesser than Hokkaido. Both American Eskimo Dog and Hokkaido has same life span. Both American Eskimo Dog and Hokkaido has almost same litter size. American Eskimo Dog requires High Maintenance. But Hokkaido requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Working dog
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United States
Japan
Height Male:
23 - 48 cm
9 - 19 inches
48 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
Height Female:
23 - 40 cm
9 - 16 inches
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
4 - 16 kg
8 - 36 pounds
46 - 49 kg
101 - 109 pounds
Weight Female:
3 - 12 kg
6 - 27 pounds
17 - 27 kg
37 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 15 Years
11 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 5
4 - 7
Size:
Small
Medium
Other Names:
, Spitz
Ainu-ken, Hokkaido-Ken, Dō-ken, Seta, Ainu dog
Colors Available:
White with cream or biscuit markings
black, and wolf grey, red, sesame, brindle, white
Coat:
Heavy, thick, double
double coat made up of protective, coarse outer guard hairs, and a fine, thick undercoat
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Docile, Energetic, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Responsive
Grooming:
High Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

american eskimo dogThe American Eskimo is derived from the Nordic Spitz breed and most closely related to the German Spitz in particular. There were many German Spitzes in the United States at the time of the second World War and anti-German sentiment caused its name to change to the American Eskimo Dog. However, as the breed developed over time in the States, the American Eskimo became its own separate breed. In addition to the German Spitz, the American Eskimo is also related to the white Keeshond, the Samoyed, the white Italian Spitz and the white Pomeranian. The history is beginning to show that the Spitzes that were brought to the US in the early 1900’s was white. This color was not popular in Europe but was quickly the favorite in the United States. They were originally working dogs on farms and ranches. They have excellent herding instincts, make goo watch and guard dogs, and good law enforcement sniff dogs. However, their first introduction to the American public was through the Cooper Brothers’ Railroad Circus and Stout’s Pal Pierre at the Barnum and Baily Circus. Eskimo puppies were sold after the circus show.

It was then that the breed became one of America’s favorite breeds and they quickly became house pets. Following World War II, Japan exported the Japanese Spitz into America and it was crossed with the Eskimo also. The American Eskimo Dog breed was not recognized by AKC until 1985. Still in 1958 there was no official breed club in the States but there were growing numbers of the dogs. It was not until 1970 did the National American Eskimo Dog Association (NAEDA) come into being. They collected the pedigrees of the first 1750 dogs to be AKC registered.

Since the American Eskimo Dog is not recognized internationally, those wishing to participate in international competition such as England’s prestigious Cruft’s Dog Show must register their dogs a German Spitz. Despite this the American Eskimo and German Spitz remain two very different breeds.

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

american eskimo dog puppy - descriptionThis small to medium dog is beautiful and resembles a miniature Samoyed. There are three sizes of American Eskimothe standard, miniature, and the toy. The Eskimo’s head is wedge shaped with tall, triangular, erect ears. It has a heavily plumed tail with a sharp curl over the back. The Eskimo can burst into bold action due to their good legs and feet.

The coat is a double one with a harsh outer coat and plush inner one. The coat is always white or white with cream or biscuit markings, and visible skin in gray or pink. The American Eskimo’s ruff or mane is very heavy, and the nose, eyelids, pads and gums are black. They have dark eyes and blue are not allowed.

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

american eskimo dog dog - characteristicsThe Eskimo is affectionate, playful and love children of all ages. They are intelligent and want to please you. They can be trained easily and are champions of the obedience trial. They are fun and confident. At the same time, they need a confident pack leader. He is prone to Little Dog Syndrome where the dog thinks they oversee the home and display all sorts of behaviors. Under these circumstances the American Eskimo can become obsessive, aggressive, and engaging in obsessive resource guarding and barking.

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

american eskimo dog puppies - health problemsThe American Eskimo Dog is prone to hip dysplasia. Their eyes and tear ducts are potential issues with progressive retinal atrophy. They are allergic to fleas and have a tendency to be overweight.

We deal with PRA (Progressive Retinal Atrophy) in greater detain in a following section but it is not as destructive as it used to be. It is much more treatable now.

There are potentially some dental issues that some American Eskimo Dogs are prone to.

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

Feeding

american eskimo dog dogs - caringYour American Eskimo Dog needs a high quality food so they will not get overweight. Make sure you know how much is appropriate for your particular dog and her specific age. The puppies should be fed twice a day but adults only once.

Health issues

As previously mentioned the American Eskimo Dog is prone to eye issue such as Progressive Retinal Atrophy or (PRA) – this disease is inherited and used to cause blindness as the rods in the retina died. New medical discoveries mean this is no longer a hopeless disease. Their eyes are also susceptible to other issues so make sure you check them and the tear ducts regularly.

Like so many other breeds the American Eskimo is also susceptible to hip dysplasia and a moving patella in the knee. For this reason watch their weight. They can also be very allergic.

Exercise and games

This small dog has more energy than his size can handle. He needs a lot of exercise and a place to run. If he will become hyperactive and destructive. They are prone to disturbing behaviors such as spinning (spinning in circles) when they don’t get enough exercise. The American Eskimo Dog is smart and agile, Play games like catch or agility. They are also great at herding, competitive obedience or detection.

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