Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison

Hokkaido is originated from Japan but Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher is originated from Switzerland. Both Hokkaido and Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher are having almost same height. Hokkaido may weigh 34 kg / 75 pounds more than Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher. Both Hokkaido and Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher has almost same life span. Both Hokkaido and Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher has almost same litter size. Hokkaido requires Moderate Maintenance. But Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
undefined
Japan
Switzerland
Height Male:
48 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
40 - 48 cm
15 - 19 inches
Height Female:
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
40 - 48 cm
15 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
46 - 49 kg
101 - 109 pounds
11 - 15 kg
24 - 34 pounds
Weight Female:
17 - 27 kg
37 - 60 pounds
11 - 15 kg
24 - 34 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 15 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 7
2 - 8
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Ainu-ken, Hokkaido-Ken, Dō-ken, Seta, Ainu dog
Glattharidge
Colors Available:
black, and wolf grey, red, sesame, brindle, white
Black and tan
Coat:
double coat made up of protective, coarse outer guard hairs, and a fine, thick undercoat
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Docile, Energetic, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Responsive
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

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.

The Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher is an ancient dog breed and dates back to 1780. It is believed that this dog breed is extinct, but that the German Pinscher of today is family of this dog breed. The dog used to be good on the farm as an all-purpose working dog.

When you look at the history of dogs, there are so many that have come and gone, never to be seen or heard of again. Other animals become extinct because of environmental factors, but with dogs it’s a bit different and most, like the Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher, died out simply because it became unfashionable.

Maybe the jobs that this dog was designed to do no longer existed and he died out because he was no longer needed.

Description

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.

Described as a medium sized dog, the Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher is an extinct variety of the German Pinscher. Like that dog, the Swiss Shorthaired had a muscular, strong square build.

Possibly he also had his ears and tail docked at that time. It is thought that he stood between 40 – 48cm in height and weighed in the region of 11 to 15kg.

He had the typical looks of the Doberman Pinscher with short smooth hair in black and tan, short erect ears and a tail that was traditionally cropped. He was lean and muscular with brown eyes. They were working dogs in their day and were not considered the best dogs to have for the first time dog owner.

Tempeament

These dogs have always been hardworking, brave and fearless. They make good family pets too and get on well with children. They would have been adaptable too to life in the city or the countryside, so long as he got his exercise.

A well bred Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher was alert and a good guard dog, and one wonders why this dog with its good qualities died out.

Characteristics

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

The Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher is no longer around but he would no doubt have made a good family pet. He would have wanted to protect his human family.

He was a stubborn, bold dog, and maybe socialization and training didn’t exist then, but he would have benefited from it.

He’s the kind of dog that would have adapted well to life in the city or the countryside, but you could never neglect his exercise needs. In the right environment, this Pinscher would have made a loving, loyal pet.

Health Problems

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.

It is not too sure about the health status of this extinct dog but we can assume that he would have been prone to some of the typical dog illnesses there are.

Hypothyroidismd, bloat, cancer, cataracts, infections and obesity were just some of the diseases this dog would have had to contend with.

Hypothyroidism:

The thyroid glands in the neck produce hormones. These hormones affect the functioning of the body. Hypothyroidism in dogs is usually caused by shrinkage of the thyroid gland or inflammation.The disease occurs more often in Pinscher dogs.

You may notice a dulling or thinning of your dog’s hair, weight gain and reduced activity. Hypothyroid dogs also tend to battle more with ear- and skin infections. Veterinary treatment will become necessary.

Catarats:

It causes a whiteness,cloudiness or opacity on the lens of the eye. It's not painful for a dog but it can cause loss of vision. Surgery can improve vision for the dog.

Caring The Pet

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.

Diet:

In those days of the Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher, maybe commercially manufactured dog foods weren’t available. If the dog were still around today, you would feed him dry kibble for medium sized dogs.

Probably the owners of these dogs fed them from the food they ate. It can be a good idea to feed any dog you have with some homemade food.

This can include things such as boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots. This is the kind of simple food that dogs love.

Being a farm dog in his day, he was probably tossed raw meat occasionally and this would have done him the world of good.

General Care:

Although the short, smooth hair of the Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher is looked upon as low maintenance, the dog would have needed a good brush twice a week just to keep it shiny and healthy.

After a hard day of work on the farm, the Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher would have required a nice warm, dry spot to sleep.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Swiss Shorthaired Pinscher 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