🐕 Medium · Japan (Hokkaido island)
A hardy Japanese primitive spitz bred on the island of Hokkaido for hunting bears and wild boar.
The Hokkaido is independent, courageous, and deeply loyal to its family, yet reserved to wary of strangers. As a primitive breed, it likes to think for itself and does not submit easily.
Its pronounced hunting instinct, originally directed at large game such as bears, makes it demanding to handle around smaller animals and off-leash. It needs plenty of daily exercise and mental challenge to stay balanced.
The dense double coat needs regular brushing, considerably more often during shedding season, when it sheds heavily. The breed is adapted to cold winters and copes well with low temperatures.
Its independent, primitive-type character and strong hunting drive call for experienced owners familiar with Japanese spitz breeds.
The breed is generally considered robust and healthy, thanks to limited breeding selection outside Japan and its original working lines. Hip dysplasia occurs occasionally.
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This information is for general guidance and does not replace veterinary or breeder advice. Temperament and health vary individually within every breed.
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