Hokkaïdo

FCI standard Nº 261

Origin
Japan
Group
Group 5 Spitz and primitive type
Section
Section 5 Asian Spitz and related breeds
Working
Without working trial
Acceptance on a definitive basis by the FCI
Wednesday 22 April 1964
Publication of the official valid standard
Sunday 30 October 2016
Last update
Thursday 09 February 2017
En français, cette race se dit
Hokkaïdo
Diese Norm ist in deutscher Sprache sichtbar
Hokkaïdo
En español, esta raza se dice
Hokkaïdo
In het Nederlands, wordt dit ras gezegd
Hokkaïdo

Usage

Hunting dog, companion.

Brief historical summary

This breed is said to have originated from medium-sized Japanese dogs that accompanied migrants from Honshu (the main island of Japan) to Hokkaido during the Kamakura era (in the 1140s), when exchanges were developing between Hokkaido and the Tohoku District. When the breed was designated as a « natural monument » in 1937, it took an the name of the area. It also came to be known as the « Ainu-ken », since the Ainu-the former inhabitants of Hokkaido-used to breed these dogs for hunting bears and other animals. The physique of the Hokkaido enables it to withstand severe cold and heavy snowfalls. It also shows accurate judgement and great stamina.

General appearance

Medium-sized dog with secondary sex characteristics strongly marked, well balanced, sturdily built and well boned. Muscles tough and clean cut.

Important proportions

• The ratio of height at withers to length of body is 10 : 11, but the body can be slightly longer in bitches.
• The ratio of skull to length of nasal bridge is 3 : 2.
• Length of skull equal to width of cheeks, being about one fourth of height at withers.

Behaviour / temperament

Dog of noteworthy endurance, showing dignity and naive feeling. The temperament is faithful, docile, very alert and bold. It also shows accurate judgement and great stamina.

Head

Cranial region

Skull
Skull and forehead broad and slightly flat.  
Stop
Shallow, but defined.

Facial region

Nose
Black, slight lack of pigmentation in white dogs is accepted.
Muzzle
Wedge-shaped. Nasal bridge straight.
Lips
Tight, with black edges. Blue-Black colour in tongue is not a fault.
Jaws and teeth
Strong, with a scissor bite.
Cheeks
Well developed.
Eyes
Nearly triangular, not too small, and dark brown in colour. The outer corners of the eyes are slightly upturned.
Ears
Small, triangular, slightly inclining forward and firmly pricked.

Neck

Powerful and muscular, free from dewlap.

Body

Withers
High.
Back
Straight and strong.
Loin
Moderately broad and muscular.
Croup
Properly sloping.
Chest
Forechest well developed. Chest deep and moderately broad; ribs well sprung.
Underline and belly
Slightly tucked up.

Tail

Set on high, thick and carried over the back vigorously curled or curved like a sickle, the tip nearly reaching hocks when let down.

Limbs

Forequarters

Shoulders
Moderately sloping.
Upper arm
Forming a moderate angle with shoulder b lade.
Forearm
Straight, clean cut.
Pastern
Slightly oblique.

Hindquarters

Generality
Well developed, strong and moderately angulated.
Hock
Tough, sufficiently strong.

Feet

Toes well arched and tightly closed; pads hard and elastic; nails hard and black or dark colour.

Gait and movement

Active, quick, light and resilient.

Coat

Hair
Outer coat harsh and straight; undercoat soft and dense. The hair on the tail fairly long and off-standing.
Colour
Sesame (well mixture of black, red and white hairs in whole), brindle, red, black, black and tan, white.

Size and weight

Height at withers
Dogs 48,5 - 51,5 cm. Bitches 45,5 - 48, 5 cm.

Faults

• Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog and its ability to perform its traditional work.
• Faults listed should be in degree of seriousness.

General faults

 Lack of sexual dimorphism.
 Slightly overshot or undershot mouth.
 Shyness.
 Pinto colour.

Disqualifying faults

 Aggressive or overly shy dogs.
 Extremely overshot or undershot mouth.
 Ears not pricked.
 Hanging or short tail.

NB :

• Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified.
• The above mentioned faults when occurring to a highly marked degree or frequently are disqualifying.
• Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.
• Only functionally and clinically healthy dogs, with breed typical conformation should be used for breeding.

Bibliography

https://www.fci.be/

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