Hokkaido

The Hokkaido (北海道犬 Hokkaidō-Inu or Hokkaidō-Ken^?) is a breed of dog. Other names for the breed include Ainu-Ken and Seta. In Japan, its name is sometimes shortened to Dō-Ken. The Hokkaido is native to the prefecture of the same name in Japan.

Appearance

The breed is medium in size, and has small, triangular, upright ears. The small eyes have a rising triangular outline. The Hokkaido has a coat of long, stiff fur, and a second, shorter coat of soft fur. Colors include red, white, black, tiger, sesame, black and tan and wolf-gray. Males are typically 50 cm tall, and females a few centimeters shorter, with body masses in the 20 kg range.

Temperament

The breed is known for faithfulness to its owner, bravery, and the ability to withstand the cold, among other traits. It has an innate sense of direction and can therefore return to its master no matter how great the distance. This breed has the unusual capability of fighting against the Hokkaido Brown Bear, or Higuma to protect its master. The way in which the Ainu Dog accomplishes this is to scurry up the bear's back and sink its upper and lower incisors full force into the dorsal flesh of the bear's neck until the bear retires. Despite its long history as a working breed, the Ainu Dog ideally combines the roles of family pet and hunter. This breed should not be allowed to run free around other animals. They are good with children if they are raised with them from puppyhood. This dog is not recommended for apartment life. It is moderately active indoors and will do best with a large yard.

Source : wikipedia