Hokkaido vs Fruggle - Breed Comparison | PetzLover

The Fruggle is a mixed breed/hybrid crossover between a Pug and a French Bulldog. The “Frug” is considered a designer breed, developed in the United States and growing in popularity. These hybrid dogs all can be different taking their looks and characteristics from one or both of the parent dogs in different ways. Within the same litter you can have pups that look like pugs and act like French Bulldogs or look like French Bulldogs and act like pugs.

Also known as a Frenchie Pug, the hybrid is growing in popularity and new to the United Kingdom but recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club. It is not recognized by the AKC or American Kennel Club. They are developed from purebred dogs but are not a purebred breed at this time. It would take generations of breeding true for that to happen. At the same time the Fruggle is an adorable little dog with characteristics of both its purebred parents.

The French Bulldog is a descendent of dogs that lived with ancient Greeks, the Molossians Phoenician traders spread the dog throughout the known world. These dogs were used in dogs fights and sporting until 1835 when these were outlawed. The Frenchie became a companion dog for the ladies of Paris, writers, artists and fashion designers. The Pug, on the other hand, can trace their history as far back as Confucius in 700BC. They are one of the most ancient dog breeds in existence today. They were the property of the Imperial Family in China, guarded by soldiers. Stealing a pug in Imperial China was punishable by death.

There is no real history or the Fruggle as it is too young in its existence as a separate type of dog. It is considered a breed – just a hybrid breed. In addition to the American Canine Hybrid Club, it is also recognized by the International Designer Canine Registry, the Designer Breed Registry, the Dog Registry of America and the Designer Dogs Kennel Club.

The 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.

Being a designer dog, the appearance and characteristics of the Fruggle varies from pup to pup. Most do have flat faces, large eyes, and short muzzles. The Frug is a short, sturdy and compact dog. Their tail is over the back in a tight curl, and the ears are round and large. They are called Rose Ears. The nose and eyes are black or very dark and they have wrinkles on the forehead. This is the basic generalization of a mix between the Pug and the French Bulldog. The reality is they are all different. Most often they have a Pugs face with the French Bulldogs ears. They are a little smaller than the French Bulldog and a little larger than the Pug. Their hair is fine, glossy, smooth and short.

The 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.

Children friendliness

The Fruggle is very child friendly

Special talents

The Fruggle is a good watchdog and can be taught many tricks.

Adaptability

He is not very adaptable. He can live in city and in apartments much better than in the country or on farms. He needs air conditioning

Learning ability

Is very high as the Fruggle is very intelligent

Children friendliness

Children 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 Fruggle can inherit any of the health issues of either parent or they might be healthier than either parent. Some of the issues that the Fruggle might face include:

1. Infections in wrinkles
2. Keep them clean to avoid skin infections
3. Glaucoma
4. Must be treated to avoid blindness
5. Allergies
6. Might face seasonal allergies/ some might need allergy shots
7. Hip Dysplasia
8. Can cause arthritis or lameness
9. Patellar Luxation
10. Otherwise known as “floating” kneecap. Can cause lameness
11. Brachycephalic Syndrome
12. Short, smashed face cannot tolerate heat or a lot of exercise.
13. Cataracts
14. Not as serious as other eye issues but should be watched

Often 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.

Feeding the puppy

1/2 cup should be fed daily in two to three meals of high quality dry puppy food

Feeding the adult

1/2 to 2 cups should be fed daily in two meals of high quality dry adult food

Points for Good Health

Quite often the first generation hybrid has much better health than either of the founding breeds. The same is not true of the second and third generations.

Games and Exercises

The Fruggle is a laid back dog requiring very little exercise. A daily walk or rolling a ball around the apartment is enough for him. The Fruggle should NOT be exercise vigorously or excessively due to its smashed face and Brachycephalic Syndrome. Weekly visits to a dog park would be sufficient as well. Do not take him out in excessive cold or heat.

Feeding the puppy

The 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.