Whippet vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Whippet vs Hokkaido - Breed ComparisonHokkaido is originated from Japan but Whippet is originated from United Kingdom. Both Hokkaido and Whippet are having almost same height. Hokkaido may weigh 36 kg / 80 pounds more than Whippet. Both Hokkaido and Whippet has almost same life span. Hokkaido may have less litter size than Whippet. Hokkaido requires Moderate Maintenance. But Whippet requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Hound dog
undefined
Japan
United Kingdom
Height Male:
48 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
45 - 56 cm
17 - 23 inches
Height Female:
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
45 - 56 cm
17 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
46 - 49 kg
101 - 109 pounds
6 - 13 kg
13 - 29 pounds
Weight Female:
17 - 27 kg
37 - 60 pounds
6 - 13 kg
13 - 29 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 15 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 7
1 - 10
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Ainu-ken, Hokkaido-Ken, Dō-ken, Seta, Ainu dog
Snap dog, English Whippet
Colors Available:
black, and wolf grey, red, sesame, brindle, white
Tan, black white,brindle an bi- or tri-colored., silver
Coat:
double coat made up of protective, coarse outer guard hairs, and a fine, thick undercoat
Short and smooth
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Docile, Energetic, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Responsive
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Sweet, Territorial
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.

whippetYou can just see that Whippets are designed for speed with those super lean, slender bodies. They were developed by crossing Greyhounds with smaller terriers.

In open areas, they can pick up a high speed. In the 19th century in certain parts of England, they were used in races. They actually originated in England.

The Whippet is an ancient dog breed if you can go according to artwork which dates back to ancient Egyptian times.

They were also known as Snap dogs or small Greyhounds. You can say that the modern Whippet emerged in 1891. This was when the Kennel Club gave the breed official recognition. It was in 1888 that the dog was recognized by the American Kennel Club.

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.

whippet puppy - descriptionThe Whippet is a medium-sized sighthound breed standing at between 45–56cm in height and weighing anything between 6 and 13kg.

They descended from Greyhounds, resembling them in looks, just smaller. They are part of the Hound group, It’s a deep-chested dog with a long, lean head with fairy large eyes, a long neck, floppy ears and slim legs. The tail is long and slender. The coat is short and smooth and comes in many colors – tan, silver, black white, brindle and bi- or tri-colored.

Temperament:

The Whippet loves to run but when they’re not prancing around, they love spending time with their human family and that includes other pets as well as children.

They’re demonstrative and love showing their love for their family. They’re able to adapt to life in the city or the countryside but they will need exercising.

This is also a dog that rarely barks. They’re willful dogs so will do well with training and socialization. In fact, without proper socialization, they can become timid in unknown environments. They're intelligent so wont have problems with learning.

If you’re looking for a good watchdog and protector, you won’t find these characteristics in the Whippet.

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

whippet dog - characteristicsWhen you bring a sweet-natured Whippet into your life and home you’ll discover that apart from reveling in having a good run, their next favorite thing is to be resting quietly wherever their human companions are.

They’re docile dogs, loving to snuggle up to you, and not enjoying the cold. These quiet, gentle dogs are totally non- aggressive, just wanting to be with you, making you a splendid companion and 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.

whippet puppies - health problemsThe lean Whippet doesn’t have any particular health problems but it is always a good idea to be clued up on some of the more common dog diseases there are.

Buying a Whippet puppy from a responsible breeder will help with ensuring a healthier dog as dogs like these have had a good start and will have been vaccinated and dewormed.

One of the diseases that you may want to be aware of is arrhythmia.

Arrhythmia:

This is when the heart of the dog beats too fast or too slow or it may even skip a beat. It is fairly common in dogs and it could indicate a more serious underlying condition.

An irregular heartbeat can bring about physical weakness and even loss of consciousness. Your veterinarian will want to examine your dog and listen to the history of symptoms and events that could have led to the condition. Your vet will then discuss treatment.

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.

Exercise:

whippet dogs - caringWhippets love running so if you’re lucky to live on a farm or at the beach, he will love those short bursts of speed in open places, chasing a ball. You can take him for a walk every day too.

Grooming:

Whippets are looked upon as low maintenance dogs that don't shed much. A good brush twice a week will be adequate for this slender dog. The skin is vulnerable to cuts so check him over when you’re brushing him and make sure he hasn’t any sores or scrapes on the skin.

Trim the nails and check inside his ears and mouth for signs of infection.

Diet:

How much your adult dog eats depends on his size and his activity levels. Dogs are individuals and not all Whippets will eat the same amount of food. Puppies require 4 bowls of food a day while the adult Whippet will want 2 bowls of food.

There are excellent dry kibble dog foods on the market but your Whippet will also like some home-made food like chicken and vegetables. The quality of dog food you provide for your Whippet will make a huge difference to his health.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Hokkaido vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  2. Hokkaido vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Hokkaido vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  4. Hokkaido vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Hokkaido vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  6. Hokkaido vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Hokkaido vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Hokkaido vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Hokkaido vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Hokkaido vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Hokkaido vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  12. Hokkaido vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  13. Hokkaido vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  14. Hokkaido vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  15. Hokkaido vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  16. Hokkaido vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  17. Hokkaido vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  18. Hokkaido vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  19. Hokkaido vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  20. Hokkaido vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  21. Hokkaido vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  22. Hokkaido vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  23. Hokkaido vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Hokkaido vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  25. Hokkaido vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Whippet vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Whippet vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Whippet vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Whippet vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Whippet vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Whippet vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Whippet vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Whippet vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Whippet vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Whippet vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Whippet vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Whippet vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Whippet vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Whippet vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Whippet vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Whippet vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Whippet vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Whippet vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Whippet vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Whippet vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Whippet vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Whippet vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Whippet vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Whippet vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Whippet vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison