Hokkaido vs Damchi - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Damchi is originated from Bhutan but Hokkaido is originated from Japan. Damchi may grow 8 cm / 3 inches shorter than Hokkaido. Damchi may weigh 36 kg / 79 pounds lesser than Hokkaido. Both Damchi and Hokkaido has almost same life span. Both Damchi and Hokkaido has almost same litter size. Both Damchi and Hokkaido requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Toy dog
Working dog
undefined
Bhutan
Japan
Height Male:
39 - 43 cm
15 - 17 inches
48 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
Height Female:
39 - 43 cm
15 - 17 inches
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
9 - 13 kg
19 - 29 pounds
46 - 49 kg
101 - 109 pounds
Weight Female:
9 - 13 kg
19 - 29 pounds
17 - 27 kg
37 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 14 Years
11 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
3 - 8
4 - 7
Size:
Small
Medium
Other Names:
Bhutan Damchi or Bhutanese Damchi
Ainu-ken, Hokkaido-Ken, Dō-ken, Seta, Ainu dog
Colors Available:
Tan, Black, Brown, Red, Fawn
black, and wolf grey, red, sesame, brindle, white
Coat:
Long, silky and soft
double coat made up of protective, coarse outer guard hairs, and a fine, thick undercoat
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet
Affectionate, Alert, Docile, Energetic, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Responsive
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

The exact origin of the Damchi isn’t particularly well documented but those who are interested say that the Damchi actually dates back as far as the 17th century, descending from different ancient Terrier- and Spaniel breeds.

It appears the dog comes from the Himalayan village of Damchi. The former King of Bhutan owned a Damchi and this dog has been featured on one of the country’s postage stamps. Today it is a loved dog in Bhutan, Asia while a few are found in Germany.

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.

Description

The Damchi is a small to medium breed dog and is part of the toy group. The dog stands up to 43cm tall and can weight 13kg.

His silky coat comes in different colors such as black and white or tan, brown and fawn. He has a lot of long soft fur but its a dog that doesn’t shed much. He has ears which are high set and which flop down and the tail is long and feathery, curling over the back of the dog.

People who know the dog say that they are similar looking to the Tibetan Spaniel, although the Damchi is a bit longer and more sturdy.

Temerament:

Known also as the Bhutan Damchi or Bhutanese Damchi, the Damchi is an active dog that is intelligent and devoted to its human family, although he is known to be aloof with strangers.

Known for his playful, jaunty nature, he is a small dog that is full of character, wanting to be with- and to please his human family. Sweet and gentle, he gets on well with children and pets in the home and will turn out to be a good watchdog too.

They are intelligent dogs and easy to train and will easily respond to tasks given to him. He will benefit from being trained and socialized. He becomes obedient and will easily adapt to life in the city or the country, so long as he is close to his human family, providing them with ongoing entertainment.

He is a social, friendly breed that can suffer with separation anxiety and he will simply pine away if he is left in the backyard and ignored.

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.

Characteristics

The Damchi dog is such a robust, amicable little canine friend for anyone who appreciates his characteristics. Loving, loyal, social and friendly, the Damchi is one hang of a little dog.

He is fairly low maintenance, he won’t eat you out of the house and he isn’t a sickly dog. When you think of all the wonderful years of friendship he offers, anyone who chooses him won’t have one single regret.

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

Health Problems

The Damchi is known to be a robust dog who doesn’t suffer from many health problems, but there are some common health issues that are good to know about so that you can get your pet some help.

Some of the common health problems are hip dysplasia, hypoglycemia, brachycephalic airway syndrome, epilepsy and dental disease.

Hypoglycemia:

A drop in blood sugar can be brought on by stress and this condition is more prevalent in toy breeds. If you find your Damchi lethargic, battling to walk properly or shivering, be aware of this drop in blood sugar as it can send your little dog into a fatal coma.Get him to the vet immediately.

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.

Caring The Pet

The Damchi is an active breed, who loves to be involved with everything his family is involved in. He will need to be provided with games and exercise as he is full of beans and will just love to go with you on your walks. Indoors or outdoors, he is always looking out for a game.

Grooming:

The Damchi has a long coat and to keep it silky and shiny it will require brushing twice a week to ensure no tangles and matting.

Dental disease is more prevalent in small dogs so prevent plaque build-up by ensuring you brush your pets teeth 2 or 3x a week.

Diet:

Your Damchi might have entertained you so much you may want to just give him one treat after the next. Be careful of feeding a small dog too much as a leaner dog lives a healthier, longer life free of many diseases.

Make sure you have your pet with you for 12, 13 or 14 years by ensuring he gets a bowl of nutritious food according to his size and age. With a well planned diet which consists of kibble, some home-made food such as brown rice, vegetables and chicken you’ll be doing your pet a tremendous favor by promoting good health. Never leave your pet without a bowl of fresh, cool water.

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.

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. Damchi vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Damchi vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Damchi vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Damchi vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Damchi vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Damchi vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Damchi vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Damchi vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Damchi vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Damchi vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Damchi vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Damchi vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Damchi vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Damchi vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Damchi vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Damchi vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Damchi vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Damchi vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Damchi vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Damchi vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Damchi vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Damchi vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Damchi vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Damchi vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Damchi vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison