Picardy Spaniel vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Picardy Spaniel vs Hokkaido - Breed ComparisonHokkaido is originated from Japan but Picardy Spaniel is originated from France. Hokkaido may grow 10 cm / 3 inches shorter than Picardy Spaniel. Hokkaido may weigh 24 kg / 53 pounds more than Picardy Spaniel. Both Hokkaido and Picardy Spaniel has almost same life span. Both Hokkaido and Picardy Spaniel has almost same litter size. Both Hokkaido and Picardy Spaniel requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Gun dog
undefined
Japan
France
Height Male:
48 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
Height Female:
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
56 - 61 cm
22 - 25 inches
Weight Male:
46 - 49 kg
101 - 109 pounds
20 - 25 kg
44 - 56 pounds
Weight Female:
17 - 27 kg
37 - 60 pounds
20 - 25 kg
44 - 56 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 15 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 7
6 - 8
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Ainu-ken, Hokkaido-Ken, Dō-ken, Seta, Ainu dog
Épagneul Picard
Colors Available:
black, and wolf grey, red, sesame, brindle, white
chocolate, Chestnut brown, sandy colored markings
Coat:
double coat made up of protective, coarse outer guard hairs, and a fine, thick undercoat
Shortish, dense, slightly wavy
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Docile, Energetic, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Responsive
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Moderate 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.

picardy spanielThe Picardy Spaniel hails from France and has always been used as a gundog, having been crossed with different British hunting dogs.

While this dog breed is related to the Blue Picardy Spaniel, the Picardy is the older of the two breeds. It has always been sought after by the French nobility for its hunting skills and the fact that its weather resistant coat allowed it to hunt in all kinds of weather conditions.

The dog’s popularity waned in the early 20th century. The UKC have recognized the Picardy Spaniel as a Gun Dog and the breed has also been accepted within the FCI as a Pointing dog group.

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.

picardy spaniel puppy - descriptionThe Picardy Spaniel is larger than other spaniels. It is described as a medium sized dog, standing at 56 – 61cm in height and weighing between 20 and 25 kilograms. The body of the spaniel is squarely built and muscular body. The dog has long floppy ears and the coat which is shortish in areas except for feathering around the legs and belly can vary in colour from red to chestnut brown to sandy and chocolate. The tail is long and feathered.

Temperament:

The Picardy Spaniel is a docile breed of dog and makes a great family pet, loving being playful with the children in the home and getting on well with other dogs. He is gentle but sociable and intelligent too and is easy to train and socialize.

Although he has been used as a hunting dog he can slot into life in the city or the countryside. He can be indoors or outdoors and still be happy, so long as his family members are close by.

He is an active dog though, and won’t be content to be sitting around for too long, loving nothing more than to be chasing a ball or going for a walk with you.

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

picardy spaniel dog - characteristicsThe Picardy Spaniel is a docile dog who forms strong bonds with his human family.

He doesn’t gel easily with strangers though, but socialization and training will at least make him well behaved among strangers.

A well-mannered Picardy Spaniel is a joy in the home, and this gentle dog is guaranteed to make you the most wonderfully loyal and loving pet and companion.

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.

picardy spaniel puppies - health problemsWithout any major health issues, your Picardy can reach 14 years of age and possibly even older. A couple of common dog conditions to be on the watch for include:

Ear Infections:

Your beautiful Picardy Spaniel has floppy ears and this opens up the tendency to suffer with ear infections. The inside of the ears are moist and hot and you as the dog owner can try to keep the inside of the ear clean and dry.

He is a dog that loves water too, and swimming encourages dampness. If you prefer not to work on the inside of the ears, dog groomers or your vet can clean the ears for you. An ear infection can be painful for your pet and it will require veterinary intervention.

Obesity:

These are dogs which can pick up weight quite easily. Dogs which are overweight are more prone to developing cancer, diabetes and heart disease, not to mention joint problems.

Other problems to look out for include cancer, bloat, dental disease and parasites.

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.

Grooming:

picardy spaniel dogs - caringYour Picardy has a thick coat which sheds and the coat should be brushed at least twice a week to prevent matting. The ears of the Picardy Spaniel require special attention. Because they are long they will need to be cleaned and kept dry otherwise an ear infection can develop.

At the same time, check your pet over for ticks and fleas, check his eyes, keep the nails trimmed, and check inside his mouth for rotting teeth which can be the source of many health problems if left untreated.

Feeding your Picardy:

If you have a puppy, you will need to provide 4 bowls of food in a 24 hour period. Check on the directions provided on the food packaging to see how much to feed your puppy.

By the time your Picardy is one year of age, he can move over to 2 bowls of food a day. Only the highest quality commercially manufactured food will be good enough for your dog. Food and its quality impacts the health and longevity of your pet.

Apart from dry kibble, try and provide some home-made food, keeping it as simple as possible. Dogs thrive on simple, consistent foods. Chopped up boiled chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes, spinach and carrots added to the kibble now and then will thrill your pet. Occasionally you can also add in some raw meat.

Avoid feeding your dog things like coffee, chocolates, popcorn, nuts and onions as all these will just upset your dog's digestive system. The secret is to keep things simple and nutritious.

Make sure your pet always has access to fresh, cool water.

Comparison with other breeds

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