Hokkaido vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed Comparison

Hokkaido vs American Pit Bull Terrier - Breed ComparisonAmerican Pit Bull Terrier is originated from United States but Hokkaido is originated from Japan. Both American Pit Bull Terrier and Hokkaido are having almost same height. American Pit Bull Terrier may weigh 19 kg / 41 pounds lesser than Hokkaido. Both American Pit Bull Terrier and Hokkaido has same life span. American Pit Bull Terrier may have more litter size than Hokkaido. American Pit Bull Terrier requires Low Maintenance. But Hokkaido requires Moderate Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Terrier dog
Working dog
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United States
Japan
Height Male:
43 - 56 cm
16 - 23 inches
48 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
Height Female:
40 - 53 cm
15 - 21 inches
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 30 kg
35 - 67 pounds
46 - 49 kg
101 - 109 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 27 kg
30 - 60 pounds
17 - 27 kg
37 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
8 - 15 Years
11 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 10
4 - 7
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Staffordshire Fighting Dog, Pit Terrier, Pitbull, Pit, Half and Half, Bull Baiter Dogs, Old Family Dog - the Irish name, Yankee Terrier - the Northern name, Rebel Terrier - the Southern name
Ainu-ken, Hokkaido-Ken, Dō-ken, Seta, Ainu dog
Colors Available:
Red, Black, Fawn or Bucksjin
black, and wolf grey, red, sesame, brindle, white
Coat:
Smooth, Shiny, Short, Single layer
double coat made up of protective, coarse outer guard hairs, and a fine, thick undercoat
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Courageous, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Docile, Energetic, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Responsive
Grooming:
Low Maintenance
Moderate Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
No
Yes

History

american pit bull terrierThe history of the American Pit Bull Terrier might be a confusing one to some dog lovers and certainly to the general public that tends to lump all the “bully” breeds into a category called “pit bull”. This is because of the negative reputation this group of breeds has acquired over the past 30-50 years due to misuse and mis-breeding by the dog fighting industry. This categorization includes the American Pit Bull Terrier, The American Staffordshire Terrier, the Bull Terrier and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

There is major confusion and disagreement on the difference between the American Pit Bull Terrier and the American Staffordshire Terrier. The AKC does not recognize the American Pit Bull Terrier as a separate breed, but its founder and the UKC, ADBA do so. In the 1930’s the American Pit Bull Terrier was a recognized breed and in response to the negativity of pit-fighting, they renamed it as the American Staffordshire Terrier.

The American Pit Bull Terrier was developed to be a little larger in size than the Staffordshire in both height and weight. This breed comes from crossing various Bull and Terrier breed to get a working dog. The Amstaff for the most part is bred to be a show dog and is not usually a “street dog” used in dog fighting rings. The direct ancestors of the APBT are the Old English Bulldogs and the Old English Terriers. These dogs are great family dogs, gentle beyond comparison unless raised to fight. They make great therapy dogs as well as police dogs. They are not by nature cruel, aggressive or attack dogs.

Both professional confirmation breeders and street fight breeds have developed new strains of the American Pit Bull Terrier. A few are worth mentioning here.

Old Family Red Nose

One of the oldest strains of the American Pit Bull Terrier they are red in color and that red is a very unique tone. They have a copper colored coat and nose with red nails, red lips and amber or red eyes. These dogs were originally from Ireland and when they came to America they had the red nose. Originally bred for gameness, it is the red color that is sought after now.

Colby Pit Bulls

These are another old breed, but they have black noses and were initially bred by John P. Colby in the late 1800s. These dogs were known to be indominable fighting dogs and were bred into almost every line of American Pit Bull Terriers that exist today. The line is still maintained by the Colby family.

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

american pit bull terrier puppy - descriptionTrue to their reputation as fighters, the American Pit Bull Terrier looks like one – powerful, strong and well built. This belies their gentle disposition but too often they are judged by their looks. With a broad, brick shaped head, thick neck and deep chest, they are stocky, muscular and agile. They usually have cropped ears, but the tails are not docked. Their legs are strong and hindquarters especially muscular. These dogs are much stronger than they look. Round soulful eyes are one of the traits that people who keep these dogs as companion animals love about them. They have a scissor bite and one of the strongest jaws of all domesticated canines.

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

american pit bull terrier dog - characteristicsFor those who live with the American Pit Bull Terrier there is no better dog. The APBT loves people and loves children. They think they are lap dogs, and they certainly are watch dogs. They love their people but their barks at strangers at home are not because they are protecting their people but rather they are greeting the strangers into their home. Unfortunately, they will not greet another dog in the same way. However, when their people are seriously threatened they will give their lives to defend them.

These are strong, confident dogs who want to please their people. They love children and make great family dogs but require a strong owner and a strong pack leader. The need to be under control around other dogs and because of their strength, need a strong owner. It is their aggression towards other animals that must be controlled.

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

american pit bull terrier puppies - health problemsThough the American Pit Bull Terrier is healthier than most large dogs, they do have an issue with hip dysplasia. Breeders have been working to breed this out of the APBT and their work in this area has helped with the other issues with the patella, heart and thyroid. The APBT can have skin allergies and Demodex Mange. This condition can be either deadly or just a localized skin issue. Immunizations and testing is essential for this breed. When not immunized, American Pit Bull Terrier puppies have a greater incidence of parvovirus than other breeds. They also might have cataracts and congenital heart disease.

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

Feeding

american pit bull terrier dogs - caringHow you feed your American Pit Bull Terrier puppy is important to her health as an adult and long life. The adult dog should be fed one and a half to two and a half cups of high quality food twice a day. Puppies should be fed more often as they grow. DO not feed your APBT soft or canned dog food. Their food should be dry. Be careful not to feed too much as you do not want an obese American Pit Bull Terrier.

Health issues

As previously mentioned this is a healthy breed with problems with:

Cataracts

These are usually inherited, and the pup may show signs early, or they could be developed later in life. They can be removed.

Hip dysplasia

Hip dysplasia as in many larger, stronger breeds this can be a major problem. Breeds should test for it and APBT breeders are attempting to breed it out of the APBT.

Congenital Heart Failure

This is a congenital issue that breeders are also breeding against and if they have it your American Bit Bull Terrier was likely born with it.

Allergies

Many APBT are allergic to grasses or out outside allergens. Shots or medication can deal with these.

Exercise and games

This is an athletic, joyful breed that loves to play, love sports and loves any activity that bonds it with its family. Some of the many sports the American Pit Bull Terrier likes to participate in include: agility, obedience competition, weight pulling, lure coursing and fly ball. He also needs backyard exercise and daily walks.

When walking your American Pit Bull Terrier, make sure she is on a leash as the breed has a tendency to be aggressive with other dogs coming into their space. The APBT loves to work. They are good therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, even service dogs.

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