Portuguese Water Dog vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison

Portuguese Water Dog vs Hokkaido - Breed ComparisonHokkaido is originated from Japan but Portuguese Water Dog is originated from Portugal. Hokkaido may grow 6 cm / 2 inches shorter than Portuguese Water Dog. Hokkaido may weigh 22 kg / 49 pounds more than Portuguese Water Dog. Both Hokkaido and Portuguese Water Dog has same life span. Both Hokkaido and Portuguese Water Dog has almost same litter size. Hokkaido requires Moderate Maintenance. But Portuguese Water Dog requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
undefined
Japan
Portugal
Height Male:
48 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
43 - 57 cm
16 - 23 inches
Height Female:
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
43 - 57 cm
16 - 23 inches
Weight Male:
46 - 49 kg
101 - 109 pounds
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
Weight Female:
17 - 27 kg
37 - 60 pounds
16 - 27 kg
35 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 15 Years
12 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 7
5 - 8
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Ainu-ken, Hokkaido-Ken, Dō-ken, Seta, Ainu dog
PWD, Water Dog, Portie
Colors Available:
black, and wolf grey, red, sesame, brindle, white
black and white, or silver-tipped, Black, brown
Coat:
double coat made up of protective, coarse outer guard hairs, and a fine, thick undercoat
single coated - curly and wavy
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
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, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
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.

portuguese water dogThe Portuguese Water Dog is a working dog hailing from the Portuguese region of the Algarve. The dog has always been a friend of the sea, working around fishing boats, loving his life around water.

He descends from dogs that have always been used by Portuguese fishermen, and its believed he has Poodle in him. Known also as the Cao de Agua, which means Dog of the Water, the Portie as he is also known, almost disappeared.

Their numbers dropped in the early 20th century, but a certain Vasco Bensuade saved the breed, forming a breed club, writing a breed standard.

They then also made their way to England and the United States. It was in 1972 that the Portuguese Water Dog Club of America formed. In 1983, the AKC recognized the dog as a distinct breed.

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.

portuguese water dog puppy - descriptionStanding at between 43 and 57cm in height and weighing in the region of 16 to 27kg, the Portuguese Water Dog is a medium-sized, curly-coated dog.

It is believed that the dog is hypoallergenic. He does however shed, though not a lot. He just loves the water and is always ready to plunge in. One of the distinctive characteristics of this dog is its webbed feet.

Temparament:

The Portuguese Water Dog is an intelligent dog that will do well with training and socialization.

It won’t be troublesome training this dog as he is intelligent. They're also calm dogs. Referred to fondly as the Portie, this is a fun-loving dog, friendly and social, getting on well with all members of his human family.

These dogs get on well with children and other family pets. They can be reserved toward strangers, but this makes them good watchdogs.

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

portuguese water dog dog - characteristicsWith training, your Portie can make a splendid pet. He is also adaptable to different living situations, and is capable of living in the city or in the countryside, just so long as his exercise needs are met.

He is such an affectionate and loyal, fun-loving dog while also being hard working, and all these wonderful characteristics mean that he can be a treasured 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.

portuguese water dog puppies - health problemsPortuguese Water Dogs are generally healthy, but like most other dogs they are more prone to certain heath conditions, though your pet is unlikely to get any of them. Still it pays to know of some of the more complicated- and disabling ones.

Hip Dysplasia:

This is where the thighbone doesn't fit properly into the hip joint. Hip dysplasia spells pain for your dog and he may show lameness with one or both rear legs. Arthritis can develop too.

Hip dysplasia is hereditary, but it can be worsened by allowing your dog to become obese and from injuries from leaping off your bed for instance.

Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA):

This is a degenerative eye disorder that can lead to blindness, but fortunately it is detectable long before the dog shows signs of blindness.

Reputable breeders have the eyes of their dog certified each year by a veterinary ophthalmologist and they don’t allow the dogs to produce puppies.

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.

portuguese water dog dogs - caringYour Portie is a dog that loves outdoor life and lots of exercise. Take him with you on your walks and give him a run off his leash. When he gets home, if you have a pool h’ll be the first to plunge right in. He makes a great pet to have at the sea too.

Provide him with plenty of nice chewy toys, balls and ropes so he doesn’t get bored.

Provide him with a nice, dry, warm sleeping area and don’t allow him to be disturbed when he retreats there.

Keep his vaccines up to date to prevent some life threatening illnesses.

Provide him with high quality food that has lots of vitamins and minerals instead of fillers, preservatives, colorants and toxins.

There are some excellent commercially manufactured dog foods which can be convenient and good for your pet. Try and provide him with some tasty homemade food occasionally. Nothing spicy and exotic. Dogs thrive on simplicity and consistency.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta, carrots, spinach and sweet potatoes chopped up and added twice week to the dry kibble is all your dog requires to keep him energetic happy, thankful, healthy and happy.

A little bit of raw meat added in from time to time will be superb. See that he always has access to clean, cool water.

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