Hokkaido vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison

Hokkaido vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed ComparisonAppenzell Mountain Dog is originated from Switzerland but Hokkaido is originated from Japan. Both Appenzell Mountain Dog and Hokkaido are having almost same height. Appenzell Mountain Dog may weigh 17 kg / 37 pounds lesser than Hokkaido. Both Appenzell Mountain Dog and Hokkaido has almost same life span. Both Appenzell Mountain Dog and Hokkaido has almost same litter size. Both Appenzell Mountain Dog and Hokkaido requires Moderate Maintenance.

Basic Information

Group:
Herding dogs
Working dog
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Switzerland
Japan
Height Male:
52 - 56 cm
20 - 23 inches
48 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
Height Female:
50 - 56 cm
19 - 23 inches
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
22 - 32 kg
48 - 71 pounds
46 - 49 kg
101 - 109 pounds
Weight Female:
22 - 32 kg
48 - 71 pounds
17 - 27 kg
37 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
11 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
4 - 7
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Appenzeller Mountain Dog, Appenzeller Sennenhunde
Ainu-ken, Hokkaido-Ken, Dō-ken, Seta, Ainu dog
Colors Available:
Black, white, tan
black, and wolf grey, red, sesame, brindle, white
Coat:
Shortish, straight hair, dense
double coat made up of protective, coarse outer guard hairs, and a fine, thick undercoat
Shedding:
Moderate, Constant
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Territorial
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

appenzell mountain dogHailing from the Appenzell region of Switzerland and known as the Appenzeller Mountain Dog or the Appenzeller Sennenhunde, this athletic breed of dog has a history which is debatable and which has several theories.

It is believed the dog is descended from Molossus.The Appenzeller Mountain Dog is one of the 4 recognized Swiss Sennenhunds, appearing to have descended from cattle dogs. The first breed club was founded in 1906 by Albert Heim. However, an early reference to the breed's predecessors was made in a book of 1853, where it refers to dogs in the Appenzell region.

In 1898 the Appenzeller Mountain Dog was shown at the first international dog show and was recognized internationally as a separate breed in 1989.

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

appenzell mountain dog puppy - descriptionThe Appenzell Mountain Dog is a medium-sized dog standing at between 47–58cm at the withers and weighing in at 22–32kg.

He is a heavy-built dog and sports a tri-color coat – black, tan and white. He has a double coat with the topcoat being shortish, thick and straight. He sheds throughout the year and isn’t hypoallergenic. He has small ears which are high set and which are floppy. The tail is long and curls when held high.

Temperament:

The Appenzell is an active breed who has been used to herding, fetching and working. Because of his energy levels, he won’t fit in well in a small home where his energy needs can’t be met. However wherever he is, he bonds closely with his human family and thrives on attention from them.

He isn’t known as an aggressive dog, but if as a working breed, he felt that the livestock he was guarding was under threat, he could exhibit some aggressiveness.

He gets on well with children in the home and other pets but is inclined to be wary of strangers. Just as with any other dog, training and socialization does wonders for him, making him relaxed and obedient around people and dogs.

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

appenzell mountain dog dog - characteristicsHerding dogs tend to be independent and somewhat reserved but the Appenzell Mountain Dog is social, outgoing and loving with his human family. When trained and socialized he gets on well with other pets as well as children in the home.

He is a working dog, and thrives on being active, so a good amount of exercise will be necessary. He is a courageous, affectionate dog and when you give him the right upbringing and treat him as he deserves to be treated, he becomes a splendid pet.

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

appenzell mountain dog puppies - health problemsThere are some health problems with dogs which are inherited. It is why some people insist on getting certificates from breeders to show that the parents were cleared of certain diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia.

Certainly, it’s a known fact that many health problems can be prevented by the way you feed your dog and the way you raise him.

If you suspect your pet is suffering with an ailment that is making him lethargic and run-down, 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

Grooming:

appenzell mountain dog dogs - caringYou want your Appenzell Mountain Dog to maintain his thick shiny coat, and because he sheds throughout the year, a good brushing twice a week will benefit him.

Dogs with hanging ears, such as this dog, are always more prone to ear infections, requiring more attention to the inside of the ears. Clean, dry ears resist ear infections.

The nails of the dog should also be trimmed when they become too long.

Exercise:

The Appenzeller is a working dog, used to being active all day, so he will require a lot of exercise. He just loves being outdoors, and while he adapts to city- and country life, he will prefer living in the country. Take him for walks, play ball with him and allow him to run with you when you go jogging or cycling.

Diet:

A young adult Appenzeller Sennenhunde will require a different calorie intake compared to a dog that has been spayed or neutered or a puppy that is still growing. You need to watch your dog’s age, his size and the particular season of his life he is in and adjust his food intake.

Kibble is good and well, and there are excellent brands packed with nutrients, but your furry friend will require brown rice, vegetables and cooked chicken mixed into his kibble from time to time as well as raw meat added in when possible.

An excellent diet is important for the wellbeing of your pet, and always ensure that fresh, cool water is available.

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

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  30. Hokkaido vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
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  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