Hokkaido vs English Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison

Hokkaido vs English Springer Spaniel - Breed ComparisonHokkaido is originated from Japan but English Springer Spaniel is originated from United Kingdom. Both Hokkaido and English Springer Spaniel are of same height. Hokkaido may weigh 24 kg / 53 pounds more than English Springer Spaniel. Both Hokkaido and English Springer Spaniel has almost same life span. Hokkaido may have less litter size than English Springer Spaniel. Hokkaido requires Moderate maintenance. But English Springer Spaniel requires Low maintenance

History

hokkaido - historyThe 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.

english springer spaniel - historyThe English Springer Spaniel is one of many gun dog breeds that flush and retrieve. They descended from the Shropshire Spaniels and Norfolk Spaniels. The English Springer Spaniel is somewhat similar to the Welsh Springer Spaniel and believe it or not they are also closely related to the English Cocker Spaniel. In the last century the cockers and springers came from the same parents. The larger dogs flushed game and made game “spring” from the brush while the smaller dogs – the “cockers” would hunt woodcock. Eventually through specific breeding, the UKC of England recognized the “springers” as a separate breed.

Sydenham Edwards, in 1801, proposed that the spaniels be divided into the Springing or Hawking Spaniel and the Cocking or Cocker Spaniel. From this point on there was a flourish in the development of spaniel breeds in the 19th century. They were usually named for the county in which they were founded or after the individual who developed them. In 1902, the English Springer Spaniel was officially recognized as its own breed by the UKC. It was not until 1910 that the AKC recognized them as well.

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.

english springer spaniel puppy - descriptionAmong spaniels the English Springer is medium size and well compacted. Both the working dog and the show dog sport moderately long coats and a friendly tail. They both wear a gentle expression in their eyes. But there the commonality stops as the difference between the working English Springer Spaniel and the show line is greater in this breed than in any other. The gene pools have become almost separate over the last 70 years. If you put a field dog in the show ring they would not be able to compete. If you put a show line English Springer in the field, they would not have the stamina or speed for field trials.

The field line has a coarser coat and less pendulous ears. They may dock a few inches off the tail, and they are much scruffier than the show dogs. On the other hand, the show dogs have dewlaps, pendant ears and dangling flews. They are heavier and thicker than the field dog. They have long muzzles, not so prominent eyes and docked tails. The English Springer Spaniel stands tall and proud, coming from an ancient line of Spaniels

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

english springer spaniel dog - characteristicsThe English Springer Spaniel is a friendly dog who loves to please his people. They are great family dogs, easy-going and affectionate. In addition, they are attentive and alert which makes them such great hunting dogs. With exceptional speed and stamina, he needs activity to stimulate his body and brain. He is very intelligent. That intelligence can lead to stubbornness as well. He’d great with kids and good with other pets with perhaps the exception of cats. The breed is in love with water and will get in at any time.

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.

The English Springer Spaniel has a tendency toward issues such as:

Hip and Elbow Dysplasia

english springer spaniel puppies - health problemsNot an uncommon issue for most medium to smaller sized dogs. It can lead to lameness or arthritis.

PRA – Progressive Retinal Atrophy

Loss of vision due to a deterioration of the retina.

RD - Retinal Dysplasia

Clubs form in the retinal tissue and can lead to blindness.

Bloat

The twisting or distention of the stomach that effects dogs with deep chests and can lead to death if not treated immediately.

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.

Feeding

english springer spaniel dogs - caringThe English Springer Spaniel can gain weight easily and obesity is one of the biggest health issues for this breed. Feed them a high quality dry dog food. Working dogs need more energy and more calories than the inactive dog. An active member of the breed should have around 1353 calories every day in at least 2 meals if not 3. Do not feed a large meal before or after strenuous exercise as this can cause bloat.

Health Issues

In addition to the health issues listed above the English Springer Spaniel is also prone to:

PFK: Phosphofructokinase Deficiency

This is a genetic condition where the body cannot use the carbohydrates it takes in and convert it to energy. This is identified as a blood disorder.

Epilepsy

Causes seizures but can be treated with medications.

Ear Infections

With longer , droopy ears, infection is always a possibility. Clean them regularly and keep them dry.

Exercise and games

The working English Springer Spaniel is a very energetic dog requiring daily exercise and loving to play. They love walks and hikes. They can excel in competitions such as rally, agility, tracking, field and obedience.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Gun dog
Origin:
Japan
United Kingdom
Height Male:
48 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
46 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
Height Female:
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
43 - 48 cm
16 - 19 inches
Weight Male:
46 - 49 kg
101 - 109 pounds
23 - 25 kg
50 - 56 pounds
Weight Female:
17 - 27 kg
37 - 60 pounds
16 - 20 kg
35 - 45 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 15 Years
10 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 7
4 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Ainu-ken, Hokkaido-Ken, Dō-ken, Seta, Ainu dog
springer spaniel ESS
Colors Available:
black, and wolf grey, red, sesame, brindle, white
lack or liver (dark brown) with white markings or predominantly white with black or liver markings Tricolor
Coat:
double coat made up of protective, coarse outer guard hairs, and a fine, thick undercoat
shorter, coarser
Shedding:
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Docile, Energetic, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Responsive
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

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