Hokkaido vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Hokkaido vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed ComparisonHokkaido is originated from Japan but Fila Brasileiro is originated from Brazil. Hokkaido may grow 24 cm / 9 inches shorter than Fila Brasileiro. Hokkaido may weigh 31 kg / 68 pounds lesser than Fila Brasileiro. Hokkaido may live 3 years more than Fila Brasileiro. Hokkaido may have less litter size than Fila Brasileiro. Both Hokkaido and Fila Brasileiro requires Moderate 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.

fila brasileiro - historyHailing from Brazil, and known also as the Brazilian Mastiff, nobody seems to be too sure of the exact origins of the large Fila Brasileiro but it is believed to be a cross between the English Mastiff, the Bulldog and the Bloodhound.

Other theories are that the dog comes from a mix of Portuguese and Spanish dogs and that they were bred to guard livestock from predators. Breeds that have no doubt contributed to the modern Fila are the Bullenbeisser, the Bloodhound, Mastiff and Rafeiro do Alentejo. All these dogs have characteristics such as excellent working dog skills, herding instincts as well as courage and tenacity.

The official Brazilian breed standard of the Fila was developed in the 1960s and the Fila Brasileiro Club of America was formed in 1984.

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.

fila brasileiro puppy - descriptionWith his huge head covered in loose skin much like that of a Blooohound, and a body resembling that of a Mastiff, the large heavily built Fila Brasileiro is a mastiff breed from Brazil. He stands at 60 to 75cm in height and he weighs roughly 55 to 80kg.

The ears of the Fila are large and droop down or are folded back, depending on his mood. The tail is long and slim. The coat of the dog is short and dense with the texture being quite smooth and soft. Colours of the coat can vary from solid fawn or black to red to brindle.

Temperament:

Perhaps the huge Fila wouldn’t be a good choice as a pet for the first-time inexperienced dog owner as he is a powerful, intelligent, self-assured, headstrong animal that will certainly need to have training and socialization if you want him as an obedient pet in your home.

He is a dog known for his courage and bravery. The Fila is loving and affectionate with his human family, being protective of them and not being too friendly with strangers. He isn't a particularly good pet choice with children in the home.

Some people, after buying a cute Fila puppy, put him out in the yard when he becomes large, and then they pretty much neglect him. This is cruel and irresponsible as he is a social, playful dog who wants to be part of his human family.

These dogs have some aggression in them and this makes them good watchdogs. They generally don’t show aggression towards their family but may snap at a stranger who tries to touch as he feels threatened.

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

fila brasileiro dog - characteristicsThe Fila Brasileiro or Brazilian Mastiff is a powerful dog and it is believed that a large dog like this can be a danger to people if he isn’t trained and socialized.

He is therefore not recommended for first time dog owners or homes with small children. He is a dog that is particularly wary of strangers too.

When he has been properly socialized he can be loving, loyal and obedient because it is essentially how a dog is brought up as to how he turns out.

If you bring one of these big, beautiful dogs into your home, have him socialized as a puppy, treat him firmly, but kindly and you could have yourself an extraordinary pet.

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.

fila brasileiro puppies - health problemsFilas are a dog breed who have a high rate of hip- and elbow dysplasia. This is a serious disease which can lead to lameness with your pet. Other orthopedic diseases with the breed include osteochondritis and luxating patella.

Also, as a deep-chested dog breed, your Fila also is at risk of getting the very serious gastrointestinal syndrome known as bloat. This is a common condition that can prove deadly for your pet. The Fila’s stomach will fill with gas, putting pressure on other organs and stopping blood flow to the heart and difficulty with breathing. Sometimes the stomach will twist. Get him to the vet immediately if you notice a swollen stomach, drooling or restless behaviour.

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.

Exercise and Space:

fila brasileiro dogs - caringThe Filas size makes it important that he have a good amount of exercise if you want to maintain his health and happiness. He isn’t a dog suited to city life as he is too large and will irritate his owners when cooped up in a tiny space with them. He isn’t demanding when it comes to exercise and activities all the time, but he should still be exercised regularly as he is inclined to become lazy .

Grooming:

Moderate shedding. Regular brushing twice a week will be required. Check ears for infection and brush his teeth 2 or 3 times a week.

Diet:

Nothing is set in stone as to what to feed your Fila Brasileiro, but a large dog will require quality food with a good amount of protein and fat according to size, age and activity levels.

Because a large breed dog is prone to hip dysplasia, look out for ingredients such as chondroitin and gludosamine which are specifically good for joint health. Try and avoid commercially manufactured food with common allergens such as soy, corn and wheat, artifical flavors and fillers.

A source of cooked rice, chicken and vegetables as well as some raw meat will be excellent for your big pet. Make sure he is never deprived of fresh, cool drinking water.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Working dog
Origin:
Japan
Brazil
Height Male:
48 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
60 - 75 cm
23 - 30 inches
Height Female:
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
60 - 75 cm
23 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
46 - 49 kg
101 - 109 pounds
55 - 80 kg
121 - 177 pounds
Weight Female:
17 - 27 kg
37 - 60 pounds
55 - 80 kg
121 - 177 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 15 Years
9 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 7
4 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Ainu-ken, Hokkaido-Ken, Dō-ken, Seta, Ainu dog
Brazilian Mastiff
Colors Available:
black, and wolf grey, red, sesame, brindle, white
red, black, Fawn, brindle
Coat:
double coat made up of protective, coarse outer guard hairs, and a fine, thick undercoat
Short and dense
Shedding:
Moderate
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Docile, Energetic, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Responsive
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Samoyed vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  2. Great Pyrenees vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  3. Presa Canario vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  4. Labrador Husky vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  5. Giant Schnauzer vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  6. Goldador vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  7. Mackenzie River Husky vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  8. German Longhaired Pointer vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  9. Pyredoodle vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  10. Lurcher vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  11. Maremma Sheepdog vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  12. Sarplaninac vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  13. Himalayan Mastiff vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  14. Mountain View Cur vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  15. Native American Indian Dog vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  16. Greater Swiss Mountain Dog vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  17. Greenland Dog vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  18. Komondor vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  19. Polish Tatra Sheepdog vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  20. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Fila Brasileiro - Breed Comparison
  21. Fila Brasileiro vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  22. Fila Brasileiro vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  23. Fila Brasileiro vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  24. Fila Brasileiro vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  25. Fila Brasileiro vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  26. Sakhalin Husky vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  27. Portuguese Water Dog vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  28. Puli vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  29. McNab vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  30. Porcelaine vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  31. Hokkaido vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Hokkaido vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  33. Hokkaido vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  34. Hokkaido vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  35. Hokkaido vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  36. Hokkaido vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  37. Hokkaido vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  38. Hokkaido vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  39. Hokkaido vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  40. Hokkaido vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  41. Hokkaido vs Finnish Lapphund - Breed Comparison
  42. Hokkaido vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  43. Hokkaido vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  44. Hokkaido vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  45. Hokkaido vs Griffon Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  46. Hokkaido vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  47. Hokkaido vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  48. Hokkaido vs Jamthund - Breed Comparison
  49. Hokkaido vs Karelian Bear Dog - Breed Comparison
  50. Hokkaido vs Karelo-Finnish Laika - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds