importing Hokkaido from Japan
Hello everyone! I haven't really commented or been active on the forum, but I have been doing tons and TONS of reading. It's strange that I feel like I "know" some of you and your dogs, but you all have no idea who I am. In that sense, it's kinda creepy I guess. But it is through this forum, that I've been able to do most of my research on the various Nihon Kens, educate myself, and developed a deep interest in the Hokkaido and Shikoku. I will admit though, I came here looking to learn about the Japanese Akita, but after spending time here, I've obviously developed new preferences.
I am actually in the middle of talking to a breeder in Japan and Shigeru about importing either a Shikoku or a Hokkaido. Eventually, I want both. I know that Katja in BC breeds Shikoku, and I've emailed her, but I haven't been able to get a response from her yet. I'm assuming she's really busy right now. Not that I'm in a huge rush, but the breeder in Japan said he won't export a puppy in winter and in summer due to extreme weather conditions that aren't good for the puppy. I'm from Toronto, Canada, and we basically only have 2 seasons. Winter and summer. Oh, but we DO have a very small window that is reminiscent of fall and spring... from what I've read in stories at least. Our "autumn and spring" is pretty much 1 month - 2 at the most.
My questions is, what are the notable differences in each breed? This is excluding the personality traits that develop due to environment, circumstances, and upbringing, but I mean I guess the basic differences of the two breeds?
(I've also tried messaging the Hokkaido breeder in Poland, Robert? But maybe it's because he hasn't been active, but I also haven't gotten a response from him yet either)
Shigeru actually pointed me to this link:
http://www.nihonken.org/forum/index.php?p=/discussion/4671/nihon-ken-breed-differences/#Item_54
and while I found it to be pretty educational, it still didn't tell me much about the Hokkaido. I understand there's limited information out there, but if someone could even from knowledge or memory illustrate the differences I would really REALLY really appreciate it!
Thanks so much in advance!
Angela
I am actually in the middle of talking to a breeder in Japan and Shigeru about importing either a Shikoku or a Hokkaido. Eventually, I want both. I know that Katja in BC breeds Shikoku, and I've emailed her, but I haven't been able to get a response from her yet. I'm assuming she's really busy right now. Not that I'm in a huge rush, but the breeder in Japan said he won't export a puppy in winter and in summer due to extreme weather conditions that aren't good for the puppy. I'm from Toronto, Canada, and we basically only have 2 seasons. Winter and summer. Oh, but we DO have a very small window that is reminiscent of fall and spring... from what I've read in stories at least. Our "autumn and spring" is pretty much 1 month - 2 at the most.
My questions is, what are the notable differences in each breed? This is excluding the personality traits that develop due to environment, circumstances, and upbringing, but I mean I guess the basic differences of the two breeds?
(I've also tried messaging the Hokkaido breeder in Poland, Robert? But maybe it's because he hasn't been active, but I also haven't gotten a response from him yet either)
Shigeru actually pointed me to this link:
http://www.nihonken.org/forum/index.php?p=/discussion/4671/nihon-ken-breed-differences/#Item_54
and while I found it to be pretty educational, it still didn't tell me much about the Hokkaido. I understand there's limited information out there, but if someone could even from knowledge or memory illustrate the differences I would really REALLY really appreciate it!
Thanks so much in advance!
Angela
Comments
Also, when you get your Hokka, come on the forum and tell us about him/her. We have no first-hand info here on them.
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But Hokkaido are better. :-D
I'm hoping to import one someday as a nice hiking buddy it'll be while from now though.
I really love Saya my shiba too, but I like how Hokkaido seem more muscle and do well in the outdoors.
Though Saya loves outdoors too if I'd allow her to she'd stay out all night, but not safe due to no fence.
Video I seen hokkaido are vocal breed.
I never met one before, but out of the Japanese breeds I like this one seen some nice pictures and video.
My parent's live on 16acres so be fun place for a pup to explore.
Brindle, red, and B&T hokkaido is my favorite coloring, but temperament is more important so whatever coloration I get is third choice when it comes to health and temperament..
@jeffnkazuko *cough*youwantaHokkaido*cough* Succumb to the pure awesomeness of the Hokka.
@sunyata @thegela I'm planning on importing a Hokkaido as well. I have finally gotten to the point where I am confident that now is a good time to really begin my search now that my border collie seems to have stopped throwing surprise health issues as me (what a fun summer). I'm hoping for a Hokkaido in the next year or so, but I realize it might take longer than that.
As far as "Hokkaido are better" for some reason I have always found that a bit difficult to explain to people. Partly because most people have no idea what a Hokkaido is (except for my family.... some of whom are now pretty convinced of Hokkaido Awesomeness) and partly because once I explain about them and show pictures people wonder why I would want a dog "like that" (one that is not the uber-friendly type and seems more of a challenge) or they ask why I would want a dog that looks so plain/isn't flashy. But really it's all of those things that I like so much. I love what I've read about their personalities, I love the simple beauty of their looks. I guess it really comes down to personal preferences. I've been putting a lot of thought into this ever since I joined this forum and I still can't explain it well to others because when I try to describe it it sounds silly.
My brother just informed me I should describe it like this: "The electrical pulses generated by my eyes when I see pictures of this dog stimulate neurons in my brain into happiness." I'm not sure that makes any more sense though.
I don't think Hokkaido are plain.. I think one things make Japanese dog's great is their natural beauty.
Coarse everyone have their own vision what a plain dog or flashy dog looks like. To some a lab is plain to some a lab is awesome or GSD and so on everyone has their own likes and dislikes..
Good luck everyone on the time you get your hokkaido pup..
What name are you planning to name him/her?
I'm looking around coarse this won't happen for long time so I have plenty of time.
@sunyata where did you meet a Hokkaido?
@WhoBitMe My brother just informed me I should describe it like this: "The electrical pulses generated by my eyes when I see pictures of this dog stimulate neurons in my brain into happiness." I'm not sure that makes any more sense though.
That makes sense to me.
It's hard because I really want one of each. (Maybe not JA though...) sigh!
I wish the Hokkaido wasn't so mysterious. I'd like to know the little things, like how Kai have been found to be good with children (love that)
and how Shibas have a shiba scream, and you know, unique traits and quirks that are a part what defines their breed.
Yeah I know we used to have couple owners, but they stopped posting.
Though I understand people have their own lives and things come up.
I won't disappear maybe post less if busy, but I'd be sure post pictures and video.
This hokkaido sounds sad.. hehe
@saya I've been watching that hokkaido's videos as well! He always seems to have a mournful sound. Not sure if it's because he's old - which he kinda seems like.. but he's so freakin cute with this toys... munch munch..
I'm actually thinking I'm going to wait a bit more before deciding. Not that there's not enough information, but my husband and I are either going to visit or move to Japan in the next year or so, so it might be wiser to wait until we either know for sure, or until we actually get there. Yay!
Maybe by the time I'm ready for another dog, they'll be hokkas around and I'll be able to get one! I still want a girl AA from Liberty though....I'd love to have a pup from her boy Bugatti, who is just the sweetest Akita ever!
@okiron I'm glad you'll be there to keep Hokkaido Ken people on the forum. Possibly also a little afraid. But definitely glad.
@saya Yeah, I've never thought of them as being "plain." Then again I don't think I've ever thought of any dog breed as plain now that I think about it.
@thegela I've found a handful of youtube users who post Hokkaido videos to "stalk" (not literally