The Hokkaido is a fairly self-managed breed. The natural oils on their skin and coat help to keep them clean and dry despite unfavorable weather conditions. No trimming or shaving of their fur is required or recommended, just regular brushing to remove dead fur and keep the coat healthy.
Hokkaido blow their undercoat roughly twice yearly. During this time, a bath and frequent brushing to remove the dead fur are necessary. Their nails should be trimmed regularly to avoid overgrowth and cracking. Teeth should be brushed regularly.
The Hokkaido is a very active breed with high needs for exercise. These dogs were developed for hunting, so they have excellent stamina. This breed requires at least an hour of vigorous exercise per day and will appreciate having a fenced yard in which to run. He may also do well in dog sports.
As a medium-to-large breed, you can feed your Hokkaido a high-quality adult dog food that is rich in protein with plenty of healthy fats for energy.
You might consider a working breed formula if your dog is very active or a large-breed formula if he weighs more than 50 pounds.
Generally speaking, the Hokkaido is a healthy breed with no known inherited health problems. These dogs are, however, prone to certain conditions including hypodontia, elbow dysplasia, hip dysplasia, cryptorchidism, and collie eye anomaly (CEA).
The Hokkaido has a stubborn streak that makes him a challenge to train. An experienced dog owner will be firm and consistent in training, which is exactly what the breed needs.
These dogs are fearless in their pursuit of game and they are extremely loyal and devoted to their family. In order to understand his role in the family, however, he needs constant training. It is best to incorporate training into his exercise as well, to reinforce your role as the leader.
