Hokkaido vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Hokkaido vs French Brittany - Breed ComparisonHokkaido is originated from Japan but French Brittany is originated from France. Hokkaido may grow 31 cm / 13 inches higher than French Brittany. Hokkaido may weigh 29 kg / 64 pounds more than French Brittany. Both Hokkaido and French Brittany has almost same life span. Both Hokkaido and French Brittany has almost same litter size. Hokkaido requires Moderate maintenance. But French Brittany 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.

french brittany - historyBrittanys are the product of France, actually developed in the Brittany Province. They are gun dogs designed to hunt birds. Referred to more often than not as a Spaniel their method of working is much more in line with the setters and pointers. They are believed to be developed somewhere between the 17th and 19th centuries, but not recognized until the 20th century. Orange and white dogs were portrayed on 17th century tapestries, hunting and retrieving. In 1850 the Reverend Davies wrote the first record of Brittanys that was verifiable.

The Brittany was recognized for the first time in 1907 as their own breed even though they participated in the Paris Dog Show in 1900. Once recognized the standards were written as well. It was not until 1931 that the breed was recognized in America and 1934 before the American Kennel Club approved them. Until 1982 they were known as the French Brittany Spaniel. The Spaniel was dropped in ’82. In the United Kingdom the Brittany is known as an HPR (Hunt, Point and Retrieve) breed and they do so with both birds and small game such as hares. The Brittany’s have more dual champions than any other American Kennel Club Sporting Breed in both Confirmation and Field Trials.

There are some differences between the current day French Brittany and the “American Brittany”. They are the same breed but different sub-sets and there are differences that can be noted between the two. The French Brittany is smaller than the newer American version and works closer to the hunter and the guns, while the American Brittany runs ahead of the hunter quite often. Some breeders however don’t consider these differences to be sub-sets and believe that the American breeders should accept the French standards reflecting the origin of the breed.

Basic Information

Group:
Working dog
Gun dog
Origin:
Japan
France
Height Male:
48 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
17 - 20 cm
6 - 8 inches
Height Female:
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
15 - 19 cm
5 - 8 inches
Weight Male:
46 - 49 kg
101 - 109 pounds
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
17 - 27 kg
37 - 60 pounds
13 - 17 kg
28 - 38 pounds
Life Span:
11 - 15 Years
12 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 7
5 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Ainu-ken, Hokkaido-Ken, Dō-ken, Seta, Ainu dog
Brittany Spaniel Brittany Wiegref Epagneul Breton French Brittany Spaniel
Colors Available:
black, and wolf grey, red, sesame, brindle, white
liver roan, black and white (not universally accepted), orange roan, Orange and white, black roan, liver and white, tricolor
Coat:
double coat made up of protective, coarse outer guard hairs, and a fine, thick undercoat
flowing , medium length
Shedding:
Moderate
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Docile, Energetic, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Responsive
Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Intelligent, Loving
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

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.

french brittany puppy - descriptionThe French Brittany is an energetic, compact, solid, athletic dog. They have average size heads, intelligent expressions, floppy ears, and a long, elastic and free gait. Most Brittanys are born with short tails but if not, they are docked outside the United Kingdom. Docking is illegal in the United Kingdom so those Brittanys might have a long tail.

Their coats are orange roan, orange and white and liver roan. A tricoat of orange, liver and white is allowed within a specific placement of the three colors.

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

1.Children

french brittany dog - characteristicsVery friendly with children

Special talents

Dual champions in Field Trials and Confirmation. They both point and retrieve.

Adaptability

They are not as adaptable as some hunting breeds. They are very active and need space both indoors and out. They are not recommended for life in apartments in the city. A rural environment is best. They do not adapt well to the damp and cold weather.

Learning ability

They are very intelligent and have very high learning ability.

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.

french brittany puppies - health problemsGenerally, a hardy breed that is mostly healthy, the Brittany in France usually lives on average 12 years 6 months. In the UK the average if 12 years and 11 months and many dogs living to be 14 or 15. Some of the health issues that might pop up for the Brittany include:

  1. Ear Infections
  2. Hip Dysplasia
  3. Canine Discoid Lupus Erythematosus
  4. Epilepsy

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 the puppy

french brittany dogs - caringFeed puppies a high quality puppy food designed for medium sized dogs. Give about one to one and a half cups per day in 2-3 meals.

Feeding the adult

For the adult French Brittany feed a high quality adult dry food designed for medium sized dogs. Give about two cups per day in 2 meals.

Points for Good Health

Excellent vision and scent

Games and Exercises

The French Brittany is an active and enthusiastic bird dog that loves to exercise. They have the stamina and drive that goes with an efficient and successful hunting dog. They need daily exercise, regular walks and excel at field trials and confirmation. They are also good at lure chase, flyball, rally and obedience.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Sakhalin Husky vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  2. Portuguese Water Dog vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  3. Puli vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  4. McNab vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  5. Porcelaine vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison
  6. Hokkaido vs American Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Hokkaido vs Border Collie - Breed Comparison
  8. Hokkaido vs Alaskan Husky - Breed Comparison
  9. Hokkaido vs Catahoula Leopard - Breed Comparison
  10. Hokkaido vs German Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  11. Hokkaido vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  12. Hokkaido vs Griffon Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  13. Hokkaido vs Borador - Breed Comparison
  14. Hokkaido vs German Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  15. Hokkaido vs Canadian Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  16. Hokkaido vs Finnish Lapphund - Breed Comparison
  17. Hokkaido vs Berger Blanc Suisse - Breed Comparison
  18. Hokkaido vs Griffon Nivernais - Breed Comparison
  19. Hokkaido vs Australian Kelpie - Breed Comparison
  20. Hokkaido vs Griffon Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  21. Hokkaido vs Basque Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  22. Hokkaido vs Istrian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  23. Hokkaido vs Jamthund - Breed Comparison
  24. Hokkaido vs Karelian Bear Dog - Breed Comparison
  25. Hokkaido vs Karelo-Finnish Laika - Breed Comparison
  26. French Brittany vs English Springer Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  27. French Brittany vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  28. French Brittany vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  29. French Brittany vs English Setter - Breed Comparison
  30. French Brittany vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  31. French Brittany vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  32. French Brittany vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  33. French Brittany vs Barbet - Breed Comparison
  34. French Brittany vs Ariege Pointer - Breed Comparison
  35. French Brittany vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  36. French Brittany vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  37. French Brittany vs Deutsch Drahthaar - Breed Comparison
  38. French Brittany vs Clumber Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  39. French Brittany vs Braque du Bourbonnais - Breed Comparison
  40. French Brittany vs Cesky Fousek - Breed Comparison
  41. French Brittany vs Drentse Patrijshond - Breed Comparison
  42. Pudelpointer vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison
  43. Picardy Spaniel vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison
  44. Pont-Audemer Spaniel vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison
  45. Irish Water Spaniel vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison
  46. Stabyhoun vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison
  47. Styrian Coarse Haired Hound vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison
  48. Vizsla vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison
  49. Large Munsterlander vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison
  50. Tyrolean Hound vs French Brittany - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds