Russian Harlequin Hound vs Hokkaido - Breed Comparison

Russian Harlequin Hound is originated from Russia but Hokkaido is originated from Japan. Russian Harlequin Hound may grow 17 cm / 7 inches higher than Hokkaido. Russian Harlequin Hound may weigh 18 kg / 39 pounds lesser than Hokkaido. Russian Harlequin Hound may live 3 years less than Hokkaido. Both Russian Harlequin Hound and Hokkaido has almost same litter size. Russian Harlequin Hound requires Low maintenance. But Hokkaido requires Moderate maintenance

History

The origins of the Russian Harlequin Hound are somewhat vague as there are many Russian hunting hounds and many of them have a similar ancestry.

The Russian Harlequin Hound is an indigenous hound whose origins go back to the 18th century. The first breed standard was published in 1925.

The breed was then developed during the early 1900s – being a mix of Russian Hound and English Foxhound. The Russian Harlequin Hound is a rare dog breed and you will find it almost exclusively in Russia.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Hound dog
Working dog
Origin:
Russia
Japan
Height Male:
55 - 68 cm
21 - 27 inches
48 - 51 cm
18 - 21 inches
Height Female:
55 - 68 cm
21 - 27 inches
20 - 30 cm
7 - 12 inches
Weight Male:
18 - 31 kg
39 - 69 pounds
46 - 49 kg
101 - 109 pounds
Weight Female:
18 - 31 kg
39 - 69 pounds
17 - 27 kg
37 - 60 pounds
Life Span:
10 - 12 Years
11 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
6 - 8
4 - 7
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Anglo-Russkaya Gontjaja, Russian Spotted Hound
Ainu-ken, Hokkaido-Ken, Dō-ken, Seta, Ainu dog
Colors Available:
White with tan and black markings
black, and wolf grey, red, sesame, brindle, white
Coat:
Short and smooth
double coat made up of protective, coarse outer guard hairs, and a fine, thick undercoat
Shedding:
Minimal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Detached, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Affectionate, Alert, Docile, Energetic, Gentle, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Responsive
Grooming:
Low maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

The Russian Harlequin Hound is a medium to large sized dog that stands between 55 – 68cm in height and weighs between 18 – 31kg.

He has a solid build with long, straight legs with a long tail that can be slightly curved. The head is broad and square with medium sized ears which are floppy. The short coat is essentially white with tri-colored markings of white, tan and black.

Temperament:

The Russian Harlequin Hound has an amicable expression to his face and is a friendly social dog breed. He is lively and energetic, and with his hunting background will required a good deal of exercise.

They make great family pets, getting on well with children in the home and making friends with any other pets in the family. He is a gentle dog and with training and socialization is well mannered and obedient.

He loves his human family and wants to spend time with them in their company. He isn't suited to life in the city and a small property, but will require a home with bigger grounds.

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.

Characteristics

The Russian Harlequin Hound has always been a hunting dog, known for his excellent hunting skills. He isn’t only a good hunting dog, but he makes a good family pet too.

If you’re looking for an unusual dog breed that is also intelligent, loyal and loving, then you might want to consider this Russian Harlequin Hound.

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

Health Problems

Your Russian Harlequin Hound is a rare dog breed that can reach 12 years of age if well cared for. There are some dog ailments that must be watched for. Cancer, ear infections and skin allergies can be problems to look out for. Other troublesome ailments can be -

Bloat:

This is a more common disease with deep-chested dogs, and the deep chested Russian Harlequin Hound is prone to bloat. Gas is trapped in the stomach and the stomach can actually twist. It can be life threatening. Your pet will have a hard, swollen belly and will be restless and salivating. Get him to the vet immediately. He may well require immediate surgery.

Hip Dysplasia:

This condition is all about problems with the hip joints. It is sad for any dog with this disease as it can be painful for your pet to walk. Inflammation and arthritis can mean your pet being in pain. He can become lame too.

There are anti-inflammatory medications and your vet will suggest other treatments to make sure your pet is as comfortable as can be.

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.

Caring The Pet

Exercise:

The Russian Harlequin Hound needs both mental and physical stimulation. He is a curious dog and wants to be out and about sniffing around and exploring. He will need to have a walk every day as well as lots of ball- and rope games. He will suit being the pet of a busy, outdoorsy family as opposed to a family of couch potatoes.

Grooming:

The Russian Harlequin Hound is looked upon as a low maintenance dog breed, and with his short, dense coat you can get by with just brushing him twice a week. Because he is such a lover of the outdoors check him over for ticks and fleas when you brush him.

Check inside his ears for redness and infection.

Open his mouth and look for bad, rotting teeth.

Check him over for any unusual lumps.

Make sure his eyes are clear and free of discharge.

Trim his nails.

Diet:

Every dog should be fed excellent food as this encourages good health. Commercially manufactured dog foods can be wonderfully convenient and nutritious if you get the better quality ones.

Try and include some simple, tasty home-made food to his diet . High-quality dry dog food will provide a balanced diet, but you want to make it a little more tasty for him by giving him some chopped up boiled chicken, brown rice, sweet potatoes, carrots and spinach. This can be added into the dry kibble twice a week.

Try and include some raw meat occasionally. Fresh, cool water should always be available around the clock.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Santal Hound vs Russian Harlequin Hound - Breed Comparison
  2. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Basset Hound - Breed Comparison
  3. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Pharaoh Hound - Breed Comparison
  4. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Basenji - Breed Comparison
  5. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Hungarian Wirehaired Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  6. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  7. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Hungarian Vizsla - Breed Comparison
  8. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Redbone Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  9. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Bluetick Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  10. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Norwegian Elkhound - Breed Comparison
  11. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  12. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Bavarian Mountain Hound - Breed Comparison
  13. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Basset Fauve de Bretagne - Breed Comparison
  14. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Beagle-Harrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Russian Harlequin Hound vs English Coonhound - Breed Comparison
  16. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Anglo-Francais de Petite Venerie - Breed Comparison
  17. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Alpine Dachsbracke - Breed Comparison
  18. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Basset Bleu de Gascogne - Breed Comparison
  19. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Podenco Canario - Breed Comparison
  20. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Dunker - Breed Comparison
  21. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Grand Basset Griffon Vendeen - Breed Comparison
  22. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Chippiparai - Breed Comparison
  23. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Podenco Andaluz - Breed Comparison
  24. Russian Harlequin Hound vs Podenco Galego - Breed Comparison
  25. Russian Harlequin Hound vs English Foxhound - 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