MyDogBreeds
Sage Koochee is originated from Afghanistan but Hokkaido is originated from Japan. Sage Koochee may grow 38 cm / 15 inches higher than Hokkaido. Sage Koochee may weigh 31 kg / 69 pounds more than Hokkaido. Both Sage Koochee and Hokkaido has almost same life span. Both Sage Koochee and Hokkaido has almost same litter size. Sage Koochee requires Low maintenance. But Hokkaido requires Moderate maintenance
Known also as the Kuchi Dog, the Sage Koochee is a dog that was bred more for his characteristics than his looks. He was bred to be a protector and guardian and named after the Afghan Kochi people.
Referred to as the Kuchi or Sage Kuchi, this working dog has always helped nomads with guarding their caravans and livestock. The dog has genetic resemblance with the Central Asian Ovcharka but isn’t recognized as an official breed by any of the major kennel clubs.
The 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.
The Sage Koochee is a large molosser dog, although they do vary quite a bit in height. This is because they generally come in 3 varieties.
They can stand at between 58 to 89cm in height and they weigh between 38 to 80kg. This is because this dog is divided into 3 types. The coat of this dog can be short, medium or long, and colors can vary quite a bit as well.
These are moderate, seasonal shedders. Their tails are usually docked to about 1/3 of their length and their ears have been traditionally docked too. They are very territorial and won’t show any tolerance to strangers coming onto the property. He also tends to be aggressive towards other dogs.
These dogs are tough and fierce and also immensely intelligent. Such a dog would have to be trained and socialized or you would land yourself with a strong-willed, disobedient dog.
Once they’ve had training, they are friendly, obedient and affectionate towards their owners, but aren't a good choice for children. They are extremely territorial and make good watchdogs,being prepared to fiercely protect their human family.
The very nature of this dog makes it not suitable for life in the city. It would be terribly frustrated in small spaces and can become aggressive.
The 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.
The Kuchi has always been vigilant with guarding livestock, and these tough dogs did the job of guardian and protector extremely well.
They’re hardy too, used to coping with extreme weather conditions, from hot deserts to freezing mountain areas. These dogs are powerful and independent and they are also dangerous.
With good training and socialization they can become loving and loyal, but they require a strong, firm owner, and don’t come as recommended if there are children in the home.
The Kuchi breed is healthy and doesn’t have any particular health issues. Things to look out for are bloat, skin allergies, cancer and parasites.
Parasites are a common in many dogs. Fleas and ticks are external parasites, but intestinal parasites can be a real nuisance too and endanger your dog’s health.
These parasites live within the dog’s gastrointestinal tract. They can be a host of terrible worms such as roundworm, hookworms and tapeworm among others. The parasites are usually transmitted when the dog ingests contaminated food, soil or even feces.
These parasites can cause endless problems for the dog, from weight loss to diarrhea to vomiting. You will need to get your pet to the vet.
Often breeds that are isolated like the Hokkaido, have a pretty good health history but there are a few serious issues that they face.
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.
Affecting joints and cause arthritis and lameness.
Floating kneecap – not as prevalent here as in smaller dogs.
Could be mild or serious. Could require a pacemaker.
Seizures of an unknown origin. Can be treated with medication not cured.
Excessive, uncontrollable urge to drink large amounts of fluid without a stimuli.
A nutritious commercially manufactured dog food for large working dogs will be required for this strong, energetic dog. You want to provide it with some variety, so some homemade food added into the dry kibble twice a week will ensure he is healthy and content.
Home-made food such as boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots all boiled slowly together will delight your pet. You just chop it up and add it to the dry kibble twice a week and your pet will never look back.
For his skin and coat, you can try to add in a little bit of raw meat occasionally.Dogs thrive on simple, consistent meals like this – nothing weird and spicy so as to avoid stomach upsets.
Groom your Kuchi dog by brushing him twice a week and check simultaneously for any lumps you may find on him.
Trim his nails.
Check his eyes and make sure they are clear with no signs of discharge.
Check inside the mouth for rotten or bad teeth as he can’t tell you if one is rotten and causing him tremendous pain and discomfort.
Make sure his vaccines are up to date to avoid life threatening canine diseases.
Provide him with a nice, warm dry place to sleep.
Make sure he has access to shade and sun when he’s outdoors.
Have him or her spayed or neutered to avoid puppies
The puppy needs about 300 -400 calories per day in 3-4 servings per day
The adult dog needs about 250-350 calories a day to maintain good weight and health. Feed 2-3 times per day.
Strong, stamina
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.
Children friendliness very good with every member of the family and that includes children