The Hokkaido Ken Standard


So during my trip to Finland/Norway in January I had some time to really lock into some translation and organization of some of my Nihon Ken related data. I even managed to get to some of my long back-burnered projects like translating the Hokkaido Ken Hozonkai standard. There is actually a detailed breakdown of each point in the standard. One day I'll have to get around to translating that as well (I'll get to the NIPPO standard some day soon hopefully). So without further ado, here it is, as translated by yours truly.

PREFACE
There are 7 Nihon Ken breeds designated natural monuments: The Akita Inu (large type), Kai Ken (medium type), Kishu Ken (medium type), Koshi no Inu (medium type), Tosa Inu (medium type), Hokkaido Ken (medium type) and Shiba Inu (small type). However, all the medium size breeds other than the Hokkaido are from warmer regions south of Chubu. Even among the same medium type Nihon Ken, the Hokkaido Ken holds a unique place; a former hunting breed kept by the Ainu, with the build of a hunting dog, its physique forged in the snow and cold. Having this particular adaption and quality gives the Hokkaido Ken standard a particular and unique meaning.

The Hokkaido Ken was designated a natural monument on the 21st of  December, 1937.

THE HOKKAIDO KEN STANDARD (Set on the 11th of April, 1954)

1.APPEARANCE AND TEMPERAMENT
Showing 'soboku' and sexual dimorphism, structure balanced and dry, well boned, musculature tough, wiry, and strong, character bold and even natured, senses keen, movement energetic and agile, step light and elastic.
2. BODY
Roughly square in physical appearance, front quarters slightly higher than rear.
·Males 48.5cm, +/- 3cm
·Females 45.5cm +/- 3cm
·The ratio of height to length is 10:11; females slightly longer.

3. HEAD
The forehead is wide, cheeks well developed. The stop and vertical line in middle of forehead are shallow but defined.
Ears: The ears are triangular, small, and cupped. When viewed from the front, the ears should be parallel to each other and stand at a roughly 90 degree angle to the forehead.
Eyes: The eyes are roughly triangular, the outside corner of the eye angling upward. The eyes do not protrude from the skull. Iris is dark brown in color. The expression they give is lively and cautious, but also showing boldness.
Muzzle: The nasal bridge is straight, the lips and nose taught, teeth strong, and bite correct.

4. NECK
The neck is strong, powerful, and clean cut. The skin should be tight without looseness.

5. CHEST AND TORSO
The chest is deep, the ribs are well sprung with moderate width, and the fore chest is well developed. The back is straight and strong.

6. GIRTH, WAIST, AND CROUP
The girth is proportional to the chest, the loin is strong with moderate width, and the c
roup is slightly inclined.

7. FOREQUARTERS
The shoulder is slightly sloping, the forearm is moderately angled, and the front limbs are straight.

8. HINDQUARTERS
With a powerful rear stance, hocks are moderately angled, dry, with plenty of elasticity.

9. FEET
Paws correct with toes tight without spacing (editor: cat feet), pads thick, and nails are black or darkly colored appropriate to coat color.

10. COAT
Outer coat tough and harsh, straight, and moderately angled. Undercoat is soft and dense.

11. TAIL
Tail thick and strong in either curl or sickle, length generally reaching the hock.

12. COAT COLOR
Red, white, black & tan, brindle, wolf grey, sesame, and variations of these colors.

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