vs

Click on the breeds above to change the breed you want to compare.

Compare Japanese Chin and Hokkaido side by side: temperament, energy, trainability, apartment fit, shedding, lifespan, weight and free adoption listings.

Breed traits

Character & behavior

Energy level
Playfulness
Intelligence
Trainability
Protectiveness
Sociability
Can stay alone

Lifestyle fit

Apartment-friendly
Yes
No
Good with kids
Yes
Yes
Good for first-time owners
Yes
No
Shedding
Noise level
Exercise needs

Physical & general

Life span
12–14 years
12–15 years
Weight
1.8–3.2 kg
25–35 kg
Height
20–27 cm
46–56 cm
Origin
Japan
Japan
Grooming effort
Nutrition sensitivity
Health risk
Heat tolerance
Cold tolerance
The Japanese Chin and Hokkaido are both breeds originating from Japan, but they differ significantly in size, temperament, and living requirements. The Japanese Chin is a small, toy breed known for its sociable nature and adaptability to apartment living, making it a great choice for first-time owners and families with children. In contrast, the Hokkaido is a larger, more robust breed with higher energy levels and exercise needs, suitable for active families who can provide ample space and outdoor activities. While both breeds have a similar lifespan, their weight and height differences are notable, with the Hokkaido being much larger. Additionally, the Hokkaido is more protective and can tolerate cold climates better than the Japanese Chin, which may influence potential owners based on their living conditions and lifestyle.

Japanese Chin — Advantages

Apartment-friendly
Good with kids
Suitable for first-time owners
Moderate energy level
Lower noise level

Disadvantages

Lower protectiveness
Can be sensitive to being left alone
Moderate shedding level
Requires some grooming

Hokkaido — Advantages

Highly protective
Good with kids
Higher intelligence
Better tolerance to cold climates
Higher energy level for active families

Disadvantages

Not apartment-friendly
Not suitable for first-time owners
Higher exercise needs
Higher shedding level

Frequently Asked Questions

Which breed is better for apartment living?

The Japanese Chin is better suited for apartment living due to its smaller size and adaptability.

Are both breeds good with children?

Yes, both the Japanese Chin and Hokkaido are good with kids.

How much exercise do these breeds need?

The Japanese Chin has moderate exercise needs, while the Hokkaido requires more vigorous activity.

Which breed is more protective?

The Hokkaido is more protective compared to the Japanese Chin.

Are either of these breeds suitable for first-time dog owners?

The Japanese Chin is suitable for first-time owners, while the Hokkaido is not.

free Japanese Chin adoption listings

all listings in this category

free Hokkaido adoption listings

all listings in this category