Welcome to Toboetsuki Inuits & Hokkaido Ken
If you have any questions about either the Northern Inuit or Hokkaido Ken please feel free to drop us a message.
Our dogs are friendly and attend events across the South of England. The name 'Toboetsuki' comes from the Japanese language and roughly translates to 'Howling Moon'. All of our dogs also have Japanese themed names as I am a great lover of the Japanese language and of their animation style. We decided to build this page mainly to educate people on the wonderful Inuit Dog and also the Hokkaido Ken -
which we recently added to our ever-growing canine family - so that they can decide whether either of these beautiful breeds are right for them. We are here to provide unbiased information - we will tell you the brilliant, the good and the bad about being owned by these dogs. Maybe you've already heard of the Inuit Dog or even the Hokkaido Ken; maybe you already know everything there is to know about the breeds; maybe you've come here because you're curious and you'd like to learn more; maybe you came here completely by accident! We are owned by three pedigree Northern Inuit dogs, a German Shepherd cross Northern Inuit who we rehomed in 2013 and a pedigree Hokkaido Ken who was imported from the Kyuden Kitsune kennel in France in December 2016. We hope you enjoy browsing our page, finding out a little about the breed in general and getting to know each of our dogs. For more information please check out our website www.toboetsuki.co.uk
19/10/2025
Take a look at this photo and I'm sure you could all immediately point out which dog is male and which is female.
Though these two dogs are half-siblings - sharing the same mother (Kirin), but with different fathers - and are quite close to each other in colour and appearance, those slight differences make it clear that the one on the left is male (Chuuya) and the one of the right is female (Satsuki).
Sexual dimorphism is an important feature for all of the Nihon Ken breeds. In fact, it is mentioned in the Hokkaido Ken breed standards by both DOKENHO (the main Hokkaido Ken registry in Japan, written in 1945) and the FCI.
"Medium-sized dog with sexual dimorphism strongly marked, well balanced, sturdily built and well b***d." (FCI, 2017)
Males are noticeably larger, with sizes noted for the different sexes in the breed standard:
DOKENHO - 48.5cm +/- 3cm for males, 45.5cm +/- 3cm for females.
FCI - 48.5 - 51.5cm for males, 45.5 - 48.5cm for females.
Females are also permitted to be slightly longer than the standard 10:11 height to length ratio.
Lack of sexual dimorphism is actually a fault within the breed standard. You do not want a 'doggy' bitch, and you do not want a 'bitchy' dog.
However, both sexes should be fit for function and display the appearance, expression and temperament of the Nihon Ken.
NIPPO (the main registry for other Nihon Ken breeds), describes this with three essential qualities:
Kani'i - spirited boldness and dignity.
Ryosei - faithful devotion.
Soboku - simple and natural beauty.
You will often see these terms in conjunction with the various Nihon Ken breeds, and while the Hokkaido can be a bit 'silly', they still incorporate this vital essence.
I am aware that both of these dogs have their faults (as all dogs do, no matter how much we might look upon them with rose-tinted spectacles). Satsuki isn't my typiest girl, but you could definitely never mistake her for a boy, and Chuuya with his size and his big fat head (containing absolutely zero brain cells) definitely isn't being mistaken for a girl despite how pretty he is ;)
📷 Ohana Pet Photography, taken at All About Dogs Norfolk
01/10/2025
Just dog shaming our Hokkaido girls for their awfully dramatic coat changes while we explain the Hokkaido's moulting process! 😅 Choose your winner - who looks the worst???
19/09/2025
Kirin and her daughter Momo are ready for London Pet Show Live starting at London Olympia tomorrow 💕 if you're attending the event, come and say hi!
This evening we went for a walk to Holland Park to see Kyoto Garden. Sadly the dogs weren't allowed in the actual Japanese garden, but we took a quick photo with the stone marking the entrance.
13/09/2025
🐾🐶 Meet the Hokkaido Ken at London Pet Show Live 🐶🐾
This time next week we will be at London Pet Show Live for our first ever event in London!
📍 Olympia London (W14)
📍 20th & 21st September
📍 Saturday 9:30am - 5:30pm
📍 Sunday 9:30am - 4:00pm
📍 Use code HAPPYPET50 for 50% off tickets
We will have a meet-the-breed and breed education booth in the Dog Zone, where you can find out all about the Hokkaido Ken, and meet some of our dogs. We will have two dogs with us across the weekend (sadly we were not able to bring more due to the restrictions of the local London hotels 😏).
Not sure who will be joining us at the moment, from Toboetsuki it will probably be either Chuuya or Kirin as Satsuki is currently in her 'homeless naked rat' era and I'm not sure the "oh my god, does she have mange?" look is the best introduction a person can have to the breed! From Ichiyo Kensha we will have either Momo or Uzume joining us as our second breed ambassador
21/08/2025
🌈🐾🐺 Honiahaka Yume no Chikara - Princess 🐺🐾🌈
On Tuesday 19th of August, we said our final goodbyes to Princess and held her paws as she embarked on her journey across the rainbow bridge.
We were on holiday in Norfolk, visiting our good friend Lou, and though it was hard to make the decision to let her go and to walk into a vet practice we weren't familiar with - the staff were all kind and compassionate, treated us and Princess with the very best care, and she left us peacefully, surrounded by people who loved her.
She is leaving some huge paw prints to fill, and looking back on her memories is going to be hard for a long time. She was a light through dark times, our matriarch, our puppy aunty and she lived her life to the fullest.
I'm sure I'll have more to say in the future, but for now, I leave you with these pictures from her final walk on Tuesday morning. We didn't get very far, just a short mooch along the sand until she decided she'd had enough and wanted to lie down, have a rest and watch the waves for one last time.
We don't have nice beaches down in Wiltshire, so to give her this one last memory was special
07/08/2025
So, I mentioned a couple of weeks ago that we'd been dealing with some bad news...
For anyone who doesn't follow my personal page, here's what's been happening.
Over a month ago, our old girl and last living Northern Inuit, Princess, went to the vet because she'd been having some bloody discharge from her lady bits and was generally unwell with diarrhoea and sickness. Having had an emergency pyo spay in the past, we were concerned that it was unlikely to be that and could be something more sinister lurking. After a course of antibiotics nothing had changed so we opted to have her sedated for diagnostics.
While the vet wasn't able to see anything too concerning going on in her abdomen, they unfortunately found quite a large tumour in her lung. Lung tumours are usually not primary tumours in dogs, so it's likely that she has another mass which they were unable to pick up on the ultrasound or x-rays, somewhere in her gastric or reproductive system and this has spread into her lungs.
At almost 13 years old, and the tumour being the size it is, she is not a candidate for surgery and we have decided against putting her through any invasive or physically demanding treatments. We know that she is on 'borrowed time', and she is now on steroids in an effort to slow the growth of the tumour.
Currently she is not showing any difficulties with breathing and gentle exercise; she is happy and comfortable apart from some gastric issues which haven't been uncommon since she had bloat surgery. We hope that she will make it to her 13th birthday in October, but we will spend our time making more memories while she is still happy and willing. Today she came with us to the field for the first time in a long time, as she's had a few good days and it's currently not too hot to worry about her being out.
Princess is the matriarch of our crew. Our first and oldest girl, who has brought up more than her fair share of Hokkaido hooligans over the years, including being 'auntie' to our three litters. It's so hard to watch them get older and begin to slow down, but knowing that the end comes inevitably closer is like a weight hanging over your head.
Cherish those oldies, hold them tight.
26/07/2025
🎉 ~Happy Birthday Chuuya~ 🎉
Slightly belated as we've been dealing with some sad news this week, but on Wednesday, Chuuya turned 3 whole years old!
He's always been special, even before he was born - we knew Kirin was only carrying a singleton puppy, so we knew well in advance that no matter what came out, that puppy would be staying here with us.
Anyone who has been following this page for a long time will know, I lost my heart dog, Kiba, in December of 2020. Losing him has been the hardest part of my dog-owning journey: he was my soulmate with fur, my white shadow and my everything.
I never wanted another heart dog. Nothing could ever replace my Kiba, and I don't want it to.
And yet here he is...this dog who is utterly unlike Kiba, and yet somehow I still manage to see similarities in the way he is tuned into me. He is MY dog and while he loves pretty much everyone, I am his first choice, always. He is loud, obnoxious, in-your-face annoying, doesn't know the meaning of the word 'no' and couldn't care less whether you want his attention or not when he wants to give it you. Yet in the evenings, he curls up pressed into my side on the sofa and just exists, not demanding, not expecting, just there, a solid presence, just like Kiba.
I tell him he's handsome at least ten times a day, and I think it's gone to his head a little bit. He always has a smile on his face, or a cheeky grin! He's really started to calm down and mature in the brain department in the last 6 months or so, I think having a crazy little future girlfriend has taught him how to appreciate just chilling out.
We have travelled to so many places, have made so many memories in his short life already, and I'm already looking forward to the years we have together (please, Chuuya, no more sock incidents, I beg you).
Happy 3rd Birthday Chuuya, my annoying little heart dog
14/07/2025
🍂🐾 ~Happy Birthday Kaika~ 🐾🍂
Today we wish a very happy first birthday to the youngest member of our Hokkaido crew!
🍂 V'kuttarako No Kaika Kyuden Kitsune 🍂
Kaika has had lots of new and exciting experiences since she joined us from Kyuden Kitsune, back in November 2024 and she's growing into a pretty (and sometimes naughty) young lady.
She recently finished her second season - a little earlier than we were all expecting - and if you scroll back a little on our page you will see just how much those hormones can change in such a short time! Her face has started filling out and maturing into that more adult appearance, so it finally looks like it matches her body. Her coat has grown back in now too and she's still losing some of the black around her face and on her back, which is slowly turning a darker brown.
She's become a bit of a cheeky girl these last few months, pushing her boundaries with the older girls and finding her place, but she's still very much a clingy, persistent puppy when she wants to smoosh herself on you for cuddles.
Chuuya is still her best buddy, and favourite punching bag because he never tells her off and lets her rag him across the floor and stomp all over him.
She's having a great day today, since it's much cooler than it's been for the last week down here in Wiltshire (a positively balmy 23°C with a good breeze, rather than the melting 34°C we had on Saturday) so she's pleased to be able to finally go back to our proper walking routine. Cake and custard time later!
Happy birthday to Kaika and all of her litter siblings 🎉🎉🎉
03/07/2025
The girls are finally out of season, so everyone got to have a fun time at the off lead field to celebrate! Except Princess, who stayed at home as the heat hasn't been agreeing with her old bones.
I think this is the first time I've managed to get all five of our Hokkaido together in one photo! It's only taken 8 months since Kaika came home to manage it 😅 though the main culprit is actually Tsume, who isn't a fan of sitting still and would much rather be zooming off somewhere or digging holes (it took three attempts to get him to sit here with the others without flinging himself off immediately).
More proof that Hokkaido like to pretend they don't have eyes 😂
L-R: Kirin, Kaika, Satsuki, Chuuya, Tsume
25/06/2025
🌸 Edition Dog Live ~ Sunday 6th July ~ NAEC Stoneleigh (nr Coventry) 🌸
It's been a long time since we've done an indoor event, so we're looking forward to being part of the Breed Village at Edition Dog Live next Sunday! There will be a few rare breeds in attendance, including the Kai Ken, so it's a good opportunity to meet dogs that you might not be familiar with.
Since indoor events are always a bit of a different atmosphere to outdoor events (where we have our own marquee and often have space behind if anyone needs to take a break) I'll be bringing the OG girls - Kirin and Satsuki - with me to Edition Dog Live. Kaika is in season and isn't ready for a day of meet-and-greets in a busy indoor environment, and Chuuya is rapidly losing what little coat he has left (not to mention, his barks have a rather disharmonic echoing capacity). Momo will also be joining us as our third meet-the-breed ambassador.
We do have a special code to give out to breed enthusiasts who are seriously interested in coming to meet the breed in the fur at this event. Please reach out via messenger if this is the case.
Visit Edition Dog Live's website for more information about this event!
17/06/2025
It's been a little while since I posted an update...and I'll be honest and admit that this photo is a couple of weeks old 🥹
Kirin and Kaika have both decided to come into season within a week of each other (seasons are like the British transport system apparently - nothing for months and then everything arrives all at once)! As a young adolescent, Kaika has decided that it's time to start pushing boundaries with the older girls - always fun in a house full of hormones. While generally, Hokkaido are tolerant with other dogs and lenient with puppies, having multiple girls in season definitely adds some tension into the household. Kirin is putting up with the teenage button-pusher rather well, and has only felt the need to properly tell Kaika off once so far (don't get on Kirin's bad side, you won't win). Satsuki and Princess are just grumbly and fed up with it all.
Of course the boys add to the 'fun' by being annoying, persistent and whinging when they don't get their own way.
This is the reality of owning multiple entire dogs, and to be honest, we have it easier than most since my boys haven't yet attempted to tear down the house, break through the gates/crates/room separators or howl constantly to woo their beau (or, in Chuuya's case, his mother 🫣).
Just a few more weeks and it will be over (until the next one comes in - here's looking at you, Satsuki) ;)
27/05/2025
Who's ready for Dogstival this weekend???
As you can see, Chuuya is super excited and always ready for an adventure!
We'll be there all weekend with The British Association of Hokkaido Ken and Association of Nihon Ken.
It will probably be Satsuki and Kaika on Saturday, then Chuuya and Kirin on Sunday, assuming Kirin wants to get out of bed that early in the morning 😅
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The Toboetsuki ASBO Five
The name 'Toboetsuki' comes from the Japanese language and roughly translates to 'Howling Moon', it was chosen out of my own fondness for Japanese language and manga.
This page's main purpose is to showcase photos and provide information about the two breeds with which we share our lives and our home - the Inuit Dog and the Hokkaido Ken - so that they can decide whether either of these beautiful breeds are right for them. Alongside our website, we aim to provide unbiased information about both breeds: we will tell you the brilliant, the good and the bad about being owned by these dogs; the highs and the lows.
We are owned by three pedigree Northern Inuit dogs, and our most recent addition is an entirely new breed for us - a pedigree Hokkaido Ken. Sadly in September 2017 we lost our German Shepherd x Northern Inuit to cancer.
We were excited to welcome our first ever litter of Hokkaido Ken puppies to the world (and the first litter born in the UK) in February 2019. You can follow their journey here, or on our website as we post photos and updates from their owners. From that litter we kept our beautiful red girl, Satsuki, the fifth member of the ‘ASBO Five’.
We are located close to Stonehenge in Wiltshire, and are lucky enough to have the Salisbury Plain practically on our doorstep.
Kiba is our oldest dog, the founding member of the Toboetsuki pack born in 2009. I often call him my soulmate with fur as he and I have a special bond that I can’t imagine being without. Kiba is the ‘boss’ of the pack, he expects respect from other dogs and can be quite obnoxious if he doesn’t get it! He is mostly a laid back and lazy boy, but he often demands attention and hates being separated from me. Kiba often travels with me to shows and events and works as a meet-and-greet dog and breed ambassador with Honiahaka Wolfalikes and Wolfdogs - he loves all of the fuss and attention.
Yoyo is the clown of the pack and is often called the ‘doughnut dog’, he makes us laugh almost every day with his silly antics. His favourite game is annoying Kiba or Princess and then doing zoomies around the field (usually ending up with him skidding and falling over). Yoyo was diagnosed with epilepsy at 2 years old but he doesn’t let that stop him from living a fun-filled life! Sadly it means that his routine is very important and thus he does not often get to attend social events. He is slowing down in his old age, but there’s still that spark of mischief that comes out to play every now and again.
Princess is a shy and sensitive girl who will often let the boys investigate new people and situations before she decides whether or not to approach for herself. It can be difficult for strangers to gain her trust, but once you have she gives the best cuddles in the world. Princess came to us at a very difficult time and was my light in the darkness. Although she is the largest of the pack, she is often ganged up on by the boys, who still love to play ‘splat-the-puppy’.
Kirin is a new breed for us, and the product of many months of research and waiting. She came to us as the second Hokkaido Ken to live in the UK and was imported from Kyuden Kitsune Kennel in France. Kirin does work as a breed ambassador for the Hokkaido here in the UK and has attended many events alongside Kiba as a meet-and-greet dog. She is a beautiful girl and she absolutely knows it and uses it to get exactly what she wants and is a bit of a spoilt brat. She holds her own against the rest of the pack who are all at least 3 times bigger than her and even tells Kiba off when she’s having cuddles on the sofa and he tries to barge in. Kirin is mum to our first ever litter, born in February 2019 - she was a great first-time mum, although she was pretty tired of her babies after about 6 weeks!
Satsuki is our first homebred girl that we have kept here at Toboetsuki. She was the last puppy born and started off as the shyest of the litter but soon came out of her shell! Satsuki is confident, easygoing and loves interacting with new people and new dogs, in fact, she’s pretty sure everyone is going to be her friend. Satsuki started working as a breed ambassador and meet-and-greet dog at just 11 weeks old and has done many events promoting the Hokkaido here in the UK. We hope to continue this with her in the future and continue to do our part in the preservation of the Hokkaido.
We are currently unsure of our plans for 2020 due to a failed attempt to mate Kirin in the spring. Health tests pending, we will be expecting a litter from Satsuki in 2021 (stud to be decided). If you are interested in being owned by one of our puppies please get in touch either via email or via the page.
