Is the Eurasier or the Hokkaido Ken better for families with children?

Both the Eurasier and the Hokkaido Ken are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.

Which sheds more, the Eurasier or the Hokkaido Ken?

The Eurasier and Hokkaido Ken shed a similar amount (high).

Which is easier to train, the Eurasier or the Hokkaido Ken?

Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.

Is Eurasier or Hokkaido Ken bigger?

Eurasier and Hokkaido Ken are a similar size (Medium).

Which barks more, Eurasier or Hokkaido Ken?

Hokkaido Ken tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Eurasier is the quieter choice.

Which is better for apartment living, Eurasier or Hokkaido Ken?

For apartment or apartment living, Eurasier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Eurasier vs Hokkaido Ken: Which Needs Less Grooming?

Eurasier vs Hokkaido Ken: full comparison

Trait	Eurasier	Hokkaido Ken
Size	Medium	Medium
Energy level	Medium	High
Trainability	Medium	Medium
Friendliness	Medium	Medium
Good with children	Medium	Medium
Grooming needs	High	Medium
Shedding	High	High
Barking	Low	Medium
Protectiveness	Medium	High
Adaptability	Medium	Medium
Typical lifespan	13 years	13 years
Hypoallergenic	No	No

Size and living space

The Eurasier is a mid-sized breed that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. By comparison, the Hokkaido Ken is a mid-sized breed that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.

Exercise and energy needs

The Eurasier needs a solid walk or two a day plus some active play. The Hokkaido Ken needs a good deal of daily exercise — long walks, running or vigorous play. If you have a busy schedule, the lower-energy of the two will be easier to keep satisfied; if you are active and want a dog to keep up, the higher-energy breed is the better match.

Grooming and shedding

The Eurasier requires frequent brushing and regular professional trims and leaves a noticeable amount of hair on furniture and clothing. The Hokkaido Ken wants brushing on a regular schedule to stay tidy and leaves a noticeable amount of hair on furniture and clothing. If low upkeep matters to you, factor this in — the difference adds up over a dog's lifetime.

Temperament, training and family life

The Eurasier is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, speaks up only now and then and gets on with children when raised around them. The Hokkaido Ken is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, barks a fair amount, usually for a reason and gets on with children when raised around them. On guarding instinct, Eurasier announces visitors but stops short of guarding, whereas Hokkaido Ken is naturally alert and defends its people.

Which is better for…

For apartment or apartment living, Eurasier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.
For families with young children, Eurasier and Hokkaido Ken are an even match — either can work well.
For first-time dog owners, Eurasier has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
For being left alone during the workday, Hokkaido Ken has the edge, coping better with independence and being quieter when unsupervised.
For allergy sufferers, Eurasier and Hokkaido Ken are an even match — either can work well.

Which should you choose?

Choose the Eurasier if you want a calmer, lower-energy companion or you prefer a quieter dog.

Choose the Hokkaido Ken if you want a more protective, watchful guardian, you want a more energetic partner for sport and adventure, or you prefer lower grooming upkeep.

Not sure which breed is right for you?

Take the free DoggyQ quiz and get a personalized match from 321 breeds based on your lifestyle, home and preferences — plus a full report on what living with that breed actually costs.

Find your perfect match

Frequently asked questions

Is the Eurasier or the Hokkaido Ken better for families with children?: Both the Eurasier and the Hokkaido Ken are considered good with children when properly socialized and supervised.
Which sheds more, the Eurasier or the Hokkaido Ken?: The Eurasier and Hokkaido Ken shed a similar amount (high).
Which is easier to train, the Eurasier or the Hokkaido Ken?: Both breeds have comparable trainability. Consistency and positive reinforcement work well for each.
Is Eurasier or Hokkaido Ken bigger?: Eurasier and Hokkaido Ken are a similar size (Medium).
Which barks more, Eurasier or Hokkaido Ken?: Hokkaido Ken tends to be the more vocal of the two, so Eurasier is the quieter choice.
Which is better for apartment living, Eurasier or Hokkaido Ken?: For apartment or apartment living, Eurasier has the edge, thanks to its size, quieter nature and more manageable energy.

Eurasier vs Hokkaido Ken