This breed is said to have originated from medium-sized Japanese dogs that accompanied migrants from Honshu (the main island of Japan) to Hokkaido during the Kamakura era (in the 1140s), when exchanges were developing between Hokkaido and the Tohoku District. When the breed was designated as a "natural monument" in 1937, it took an the name of the area. It also came to be known as the "Ainu-ken", since the Ainu-the former inhabitants of Hokkaido-used to breed these dogs for hunting bears and other animals. The physique of the Hokkaido enables it to withstand severe cold and heavy snowfalls. It also shows accurate judgement and great stamina.