Shikoku

The Shikoku is a Japanese member of the working group of dogs. One of six native Japanese breeds, the medium-sized, spitz-type dog was bred by Japanese hunters to track deer and boar. Hunters developed this hardy primitive dog in the isolated mountain villages of Shikoku Island, located southwest of the main island of Honshu. The Shikoku was declared a natural monument in 1937 and is rarely seen outside Japan.

Energetic, fearless, and loyal, the Shikoku can also be somewhat reserved and stoic. Its energy and activity levels demand some attention and engagement from its master. The Shikoku is an excellent dog for active single owners, active families, and hunters who know how to train and handle a dog.

Different Types of Shikoku

There are now two separate lines of Shikoku: the Hongawa, from the village of Hongawa, and the Hata, from southeastern Shikoku. A third line, the Awa, disappeared during WWII due to hardship and crossbreeding. Though they have tended to blur together, most Shikoku still favor the Hongawa or Hata lines.

• Hongawa Line: The Hongawa is light, lean, and muscular, with a thinner coat.
• Hata Line: The Hata line is stockier, with a thick, long coat. It also appears more wolf-like.

3 Pros and Cons of Owning Shikoku 

The Best Dog Food for Shikoku

The Shikoku is a primitive and active breed. Their ideal build is lean, muscled, and athletic. The Shikoku needs a lot of protein for lean muscles and a high fat content for energy.

Shikoku Size and Weight

Among the six native breeds of dog in Japan, the Shikoku is a Shika-Inu, or medium-sized dog. While the male is slightly larger and stockier than the female, the breed stands roughly 17-22 inches at the shoulder and weighs 35-55 pounds.

Shikoku Common Health Issues

As a primitive breed, Shikoku are very healthy dogs with little record of genetic predispositions to illness. They should be regularly evaluated for common canine issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia, eye disorders, epilepsy, patellar luxation, and allergies. Also, ask the breeder for genetic and screening results.

Shikoku Temperament

They bond closely with their families and are very loyal. They have a somewhat territorial personality, and their alert natures can convert their loyalty to wariness toward strangers and unfamiliar dogs. Their high prey drive means they shouldn’t be left unsupervised with small pets. They can also be a bit standoffish and stubborn.

Bred for hunting in the mountains of Japan, Shikoku are tough, hardy dogs with loads of endurance. They are energetic and agile; these traits make them great companions for active outdoor people.

Shikoku are also intelligent, sensitive, and trainable dogs. They are generally observant, temperate, and display good judgment. Though they are active outside, they display peaceful and calm behaviors indoors. When raised with children, they can interact very well with them.

How To Take Care of Shikoku  

Maintenance and Grooming 

The Shikoku’s double coat is prone to shedding and should be brushed weekly. One or two times a year, the dog’s coat “blows out,” resulting in excessive shedding, and washing the dog’s coat during those seasons can reduce shedding in the home. A few washes a year is okay because any more than that can dry out the coat and cause skin irritation. You should never shave the dog’s coat.

Brush the Shikoku’s teeth a few times a week and trim or clip the nails monthly to avoid cracking or splitting. Check the ears for wax and debris that can cause ear infections and clean them as needed.

Training 

Training should begin as soon as you bring the dog home. Shikoku are not as stubborn as other Japanese breeds, though they will periodically ignore commands. They will become bored, however, so keep the training sessions short and engaging.

Due to their territorial and standoffish natures, training should focus on socialization and avoiding aggression. Their prey drive should also be directed, incorporating start and stop training to let them know when to stop and when it’s okay to chase. A good outlet for this can be a flirt pole, which trains them to respond to commands to wait and then release.

Exercise 

Shikoku are high-energy, active dogs. They should have at least an hour of daily activity, including play, training, and walks. Playing in an enclosed backyard is an excellent way to burn off energy. If you live in an apartment, walking the halls or playing with a rolling tennis ball are suitable activities, too. This is also a good opportunity to take them on a run or alongside a bike ride.

Puppies 

When you bring home a Shikoku puppy, you should train it immediately. Apart from the housebreaking process, it would be best if you began socializing it with family, kids, and pets; this would also be an excellent time to train it to wait on command, which will help it resist its prey drive. Puppy kindergarten at 10 to 12 weeks (vaccination status permitting) should also be part of the plan.

Shikoku and Children

Shikoku are loyal family dogs. They are good with children when they are raised alongside them. The children should also be trained to treat the dog properly and be aware of any cues the dog may be displaying. Dogs should also never be left unsupervised with young children.

Dogs Similar to Shikoku

• Chow Chow: From China rather than Japan, the Chow Chow has a similar build and a double coat. This dog is also loyal but has a more aggressive nature.
• Hokkaido: Another Japanese dog that is a member of the six native breeds, the Hokkaido is a medium-sized dog with a beautiful coat. The Hokkaido is also a brave, loyal, and affectionate family dog.
• Kai Ken: The Kai Ken is also one of Japan’s six native dog breeds. The Kai Ken is loyal to its family, very loving, and makes an excellent watchdog.