The Shikoku originates from Japan, where it was used to track wild boar and other wildlife. While this breed boasts incredible stamina and an impressive work ethic, it’s also well-loved for its loyalty and affection towards its master. This breed requires a confident owner or family who leads an extremely (and we really mean extremely) active and outdoor lifestyle.
Key facts about the Shikoku
Life expectancy :
Between 13 and 15 years
Temperament :
Calm, Intelligent
Size :
Medium
Type of coat :
Short
FCI Group
FCI Group
Group 5 - Spitz and primitive types
Section
Section 5 : Asian Spitz and related breeds
Physical characteristics of the Shikoku
Adult size
Female dog
Between 18 and 20 in
Male dog
Between 19 and 22 in
Weight
Female dog
Between 33 and 44 lb
Male dog
Between 33 and 44 lb
Coat colour
Black, grey, white, red or tan or mixed.
Type of coat
Short to mid length, double, straight, harsh, dense.
Eye colour
Dark brown.
Description
The Shikoku is a medium-sized dog that is similar in appearance to the Husky. The broad, wedge-like head features slanted almond-shaped eyes, a black nose, black lips, high-set triangular ears and a long, tapered muzzle. The body is compact yet powerful and muscular, with moderately long, strong legs. The Shikoku also boasts a spitz-like curled tail.
Temperament
Affectionate
The Shikoku is known to be extremely loyal and affectionate towards its immediate family and owner. Expect plenty of love and kisses!
Playful
A clever and energetic dog, this breed appreciates playtime and will happily get involved in fun and games.
Calm
The Shikoku is perfectly capable of being calm and relaxed indoors if its needs are met.
Intelligent
This is a highly intelligent dog who learns quickly and is renowned for having a fantastic memory.
Hunter
The Shikoku was bred to track wild boar and, therefore, has a strong natural hunting instinct. It is likely to chase (and possibly kill) small animals including cats, rabbits, guinea pigs and hamsters.
Fearful / wary of strangers
This pooch is extremely territorial and suspicious of strangers. With good socialization this can improve, though this breed is likely to always act aloof and reserved around new faces.
Independent
The Shikoku can sometimes be stubborn and impulsive, especially if not well-trained.
Behaviour of the Shikoku
Tolerates solitude
This breed can manage periods of alone time if her needs have been met.
Easy to train / obedience
The Shikoku is smart and capable of learning quickly. However, sometimes stubbornness can get in the way of training sessions. Using plenty of positive reinforcement and rewards, as well as being consistent and patient, is the best way forward.
Barking
She can give voice to dissuade any intruder.
Tendency to run away
If the Shikoku spots or smells a small animal, you can be sure it’ll run away before your eyes. A strong recall is absolutely vital with this breed, and it may be necessary to keep it on a strong lead in public areas with other animals.
Destructive
The Shikoku is a calm and independent dog who doesn’t usually destroy.
Greedy / Gluttony
This breed is not known to be particularly greedy, but treats are a good way to motivate this stubborn dog to cooperate.
Guard dog
As a naturally protective, alert and territorial dog, the Shikoku makes a fantastic watchdog who is sure to loudly alarm you of any suspicious strangers.
First dog
With extremely high exercise requirements, a stubborn attitude and a significant prey drive, the Shikoku can be quite hard to handle and isn’t a good choice for a novice owner.
Lifestyle
Shikoku in a flat
The Shikoku is likely to become restless and destructive in a flat or apartment setting. It is best suited to a house with large, well-secured garden to roam.
Need for exercise / Sporty
The Shikoku is a highly active and energetic dog with a significant need for exercise. This breed needs lots of active time outdoors and playtime on a daily basis. Ideally, the Shikoku will go on daily jogs, hikes, or fast walks, multiple times per day, totalling to 2-3 hours or more. Otherwise, this lively pooch is likely to feel unfulfilled and as such, become destructive.
Travelling / easy to transport
As a medium-sized dog, the Shikoku may fit in larger cars but will become restless during long journeys.
Compatibility
Shikoku and cats
The Shikoku has a huge prey drive and is likely to be a danger to cats and other small animals, even if well-socialized.
Shikoku and dogs
Without thorough socialization, the Shikoku may be aggressive and attempt to dominate other dogs. Females are generally more sociable, but males are prone to fighting.
Shikoku and children
The Shikoku can get along with kids if raised with them, and they learn to respect her needs.
Shikoku and the elderly
With an intensive exercise requirement and lively nature, this breed isn’t a suitable match for an elderly owner.
Price
We do not have enough data to set an average purchase price. Looking after a dog of this size typically costs between £60 to £100 a month, including food, medical/insurance, and incidental expenses.
Grooming
The Shikoku is easy enough to groom, requiring a weekly brush to keep the coat glossy and in good condition. During shedding season, brushing might need to be more frequent - a deshedder will come in handy. Otherwise, normal care is required - trim the nails when necessary, check and clean the ears every couple of weeks and brush teeth daily.
Shedding
Shikokus shed heavily twice a year.
Nutrition of the Shikoku
Feed the Shikoku a high-quality dog food made for active or working breeds.
Health of the Shikoku
Life expectancy
Overall, this is a healthy and robust breed, though it is prone to developing certain breed-specific health problems. Their life expectancy is 14 years.
Strong / robust
This is an agile, robust breed with great endurance.
Withstand heat
She can overheat quickly due to the thick, double coat. Shikoku’s are also prone to allergies in hot climates.
Withstand cold
This dog is highly tolerant of cold temperatures, boasting a dense, double coat which insulates against harsh weather.
Tendency to put on weight
Although not genetically prone to gaining weight, this breed is commonly under exercised in a domestic setting, and is then prone to obesity. If you’re considering this breed, you must have the time to dedicate to daily vigorous exercise.
The Shikoku is a real tough-cookie, capable of tracking and hunting deer and boar several times its size.
Origins and history
The Shikoku originated in Japan on the island of Shikoku and is still considered a national treasure. It was bred to be a hardy breed, capable of hunting large animals in isolated and mountainous regions on rough terrain. Nowadays, the breed is extremely rare outside its native Japan.