Shikoku

Black, grey, white, red or tan or mixed.

Short to mid length, double, straight, harsh, dense.

Dark brown.

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.

The Shikoku is known to be extremely loyal and affectionate towards its immediate family and owner. Expect plenty of love and kisses!

A clever and energetic dog, this breed appreciates playtime and will happily get involved in fun and games.

The Shikoku is perfectly capable of being calm and relaxed indoors if its needs are met.

This is a highly intelligent dog who learns quickly and is renowned for having a fantastic memory.

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.

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.

The Shikoku can sometimes be stubborn and impulsive, especially if not well-trained.

This breed can manage periods of alone time if her needs have been met.

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.

She can give voice to dissuade any intruder.

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.

The Shikoku is a calm and independent dog who doesn’t usually destroy.

This breed is not known to be particularly greedy, but treats are a good way to motivate this stubborn dog to cooperate.

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.

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.

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.

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.

As a medium-sized dog, the Shikoku may fit in larger cars but will become restless during long journeys.

The Shikoku has a huge prey drive and is likely to be a danger to cats and other small animals, even if well-socialized.

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.

The Shikoku can get along with kids if raised with them, and they learn to respect her needs.

With an intensive exercise requirement and lively nature, this breed isn’t a suitable match for an elderly owner.

Shikokus shed heavily twice a year.

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.

This is an agile, robust breed with great endurance.

She can overheat quickly due to the thick, double coat. Shikoku’s are also prone to allergies in hot climates.

This dog is highly tolerant of cold temperatures, boasting a dense, double coat which insulates against harsh weather.

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.

• Hip dysplasia

• Elbow dysplasia

• Weak heart

• Allergies

• Luxating patella

• Entropion

• Epilepsy

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.