Contact Us

Follow us

Popular Searches

Quick Links

Shikoku 128 -logo

History

The Shikoku is one of the six native, Japanese spitz-type dogs. A medium-sized dog, native to the mountainous regions of the Kochi Prefecture on the Island of Shikoku. Developed by the Matigi (traditional hunters of Japan) the Shikoku is a prized hunter who is known for his tenacity in the face of large and dangerous game (in particular, wild boar) and his relative calm around the family and home.
Driven by Nihonken Hozonkai (Japanese Dog Preservation Society/NIPPO – Japan) the Shikoku was declared a “National Living Monument” in its native Japan in 1937.

Temperament

The Shikoku is a loyal companion, but it wise to remember that that their roots are that of working/hunting dogs. The Shikoku is typically calm with their family in the home but may be anything from overly friendly to aloof/standoffish with unfamiliar people.

Shikoku can be territorial. While capable of being social with other dogs, they will likely want to be the ‘boss’ which can come across as rude or obtuse in their interactions.

Energetic, independent thinkers with both inquisitive and impulsive sides, a Shikoku should be given ample exercise and mentally stimulating activities to minimise the mischief they may create to entertain themselves.

Shikoku 151 -logo
Shikoku 64
Tinako 1 -logo
Xyuu 6 -logo - Copy
Shikoku 64
Tinako 1 -logo
Xyuu 6 -logo - Copy

Health

A Shikoku’s life expectancy is 12-15 years. A generally healthy breed, the Shikoku has been known to suffer from hip dysplasia, seizures (most commonly idiopathic epilepsy) and an unknown degenerative neurological disorder (unknown as at 2021). The frequency in which these conditions occur varies greatly in different blood lines.

Maintenance

In relation to grooming, the Shikoku is relatively low maintenance for a double coated breed. Beyond weekly brushing, the occasional bath and blow dry will see the Shikoku looking his best. During coat blow (shedding of the undercoat, a bi-annual occurrence), it is advisable to bath weekly and brush daily to loosen and remove shedding coat.

As an intelligent and active working/hunting breed, the Shikoku has moderate to high exercise requirements. The Shikoku requires at least an hour of exercise each day as well as mental stimulation to prevent boredom.

Training

Positive and frequent early socialisation is imperative in raising a polite and well-adjusted Shikoku. Training this breed is not always easy, they are intelligent but also independent thinkers. Shikoku require short training sessions and positive reinforcement without exception.

While possessing a strong personality, harsh corrections will cause the Shikoku to be depressed and may even ‘shut down’ and stop listening to you altogether.

Suitability

The Shikoku is an ideal companion for people who lead active, outdoor lives and will be content/calm indoors if enough exercise is given. It must be remembered that as a primitive working/hunting dog, the Shikoku has high prey drive and as a result is not reliable off-leash. A secure yard of good size to run and play is a must.

When playing with other dogs, the Shikoku’s playing style can be quite rough, a reflection of their tenacity. They may miss queues the other dog has had enough which is often mistaken for aggression. You should carefully consider the temperament of your existing dog/s before adding a Shikoku to your home. If in doubt, consult with a breed club or breeder.

In Conclusion

Now you know a little about the Shikoku and have decided this is the dog for you, or you would like more information, please make contact with the breed club or your State controlling body for purebred dogs. They will be able to give you information about available puppies and also suggest dog shows where you can see the breed and speak to breeders. In this way you will gain a better perspective of the Shikoku and its needs and whether this breed would suit your lifestyle.

Image: Supplied by Shikoku Kennel van de Egmato - Netherlands. Dora Photography

 

Official breed standard as recognized by Dogs NSW (Last Updated: 10 Aug 2022)

Download PDF
Breed Standard - Shikoku

A breed standard is the guideline which describes the ideal characteristics, temperament, and appearance of a breed and ensures that the breed is fit for function with soundness essential. Breeders and judges should at all times be mindful of features which could be detrimental in any way to the health, welfare or soundness of this breed.

General Appearance

A medium-sized dog with wellbalanced and well developed clean cut muscles. It has pricked ears and a curled or sickle tail. Conformation : strong, well-boned and compact.IMPORTANT PROPORTIONS: The ratio of height at withers to length of body is 10 : 11.

Temperament

A dog of marked endurance, keen in sense with a naive feeling, energetic and highly alert; an enthusiastic hunter; docile towards his master.

Physical Standards

Head and Skull CRANIAL REGION:Skull: Forehead broad.Stop: Shallow, but defined.FACIAL REGION:Nose: Black.Muzzle: Rather long, wedge-shaped. Nasal bridge straight.Lips: Tight.Cheeks: Well developed.
Eyes Nearly triangular, not too small, and dark brown in colour.The outer corners of the eyes are slightly upturned.
Ears Small, triangular, slightly inclining forward and firmly pricked.
Mouth Jaws/Teeth: Teeth strong, with a scissor bite.
Neck Thick and powerful.
Forequarters Shoulders: Moderately sloping with developed muscles.Upper arm: Forming a moderate angle with shoulder blade.Elbow: Set close to the body.Forearm: Straight and clean cut.Metacarpus (Pastern): Slightly oblique.
Body Withers: High, well developed.Back: Straight and strong.Loin: Broad and muscular.Chest: Deep, ribs well sprung.Belly: Slightly tucked up.
Hindquarters General appearance: Powerful, with muscles well developed.Hocks: Moderately angulated and very tough.
Feet Feet: Tightly closed with well arched toes. Pads thick and elastic.Nails hard and black or dark in colour.
Tail Set on high, thick and carried over the back vigorously curled or curved like a sickle. The tip nearly reaches the hocks when letdown.
Gait/Movement Resilient and light. Action is quick and turning is possible.
Coat Hair: Outer coat rather harsh and straight, undercoat soft and dense. The hair on the tail is rather long.
Colour Sesame (well mixture of black, red and white hairs in whole.), red, black and tan.
Size Height at withers: Males 52 cm.Females 49 cm.There is a tolerance of + 3 cm.

Faults

Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should beregarded should be in exact proportion to its degree and its effect upon the health and welfare of the dog.· Lack of sexual dimorphism.· Slightly overshot or undershot mouth.· Long hair.· Shyness.· Pinto colour.DISQUALIFYING FAULTS:· Aggressive or overly shy.· Any dog clearly showing physical or behavioural abnormalities shall be disqualified.· Extremely overshot or undershot mouth.· Ears not pricked.· Hanging tail, short tail.

· Male animals should have two apparently normal testicles fully descended into the scrotum.· Only functionally and clinically healthy dogs, with breed typical conformation, should be used for breeding.

History

This breed goes back to medium-sized dogs that existed in Japan in ancient times. The Shikoku was bred as a hunting dog, mainly for hunting boar in the mountainous districts of Kochi Prefecture. It is sometimes called « Kochi-ken » (ken = dog). There were three varieties of this breed-Awa, Hongawa and Hata-all named after the area where they were bred. Among them, the Hongawa maintained the highest degree of purity, because the breeding area was not easily accessible. These dogs are tough and sufficiently agile to run through a montainous region. They are characterized by their sesame coloured coats. The breed took on the name of the region and was designated as a « natural monument » in 1937.

More Breeds You Might Like

akita__japanese_
Akita (Japanese)
boxer
Boxer
portuguese_water_dog
Portuguese Water Dog
caucasian_shepherd_dog
Caucasian Shepherd Dog
spanish_mastiff
Spanish Mastiff
landseer__european_continental_type_
Landseer (European Continental Type)
st__bernard
St. Bernard
schnauzer__giant_
Schnauzer (Giant)
Browse all Breeds