The Shikoku is a dog of Japanese origin, specifically from the mountainous region of Kochi on the island of Shikoku.
There are three natural varieties of this breed: the Awa, the Hata and Hongawa. The latter is the one with the highest degree of purity because it is from an isolated mountain location that is very difficult to reach, and thus, there was little crossbreeding.
It is a dog trained to hunt wild boar in two different ways: “Hoeru-dome” = barking and holding and “Kami-dome” = bite and hold. The hunters prefer to use the first practice to protect their dog from dangerous boar.
It is a very rare breed, and even in Japan there are only 6000/7000 specimens.
In 1937, Japan named the breed as a National Monument.
The Shikoku shares some similar physical characteristics with other Japanese breeds like the Shiba Inu and Akita Inu, including pointed ears and curled tail which are classic traits of Spitz dogs. It is smaller than the Akita, but larger than the Shiba Inu.
The coat is rather course and straight on the outside with a soft, dense undercoat. The coat may be colored sesame, red sesame or black sesame and Black&Tan. In reality, the breed has various shades due to the mixture of white, red and black hair.
Characteristic features include “Urajiro“: white spots on the face and chest.
This breed does not lose hair except during the moulting period (usually in spring and autumn). Its coat does not smell and therefore it does not need frequent washing.
It has a an agile, light and stylish gait;, it looks like a mountain goat when it runs, with short, quick steps that allow fast changes of direction.
It is a muscular dog that does not have a tendancy to gain weight.
The Shikoku is a very affectionate dog that enjoys being pampered but is not clingy and is in fact quite independent. The temperment mainly depends on the environment in which it is raised: If raised in a family, it is more likely to have a social temperament, loving and open. If raised in large breeding facility or a cage, it will be more aloof and cold. A puppy matures according to how it is brought up in the first months of life. In fact, if it gets used to being brushed and pet as a puppy, it will have no problems as an adult when undergoing veterinary visits or being touched by strangers.
During the first months of life, it is recommended that you place your hands in it mouth, touch the paws, play with it ears . If you adhere to this practice, the dog will be a docile in all circumstances. It is always ready to go out, but it is happily to be idle at home in it bed…it will adapt to the owner’s routine, however, we should always guarantee it adequate exercise.
The Shikoku are friendly towards people, but can be aggressive toward other dogs because of the dominant nature of the breed. You should start from an early age socializing with other dogs.
The Shikoku is a very intelligent dog and learns fast. It is very playful, and enjoys physical contact with members of it family.
It has only one eats when hungry and only until satified. .. it knows it body very well. It does not always eat. If no longer hungry, it will leave the remainder of it food, even if it is only a few bites. These dogs are wary of food offered by strangers and will first seek the owners approval.
The shikoku loves fish but does not dislike meat, fruit or vegetables … not to mention crispy bread.
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