ShikokuCharacteristics, history, training and care
Shikoku. · Canarian / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0. Cropped and resized.
The Shikoku (Shikoku Ken or Kochi-ken) is a medium-sized Japanese dog of the Spitz type, bred to hunt wild boar in the mountains of Kochi Prefecture, on the island of Shikoku. The FCI standard describes it as a dog of marked endurance, with keen senses and a “naive” nature, energetic and very alert, an enthusiastic hunter, docile with its owner.
Quick facts
| Common name | Shikoku (Kochi-ken) |
| Scientific name | Canis lupus familiaris |
| Country of origin | Japan |
| Official recognition | FCI, definitively since 1 February 1982 (group 5, Asian Spitz; standard no. 319); the AKC has it in the Foundation Stock Service |
| Lifespan | 10–12 years, according to the AKC |
| Size (males) | 52 cm at the withers (±3 cm); 16–25 kg according to the AKC |
| Size (females) | 49 cm at the withers (±3 cm) |
| Coat type | Double: harsh, straight topcoat, soft and dense undercoat |
| Common colours | Sesame, red, black and tan |
| Energy level | High |
| Suited to an apartment? | Only with plenty of exercise |
| Temperament | Hardy, energetic, alert, docile with its owner |
| Tendency to aggression | Moderate |
| Good with children | Moderate |
| Good with other animals | Moderate; strong hunting instinct |
| Genetic predispositions | No specific diseases are known; breeders carry out genetic tests |
- Primary category:Dog breeds
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History and origin
The FCI standard says the breed descends from the medium-sized dogs that lived in Japan in ancient times. It was bred to hunt wild boar in the mountainous areas of Kochi Prefecture and is also called “Kochi-ken” (ken = dog). The AKC adds that it was highly valued by the Matagi hunters.
There were three varieties, named after the places where they were bred: Awa, Hongawa and Hata. The Hongawa variety remained the purest, because the area was hard to reach. The breed took the name of the region and was declared a “natural monument” in 1937.
How the breed developed
- Ancient times – Medium-sized dogs in the mountains of Kochi.
- 1937 – Declared a natural monument of Japan.
- 1 February 1982 – The FCI recognises the breed.
Breed rating
| Feature | Stars |
|---|---|
| Training and intelligence | ★★★☆☆ |
| Easy to train | ★★★☆☆ |
| Intelligence | ★★★☆☆ |
| Independence | ★★★☆☆ |
| Stubbornness | ★★★☆☆ |
| Behaviour and temperament | ★★★☆☆ |
| Affectionate with family | ★★★☆☆ |
| Friendly with children | ★★★☆☆ |
| Good with other dogs | ★★★★☆ |
| Good with cats and other animals | ★★★☆☆ |
| Loyalty | ★★★★☆ |
| Tendency to be aggressive | ★★★☆☆ |
| Tendency to bark | ★★★★☆ |
| Needs and care | ★★★☆☆ |
| Shedding | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Needs frequent grooming | ★★★☆☆ |
| Activity and lifestyle | ★★★☆☆ |
| Energy level | ★★★☆☆ |
| Daily exercise needs | ★★★★☆ |
| Suited to apartment life | ★★★☆☆ |
| Health and longevity | ★★★☆☆ |
| Life expectancy | ★★★★☆ |
| Predisposition to genetic diseases | ★★☆☆☆ |
| Working abilities and uses | ★★★☆☆ |
| Good hunting dog | ★★★★☆ |
| Good companion dog | ★★★★☆ |
Indicative rating: 5 stars means the highest level. It is based on the ratings the American Kennel Club gives the breed and on the FCI standard.
Physical characteristics
The standard describes it as a medium-sized, well-balanced dog with well-developed, clean-cut muscles, erect ears and a curled or sickle tail. Wikipedia says that, having been formed on rough terrain, it is a good hiking companion and a skilled climber.
General appearance
The coat is double: a fairly harsh, straight topcoat and a soft, dense undercoat. The hair on the tail is fairly long.
| Feature | Shikoku |
|---|---|
| Size | Medium |
| Height at the withers | males: 52 cm; females: 49 cm (±3 cm) |
| Weight | 16–25 kg (AKC) |
| Coat | Double |
| Tail | Curled or sickle |
| Type | Spitz |
The standard accepts sesame (a mix of black, red and white hairs), red and black and tan. The standard says the old varieties were recognised by their sesame coat.
Training and socialisation
The standard describes it as of marked endurance, with keen senses, energetic and very alert, an enthusiastic hunter and docile with its owner.
It has a strong hunting instinct, so early socialisation, rewards and recall practice are important. The AKC also suggests indoor activities, such as hide-and-seek or learning tricks.
Tips for effective training
- Socialise it early. With people and other dogs.
- Keep it on a lead. Its hunting instinct is strong.
- Use rewards. It is docile with its owner.
- Keep its mind busy. Tricks and search games.
Activity needs and lifestyle
The AKC recommends play in a fenced yard or walks several times a day. Exercise can also happen indoors, through search games or new tricks. Hiking, swimming and fetching a ball or disc give it even more exercise.
| Activity | How often | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Walks | several times a day | Energy |
| Hiking | weekly | Stamina |
| Search games | several times a week | Keeps its mind busy |
Tips for a balanced life
- It needs a fenced yard.
- Keep it on a lead on walks.
- Trim its nails often.
Care and health
Coat and skin care
The AKC recommends weekly brushing and an occasional bath. The nails grow quickly and are strong, so they should be trimmed regularly to stop them splitting. The ears should be checked often.
Common health problems
The AKC says most Shikoku dogs are healthy, and good breeders test their dogs genetically. As with any active dog, it is worth watching for:
| Condition | Description | Common symptoms |
|---|---|---|
| Hip dysplasia | The hip joint forms incorrectly and, over time, arthritis develops | Limping, difficulty getting up or jumping, hip pain |
| Patellar luxation | The kneecap slips out of place | Suddenly holds a hind leg up for a few steps, then uses it again |
Other care
- Ask for the parents' genetic tests.
- Trim the nails regularly.
- Check the ears often.
Diet and nutrition
The AKC recommends good-quality food suited to the dog's age, and attention to its weight.
Tips for a healthy diet
The table gives a starting estimate, calculated with the formula from the Merck Veterinary Manual. The first two calorie columns show the calories per day for a healthy adult dog. The last column shows what this means in dry food with 3,500–4,000 kcal per kilogram.
| Dog's weight | Calories per day (neutered) | Calories per day (not neutered) | Dry food per day (approximate) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16 kg | 900 kcal | 1,010 kcal | 220–290 g |
| 20 kg | 1,060 kcal | 1,190 kcal | 260–340 g |
| 25 kg | 1,250 kcal | 1,410 kcal | 310–400 g |
- Treats count towards the daily portion.
- Split the food into two meals a day.
- A dog is at the right weight when you can feel its ribs without pressing hard.
Foods to avoid
Some human foods are dangerous for dogs: chocolate, coffee, grapes and raisins, onions, garlic, xylitol (a sweetener used in chewing gum), macadamia nuts and alcohol.
Reproduction and development
Physical and emotional maturity
In dogs, sexual maturity usually comes between 6 and 12 months. Most breeds become adults at around 13–15 months.
Mating and pregnancy
Pregnancy lasts about 63 days, counted from ovulation. Mating a female on her first heat is not recommended. The FCI standard requires that only healthy dogs of typical breed appearance are used for breeding.
Caring for the puppies
In dogs, a litter has 5–6 puppies on average, and the number rises with the size of the breed. Socialisation starts in the first weeks: gentle handling, everyday noises and new people.
Interesting facts
- Three varieties. Awa, Hongawa and Hata, after their places of origin.
- Hongawa, the purest. Its area was hard to reach.
- A natural monument. Declared in 1937.
- A wild boar hunter. Valued by the Matagi hunters.
- A good climber. The rough terrain made it agile.
Frequently asked questions
What does it hunt?
Mainly wild boar, but also deer.
What colours does it come in?
Sesame, red or black and tan.
How big does it get?
Males measure around 52 cm, females 49 cm.
How long does it live?
The AKC gives 10–12 years.
