Last Updated on March 8, 2024 by Aftab Tariq
Shikoku dog is known for its strong endurance and sharp senses. It’s a lively and alert dog, always ready for action. Originally from the mountains of Kochi Prefecture on Shikoku Island, it was highly valued by Japanese hunters for tracking wild boars.
This Shikoku dog size falls into the medium category, displaying well-defined muscles, pointy ears, and a curled tail. Its coat is rugged on the outside yet soft underneath, and it comes in typical Shikoku dog colors such as red, black and tan, or sesame.
The Shikoku is a loyal companion, especially to its owner, and it’s eager to please. It’s important to note that “Shikoku” is pronounced as “Shee-Ko-coo.
“Let the loyalty of the Shikoku dog guide your path, and the vigilance of its spirit illuminate your journey.”
Shikoku Dog History
The shikoku dog history comes from the mountains of Shikoku Island in Japan. In the past, there were three types of Shikoku dogs: Awa, Hongawa, and Hata, named after where they were bred.
The Hongawa type was thought to be the purest because it was hard to reach. Now, there’s just one type of Shikoku dog. Japan made the Shikoku a special kind of animal in 1937.
Even though the American Kennel Club doesn’t officially recognize the Shikoku, it’s part of a program called the Foundation Stock Service, which could lead to full recognition later on.
In Canada and the United States, the Shikoku is recognized by different clubs. Internationally, it’s recognized by clubs in Japan and the Fédération Cynologique Internationale, which is a big group of dog clubs around the world.
Temperament
The Shikoku dog temperament is characterized by loyalty, intelligence, and independence. They are known to be devoted to their families and form strong bonds with their owners.
While they can be reserved and cautious around strangers, they are generally friendly and affectionate with those they trust. Shikoku dogs are also highly intelligent and may display a level of independence, which can make training a bit challenging at times.
However, with patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement, they can excel in obedience and various activities.
Additionally, their natural hunting instincts mean they may have a strong prey drive and be territorial, requiring early socialization and training to ensure they get along well with other pets and people.
Overall, the Shikoku dog temperament combines loyalty, intelligence, and independence, making them wonderful companions for experienced dog owners who understand their needs.
Grooming
Taking care of your Shikoku dog’s grooming is important to keep them healthy and looking nice. Besides brushing them every week, giving them a bath sometimes helps to keep them clean and fresh. Grooming your dog can also be a fun way to bond with them.
It’s essential to trim their nails often to prevent them from getting too long and causing pain or breaking, splitting, and cracking.
Check their ears regularly to make sure they’re clean and free from wax and dirt, which could lead to infections. Don’t forget to brush their teeth regularly to keep their mouth clean and healthy.
Nutrition
To make sure your Shikoku dog stays healthy, it’s important to feed them good quality dog food. This can be food you buy from the store or meals you make at home, but always get the okay from your vet first.
When caring for your Shikoku dog puppy, it’s essential to provide them with food appropriate for their age, whether they’re a puppy, adult, or senior. Since some Shikoku puppies can easily gain weight, it’s crucial to monitor their food intake and weight carefully.
Avoid overfeeding treats, as this can contribute to obesity, so it’s important to be cautious about the number of treats you offer.
It’s also essential to know which human foods are safe for dogs and which ones aren’t. If you’re concerned about your dog weight or diet, talk to your vet. And always make sure your Shikoku has access to clean water.
Health Problems
The Shikoku dog is usually healthy, but like any purebred dog, it can have some health problems that come from its genes.
Good breeders make sure their adult Shikoku dogs are healthy before having puppies to avoid passing on any bad health issues.
Here are some health problems your Shikoku dog might have:
Epilepsy: This is a brain condition that causes seizures in dogs. It is typically manageable with medication.
Allergies: Like people, Shikoku dogs can get allergies from things like the environment, food, fleas, or certain things they touch, which can cause skin problems.
Elbow, knee, or hip dysplasia: This happens when the joints don’t grow right, making it hard for the dog to move comfortably.
Luxating patella: This affects the knees, making them slide out of place when the dog walks or runs.
Exercise
Keeping your Shikoku dog active is important for their health and happiness. There are many ways you can help them get exercise. You can let them play in a fenced backyard, which is safe for them to run around in.
Taking them for walks a few times each day is another good option. Even indoor activities can be fun and helpful, like playing hide-and-seek or teaching them new tricks.
If you have access to outdoor spaces, activities like swimming, hiking, and playing fetch can be great for burning off their energy. Even if you live in an apartment, short walks in the hallways can still give your Shikoku dog some exercise, especially when the weather is bad.
If you’re interested, you can also train your dog for sports like agility, obedience, or rally, which can be a fun way for both of you to stay active together.
Training
The Shikoku dog is clever and tends to listen to its owner, but it still holds onto some of its wild instincts. It can be a bit stubborn and likes doing things independently, which can pose a challenge during training.
To train your Shikoku pup well, it’s best to practice every day using positive methods and rewards, and to always remain a fair and consistent leader.
Shikoku dogs have a strong instinct to chase and catch small animals, which is called prey drive. They may also display territorial behavior or become aggressive toward other dogs and animals.
However, if raised together from a young age, a Shikoku dog can potentially live harmoniously with other family pets.
Early and regular socialization during Shikoku puppyhood is crucial to prevent them from becoming overly protective or aggressive, as these dogs tend to be reserved and cautious around unfamiliar people.
Shikoku Dog Rescue
Shikoku Dog Rescue is a special group that helps Shikoku dogs find new homes. They work hard to save these dogs from tough situations, like being lost or without a home. After rescuing them, they give the dogs any medical care they need and help them get better.
Then, they teach the dogs how to be friendly and happy around people. Shikoku Dog Rescue also teaches others about these dogs, so more people know about them and can help. Their goal is to give every Shikoku dog a chance to live happily with a loving family.
Shikoku Dog vs Shiba Inu
When comparing Shikoku dogs and Shiba Inus, there are several differences to consider. Shikoku dogs are larger and more robust than Shiba Inus, with a sturdy build and a more muscular appearance.
In terms of temperament, Shikoku dogs are known to be loyal and protective, while Shiba Inus are often more independent and can be aloof with strangers. Additionally, Shikoku dogs have a stronger prey drive compared to Shiba Inus, which can affect their interactions with small animals.
Both breeds require consistent training and socialization, but Shikoku dogs may need more guidance due to their protective instincts. Overall, the choice between a Shikoku dog and a Shiba Inu depends on individual preferences and lifestyle factors.
Note: Shikoku dog for sale offer the opportunity to welcome these loyal companions into loving homes. Shikoku dog puppies available now in the UK, Canada, and sunny Florida.
Frequently Asked Question
What are Japan’s Most Famous Dogs?
Even though cute shiba-inus have become more popular lately, one of the most famous Japanese dog breeds is probably Hachikō, a white akita born in 1923. Hachikō became known for always walking his owner to Shibuya Station and waiting there to greet him after work.
Are Shikoku Good Family Dogs?
Shikoku dogs can be good family dogs in homes with experienced owners who understand their needs and are willing to provide consistent training and socialization.
However, they may not be the best fit for families with young children or other pets due to their protective nature and potential for aggression if not properly manage.
Sources
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