Shikoku dog
Also known as: Kochi-ken
Originating from Japan, the Shikoku is a small to medium-sized dog breed. The Shikoku dog comes from Japan. Individual Shikoku dogs vary, so treat this as a general guide rather than a guarantee.
Breed at a glance
- Origin
- Japan
- Other names
- Kochi-ken
About the Shikoku dog
Originating from Japan, the Shikoku is a small to medium-sized dog breed. Known for its agility and hunting ability, it is an ancient breed.
Overview
The {{cite book|script-title=ja:[[Daijirin|大辞林]]|publisher=[[Sanseidō]]|editor-last=Matsumura|editor-first=Akira|edition=4th|date=5 September 2019|lang=ja}}</ref><ref name=kotobank>{{cite web|url=https://kotobank.jp/word/%E5%9B%9B%E5%9B%BD%E7%8A%AC-73043|script-title=ja:四国犬|script-website=ja:コトバンク|lang=ja}}</ref> Shikoku-ken<ref name=kotobank/><ref name= NKH>{{Cite web |script-title=ja:四国犬(しこくけん)|lang=ja|script-website=ja:日本犬保存会|url=https://www.nihonken-hozonkai.or.jp/shikokuken/}}</ref>"},"4":{"wt":"{{IPA|ja|ɕi̥.ko.kɯꜜ i.nɯ}}<ref name=daijirin/>"}},"i":0}}]}'' id="mwCA">Shikoku ( 四国犬 , Shikoku Inu, Shikoku-ken ; .mw-parser-output .IPA-label-small{font-size:85%}.mw-parser-output .references .IPA-label-small,.mw-parser-output .infobox .IPA-label-small,.mw-parser-output .navbox .IPA-label-small{font-size:100%} Japanese pronunciation: [ ɕi̥.ko.kɯꜜ i.nɯ ] ) or {{cite web|url=https://kotobank.jp/word/%E9%AB%98%E7%9F%A5%E7%8A%AC-797051|script-title=ja:高知犬|script-website=ja:コトバンク|lang=ja}}</ref>"},"2":{"wt":"高知犬"}},"i":0}}]}'' id="mwHg">Kōchi Inu ( 高知犬 ) is a Japanese breed of dog from Shikoku island , Japan. The Shikoku Ken is listed as a Foundation Stock Service breed with the American Kennel Club (AKC) and is fully recognized by the United Kennel Club . Its name is often abbreviated to merely Shikoku. It is one of the medium-sized large game hunting dogs native to Japan, originating from the mountainous island of Shikoku where they were prevalent hunters of deer, boar and other indigenous wildlife. They are typical of other Japanese spitz-type hounds with a dense and harsh coat, erect ears, and a tail that is held over their back. Their development in rough terrain has allowed for Shikokus to be excellent hiking companions and adept climbers. According to AKC, "the Shikoku is a dog of marked endurance, keen in sense with a naive feeling, energetic and highly alert. He is an enthusiastic hunter and docile towards his master." This is a rare breed, even in Japan. The Shikoku Ken''s numbers are in gradual decline, similar to the fellow Nihon Ken Hozonkai breed Kishu Ken .
Varieties
Out of the reconstruction effort, five distinct lines of the Shikoku were developed: the Eastern Iya and Kochi-Aki strains, as well as the Hata, Hongawa, and Awa western strains. More recently the distinction between these lines has been blurred as remote areas where the dogs originated became easier to access and lines were cross-bred. The Hongawa region maintains the purest bred dogs due to the area being difficult to access. The modern Shikoku is thought to descend mainly from the Hongawa and Hata lines as the Awa line essentially disappeared as a result of the hardships caused by World War II and a lack of quality specimens due to frequent cross breeding with outside dogs.
Characteristics and temperament
Standard height should be 52 cm (20 in) for males and 49 cm (19 in) for females, with a +/- tolerance of 3 cm (1.2 in) . Sexual dimorphism between males and females is evident in both the expression and the body type. The body is strong and muscular and always shown in working condition without excess weight. The ratio is slightly longer than tall at 11:10. The Shikoku has three coat colors: sesame, red sesame and black sesame.. An additional cream colored coat called pinto is rare and is not considered an accepted color for the breed standard. In all of these colors, there are pale markings on the ventral portion of the dog. Known as urajiro , it should be visible. These markings lie along a similar pattern to tan points on a black dog: in the eyebrow, on the side of the muzzle, on the cheeks, on the underside of the jaw, on the paws and the inside of the legs, and under the tail. These are nimble and spirited dogs with sharp senses and a keen intuition, capable of becoming an ardent hunter, watchdog or companion. Fiercely loyal and docile to their owner, Shikokus are enthusiastic in demeanor and eager to hunt. Japanese hunters, the Matagi , trained the Shikoku in two main hunting styles: Hoeru-dome (吠える), barking to detain; and Kami-dome (噛み切る), biting to detain. The Hoeru-dome technique is preferred for the safety of the dog. The breed has only one known major health issue: a predisposition to epilepsy . Canine focal metatarsal fistulation and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinocis have been seldom reported in Japan, specifically within the Shikoku region.
Comparison to other Japanese breeds
The Shikoku is one of the six native Japanese breeds. Its size is intermediate, between the large Akita Inu and the smaller Shiba Inu ; all are in the Spitz family of dogs. Haruo Isogai, a Japanese cynologist and dog breeder, conducted a study in the 1930s and developed a classification system for Japanese dogs based on appearance. He classified all native Japanese dog breeds into three categories: large-, medium-, and small-sized. The Shikoku belongs to the Shika-inus, the medium-sized dogs. Other medium-sized dogs are the Kai Ken , the Ainu Ken and the Kishu Ken . His efforts were a nationalist response to the adoption by dog enthusiasts in Japan of European breeds in the 1930s.
Frequently asked questions
What are the key characteristics of the Shikoku dog?
The Shikoku dog is a medium-sized, agile dog with a short, dense coat. They typically weigh between 20-40 kg and stand 43-51 cm tall. Their coat colors can be black, tan, or sesame. Shikoku dogs are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and strong prey drive, making them suitable for active families.
Is the Shikoku dog a good family dog?
Shikoku dogs can make good family dogs for active families with older children. However, they may not be suitable for very young children due to their strong prey drive and potential energy levels. They require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom and destructive behavior.
What health problems do Shikoku dogs have?
Shikoku dogs are generally a healthy breed, but they can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and eye problems. Regular veterinary check-ups and genetic testing can help identify potential health issues early on. Responsible breeding practices can also help minimize the risk of inherited health problems.
How much does a Shikoku dog puppy cost?
The cost of a Shikoku dog puppy can vary depending on factors such as location, breeder reputation, and bloodline. On average, a Shikoku dog puppy can cost between $800-$1,500. It's essential to research reputable breeders and consider the long-term costs of owning a dog, including food, veterinary care, and supplies.
Where do Shikoku dogs come from?
The Shikoku dog comes from Japan. The breed developed there before spreading to dog fanciers worldwide.
Related breeds
Breed information on this page is based on the Wikipedia article on the Shikoku dog, supplemented with additional research. Reviewed for accuracy.