Dogs are a man’s best friend for a reason. They are loyal, protective, and always happy to see you. There is no shortage of dog breeds, each with its unique personality and set of needs. If you’re considering adding a dog to your family, it’s important to research first to find the right breed. This week we’ll look at the Shikoku dog breed profile, a Japanese wolfdog. Keep reading to learn more about this adorable pup!
Shikoku Ken
The Shikoku Ken is one of the Japanese medium-sized dogs that has been around for centuries. These loyal and affectionate dogs are brilliant, making them great companions for people of all ages. The Shikoku is an excellent choice, whether you’re looking for a guard dog or a pet to cuddle up with on the couch. The American Kennel Club and Japanese Kennel Club even recognized it. Let’s take a closer look at these lovable pooches and why they make such wonderful pets.
History & Origin of the Shikoku Dog
The Shikoku Ken, also called Kochi Ken, primitive breed in Shikoku Island, Japan, more than 200 years ago, where local hunters used it as a hunting dog. This rare breed was believed to be created by crossing native Japanese dogs with European breeds like the German Spitz, Saint Bernard, and Greyhound. As such, the Shikoku is considered to be one of Japan’s purest dog breeds.
Physical Appearance of Shikoku Kens
Size, Height, and Weight of Shikoku Kens
The Shikoku is a medium-sized dog with an average height of 18-22 inches for males and 16-20 inches for females. This breed also has an average weight between 35-55 lbs for males and 30-50 kg for females. Males are generally larger than their female counterparts, with a muscular body frame that makes them look strong. This medium-sized breed also has strong legs, which allow them to jump high and run fast when chasing after something or another pet.
Double Coat Colors of Shikoku Ken
The coat color available of the Kochi Ken can vary depending on their lineage but typically includes black sesame, sesame, red sesame, blackish brown (kuro-momo), silver (gin), brindle (kinu), white (shiro), yellowish brown (yamabuki) or red (aka).
Shikoku Dog has a dense undercoat, pointed ears, curled tail, and a wolf-like appearance. They should have pricked ears. Shikoku Kens have a cream-colored coat, while their outer coat has two different types – one is rough, and the other is soft. The length of their fur varies from long to short depending on the season, but it typically remains thick all year round, which helps protect them from the cold weather during wintertime.
Shikoku Dog’s Temperament and Personality
Shikoku Kens are incredibly loyal to their owners and have been described as devoted and loving companions. This devotion extends beyond just their owners; they often form strong bonds with family members and strangers. They are also quite intelligent and eager to please, making them relatively easy to train.
Regarding energy level, the Shikoku Ken is considered an active breed that loves being outdoors. While they may not need as much exercise as other breeds, they enjoy long walks or runs in the park and will benefit from regular physical activity. In addition to this exercise regime, Shikoku Inu needs plenty of mental stimulation to keep using their sharp minds.
A less desirable trait in this breed is their tendency toward aggression towards other dogs and animals; therefore, if you plan on getting a Shikoku Ken, ensure proper socialization with other canines to prevent any issues down the line. These dogs are great protectors for humans—they are excellent guard dogs for their alertness and vigilance.
Do They Get Along With Other Pets?
The best way to socialize a puppy of any breed is by introducing them to various people and animals at an early age. This will help them become accustomed to different sights, sounds, and smells. Puppy classes are great for this purpose; these classes provide valuable lessons on obedience and training and allow puppies to meet other puppies and get used to being around strange people and animals.
Is Shikoku Ken Good With Kids?
The Shikoku Ken has many personality traits that make it an ideal family pet. This breed is known for being loyal and affectionate, and they are usually quite friendly with children. They also have excellent problem-solving skills, so they can be easily trained to follow basic commands such as sit and stay. The Shikoku Ken is also entirely independent and can be left alone without becoming overly anxious or destructive.
Working Qualities of Shikoku Ken
The Shikoku is a hunting dog, and its athleticism makes it well-suited for agility competitions and endurance events. They can quickly jump high fences and stamen well for long walks or runs. These dogs can excel at any athletic event with the proper training and conditioning program.
Work Ethic & Loyalty
The Shikoku Ken was bred for hunting boar and deer on rugged terrain—so it should be no surprise that this breed has an incredible work ethic! These dogs are fiercely loyal to their owners; however, they can have a strong prey drive due to their hunting instincts—so caution should be taken around smaller animals like cats or birds. In addition, these dogs need plenty of exercise daily to stay healthy mentally and physically—otherwise, they might get into trouble due to boredom!
Training Shikoku Ken
Like any pet, your Shikoku Ken will need proper training and early socialization to ensure they are comfortable around people and other animals. Training should focus on basic obedience commands such as sit and stay and reinforce positive behavior like not barking or jumping up on people.
Socialization should involve taking them out for walks often so they get used to new sights and sounds and introducing them gradually to other animals and children. When they learn early, it will help them learn how to behave appropriately around new people to build positive relationships with everyone in their environment.
Exercise Requirement of Shikoku Ken
Daily Exercise Needs
Shikoku must be taken on long walks every day or allowed to run around in an enclosed area. They love to swim, do dog sports, and play fetch, so these activities are great ways to tire them out. Ensure you keep them on a leash outside, so they don’t wander off! As they are prone to obesity, it’s important to watch their diet and give them plenty of exercises.
Physical Activity Options
Apart from daily walks and playtime, there are lots of other physical activities that you can do with your Shikoku. For example, agility courses are great for providing mental stimulation and burning off energy. If your dog is interested in agility courses, enrolling him in obedience classes will help him learn new commands faster. You could also take him for hikes or jogging if he enjoys running alongside you.
Grooming of Shikoku Dog
Brushing and Combing
You should brush your Shikoku fur daily to prevent tangles and remove excess dirt and debris. Use a slicker brush with soft bristles to do this, as it will penetrate deep into their thick coat without causing pain or discomfort. Additionally, use a comb once or twice weekly to detangle any knots in their fur. Make sure you start combing at the tip of the hair and work your way toward the roots to avoid pulling on the skin.
Bathing
Your Shikoku should only be bathed when necessary, as bathing them too frequently can dry out their skin and damage their coat. When bathing them, use a mild shampoo specifically designed for dogs—never human shampoo! Rinse thoroughly afterward, so no residual soap remains in their fur.
Trimming Nails and Fur
It’s important to trim your Shikoku’s nails regularly (at least once per month), so they stay even with their paws. If you’re uncomfortable doing this yourself, take them to a professional groomer or vet for assistance. You should also trim around their eyes, ears, and feet every few months or so to keep them neat. This will help prevent dirt from collecting around these areas and reduce the risk of infections caused by bacteria buildup over time.
Are Shikoku Dogs Hypoallergenic?
Shikoku dogs do not fit the criteria of being a hypoallergenic breed because they produce dander and shed quite frequently. Their coats require regular brushing to reduce matting and shedding, and this will also help keep their fur clean and free of dander buildup.
Additionally, these dogs love to play outside in dirt and mud, which can lead to even more dander buildup on their coats, making them even less ideal for those who suffer from pet allergies.
High-Quality Dog Food and Diet of Shikoku Dog
Types of Food for a Shikoku Dog
The best type of food for a Shikoku dog is high-quality dry kibble made from natural ingredients. Look for kibble with high protein levels, such as chicken or fish meals. You should also look for low carbohydrate and fillers kibble, as these are not beneficial to your pup’s long-term health. It’s also important to check the ingredients list to ensure no artificial colors or flavors are included in your pup’s kibble.
Feeding Schedule
A good rule of thumb when feeding your Shikoku pup is to provide them twice a day—once in the morning and once at night—with 1/2 cup per meal being sufficient. Make sure you track how much they eat each day so you can adjust their serving size as necessary if they start gaining or losing weight too quickly. If you have any questions about how much food your pup should eat daily, consult your vet for advice on what would be best for your pup’s needs.
Treats
It’s okay to give your pup treats now and then, but make sure they are healthy and low-calorie options such as fresh fruits or vegetables (like carrots). Avoid giving them sugary snacks like cookies or candy since these will only contribute empty calories that can lead to obesity over time. Additionally, never share your pup’s table scraps; while some human foods may seem safe to feed dogs, many foods can be dangerous if ingested by pups (such as chocolate).
The Lifespan of Shikoku Dog
The average life expectancy of a healthy, well-bred Shikoku dog is 12-14 years. However, as with most breeds, specific health issues may affect the lifespan of a Shikoku dog. This breed’s most common health problems include hip dysplasia and eye issues such as progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Therefore, it is important to have your pet checked regularly by a veterinarian to ensure any potential health problems are caught early and treated appropriately.
Common Health Issues of Shikoku Dog
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is an inherited condition that affects many large-breed dogs, including Shikoku. This condition occurs when the hip joint develops abnormally and becomes loose or unstable. It can cause pain and lameness in the hind legs, which can worsen over time if left untreated. The best way to prevent this problem is by only buying puppies from reputable breeders who screen their breeding stock for hip dysplasia.
Eye Problems
Many Shikokus are susceptible to eye problems such as cataracts, glaucoma, progressive retinal atrophy (PRA), and corneal ulcers. These conditions can severely impair your dog’s vision and should always be treated immediately by a veterinarian if they occur. In addition, it’s essential to have regular check-ups with your vet, so any potential eye problems can be caught early on before they become more severe.
Skin Issues
Shikoku may also suffer from skin issues such as allergies or mange caused by mites or fleas. These skin issues often cause intense itching, leading to complications if not treated promptly. Therefore, ensure you regularly groom your dog and inspect them for any signs of skin irritation or parasites. If you suspect your dog has an allergic reaction or an infestation of some sort, take them to the vet immediately so they can get the appropriate treatment they need.
Where Can I Purchase a Shikoku Dog?
Your first step should be finding a reputable breeder specializing in Shikoku. A responsible breeder will have health records on all their litters and detailed information about the pedigree of each pup they sell. You can easily find these breeders by asking around at local rescue organizations or by searching online for “Shikoku breeder.” Be sure to ask any questions you may have before committing to purchasing one of their pups.
In addition to finding a reputable breeder, it is also important to research what kind of environment the puppies were raised in and ask about the health problems that can occur with this breed. The most common health issues with Shikokus are hip dysplasia and eye problems, so make sure your puppy has been tested for these conditions before bringing them home.
Additionally, ask whether or not the puppy has had its vaccines, as puppies need to be vaccinated against certain diseases before going home with their new owners.
When choosing your puppy, you must consider its temperament, personality, and physical characteristics. This breed is known for being friendly, energetic, loyal, and independent-minded, so you must pick a pup that matches your lifestyle. Additionally, look out for any signs of aggression or fearfulness when interacting with the puppy; this could indicate more serious issues if not addressed early on in life.
Shikoku Dogs Puppy Cost
On average, you should expect to pay between $2,000 – $3,500 for a purebred Shikoku puppy from an experienced breeder. However, suppose you adopt from a shelter or rescue organization instead of buying from a breeder. In that case, you may only need to pay an adoption fee ranging from $150 to $400, depending on the organization’s policies and procedures. Also, remember that adoption fees usually cover spay/neuter surgery and vaccinations, saving you money later in vet bills!
Final Thoughts
The Shikoku dog is a unique and loyal companion that loves to please its owners. While they may be more challenging to care for than some other breeds, their intelligence, work ethic, and devotion make them an excellent addition to any family. With proper nutrition, healthcare, and training, your Shikoku will be the perfect pal for many years. The Shikoku is an excellent choice if you want a pup with an independent yet loving personality.
