How to Identify a Shikoku Inu

The Shikoku Inu is a breed of Japanese spitz assigned to the working group. [1] Also called the Kochi-ken and Shikoku, they were bred to hunt boar and other game in the mountains, originally coming in three varieties. [2] Shikoku are one of several spitz breeds from Asia, and they thus can be easily confused with other dogs. However, by learning what sets them apart, this wikiHow will help you identify a Shikoku.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Viewing the Structure

  1. Shikoku are medium in size. They have a height of 17–22 inches (43–56 cm) and weigh somewhere between 35–55 pounds (16–25 kg). [3]
  2. A Shikoku's forehead has an appearance of good breadth. The stop where the muzzle and skull meet is, though clearly pronounced, rather shallow. With tightly drawn lips and a nose pigmented black in color, the muzzle resembles a wedge that is long. The dog's cheeks are of good development, the bridge of the nose is straight, and the teeth meet in a scissors bite. [4]
    Advertisement
  3. The ears of a Shikoku are set on so that they seem to tilt barely forward as if on an incline. Standing pricked and erect, they are shaped in a similar manner to a triangle that is small-sized. [5]
  4. Shikoku have eyes that are colored a dark shade of brown. Without being a size that is too small, their upward held outside corners make the eyes begin to resemble triangles. [6]
  5. A Shikoku's paws are identical in the back and front. Being thickly padded and rather elastic in build, they are closed in a tight manner. The nails may be any color that is dark if not black and feel hard, while the toes form decent arches. [7]
  6. The tail of a Shikoku may be seen in a sickle-like curve or as a curl atop the dog's back, though it should be a long enough length to reach the dog's hock joints if it were held downward. It is decently thick and extends from a high-set position on the back. [8]
  7. Shikoku are cleanly muscular, balanced, compacted, of good bone, and strong. They have a thick neck, shoulders that are held at a bit of a slope, a deep chest, finely sprung ribs, straight forelegs, powerful hindquarters, and a strong back. Their gait is quick and light-footed while suggesting resilience with potential turns. [9]
    Advertisement
Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Inspecting the Coat

  1. A Shikoku's coat is a double coat, having both an outer coat and an undercoat. The outer coat feels a bit harsh to the touch. The undercoat, however, has a denser and softer texture. [10]
  2. The coat of a Shikoku is overall straight in appearance, particularly when it comes to the outer coat. The dog's tail is typically coated with hair that is a moderately long length. [11]
  3. A Shikoku may have a red, black and tan, or sesame coat. A sesame-colored coat is generally formed of hairs that are red, white, and black in color on the dog's entire body. [12]
    Advertisement
Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Giving Thought to Temperament

  1. Shikoku were originally bred to hunt, and they retain many hunting characteristics even as pets, such as bravery and alertness. Their hunting heritage also gives them high energy levels, so they need regular exercise through activities such as agility, fetching, or hiking. [13]
    • They are also very adaptable and can thus excel at many sports, including swimming and climbing. [14]
    • One main hunting instinct still in Shikoku today is a high prey drive. They may be tempted to chase after small animals due to this. [15]
  2. Though not the best around other animals, Shikoku generally can live alongside other dogs. They enjoy playing with them, though they may sometimes show dominant behavior. [16]
  3. Many Shikoku are intelligent dogs and can be eager to please if trained through a positively reinforced method. However, like many smart breeds, they may become independent-minded and choose what to learn despite learning many things quickly. [17]
  4. Shikoku are a naturally curious breed and enjoy exploring. This also makes them notorious for escaping, so they need securely fenced areas to play in. [18]
    • Additionally, they are not afraid of danger but will express caution when needed. [19]
  5. Known to be devoted and affectionate toward their families, Shikoku make great family companions. Overall, they are fairly docile and good-natured, though their vast loyalty may make them dislike being alone. [20]

    Did you know? Shikoku were not only bred to hunt - they were also bred to be companionable. [21]

    Advertisement

Expert Q&A

Ask a Question
200 characters left
Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.
Submit

      Advertisement

      Tips

      • Think about using a DNA test if you want to know your dog's breed. This will confirm if your dog is a Shikoku.
        Thanks
        Helpful 0 Not Helpful 0
      Advertisement

      You Might Also Like

      How to
      Stop Cat Bullying: Recognizing the Signs and Stopping the Behavior
      How to
      Tame a Feral Cat
      How to
      Calm a Dog During Thunderstorms
      How to
      Trick Your Dog Into Drinking Water
      How to
      Make a Dog Stop Biting
      How to
      Remove a Tick from a Cat
      How to
      Get Dog Poop Out of Your Carpet in 8 Easy Steps
      How to
      Keep Ants Off Hummingbird Feeders
      How to
      Identify Canine Ear Mites
      How to
      Leash Train a Puppy
      How to
      Recognize Distemper Symptoms in Dogs
      How to
      Get Your Cat to Like You
      How to
      Give an Insulin Shot to Dogs
      How to
      Teach Your Dog to Sit
      Advertisement

      References

      1. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/shikoku/
      2. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/shikoku/
      3. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/shikoku/
      4. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/319g05-en.pdf
      5. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/319g05-en.pdf
      6. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/319g05-en.pdf
      7. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/319g05-en.pdf
      8. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/319g05-en.pdf
      9. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/319g05-en.pdf
      1. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/319g05-en.pdf
      2. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/319g05-en.pdf
      3. ↑ http://www.fci.be/Nomenclature/Standards/319g05-en.pdf
      4. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/shikoku-dog-temperament/
      5. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/shikoku-dog-temperament/
      6. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/shikoku-dog-temperament/
      7. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/shikoku-dog-temperament/
      8. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/shikoku-dog-temperament/
      9. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/shikoku-dog-temperament/
      10. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/shikoku-dog-temperament/
      11. ↑ https://www.dogtemperament.com/shikoku-dog-temperament/
      12. ↑ https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/shikoku/

      About this article

      Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 365 times.

      Did this article help you?

      Advertisement