Information, Facts & Origins of the Shikoku Dog Breed
The Shikoku
originates from Japan and was bred originally for large game
hunting including wild boar and deer. It's origins can be dated back to the
antiquity. It was bred on the Japanese Island of Shikoku, located
near Osaka, from where it takes its name. This rare dog was
designated as a Natural Monument in Japan in 1937. The Shikoku
originates from the Spitz family of dogs which include the Akita,
Hokkaido, Japanese Spitz, Kai, Kishu and Shiba. Spitz breeds are
characterized by an overall wolf like appearance and is often
referred to as primitive because of its close similarity to what
would have been the original domestic dog. The Shikoku is also known by the other names of Shikoku
Inu and the Japanese Shikoku. This dog is classified as one of the
Working Dog Group which we go on to describe in detail in the
section at the bottom of this page. The Shikoku is not currently
Registered by the AKC (American Kennel Club) and is therefore in
the category of dogs termed Unrecognised & Rare Breeds.
Description
of the Shikoku Dog Character and Temperament
Working dogs, like the Shikoku, are
medium to giant size and are strong, often independent, domineering
and difficult to manage. This, together with the immense sizes of
many of the breeds, make many of the working dogs unsuitable as a
normal family pet or first time dog owners. These dogs
require firm control and must be properly trained. Formal obedience
training should include a proper socialising program. Training
need not be difficult as Working dog breeds are generally quick to
learn and intelligent. Some of the working dog breeds are easier
to handle such as the Newfoundland dog, the Portuguese Water Dog,
the Samoyed and the Saint Bernard.
Description of the Shikoku Dog and Puppies - Coat and Colours information
The Shikoku's coat is normally a shade of black, brindle and
red.
The outer coat is normally
coarse and short -
undercoat is straight and dense.
Dog
Health information - potential health problems of the Shikokus
All owners of
dogs and puppies are concerned about the health care of their pets
and just as with humans dog health issues arise from time to time.
Resolving dog health problems, including those of the Shikoku, can
prove to be costly and it would be wise to consider the benefits
of obtaining dog health insurance. Diseases in dogs may occur
because of trauma, infection, immune system abnormalities, genetic
factors, or degenerative conditions. Common health problems and
questions occur in relation to the Bones, Joints, Muscles, Nerves,
Ears, Eyes, Teeth and the Mouth. Other, more serious, issues can
relate to the Digestive System, Heart & Respiratory Systems,
Immune & Blood Systems, Reproduction and Urinary Systems.
There are no apparent common health problems with the Shokoku.Please click the following link for additional
information which we have provided via our:
This describes the most common canine health problems concisely but simply without using medical jargon. A section on Dog and Puppy Vaccinations is also included offering information on each of the diseases, symptoms and effects for which immunization vaccines are available. Not sure of the name of the dog or puppy illness? A Dog Symptom Sorter is also featured. The Online Encyclopaedia of Common Dog Health Problems should only be used as an informational guide and when and if any dog or puppies health problems occur it is essential to raise any questions you may have with a Dog Health care professional.
Information on Grooming and Care of the Shikoku Dog Breed
The Shikoku
requires weekly care and grooming. All dog breeds require a
certain amount of grooming and care is necessary to keep dogs and
puppies looking at their best. Grooming consists of not only
brushing out the coat and bathing but also giving attention to the
eyes, teeth, ears, feet and nails. A regular routine also ensures
that any potential health problems are identified as quickly as
possible, especially important in puppies and older Shikoku dogs.
Life Expectancy information of the Shikoku Dog Breed
The life
expectancy for this particular breed is 10 – 12 years.
Age
comparison between the Shikoku Dog Breed and a Human
Age
comparisons between dogs and humans are always a matter of
debate - we hope that the following information clarifies the
situation. After the first year of life, a dog is equivalent to
sixteen human years. After two years, they are equivalent to a 24 year old, at
three years a 30 year old, and each year after, add 5 human years to determine
a dog's age.
The
Pictures reflect the Size of Adults - not Children and Puppies!
The pictures above allow for a useful comparison of sizes
providing an accurate portrait of the size of an average Shikoku- essential
information but unique to this site. It should also be noted that
the pictures feature adults. The size of puppies are naturally
considerably smaller and the full grown size of the animal can
easily be forgotten when confronted with cute puppies! The slogan
" A dog isn't just for Christmas - it's for life!" was necessitated
by well meaning people buying puppies at the Christmas, unaware of
the puppies growth rate. The pictures provided make it extremely
clear exactly how small puppies will develop and whether it will
suit the life and living conditions of the family.
Shikoku
Dog - Puppies Info and Names
The
Puppies section, accessed via the Site Index, provides detailed
information about Choosing the right puppy, Puppy Training, Puppy
Care and Puppy Behavior, Growth & Development. We recommend that
the following considerations should always be taken into account
when choosing puppies:
Budget
- Purchasing, training, equipment, medication and feeding
costs of the breed
Convenience
and Grooming time e.g. long or short hair
Personal
situation - time available and medical conditions such as allergies,
asthma or back pain
Exercising
requirements for the Shikoku breed
Living
Conditions for the dog breed - suitability for puppies
Family
- child suitability
Puppy and Dog
Names - The Importance of choosing the right names
Working
Dog Breed Information Dogs in
the Working group, which include the Shikoku, were developed to perform a wide variety of tasks, such as herding,
droving, pulling, hauling, herding, hunting, rescuing and guarding.
The very nature of many of these tasks require a big, strong dog.
These dogs have a long and close association with man and have
provided invaluable help to their owners. The working dogs are
generally large, intelligent, and protective of their masters.
Working dogs have always been viewed as real assets to their
owners and have worked with man replacing larger animals such as
horses when none such animals were available. Advanced technology
and machinery have negated some of the working requirements of
these dogs but strength, courage and a fast reactions ensure that
this partnership will continue long into the future.
Working
Dog Breed Duties and Tasks
Characteristics and features of Working Dogs have been introduced
and strengthened by breeding with animals who already demonstrated
the desired traits. Breeding for appearance was only introduced in
the 19th Century. Before this time dogs and puppies were bred to
increase useful abilities and traits helpful for the duties they
were intended for. Thus, the various Working breeds,
including the Shikoku, were introduced to help man
according to his specific requirements such as:
Guarding
premises
Herding
or Droving various animals including cattle and reindeer
Pulling
or hauling various vehicles such as carts and sleds
Hunting
which could range from all kinds of smaller animals to big
game including lions and tigers
Performing
water and mountain rescues
In
this day and age not every Shikoku might be called to undertake these tasks, but
nevertheless, they still harbour the skills and characteristics that made
the original Shikoku breeding program successful. Many of the Working
dogs group are still gainfully employed as:
Guard
Dogs
Police
dogs
Sled dogs
Rescue
dogs
Examples
of other Unrecognised Breeds
The Shikoku
belongs to the Working Group of dogs but is currently
Unrecognised by the AKC. Other Unrecognised Breeds that have been
featured on this site include the following:
Other Unrecognised & Rare Breeds that have been featured on this
site include the following: Tibetan Mastiffs, Dogue de Bordeaux,
Hovawarts, Patterdale Terriers, Alaskan Klee Kai, Bandogs,
Boerboels, Chinese Foo Dog, Catahoula Leopards, New Guinea Singing
Dog, Shikokus, Tosa Inus, Rat Terriers and Thai Ridgebacks.
Details and information about all of the above Unrecognised breeds
may be found via the following links:
