Learn More About Shikoku

Summary

The Shikoku is a medium-sized dog with a robust and muscular build. His appearance is balanced and well proportioned. He is classified as a member of FCI Group 5 (Spitz and dogs of the original type) due to his hunting origins and characteristics. There are no specific differences between performance and show lines as the Shikoku is bred primarily for its working ability.

Character

The Shikoku is a loyal companion that is close to its owner. He is brave, independent and often shows a certain reserve towards strangers. Although he loves his owner more than anything, he still maintains his own will and shows a certain independence. The Shikoku is known for its endurance and can stay active for hours. When it comes to staying alone, the Shikoku is rather demanding. He is a very people-oriented dog and feels most comfortable near his owner. It takes patience and consistent training to help him learn to stay alone without being fearful or destructive. The Shikoku has a strong hunting disposition and strong prey-catching behavior. When not in a controlled environment, he should always be kept on a leash. A securely fenced area is ideal for giving him the opportunity to run freely. The breed is alert and often exhibits territorial behavior, protecting their home and family.

What to Expect

The original Shikoku or Kochi-ken was located in the mountain ranges of Kochi Prefecture on the island of Shikoku. They were highly valued by the Matagi (Japanese hunters) as trackers of game, especially wild boar. The Shikoku is a dog of great endurance, astute with a naive sense, energetic and very alert. He is an enthusiastic hunter and good-natured towards his master.

Care

The Shikoku can be kept both in the city and in the country, but there should be enough space and opportunities for movement. A well-fenced garden or regular walks Walks in nature are important in order to meet your need for movement. In the city, you should make sure that your dog gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. The Shikoku can get along well with children, especially if he is used to them from an early age. Early socialization is important to ensure that the dog is comfortable around children and friendly towards them. However, it is always advisable to supervise interactions between children and dogs and teach them how to treat animals respectfully. The Shikoku's compatibility with other pets such as cats can vary. Careful introduction and socialization are important to minimize potential conflicts. It should also be noted that the Shikoku has a strong hunting instinct, which can lead it to prey on small animals such as rodents or birds. A safe environment and training are therefore required.

Training & Education

The Shikoku is an intelligent breed that enjoys learning and completing tasks. Consistent and positive training is important to make the Shikoku a well-behaved dog. It is advisable to start puppy school early and socialize him well. The Shikoku responds well to reward-based training and positive reinforcement. You can find details and training instructions from your dog trainer or from dog books that focus on positive training methods. Because of its hunting instinct, it is important to keep the Shikoku controlled and set clear boundaries. A securely fenced area is important to ensure that the dog does not hunt uncontrollably. Training should aim to improve his obedience and provide him with alternatives to hunting, such as dog sports or targeted obedience and concentration training. The Shikoku requires a fair amount of mental and physical activity. In addition to sufficient exercise, you should also offer him intellectual challenges, such as search games or nose work. An underemployed Shikoku may develop undesirable behavior. However, it is important to ensure that the dog does not become overly busy and has enough rest periods to recover.

Nutrition & Grooming

The Shikoku needs a balanced diet tailored to his activity level and size. High-quality dog ​​food that contains all the necessary nutrients is recommended. The amount of food should be adjusted according to the dog's age, weight and activity level. The Shikoku has a thick, hard top coat that is medium long. He does not have an undercoat, which means he is less prone to hair development. However, the coat should be brushed regularly to remove dead hair and maintain coat health. The breed does not require extensive care, but ears, teeth and claws should be checked and cared for regularly. The Shikoku is adapted to the harsh climate of Japan and therefore copes well with the climate in Germany. It is usually heat and cold resistant and thrives in various weather conditions.