The Shikoku is a Japanese breed of dog from Shikoku island that is similar to a Shiba Inu. The Shikoku was recently added as a recognized breed of the AKC FSS (Foundation Stock Service) standard, it is recognized by the Japan Kennel Club, an organization recognized by AKC as an official foreign registry (AKC recognizes the Shiba Inu, however). The Shikoku is also in the Canadian Kennel Club Hound group and the United Kennel Club, awaiting full recognition. In 1937 the Japanese Crown recognized the Shikoku dog as a living “natural monument” of Japan.
Characteristics and temperament
It is cautious and brave with good judgment. It is also loyal to its master. It has sharper features than most Japanese dogs and is sometimes allowed to chase wild boar so it will maintain its nature.
Shikoku dogs are tough and sufficiently agile to run through a mountainous region. They are the ideal companion for active outdoor people. They are very energetic and active outside but they are calm and quiet indoors. The Shikoku is a very intelligent dog and a quick learner. They are not as stubborn and independent as the other native Japanese breeds, but still, it is not a dog for every person.
The Shikoku stands 17–21 inches (43–53 cm) high and comes in sesame (red, black), black and tan (nonstandard colour), or cream (nonstandard colour). These colours consist usually of a light brown, a light red-brown, or a light black-brown. In addition, there is a cream-coloured coat that tends to be very rare. In all of these colours, there is usually a mixture of white found around the underside of the body, near the eyes, snout, and legs. The Shikoku tends to shed its coat at least one to two times a year. The dog has a fairly thick coat with pointed ears and a curved tail. The body conformation is typical of the spitz-type: the square body, the wedge-shaped head, the prick triangular ears, and feathered curled tail.
The Shikoku dog is somewhat unusual in its appearance. It looks similar to a Siberian Husky dog physically but differs in its size and colour. The Shikoku Inu ranges from thirty to fifty-five pounds (male; approximately 20 inches tall; female; approximately 18.5 inches tall). This dog would be considered medium-sized.
Types
Three varieties of this breed have been identified: the Awa, the Hongawa, and the Hata all named after the area where they were bred on the island of Shikoku. The Hongawa breeding area being the most remote and least accessible, the dogs of the Hongawa line maintained the highest degree of purity and was considered the best type.