Dog breed · Japan
The Shikoku (四国犬, Shikoku Inu, Shikoku-ken; Japanese pronunciation: [ɕi̥.ko.kɯꜜ i.nɯ]) or Kōchi Inu (高知犬) is a Japanese breed of dog from Shikoku island, Japan. The Shikoku Ken is listed as a Foundation Stock Service breed with the American Kennel Club (AKC) and is fully recognized by the United Kennel Club. Its name is often abbreviated to merely Shikoku.
It is one of the medium-sized large game hunting dogs native to Japan, originating from the mountainous island of Shikoku where they were prevalent hunters of deer, boar and other indigenous wildlife. They are typical of other Japanese spitz-type hounds with a dense and harsh coat, erect ears, and a tail that is held over their back. Their development in rough terrain has allowed for Shikokus to be excellent hiking companions and adept climbers.
According to AKC, "the Shikoku is a dog of marked endurance, keen in sense with a naive feeling, energetic and highly alert. He is an enthusiastic hunter and docile towards his master."
Characteristics And Temperament: Standard height should be 52 cm (20 in) for males and 49 cm (19 in) for females, with a +/- tolerance of 3 cm (1.2 in). Sexual dimorphism between males and females is evident in both the expression and the body type. The body is strong and muscular and always shown in working condition without excess weight. The ratio is slightly longer than tall at 11:10. The Shikoku has three coat colors: sesame, red sesame and black sesame.. An additional cream colored coat called pinto is rare and is not considered an accepted color for the breed standard. In all of these colors, there are pale markings on the ventral portion of the dog. Known as urajiro, it should be visible. These markings lie along a similar pattern to tan points on a black dog: in the eyebrow, on the side of the muzzle, on the cheeks, on the underside of the jaw, on the paws and the inside of the legs, and under the tail.
These are nimble and spirited dogs with sharp senses and a keen intuition, capable of becoming an ardent hunter, watchdog or companion. Fiercely loyal and docile to their owner, Shikokus are enthusiastic in demeanor and eager to hunt. Japanese hunters, the Matagi, trained the Shikoku in two main hunting styles: Hoeru-dome (吠える), barking to detain; and Kami-dome (噛み切る), biting to detain. The Hoeru-dome technique is preferred for the safety of the dog.
The breed has only one known major health issue: a predisposition to epilepsy. Canine focal metatarsal fistulation and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinocis have been seldom reported in Japan, specifically within the Shikoku region.
