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Shikoku Puppies
for Sale
Shikoku
(Kochi-ken) (Shikoku-Ken)
"Ahi is one of those dogs you only get to own once in your life, she is really special. She is tough as nails and full of personality. She exhibits all of the characteristics you would expect from a primitive breed like the Shikoku-Ken. She can show the most tenacious attitude and then turn around and be the sweetest pup you have ever met. She’s extremely loyal to us but also loves most people, tho she also possesses a “sixth sense” when it comes to trusting a person. Ahi is 1.5 years old in this picture."
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Pronunciation |
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Description
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Shikokus have a thick,
double coat, erect ears, a curled tail, compact feet, and has sharper features
than some other Japanese breeds. Like Akitas, the Shikoku has a scissor bite.
Their eyes are dark brown, almond shaped and slanted. Coat colors are red,
red-sesame, and blackish or black-sesame. |
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Temperament |
The Shikoku is somewhat
strongly tied to nature. It is cautious and brave; a temperate dog with good
judgement. The Shikoku is also very loyal and submissive to its owner, they love
to be touched and often like to give kisses. Although they may be slightly aloof
to strangers. This breed needs socialization early to avoid becoming aggressive
towards other dogs. They can get along with children if they are raised properly
and vice-versa. They have a high prey drive and therefore may not be for
everyone, should not be trusted with non-canine pets such as guinea pigs and
hamsters. Since they are natural hunters, small animals in their yard may not
exactly be safe. Shikokus are very intelligent and are fast learners. Less
stubborn than their smaller Shiba and larger Akita cousins, they can still be
quite relentless in attitude and play. Quick to learn, one owner reports, "They
actually like to learn! My puppy, knew to sit perfectly square at 9 weeks. He'll
actually get excited when he sees me bring out the clicker." They are quick and
agile and may do well in agility or obedience. The alertness of a Shikoku may
make it a good family watchdog. Shikoku pups can be quite vocal at times. They
have a great sense of smell which serves them well in tracking their quarry.
Quiet indoors, the Shikoku loves exercise outdoors and is very energetic.
Socialize well when young, obedience training is recommended. |
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Height, Weight |
Height: 7-21 inches
(46-52cm.)
Weight: 35-50 pounds (16-26 kg.) |
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Health Problems |
None noted |
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Living Conditions |
They are quiet indoors,
but love outdoor activities. They will not be happy away from their owners.
Shikokus should have a fenced yard as they are hunting dogs with by nature with
a very keen sense of smell and may take to roaming. |
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Exercise |
Shikokus do best with a
good amount of exercise, they need to be taken on a daily
walk or jog. Do not let this dog roam free in an
unsafe area. They have a high prey drive and may get themselves into trouble
i.e. hit by a car, chasing an animal. They are resilient and athletic dogs and
show skills that may make the Shikoku talented in agility or possibly, obedience
utility. |
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Life Expectancy |
Approximately 10-12
years |
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Grooming |
They blow coat once or
twice a year. A good undercoat rake makes grooming easy. Over-bathing may dry
out their skin and therefore a bath every few months is usually sufficient. They
do not have a strong doggy smell. |
| Origin |
The Shikoku is also
known as the Kochi-ken "ken" or "inu", which means dog in Japanese. Kin to the
smaller Shiba
and larger
Akita Inu, the Shikoku-ken is a rare breed
of dog even in its native Japan. In 1937, the Shikoku was established as one of
Japan’s national treasures and to this day is rare, even inside Japan. The
Japanese bred the Shikoku to hunt deer and wild boar in the mountainous and
fairly isolated Kochi prefecture located on the island of Shikoku. Shikokus are
some of the purest of dog breeds due to the remote nature of the region, which
greatly restricted crossbreeding. |
| Group |
Primitive Spitz. |
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Recognition |
JKC, CKC, UKC, ARBA |
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JKC =
Japanese Kennel Club
CKC = Canadian
Kennel Club
UKC = United Kennel
Club
ARBS = American Rare Breed Association |
"Loa is super sweet, all she wants to do is give kisses and play. She plays non-stop, she’s like the energizer bunny! We call her “Loeybear” because she’s like a teddy bear, so soft and sweet. Loa rarely barks, in fact we have yet to hear her bark at all... she does chirp like a bird tho and sometimes will howl. She is very good with other dogs, which is not a common trait for Shikoku-Ken. She is weary of strangers but once she warms up to you she gives lots of kisses. Lao is 8 months old in this picure."
Ahi, the Shikoku-Ken
Ahi, the Shikoku-Ken
Ahi and Loa, the Shikoku-Kens
Loa, the Shikoku-Ken
Loa, the Shikoku-Ken as a puppy
"Ronan (CKC Akashima's Kochi-Ken Choi
Iki), a red-sesame male Shikoku. He's true to his breed and is very
energetic, loving, and intelligent. He's 12 weeks old in this photo."
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