An energetic, alert hunter with plenty of stamina and sharp senses. With its own people it is gentle and loyal, and it makes a keen watchdog.13
how to spot oneShikoku coat and colours
double coat
A well-balanced, muscular spitz slightly longer than tall, with small pricked triangular ears and a thick tail curled or sickle-shaped over the back. The outer coat is harsh and straight over a soft, dense undercoat.13
Comes insesamered sesameblack sesameredblack and tan12
a typical week and yearThe care rhythm
A typical home-care rhythm for a Shikoku. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
Bathevery 10 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year
how busy a day looksShikoku exercise needs
High. Bred to hunt in steep mountains, it enjoys long walks, hiking and climbing.31
where they are happiestShikoku at home
Suits an active home with a secure garden and lots of outdoor time.3
who they like aroundShikoku with people and other pets
Bonds closely with its owner and likes being included in family activities.13
the hands-on bitsShikoku grooming and care
Moderate. Regular brushing keeps the double coat in order, with more brushing when the undercoat sheds.1
the things everyone asksOwner questions
How often should I feed my Shikoku, and at what times?
Feed your adult Shikoku at least two meals a day, and puppies three to four smaller meals. Consistent morning and evening times work well. For exact amounts, check the food label and ask your vet.4
What should a Shikoku eat, and which foods are dangerous?
A high-quality dog food suited to your Shikoku's age and activity level is best. Avoid dangerous foods like chocolate, grapes, raisins, onion, garlic, xylitol, and others listed by the ASPCA. Always consult your vet for a tailored diet.5
How often should I bathe a Shikoku?
Pet Wiki suggests bathing about every 70 days, and the ASPCA recommends at least once every three months. You can bathe more often if your Shikoku gets very dirty, using a dog-safe shampoo.6
How often does a Shikoku need brushing?
Brush your Shikoku every few days to keep the double coat in good condition, and daily during heavy shedding seasons. This helps manage the undercoat and keeps your dog comfortable.1
How do I trim a Shikoku's nails, and how often?
Trim nails about every four weeks, or sooner if you hear clicking on the floor. Use a dog nail trimmer and cut a little at a time, stopping before the quick to avoid bleeding.6
How much exercise does a Shikoku need?
Your Shikoku needs daily vigorous exercise like long walks, hiking, or play. This energetic breed was bred for mountain hunting and has plenty of stamina, so keep it active.31
How do I look after a Shikoku's teeth and ears?
Brush your Shikoku's teeth several times a week using dog toothpaste, and check ears every two weeks for dirt or redness. Never push anything into the ear canal; just clean the outer part gently.6
How long does a Shikoku live?
Lifespan varies by individual, so ask your vet or a good breeder for typical expectations. They can give you the best guidance based on your dog's health and lineage.
Is a Shikoku good with children and other pets?
The Shikoku is gentle and loyal with its own family, so it can be wonderful with children when raised together. Early socialization helps it get along with other pets, though it has a strong hunting instinct.13
Can a Shikoku be left alone?
This breed bonds closely with its owner and enjoys being part of family activities, so it may not do well alone for long periods. For specific advice, talk to a breeder about your situation.13
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
per year, in your countryWhat a Shikoku costs
Running costs for a Shikoku, built from current prices in each country: food scaled to the weight of the breed, insurance to its size, the rest per country. The purchase price and unplanned vet bills come on top.
Estimates from the sources linked on each line. Food: a complete dry food at about 3,600 kcal/kg at the NRC maintenance energy for the average weight of the breed. Insurance: a typical adult policy scaled by size; real quotes depend on breed, age and cover.
by countryIs the Shikoku legal where you live?
No breed-specific rule names the Shikoku in the 61 countries we check. General dangerous-dog laws still apply everywhere, and some cities keep their own lists.
Laws change and local rules exist; this is a sourced overview, not legal advice.
homemade and simpleTreats they will love
Shikoku tip
Shikoku can be fussy eaters, so offer a variety of high-quality, single-ingredient treats and keep them to no more than 10% of their daily calories. Fresh fruits and veggies make great low-calorie options, but always check with your vet if your dog seems uninterested in food.
Not veterinary advice. Check with your vet first if your pet has allergies, a health condition, is on a special diet or is pregnant. Treats should stay a small part of the daily food. Cut to a safe size and supervise. Terms of use
for the dinner tableFun facts
1
It was named a Natural Monument of Japan in 1937.1
2
The Hongawa strain stayed the purest because it was bred in a remote, isolated area.1
3
It is one of six native Japanese breeds and sits in size between the Shiba and the Akita.3
4
Its hallmark sesame coat mixes black, red and white hairs.1
the story behind itWhere the name comes from
The breed is named after the mountainous island of Shikoku in Japan, where it originated as a hunter of deer and boar.7
The mountains called to me before the sun even peeked over the ridge. I stretched, my paws eager on the cool earth, and gave a soft yip to let my human know I was ready. We set off on the trail, and I led the way, my nose twitching at every scent. I spotted a squirrel darting up a pine and gave chase, but I knew the boundaries and circled back to my human with a proud trot. We climbed high, and I stopped to watch the valley below, my ears alert. When we finally came home, I was tired but happy. I curled up by the fire, my head on my paws, and dreamed of the next adventure. My human says I'm a wild spirit, but I'm also their loyal shadow, and that's just the way I like it.
A made-up story, just for fun. Not advice of any kind.
where it all beganShikoku history
The Shikoku comes from medium-sized native dogs used for boar hunting in the mountains of Kochi, and it was declared a Natural Monument of Japan in 1937. Of its three historic strains, Awa, Hongawa and Hata, the modern breed comes mainly from Hongawa and Hata lines.13
Kai Ken
Kishu
Shiba Inu
Hokkaido
Akita