🐕 Shikoku (or Shikoku Ken, Kochi Ken)
The Shikoku is an ancient Japanese dog, known for its hunting ability and great agility. Although it is a primitive dog with an independent temperament, it is an excellent companion for experienced owners looking for an active and intelligent dog.
✨ Breed Characteristics
- Origin: Japan (Kochi Prefecture)
- Hypoallergenic? No
📊 Quick Facts
- Weight: 20-26 kg (male) | 16-19 kg (female)
- Height: 50-55 cm (male) | 44-49 cm (female)
- Life expectancy: 10-12 years
- Exercise needs: 1.5 to 2 hours per day
- Apartment living: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (Not suitable for apartment living)
🧠 Personality (out of 5 stars)
- Intelligent: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Fairly intelligent but sometimes independent)
- Affectionate: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Attached, but not very demonstrative)
- Protective: ⭐☆☆☆☆ (Not very protective)
- Playful: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Playful, but in moderation)
- Vocalizations: ⭐☆☆☆☆ (Not very noisy)
- Obedient: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Obeys, but can be stubborn)
- Hunter: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Excellent hunting ability)
- Calm: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Moderately calm)
- Athletic: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (Very athletic, needs a lot of exercise)
- Independent: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Quite independent, likes to explore alone)
🐾 Compatibility with
- Children: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Gets along well with children, but prefers a calm environment)
- Other animals: ⭐☆☆☆☆ (Can be distant with other animals)
- Strangers: ⭐☆☆☆☆ (Rather reserved with strangers)
- Apartment living: ⭐⭐☆☆☆ (Preferable in a house with a garden)
🧼 Maintenance & care
- Ease of maintenance: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Regular brushing needed)
- Maintenance cost: ⭐⭐⭐☆☆ (Relatively affordable maintenance)
- Care frequency:
- Brushing: Regular to maintain coat cleanliness
- Bath: Occasional, depending on outdoor activities
- Exercise: Requires long walks and plenty of physical activities
💰 Budget
- Purchase price: 1500-2000 €
- Average annual cost (veterinary, accessories, food): 500-600 €
🏡 Important note
The Shikoku is a hunting dog with a strong personality and great independence. It is not suited for apartment living and prefers to have a large garden where it can run and explore freely. It is ideal for owners with experience with primitive dogs. Due to its high exercise needs, it is an excellent companion for outdoor activities and long hikes.
👉 An active, independent, and intelligent dog, perfect for experienced owners with ample space. 🏞️🐕
