Shikoku — size comparison

The Shikoku is a medium-sized Japanese spitz with an athletic outline, erect ears and a full tail carried over its back. It often has a sesame coat mixing red, white and black hairs. A short, rather harsh outer coat protects a dense undercoat. Its build is strong yet suited to fast movement over steep ground.

These dogs were developed for wild boar hunting in mountainous Kōchi Prefecture on Shikoku island. Old local lines were known as Awa, Hongawa and Hata. Difficult access to some areas limited mixing with other dog populations and helped preserve the local type. In 1937 the breed received natural monument status in Japan, emphasising its importance as native heritage.

The Shikoku is energetic, alert and persistent. It readily explores independently, particularly when interesting scents or animal movements appear. It can be devoted to familiar people and attentive to their signals but more reserved with new acquaintances. Its behaviour often combines intense engagement in a chosen goal with an ability to stay calmly in familiar surroundings.

Measurement sources

• Wzorzec i wysokość — FCI
• Masa i odniesienie wymiarów — Dimensions
• AKC — długość życia, pielęgnacja i historia