Shikoku

The Shikoku is a medium Japanese hunting spitz from the mountains of its namesake island, bred to hold boar for the hunter.

History

It comes from the rugged interior of Shikoku, where isolation kept three regional strains distinct; the Kochi strain is the one that survived to found the modern breed. It was named a natural monument of Japan in 1937. It is closer to its wild-type ancestry than the Shiba and remains rare even in Japan.

Temperament

The breed is known for being alert, energetic and loyal to its handler, more biddable than most Japanese natives but reserved with strangers and strongly driven to hunt.

Care and training

It needs a great deal of exercise and secure fencing; the prey drive is genuine. Training works through relationship rather than repetition. The harsh double coat sheds heavily twice a year.

Health

Generally hardy, with hip dysplasia and epilepsy among the known tendencies, and a small population as the standing caution. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.