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Shikoku
Open sesame
Original name: Shikoku
Type: Lupoid
Male size: 20½ inches
Female size: 18 inches
Degree of grooming
5
Spitz and Primitive types
FCI
Countries of origin Japan
Did you know ?
The distinctive sesame coat is the most striking feature of this Japanese breed named after its native region and declared a Natural Monument in Japan in 1937.
Shikokus are lauded for their remarkable stamina, acute senses and natural energy. Passionate hunters, but docile with their owner, they are tenacious and agile enough to run through mountainous terrain.
Shikoku In a few words :
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Head
Broad forehead, shallow but definite stop.
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Body
High, well developed withers, straight, solid back, broad, muscular loins, deep chest.
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Coat
Sesame, black sesame, red sesame.
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Ears
Small, triangular, firmly pricked, slightly forward sloping.
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Tail
Set high, thick, carried vigorously curled or sickle-shaped over the back.
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Hair
Coarse, straight topcoat, soft, dense undercoat.
Descended from medium-sized dogs that populated Japan in ancient times, Shikokus were bred to hunt, especially wild boar, in the mountainous regions of Kochi prefecture, which explains their alternative moniker, Kochi Ken (ken is Japanese for dog). There were three varieties – Awa, Hongawa and Hata – depending on where exactly they were bred. The Hongawa variety was the most purebred of the three, as it came from an isolated area.These medium-sized dogs are well proportioned, with clean-cut, well developed limbs, prick ears and a rolled or sickle tail. They are strong and compact, with good bones.
