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> Index of every page on this site: [llms.txt](https://www.pedibase.com/llms.txt)
+6
Dogs
# The Shikoku: temperament, price, health, and breeders
Japan
A primitive Japanese dog, lively and well-balanced, made for an active life.
Size MediumLife expectancy 10–12 yearsBudget ≈ €107/monthPuppy €1,500 – €2,000
[Find a breeder 2](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-shikoku) [ Compare with other breeds](https://www.pedibase.com/en/compare-dog-breeds?races=shikoku)
The right choice?
## Is this breed right for you?
[Find your ideal breed with our online quiz!](https://www.pedibase.com/en/choose-your-dog)
Families and children Good
Daily exercise needs Very high
Apartment living Fair
First-time owners Fair
Other pets Fair
Tolerance of being alone Good
Guarding instinct Fair
Strengths and weaknesses
- Hardiness: It is a generally sturdy dog, well equipped for cool and humid climates.
- Endurance: It readily accompanies active owners thanks to its good energy and stamina.
- Balance: Well socialized and well supervised, it offers a stable and vigilant temperament.
- Hunting instinct: His interest in game and small animals requires real work on recall and management.
- Reserved and independent: He is not always demonstrative and may test boundaries if there is a lack of consistency.
- Sedentary lifestyle not well suited: A lack of exercise can lead to boredom and behavioral problems.
Who is it for?
Ideal for
- Active owners: The Shikoku is suitable for people who can ensure daily outings and regular activities.
- Experienced owners: Its primitive temperament is easier to manage with good canine understanding and a stable framework.
- House with a secure outdoor area: A well-fenced garden usefully complements its need for movement, without replacing walks.
Not recommended for
- Complete beginners: Its independence and training needs can confuse a first-time adopter.
- Very urban and sedentary life: It does not cope well with a daily life lacking activity and stimulation.
- Households with small animals without management: Its hunting instinct can complicate cohabitation if it is not supervised early.
Meet the breed
## What does it look like?
1,75 mHuman
50 cmShikoku
- Height at the withers
- 44–55 cm
- Weight
- 16–26 kg
- Coat
- Medium-long, straight, double
- FCI group
- 5
- Origin
- Japan
- Grooming
- Moderate grooming needs
## Photos and videos
See the Shikoku in photos and videos: coat colors, size, and distinctive expressions.
Origins
## Where does it come from?
The Shikoku descends from medium-sized dogs present in ancient Japan. It was selected as a hunting dog, notably for wild boar, in the mountainous areas of Kochi Prefecture. Three regional lines historically existed, Awa, Hongawa and Hata, and the current type mainly preserves the heritage of the Hongawa. An emblematic breed in Japan, the Shikoku was classified as national heritage in 1937 and then definitively recognized by the FCI in 1982.
Appearance
## What does it look like?
The Shikoku is a medium-sized dog, harmonious and well-proportioned, with a compact bone structure without heaviness and well-developed musculature. Its triangular head matches small, erect and pointed ears, dark brown almost triangular eyes and a black nose. The outer coat is harsh and straight, supported by a dense undercoat, longer on the tail, which is carried high and well curled. Accepted coat colors include sesame, red, black and light brown.
Temperament
## Temperament and personality
The Shikoku has a balanced, vigilant and independent temperament, typical of Japanese primitive dogs. He is affectionate without being clingy, often reserved with strangers and more at ease with a relationship of trust built over time. In action, he shows a lot of determination, endurance and liveliness.
Playful
Living together
## Living with children and other pets
Very active, the Shikoku needs daily exercise and varied activities to remain stable. If it lacks physical and mental outlets, it can get bored and develop troublesome behaviors. Its hunting instinct remains present, which requires particular vigilance outdoors and during encounters with small animals.
Training
## Training and socialization
The education of the Shikoku must begin early, with broad and progressive socialization. This breed responds better to consistent, firm and calm handling than to coercion, which quickly damages the relationship. Recall, self-control and life habits must be worked on from the youngest age, because its natural independence can complicate obedience if the framework lacks consistency.
Budget
## Price and budget for the Shikoku
The Shikoku remains a rare breed, which strongly influences its purchase price and the availability of puppies. The price mainly depends on the quality of the breeding, the seriousness of the selection, the pedigree and the health tests carried out on the breeding dogs.
[See cost breakdown](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/shikoku/price)
Health
## Health at a glance
The Shikoku is overall a robust dog, well protected by its double coat and able to tolerate cold and humidity well. Its general health is good, but like many medium-sized active breeds, it deserves careful monitoring of the musculoskeletal system and rigorous management of its weight and activity.
[Prevention and things to watch for](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/shikoku/health)
Nutrition
## Feeding your pet well
The Shikoku needs a complete, balanced, good-quality diet, adapted to its age, its physical activity and its medium size. A very active dog will not have the same needs as a calmer or neutered individual, hence the benefit of adjusting the ration on a case-by-case basis.
[Our feeding advice](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/shikoku/food)
Did you know?
## Fun facts and popularity
The Shikoku is also known under the names Shikoku Ken and Kochi Ken. Its cultural importance in Japan is notable since it is part of the breeds considered as national heritage. Historically appreciated for hunting in mountainous terrain, it remains today one of the most authentic representatives of Japanese dogs of primitive type.
FAQ
## Frequently asked questions about the Shikoku
Answers to common questions from future owners before their new companion arrives.
### Is the Shikoku suitable as a first dog?
Not really. Its primitive temperament, independence, and need for consistent training make it better suited to owners who are already comfortable with dog training.
### Can the Shikoku live in an apartment?
It is not its ideal setting. It will cope poorly with an overly sedentary life and thrives better with secure access to the outdoors and real daily exercise.
### Does the Shikoku get along with other animals?
It depends a lot on socialization and on the individual dogs. Its hunting instinct and natural reserve require careful introductions and particular vigilance with small animals.
### Does the Shikoku shed a lot?
Yes, especially during its two annual shedding periods, when hair loss can be significant. Outside these periods, regular grooming is generally sufficient.
## Find a Shikoku breeder
The areas where Pedibase lists the most Shikoku breeders, along with their litters and typical prices.
### Shikoku breeders by country
[6 breeders of Shikoku in Germany](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-shikoku/germany) [5 breeders of Shikoku in Italy](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-shikoku/italy) [2 breeders of Shikoku in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-shikoku) [1 breeder of Shikoku in Austria](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-shikoku/austria) [1 breeder of Shikoku in Finland](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-shikoku/finland)
[All breeders of Shikoku in France](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-shikoku)
## Ready to welcome a Shikoku?
Find a registered, verified breeder near you and meet your future companion with confidence.
[View breeders](https://www.pedibase.com/en/breeders-of-shikoku)
## Discover other breeds
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](https://www.pedibase.com/en/dog-breed/hokkaido)
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