Longevity
Life expectancy
With good living conditions, a suitable diet and regular veterinary follow-up, the Shikoku generally lives between 10 and 12 years. Its longevity depends greatly on maintaining good physical condition, regular activity and orthopedic prevention.
Constitution
Is this a robust breed?
The Shikoku is considered rather sturdy and resilient. Its athletic build and double coat help it cope with cool or damp weather conditions, but this hardiness does not exempt it from serious breeding or careful health monitoring.
Things to watch for
What to look out for
Points to watch mainly concern joint disorders and, more occasionally, certain neurological or dermatological issues. Serious selection of breeding dogs, observation of gait, and early monitoring for unusual symptoms are important.
Hip dysplasia: Joint condition that can cause pain, lameness and premature wear if it is not detected and monitored properly.
Elbow dysplasia: Developmental disorder of the elbow likely to cause locomotor discomfort and early osteoarthritis.
Patellar luxation: Intermittent or permanent displacement of the kneecap, sometimes visible through an irregular gait or hopping.
Epilepsy: Seizures may occur in some individuals and require a thorough veterinary assessment.
Allergies: Certain skin or digestive sensitivities may manifest as itching, redness or chronic disorders.
Climate
Tolerance to cold and heat
The Shikoku tolerates cold and humidity well thanks to its dense undercoat. It generally copes better with cool climates than with high heat, which requires limiting exertion to mild hours, ensuring shade and leaving fresh water available.
Weight
Prone to weight gain
Even if it is active, the Shikoku can gain weight if its rations are poorly adjusted or if its exercise level decreases. It is useful to regularly monitor its body shape, weigh portions and avoid excessive treats.
Everyday care
Good habits to keep your pet healthy
- Monitor any limping or stiffness after exertion.
- Maintain a stable weight to limit stress on the joints.
- Brush intensively during shedding periods.
- Consult promptly in case of a seizure or persistent itching.
Vaccination
Shikoku vaccinations: schedule
Which vaccines does a Shikoku need? Like all dogs, Shikokus should receive their core vaccines from 8 weeks of age: CHPPi (core vaccine) and Leptospirosis. Puppies receive their initial Shikoku vaccinations in several shots spaced 4 weeks apart, followed by a first booster at 1 year. Depending on their lifestyle (hunting, hiking, boarding, travel, region), your veterinarian may add vaccines against Rabies, Kennel cough, Piroplasmosis, Lyme disease and Leishmaniasis.
| Vaccine | Primary vaccination | First booster | Then | For whom? |
|---|---|---|---|---|
CHPPi (core vaccine)Core Distemper, Rubarth hepatitis, parvovirosis and parainfluenza | 8 weeks · 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | All animals |
LeptospirosisCore Leptospirosis (bacterium transmitted by rodent urine and stagnant water) | 8 weeks · 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | All animals |
RabiesDepending on lifestyle Rabies | 12 weeks | 1 year | every year | Mandatory for travel abroad, categorized dogs, most boarding kennels and shows |
Kennel coughDepending on lifestyle Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza | 8 weeks | 1 year | every year | Dogs attending boarding kennels, daycares, dog clubs and shows |
PiroplasmosisDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne babesiosis | 5 months · 6 months | 1 year | every year | Hunting dogs, dogs living in rural or wooded areas, dogs highly exposed to ticks |
Lyme diseaseDepending on lifestyle Tick-borne borreliosis | 12 weeks · 3 months | 1 year | every year | Hiking dogs, hunting dogs, forest areas of the East and the Center |
LeishmaniasisDepending on lifestyle Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies | 6 months | 1 year and 6 months | every year | Dogs living or staying in the South of France, Corsica and the Mediterranean basin |
Adult Shikoku booster shots are given annually for leptospirosis and rabies. For distemper, hepatitis, and parvovirus, a booster every three years is often enough after the first booster. Your veterinarian will tailor the schedule to your dog's actual risk.
Which boosters does your Shikoku need?
Enter your companion's age to see which vaccines are due now and when the next boosters are needed.
Choosing well
Adopting a healthy Shikoku
Orthopedic monitoring focused on the hips, elbows and patellas is relevant, particularly when choosing a breeder and in cases of lameness. Depending on the lines and history, vigilance regarding seizure disorders and allergic manifestations may also be useful.
This information is for guidance only and doesn't replace advice from a veterinarian. If you have any concerns about your pet's health, consult a professional.
