Login / Sign up
A Shikoku
Photo: Canarian, CC BY-SA 4.0 · source
Medium Foundation Stock Service

Shikoku

Also called Japanese Wolfdog, Kochi-Ken and Shikoku-Ken

The Shikoku is a medium-sized breed of dog that was originally bred in Japan for hunting small game. They are intelligent, alert, and energetic, and make excellent companion dogs.

Weight
33–55 lb (15–25 kg)
Height at the shoulder
17–22 in (43–55 cm)
Life span
10–12 years
Exercise
About 60 minutes a day
Coat
Short, Double
Origin
Kochi Prefecture, Shikoku Island, Japan

Traits

Family and friends

  • OK with children
  • Wary of other dogs
  • Reserved with strangers

Home and activity

  • Energetic
  • Can manage in an apartment
  • Barks a little
  • Fairly easy to train

Care

  • Little grooming
  • Sheds moderately
  • Hardly drools

Temperament

Alert Bold Docile with handler Independent Loyal to owner Reserved with strangers

Coat colours

Black sesame, red sesame and sesame

Males and females

MalesFemales
Weight 40–55 lb (18–25 kg) 33–44 lb (15–20 kg)
Height 20–22 in (50–55 cm) 17–19 in (43–48 cm)

Recognized by

Canadian Kennel Club (CKC), Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) and United Kennel Club (UKC)


Caring for a Shikoku

Find pet services near you that suit this breed.

Veterinarians

Check-ups and vaccinations through its 10–12 years.

Find veterinarians

Dog walkers

Needs about 60 minutes of exercise a day.

Find dog walkers

Dog trainers

Can be stubborn: a trainer helps from the start.

Find dog trainers

Pet sitters

Someone to look after it while you’re away.

Find pet sitters

Breeds of a similar size

All medium breeds
An American Leopard Hound
Medium

American Leopard Hound

Foundation Stock Service

  • 35–75 lb (16–34 kg)
  • 12–15 years
An Australian Kelpie
Medium

Australian Kelpie

Foundation Stock Service

  • 24–44 lb (11–20 kg)
  • 12–14 years

Sources

Breed details from The Dog API.