Shikoku
shee-KOH-koo
Japan· Kochi Prefecture, Shikoku island, Japan
The Shikoku is a medium-sized Japanese spitz breed developed by mountain hunters on Shikoku island to pursue wild boar and deer.
At a glance
Quick facts
Size
Medium
Exercise needs
1-2 hours per day
Home size suited to
Medium home suitable
Grooming frequency
Weekly brush, more when shedding
Coat length
Medium, double coat
Sheds
Yes, seasonally
Lifespan
11-14 years
Town or country
Prefers active, rural lifestyles
Garden size needed
Medium, securely fenced
Where it comes from
Origins of the Shikoku
The mountainous interior of Shikoku island demanded a bold, agile hunting dog capable of pursuing boar across steep, forested ground. Bred largely by hunters in remote mountain villages, the Shikoku retained a strong wolf-like appearance and hunting drive with relatively little outside influence.
- Region
- Kochi Prefecture, Shikoku island, Japan
- Climate it was bred for
- Mountainous, forested with cold winters
- Original job
- Hunting wild boar and deer in mountainous terrain
The long read
About the breed
Its hunting background produced an athletic, keen-nosed dog with great stamina and a strong prey drive, well suited to steep, difficult terrain.
In the home it is loyal and affectionate with its family but naturally wary of strangers, requiring early socialisation and an owner willing to provide consistent leadership and plenty of exercise.
Today the Shikoku is still relatively rare outside Japan, kept mainly by enthusiasts of native Japanese breeds who value its wolf-like looks and devoted temperament.
Living with one
Temperament & needs
Our own ratings, based on the breed standard and how these dogs behave in ordinary homes.
Friendliness
3/5
How openly the Shikoku greets people it does not know.
Trainability
3/5
How readily the breed takes to training in an ordinary home.
Energy
3/5
How much daily exercise and stimulation the breed expects.
Barking
3/5
How vocal the breed tends to be day to day.
Grooming
3/5
How much coat work the breed needs to stay comfortable.
Suits a first-time owner
3/5
How forgiving the Shikoku is for someone taking on their first dog.
Illustrated breed standard
The points of the breed
Hover or tap a numbered point to read what the standard asks for.
Point 1
Skull
The Shikoku's skull is judged on balance rather than size — proportionate to the body, with a clean cheek and a stop typical of the breed. Coarseness or an over-refined head are both faulted.
Timeline
History & development
1800s
Mountain hunting dog
Bred by hunters in the mountains of Kochi Prefecture to track and corner wild boar.
1937
Natural monument
The Shikoku was designated a Natural Monument of Japan.
1938
Breed standardised
Three regional strains were consolidated under a single Shikoku standard.
1982
FCI recognition
The breed gained formal recognition from the FCI.
2000s
Overseas interest grows
Small numbers of Shikoku began appearing in Europe and North America.
Reference
Breed standard summary
- body
- Well-muscled and slightly longer than tall, with a deep chest and firm back.
- coat
- Harsh, straight double coat, dense and weather-resistant.
- ears
- Small, triangular, erect and tilted forward.
- eyes
- Small, triangular and deep brown.
- head
- Wedge-shaped with a moderate stop and strong muzzle.
- size
- Dogs 49-55cm, bitches 46-52cm
- colour
- Sesame, black sesame and red.
- temperament
- Bold, alert and devoted, with strong hunting instincts and reserve towards strangers.
- general appearance
- Medium-sized, well-muscled spitz with a wolf-like, alert appearance and balanced proportions.
Health
What to screen for
Green means little to worry about, amber means ask the breeder for test results, red means manage it actively.
General information only — always speak to your vet about your own dog.
From real owners
Dogs like this
Shikokus added by PawPoint members through their pet passports. Share yours to appear here.
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Made for the Shikoku
The book, plus prints, hoodies and mugs using our own Shikoku illustration — and one everyday accessory that suits any dog.
The book
Pawpoint: The Complete Dog Breed Book
Every officially recognised breed plus the unofficial ones nobody else documents. 400+ pages, hardback, printed and shipped from the UK.
Own stock — shipped by us
Framed poster
Shikoku Framed Poster
Museum-weight print of our Shikoku illustration, framed or unframed.
Printed to order
Hoodie
Shikoku Hoodie
Heavyweight hoodie carrying the Shikoku illustration on the chest.
Printed to order
Mug
Shikoku Mug
Ceramic mug with the Shikoku illustration wrapped around it.
Printed to order
Accessory
Standard Lead
Padded-handle 1.2m lead in Pawpoint tan.
Fits any dog
Pawpoint on YouTube
Watch the full Shikoku video
Breed deep-dives, history and honest ownership talk. New film every week.
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