SHIKOKU
FCI-Standard No. 319, Group 5
ORIGIN: Japan.
BRIEF HISTORICAL SUMMARY: This breed goes back to medium-sized dogs that existed in Japan in ancient times. The Shikoku was bred as a hunting dog, mainly for hunting boar in the mountainous districts of Kochi Prefecture. It is sometimes called « Kochi-ken » (ken = dog). There were three varieties of this breed- Awa, Hongawa and Hata-all named after the area where they were bred. Among them, the Hongawa maintained the highest degree of purity, because the breeding area was not easily accessible.
These dogs are tough and sufficiently agile to run through a montainous region. They are characterized by their sesame coloured coats. The breed took on the name of the region and was designated as a « natural monument » in 1937.
GENERAL APPEARANCE: A medium-sized dog with well balanced and well developed clean cut muscles. It has pricked ears and a curled or sickle tail. Conformation : strong, well-boned and compact.
BEHAVIOUR / TEMPERAMENT: A dog of marked endurance, keen in sense with a naive feeling, energetic and highly alert; an enthusiastic hunter; docile towards his master.
SOURCE: Fédération Cynologique Internationale
OUR EXPERIENCE has been that much of the available on-line literature describing the Shikoku breed and its temperament is accurate. As for our personal journey with Rumi and Sugu, it has been nothing but positive. A few reflections on that are as follows:
(1) intensely loyal and curious,
(2) require long and active walks no fewer than two times per day,
(3) best snuggle buddies and kisses in the morning over coffee,
(4) exceptionally smart and eager to learn and please their family members,
(5) possessed of agility and raw athleticism that would make Micheal Jordan blush,
(6) harbor a fierce prey tendency and will actively pursue various game (if left to their own devices),
(7) calm and docile inside the home, and
(8) will make your life richer than you could have imagined provided you have adequate time to exercise and explore with them.