Shikoku

Also called Shikoku Ken, Shikoku Inu, Kochi Ken, Kōchi Inu

Recognised breedFCI group 5Short profile

From Japan, mountains of Kochi Prefecture on Shikoku island1 2

At a glance the quick version

Height, male49 to 55 cm1 3

Height, female46 to 52 cm1 3

Sizemedium

great endurance

alert and energetic

devoted to its owner

1 3

Coat and looks how to spot one

double coat

A well-balanced, muscular spitz slightly longer than tall, with small pricked triangular ears and a thick tail curled or sickle-shaped over the back. The outer coat is harsh and straight over a soft, dense undercoat.1 2

Colourssesamered sesameblack sesameredblack and tan1 3

Personality what they are like

An energetic, alert hunter with plenty of stamina and sharp senses. With its own people it is gentle and loyal, and it makes a keen watchdog.1 2

Daily activity how busy a day looks

High. Bred to hunt in steep mountains, it enjoys long walks, hiking and climbing.2 1

Grooming and care the hands-on bits

Moderate. Regular brushing keeps the double coat in order, with more brushing when the undercoat sheds.1

Home where they are happiest

Suits an active home with a secure garden and lots of outdoor time.2

Company who they like around

Bonds closely with its owner and likes being included in family activities.1 2

The story where it all began

The Shikoku comes from medium-sized native dogs used for boar hunting in the mountains of Kochi, and it was declared a Natural Monument of Japan in 1937. Of its three historic strains, Awa, Hongawa and Hata, the modern breed comes mainly from Hongawa and Hata lines.1 2

Fun facts for the dinner table

1
It was named a Natural Monument of Japan in 1937.1
2
The Hongawa strain stayed the purest because it was bred in a remote, isolated area.1
3
It is one of six native Japanese breeds and sits in size between the Shiba and the Akita.2
4
Its hallmark sesame coat mixes black, red and white hairs.1

Recognised by the official bits

FCI: Standard No. 319, Group 5, Section 5 (Asian Spitz and related breeds); definitive acceptance 1 Feb 1982; current standard 30 Oct 20164
UKC: Recognised 2006, Northern Breed Group3
AKC: Foundation Stock Service breed2
Japan: Designated a Natural Monument in 19371

The care rhythm Furry Diary remembers it for you

A typical home-care rhythm for a Shikoku. It is our own starting plan, not a vet's advice, and you can change every line in the app.

BrushingDaily during heavy sheddingevery 3 days
Double coats insulate against cold and heat, so shaving is not recommended
Bathevery 10 weeks
Nail trimSooner if you hear clicking on the floorevery month
Ear checkevery 2 weeks
Teeth brushingDaily brushing is idealevery 2 days
ExerciseDaily walks and playevery day
Flea, tick and worm protectionSchedule as your vet recommendsas your vet recommends
Vet check-upSenior years usually start around age 8every year

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Where this comes from

Every breed page shows where each fact comes from. If we got something wrong, sorry, we are pet people, not a science magazine. Tell us at [email protected] and we will fix it.

FCI Standard 319 (English) fci.beused for history, temperament, size, coat, colours, facts
Shikoku (dog) - Wikipedia en.wikipedia.orgused for names, recognition, history, facts
UKC - Shikoku ukcdogs.comused for recognition, size, colours, temperament
FCI - Shikoku (319) fci.beused for recognition
AKC - Shikoku akc.orgused for reference

Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.