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Shikoku
Health grade C- Shoulder height46–55 cm
- Weight16–27 kg
- Life expectancy12–15 yrs
- Puppy price1,500–2,500 €
- Energy4/5
The essentials at a glance
The Shikoku is an agile, sharp-witted, and incredibly tough primitive hunting Spitz—bred to tenaciously track and corner wild boar in the rugged mountains of Japan. This uncompromising independence makes him a loyal, yet never submissive, companion.
- Health grade C: In the Shikoku, there are several breed-typical problems, in particular severe eye diseases such as primary lens luxation (PLL), primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), and progressive retinal atrophy, but also hip dysplasia (HD).
- You already have experience with primitive breeds and appreciate confident leadership without expecting blind, unquestioning obedience.
- You love daily, extended treks in nature and can provide this tireless hunter with genuine physical and mental stimulation.
- You expect him to blindly follow every command on a walk—he was selected to make independent decisions in the forest rather than wait for you.
Self-check
Would the Shikoku really fit your life?
Answer 6 quick questions about your everyday life and see how well the Shikoku fits you — including an honest cost estimate per month, per year, and across the dog's lifetime.
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Is the Shikoku right for you?
At a glance
Shikoku overview
The essentials — key facts, traits, and health priorities — before you dive deeper.
Lifespan
12–15 yrs
Shoulder height
46–55 cm
Weight
16–27 kg
Practical
- Puppy price: 1,500 – 2,500 €
- Coat: Harsh outer coat with dense, soft undercoat
- Origin: Japan
Temperament
Energy
Trainability
Family fit
With kids
Daily life
Care effort
Shedding
Barking
City-friendly
Guard instinct
What matters most
Especially with a Shikoku, choosing the right breeder is the single most important decision you'll make. Serious breeders consistently test the parents for inherited conditions, prioritize healthy early socialization, and stay accountable long after handover. A cheap puppy without health screening tends to become the most expensive dog later on.
See HonestDog breeder standards →Colors & coat
What colors does the Shikoku come in?
The coat colors that occur in the Shikoku — including which ones fall outside the breed standard and which carry genetic risk.
Eye colors
Brown
Coat type
Double coat
Medium
Perfect for you if:
- You are looking for a dog that forms an extremely close bond with its primary person but maintains the typical Asian, dignified distance toward strangers.
- You live in a rural area or have a secure, escape-proof garden, as his extreme hunting instinct often makes off-leash exercise completely impossible.
Less ideal if:
- You are planning relaxed visits to the dog park—many Shikokus are extremely intolerant of same-sex dogs, react at lightning speed, and can be harsh in their discipline.
- You live in the middle of the city and are looking for an easy-going companion for crowded cafes who happily lets every stranger pet them.
The real vibes check
A Shikoku is like a piece of wild mountain landscape in your everyday life—calm and almost cat-like relaxed indoors, but a lightning-fast hunter outdoors who notices every one of your inconsistencies. You aren't getting a soft follower of commands, but an extremely independent-thinking partner. If you respect and can channel this primitive independence, you will gain an incorruptibly loyal companion.
Breed Profile
The Shikoku is a medium-sized dog with a robust and muscular build. His appearance is balanced and well proportioned. He is classified as a member of FCI Group 5 (Spitz and dogs of the original type) due to his hunting origins and characteristics. There are no specific differences between performance and show lines as the Shikoku is bred primarily for its working ability.
All measurements in detail
- Height
- 46 - 52 cm (Female), 49 - 55 cm (Male)
- Weight
- 16 - 23 kg (Female), 20 - 27 kg (Male)
- Life Expectancy
- 12 - 15 yrs
- Character
- Brave, independent, loyal
- Coat
- Harsh outer coat with dense, soft undercoat
- Coat Color
- Black, Sesame (red with black tips), Red Sesame, Brindle
- Price
- 1500 - 2500 €
Character & Temperament
The Shikoku is a loyal companion that is close to its owner. He is brave, independent and often shows a certain reserve towards strangers. Although he loves his owner more than anything, he still maintains his own will and shows a certain independence. The Shikoku is known for its endurance and can stay active for hours. When it comes to staying alone, the Shikoku is rather demanding. He is a very people-oriented dog and feels most comfortable near his owner. It takes patience and consistent training to help him learn to stay alone without being fearful or destructive. The Shikoku has a strong hunting disposition and strong prey-catching behavior. When not in a controlled environment, he should always be kept on a leash. A securely fenced area is ideal for giving him the opportunity to run freely. The breed is alert and often exhibits territorial behavior, protecting their home and family.
| Watchfulness A natural watchdog with real protective instinct. | High |
| Openness to Strangers Neither pushily friendly nor suspicious. | Neutral |
| Hunting or Herding Drive Powerful instinct that can override recall when triggered. | Strong |
Fun Fact!
The Shikoku is also called "Kochi-Ken", named after Kochi Prefecture in Japan, where the breed originated.
What Awaits You
The original Shikoku or Kochi-ken was located in the mountain ranges of Kochi Prefecture on the island of Shikoku. They were highly valued by the Matagi (Japanese hunters) as trackers of game, especially wild boar. The Shikoku is a dog of great endurance, astute with a naive sense, energetic and very alert. He is an enthusiastic hunter and good-natured towards his master.
Housing & Care
The Shikoku can be kept both in the city and in the country, but there should be enough space and opportunities for movement. A well-fenced garden or regular walks Walks in nature are important in order to meet your need for movement. In the city, you should make sure that your dog gets enough exercise and mental stimulation. The Shikoku can get along well with children, especially if he is used to them from an early age. Early socialization is important to ensure that the dog is comfortable around children and friendly towards them. However, it is always advisable to supervise interactions between children and dogs and teach them how to treat animals respectfully. The Shikoku's compatibility with other pets such as cats can vary. Careful introduction and socialization are important to minimize potential conflicts. It should also be noted that the Shikoku has a strong hunting instinct, which can lead it to prey on small animals such as rodents or birds. A safe environment and training are therefore required.
- Family Friendly
Gets on well with different people and varying routines.
Family-friendly - Child Friendly
Gets on well with children — with adult supervision.
With supervision - Dog Friendly
Usually gets on fine with other dogs.
Generally tolerant - City Friendly
Can manage in the city, but only with very active owners.
Difficult in cities
Owning a dog is a privilege, but it's also a real responsibility. Before you bring one into your life, be honest with yourself about the commitment it takes.
Training & Education
The Shikoku is an intelligent breed that enjoys learning and completing tasks. Consistent and positive training is important to make the Shikoku a well-behaved dog. It is advisable to start puppy school early and socialize him well. The Shikoku responds well to reward-based training and positive reinforcement. You can find details and training instructions from your dog trainer or from dog books that focus on positive training methods. Because of its hunting instinct, it is important to keep the Shikoku controlled and set clear boundaries. A securely fenced area is important to ensure that the dog does not hunt uncontrollably. Training should aim to improve his obedience and provide him with alternatives to hunting, such as dog sports or targeted obedience and concentration training. The Shikoku requires a fair amount of mental and physical activity. In addition to sufficient exercise, you should also offer him intellectual challenges, such as search games or nose work. An underemployed Shikoku may develop undesirable behavior. However, it is important to ensure that the dog does not become overstimulated and has enough rest periods to recover.
Nutrition & Care
The Shikoku needs a balanced diet tailored to his activity level and size. High-quality dog food that contains all the necessary nutrients is recommended. The amount of food should be adjusted according to the dog's age, weight and activity level. The Shikoku has a thick, hard top coat that is medium long. He does not have an undercoat, which means he is less prone to shedding. However, the coat should be brushed regularly to remove dead hair and maintain coat health. The breed does not require extensive care, but ears, teeth and claws should be checked and cared for regularly. The Shikoku is adapted to the harsh climate of Japan and therefore copes well with the climate in Germany. It is usually heat and cold resistant and thrives in various weather conditions.
| Care Level Minimal effort — occasional brushing and bathing. | Low-maintenance |
| Exercise Needs Needs several hours of serious exercise every day. | Very active |
| Shedding Hair everywhere, always — no white clothing survives. | Very heavy |
| Trainability Has its own ideas and will test limits. | Strong-willed |
Our experts are still reviewing this information. Spotted something wrong? Email us at info@honestdog.de.
Health & hereditary diseases
Health
C
Solid, watch carefully
Health grade
In the Shikoku, there are several breed-typical problems, in particular severe eye diseases such as primary lens luxation (PLL), primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), and progressive retinal atrophy, but also hip dysplasia (HD). A responsible breeder therefore has their breeding dogs comprehensively examined ophthalmologically and orthopedically to reduce the risk of hereditary diseases. Before buying, ask to see a hip evaluation with a result of HD A–B, clear results for primary lens luxation (PLL) and primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), as well as proof that in the case of progressive retinal atrophy, carriers are only mated with clear partners.
Grade is relative to other breeds — AI-assisted and editorially reviewed.
Methodology and data: HonestDog Dog Breed Health Report 2026
What matters most for this breed
Tap any item to see details.
In daily life this can mean
With joint-friendly rearing, a healthy weight, and regular eye check-ups, most dogs remain fit and active for a long time.
The breeder's role
Responsible breeders have breeding animals screened for hip dysplasia (HD), primary lens luxation (PLL), primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG), and progressive retinal atrophy.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Health risks for this breed
What matters most for this breed — what's common, how much it affects the dog's life, and how to protect yourself as a buyer.
18
Risks tracked
14
Recommended standard
10
High severity
Eyes
Most affected area
Where this breed is vulnerable
Tap a body region to see the inherited conditions linked to it.
The three most important risks
Pick a region on the map to explore other areas.
severemoderatemild
How thoroughly does the breeder test?
Tier 1 is the recommended health standard for this breed. Tiers 2 and 3 show how responsible breeders go beyond.
Recommended standard. These tests make up the recommended health standard for this breed — the baseline of any careful breeding program. Ask any reputable breeder for the results.
No entries in this tier.
Note: This health overview is AI-assisted and editorially reviewed. It is for orientation only and does not replace veterinary advice.
Costs & where to find one
How much does a Shikoku cost?
A Shikoku costs around ~€180 per month (€90 – €330, depending on your setup). The first year adds up to roughly ~€4,950 including purchase, equipment and puppy school; across the dog's life (13.5 years) it comes to about ~€31,380.
With surgery cover, running costs come to about ~€170 per month — in return, your share of a major operation drops from several thousand euros to around 20 percent.
Per month
~€180
In the first year
~€4,950
Across the dog's life
~€31,380
Estimated purchase price from a breeder: €1,500 – €2,500
Estimate at a mid-range setup (suburban, dry food, 1–2 hours of daily exercise), average German prices, as of July 2026.
Calculate your personal costs1-minute self-check with your own answers
Looking for a Shikoku?
Appearance, variants & origin
Illustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative image
Illustrative imageHistory
The full history
The Shikoku comes from Japan and is one of the old Japanese hunting dog breeds. It was originally used to hunt game such as wild boars, deer and bears. The breed was named after the island of Shikoku, where it has been bred for centuries. The Shikoku was not recognized as an independent breed until 1937.
Original Use
The Shikoku was bred for hunting wild boar and other large game in the mountainous regions of Japan, known for its endurance and courage.
Origin
Japan
Date
Antike
Owner experiences
In family life, owners describe the Shikoku as a dog of surprising contrasts.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
In family life, owners describe the Shikoku as a dog of surprising contrasts. Within its own household and among its regular people, it is considered very affectionate, cuddly and devoted. Many stress that it forms a very close bond with its people and, given enough exercise, is calm and unobtrusive at home. At the same time, it is often reserved to wary with strangers, as is typical of spitz breeds, and has a watchful, territorial instinct.
Owners say being left alone is a topic that takes a lot of patience. Because it is so focused on its people, the Shikoku tends toward separation stress if time alone isn't practiced gently, in small steps, from puppyhood. If it is under-exercised or left alone longer than it can handle, it can become destructive. Owners also report that it needs plenty of rest after activity, and that fixed routines and a clear daily schedule help the dog keep its inner balance.
Owners keep stressing that the Shikoku is very intelligent but has no classic "will to please." It questions commands, and blind obedienc…Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
Owners keep stressing that the Shikoku is very intelligent but has no classic "will to please." It questions commands, and blind obedience isn't in its nature. Anyone who tries to train this primitive-type dog with harshness, dominance or pressure will run into strong resistance, a loss of trust or complete withdrawal.
Owners have success, on the other hand, with clear, calm consistency, fairness and positive reinforcement. One of the biggest everyday training challenges is the hunting drive. Because the Shikoku was bred as a passionate hunter of predators and big game, it reacts very quickly to movement and game trails. Several owners report that off-leash time in areas with lots of game or poor visibility is hardly ever reliable, and that a long line or a securely fenced area is a fixed part of their daily life. Owners also stress early, careful socialization with other dogs, since the Shikoku can tend toward dominant behavior and problems getting along with other dogs.
Sources:petsdeli.demit-tier.demaulkorbfrei.wordpress.comhundeseite.deedogs.de
When it comes to health and physical makeup, owners paint a picture of a natural, robust, hardy dog.Summarized from publicly shared owner experiences
When it comes to health and physical makeup, owners paint a picture of a natural, robust, hardy dog. Illness is rare in healthy bloodlines, and the weatherproof, dense coat is easy to care for and sheds dirt in everyday life, apart from the seasonal shed.
The biggest practical challenge is its big need for exercise and activity. Owners agree that it has a lot of stamina. A simple walk around the block isn't enough to satisfy a Shikoku. It needs long daily outings in any weather plus focused mental work like tracking, scent work or search games to channel its hunting energy in a controlled way. Without that outlet, the Shikoku quickly becomes nervous, driven by vigilance, or finds its own outlets, which owners often don't enjoy.
Paraphrased from real owner reports · translated from German
Community posts
FAQ & more
Is a Shikoku the right dog for me?
The Shikoku is an active dog that needs plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Research the temperament, grooming needs, and space requirements before deciding.
How long does a Shikoku live?
The average life expectancy of a Shikoku is 12-15 years. With proper care and regular vet visits, your dog can live a long, healthy life.
How much grooming does a Shikoku need?
Shikoku grooming requirements include regular brushing, nail trimming, and dental care. HonestDog provides detailed grooming tips for every breed.
Is a Shikoku good for families with children?
The Shikoku can be a great family dog. Proper training and socialization are key. HonestDog provides family suitability information for every breed.
What colors does the Shikoku come in?
The Shikoku comes in these colors: Red, Black and tan, Brindle, Cream, White. Colors that fall outside the breed standard are marked as such on the breed page.
Guides & Articles about Shikoku
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