Shikoku: Size, Weight & Temperament

The Shikoku was bred in Japan's mountains for wild boar hunting and is accordingly independent, alert, and bold. It forms a very close, loyal bond with its handler but remains reserved and wary of strangers.

This breed needs plenty of daily exercise and the chance to channel its pronounced hunting drive and keen nose in a controlled way, for example through tracking games. Off-leash time should only take place in securely fenced areas because of its hunting tendency and flight risk.

The dense spitz double coat blows heavily twice a year and needs daily brushing during those periods; weekly grooming is otherwise sufficient.

The Shikoku is considered a robust, healthy breed with few known hereditary disorders; hip dysplasia occurs occasionally.