History
The FCI classes the Shikoku as a Japanese spitz and primitive type, in Group 5, Section 5, Asian spitz and related breeds, and lists it as a hunting dog and companion. According to the standard, it descends from medium-sized dogs that lived in Japan in ancient times. It was developed for hunting wild boar in the mountains of Kochi Prefecture on the island of Shikoku, which is why it is also known as the Kochi-ken.
The standard records three local varieties, named after their breeding areas: Awa, Hongawa and Hata. The Hongawa kept the highest purity because its valley was so isolated. The breed was designated a natural monument in Japan in 1937, which gave it formal protection in its homeland.
Temperament
The FCI describes a dog of marked endurance, keen in sense with a naive feeling, energetic and highly alert, an enthusiastic hunter and docile towards its master. In daily life that translates into an agile, watchful dog that attaches strongly to its own household, often to one person in particular. It is reserved with strangers, not aggressive when properly socialised, and expects to be included in what the family does.
The Shikoku has a sharp nose, quick reflexes and a hunter's single-mindedness. It can be dominant with unfamiliar dogs, particularly of the same sex, and it is fastidious and independent. It is also an escape artist: a fence that is not high and tight will be investigated.
Children and other pets
With its own family, a well-socialised Shikoku is affectionate and loyal, and it can be good with older, respectful children who understand a dog's boundaries. It is not a tolerant nursery dog: it can be intolerant of being grabbed, and the energy and speed are too much for toddlers. The strong hunting drive means cats, rabbits and other small animals outside the household are likely to be chased, and keeping them with a Shikoku needs very early and ongoing introductions.
Exercise and the daily walk
A healthy adult needs at least an hour and a half of purposeful activity daily, and many want two hours. Brisk walks over varied ground, steady trotting beside a bike or fast hiking suit the breed well.
Because of the prey drive, off-lead exercise is realistic only in secure, fully fenced areas. Mental work is equally important: scent games, tracking, agility and training sessions keep the dog engaged.
Training
The Shikoku is smart, quick and independent. Training works when it is consistent, fair and varied, and when the dog sees a reason to take part. Food and play are effective rewards, but the dog is also sensitive and will resist force or repetitive drills.
Recall is the weak point and should never be relied on near roads, wildlife or other dogs. Practise it on a long line, reward generously and accept that the dog may never be fully off-lead in open country. Socialisation to people, dogs, city noise and handling is essential in the first year. Early training in crate or room calm, and in being alone for short periods, helps prevent the separation problems that attached, active dogs can develop.
Coat and grooming
The coat is double: an outer layer that is rather harsh and straight, and a soft, dense undercoat, with relatively long hair on the tail. Weekly brushing is enough for most of the year, but twice a year the undercoat comes out in clumps and daily brushing is necessary. The FCI permits sesame, which is a mixture of black, red and white hairs, red, and black and tan. Expect hair on furniture and clothing, particularly in spring and autumn.
Feeding and weight
An active medium-sized dog does well on a balanced, good-quality complete diet, in measured portions adjusted to age, season and activity. Avoid large meals just before or after hard exercise. Keep the dog lean, as extra weight takes the edge off its athletic build, and provide fresh water at all times, particularly after walks.
Work out a starting calorie figure and food weight with the calorie calculator. Not sure this is the right breed? Take the quiz.
Health
Every breed carries predispositions. These are the conditions most often discussed for the Shikoku, not a prediction for any individual dog.
- Hip dysplasia, a malformation of the hip joint that can cause lameness
- Allergic skin disease, with itching and recurrent skin or ear problems
- Inherited eye conditions, so regular eye checks are sensible
- Joint and ligament injuries from hard running and jumping
- Limited health data outside Japan, so ask carefully about family history
What to ask the breeder. Ask for hip scores for both parents and any available eye examination results, and ask what the breeder knows about longevity and health in the wider family. Because the breed is rare outside Japan, also ask about pedigree depth and registration with the relevant national and Japanese breed organisations.
Choosing a puppy
A Shikoku puppy is a quick, athletic and observant youngster that learns everything, including how to open gates. Puppy-proof the flat, secure the garden, and prepare for chewing. Begin socialisation straight away with calm exposure to people, other dogs, lifts, trams and traffic. Keep exercise short and varied, and avoid long runs and stairs while the joints develop. Start training in short sessions, introduce a crate and short periods alone early, and handle paws, ears and mouth daily so that vet visits and grooming are easy later.
In Luxembourg the national kennel club is the Fédération Cynologique Luxembourgeoise (FCL), a member of the FCI. Many owners also buy from breeders in Germany, France or Belgium; a puppy coming from another EU country must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies, which in practice means it cannot travel before about fifteen weeks of age. Where to get a dog in Luxembourg.
The older Shikoku
Healthy seniors often remain fit and lively into their teens, but hips, joints and eyes need monitoring. Replace long runs with steady, regular walks, provide a firm orthopaedic bed and keep the dog lean. Watch for stiffness after rest, reluctance to jump or climb, cloudiness in the eyes and changes in appetite or thirst. Dental care becomes more important, and a twice-yearly vet visit is sensible for blood tests and weight checks. Mental games continue to keep the dog sharp.
A realistic day
A realistic weekday for a working household in Luxembourg City, with a midday visit. Adjust it to your dog, not the other way round.
Toilet break and a brisk 30 to 40 minute walk before breakfast, on a harness and a standard lead.
Breakfast and a food puzzle or chew while the household leaves, so that the dog is occupied rather than watching the door.
Midday visit: a proper 30 minute walk with scent games and a short training session, then fresh water.
Main exercise of 60 to 90 minutes in the Grünewald or a long loop through the Pétrusse valley, on a long line.
Final toilet break, a calm settle, and a quick brush of the coat during moult season.
A Shikoku in Luxembourg
The Shikoku is a demanding choice for a city flat. It is clean and fairly quiet indoors if it has been exercised, but the energy, hunting instinct and independence mean a small apartment without daily long outings leads to a frustrated dog. A lift is manageable, though introductions to neighbours and their dogs need care, because the breed can be reactive in tight corridors. Free buses and trams make it easy to reach forests and quieter parks for the exercise it needs.
The Grünewald and Bambësch offer excellent walking, but wildlife is the problem: deer, hares and foxes are all potential targets, so use a lead or a long line and a secure harness. Fencing should be high and solid. The double coat is comfortable in winter but heavy in the 30s of summer, so walk early and late, provide shade and water, and avoid midday exercise. Before the spring and autumn moult, expect hair everywhere and be prepared to brush daily.
Every dog in Luxembourg must be identified, declared to the commune and covered by liability insurance. How registration works.
When you travel
A sitter should expect a keen, strong and quick dog that needs real exercise, not just a garden break. Use a secure harness and a double-clipped lead, check gates and doors constantly, and never let it off-lead outside a fenced area. Keep to the usual routine, and give plenty of mental work. It may be reserved with a stranger at first, so allow it to approach in its own time. Keep it away from unfamiliar dogs, and keep the vet's number to hand.
PAWLY's holiday and overnight care takes place in your home, so your dog keeps its own bed and routine.
Myths and facts
MythA Shikoku is just a bigger Shiba.
FactThey are different breeds. The Shikoku is taller, leaner and has been bred for hunting boar over steep country, so it has far greater stamina and a more intense work drive.
MythDocile towards its master means easy to train.
FactThe dog is devoted but independent and clever. It needs clear boundaries, varied work and an owner who is consistent, not just affectionate.
MythIt will be fine off-lead if it loves you.
FactThe hunting instinct overrides affection at the wrong moment. Even a well-trained Shikoku should be restricted to a lead, long line or secure enclosure around wildlife and roads.
Is it the right dog for you?
Suits
- Active owners who enjoy hiking and running
- People with experience of spitz or primitive breeds
- Households with a securely fenced garden or access to safe open space
- Owners ready for regular brushing during moult
Think twice if
- You have cats, rabbits or other small pets
- You want a dog that is friendly with every stranger and every dog
- You live in a small flat and are out for long working days
- You expect reliable off-lead recall
Questions owners ask
Is the Shikoku the same as the Shiba Inu?
No. Both are Japanese, but the Shikoku is larger, more athletic and was bred to hunt boar in mountainous country. It is also much rarer and more demanding in terms of exercise.
Can a Shikoku live in a flat?
It can if it receives a lot of daily exercise and mental work, but it is not an easy flat dog. The energy, prey drive and independence need an experienced, active owner.
How much does a Shikoku shed?
Moderately through most of the year, and heavily during the spring and autumn moult. Weekly brushing is usually enough most of the time, and daily brushing is needed when the undercoat is coming out.
Is the Shikoku good with other dogs?
It depends on socialisation and the individual. Many are assertive with unfamiliar dogs, especially of the same sex. Controlled introductions and early socialisation are important, and lead walking is safest.
Sources
Photo: Canarian, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons · Photo: Canarian, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons · Photo: Canarian, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons · Photo: Canarian, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
General information for dog owners in Luxembourg, not veterinary or legal advice. Official facts (origin, size, group, history and temperament as described by the breed standard) follow the FCI standard; health and care sections reflect breed-club and veterinary guidance and are typical ranges rather than rules. For your own dog, ask your vet, the breed club or your commune. How this guide is written and checked. Last reviewed 8 October 2026.
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