# Shikoku dog

The Shikoku Ken (四国犬, Shikoku-ken) or Kōchi-ken (高知犬) is a Japanese breed of dog from Shikoku island, Japan. The breed, under the name "Tosa Inu", was designated a Living National Monument of Japan in 1937 by the Nihon jen Hozonkai (Japanese Dog Preservation Society). However, because this could lead to confusion with the Tosa Fighting Dog, and the breed was also found in other prefectures, it was referred to as the Shikoku Ken after 1932.
The Shikoku is one of the medium-sized large game hunting dogs native to Japan, originating from the mountainous island of Shikoku where they were prevalent hunters of deer, boar and other indigenous wildlife. They are typical of other Japanese spitz-type hounds with a dense and harsh coat, erect ears, and a tail that is held over their back. Their development in rough terrain has allowed for Shikokus to be excellent hiking companions and adept climbers.
Being a rare breed, one might only ever see it in its native homeland, Japan. The Shikoku Ken's numbers are in gradual decline, similar to the fellow Nihon Ken Hozonkai breed Kishu Ken. Without dedicated enthusiasts, these breeds may soon disappear completely.
The Shikoku Ken is listed as a Foundation Stock Service breed with the American Kennel Club and is fully recognized by the United Kennel Club.

## Comparison to other Japanese breeds

The Shikoku is one of the six native Japanese breeds, it is intermediate in size between the large Akita Inu and the small sized Shiba Inu; all are within the Spitz family of dogs.
A study of the 1930s carried out by the Japanese cynologist Haruo Isogai classified all native Japanese dog breeds into three categories: large-, medium-, and small-sized. The Shikoku belongs to the Shika-inus, the medium-sized dogs. Other medium-sized dogs are the Kai Ken, the Ainu Ken and the Kishu Ken.

## Characteristics and temperament

Standard sizing should be 20.5 inches (52 cm) for males and 19 inches (49 cm) for females. A tolerance of 1.25 inches (+3 cm) in either direction is permitted. Sexual dimorphism between males and females is evident in both the expression and the body type. The body is strong and muscular and always shown in working condition without excess weight. The ratio is slightly longer than tall at 11:10. The Shikoku has three coat colors: red sesame, sesame, & black sesame. In addition, there is a cream colored coat called pinto that is rarely seen as it is not an accepted color in the breed. In all of these colors there are pale markings on the ventral portion of the dog known as "Urajiro", and should be visible on all coat colors. These markings lie along a similar pattern to tan points on a black dog: in the eyebrow, on the side of the muzzle, on the cheeks, on the underside of the jaw, on the paws and the inside of the legs, and under the tail.
They are a nimble and spirited dog with sharp senses and a keen intuition capable of becoming an ardent hunter, watchdog, or companion. Fiercely loyal and docile to their owner, Shikokus are enthusiastic in demeanor and eager to hunt.
Japanese hunters (the Matagi) trained the Shikoku in two main hunting styles: Hoeru-dome (吠える), barking to detain, and Kami-dome (噛み切る) or biting to detain, with the Hoeru-dome technique being preferred for the safety of the dog.
The breed has no known major health issues aside from a predisposition to epilepsy. Canine focal metatarsal fistulation and neuronal ceroid lipofuscinocis have been seldom reported in Japan, specifically within the Shikoku region.

## Varieties

Out of the reconstruction effort, five distinct lines of the Shikoku were developed: the Eastern Iya and Kochi-Aki strains, as well as the Hata, Hongawa, and Awa western strains. More recently the distinction between these lines has been blurred as remote areas where the dogs originated became easier to access and lines were cross-bred. The Hongawa region maintains the purest bred dogs due to the area being difficult to access. The modern Shikoku is thought to descend mainly from the Hongawa and Hata lines as the Awa line essentially disappeared as a result of the hardships caused by World War II and a lack of quality specimens due to frequent cross breeding with outside dogs.