🐶 Dog · size Medium
Shikoku (dog)
dog breed
Photo · Wikipedia FR (CC BY-SA)
Weight
5–30 kg
Size
Medium
Lifespan
11–14 ans
Energy
Très élevé
Coat
sesame (Sesame, red sesame or black sesame), red or black and tan.
Maintenance
Faible
Training
Moyen
The Shikoku (四国犬), also called Kōchi dog, shikoku-inu or Kōchi-ken (高知犬), is a dog breed originating from Japan, of primitive type and spitz. Its name comes from one of the four major islands of Japan, Shikoku. It is very rare outside this country.
Profile
At a glance
Energy
Très élevé
Trainability
Modéré
Maintenance
Faible
Indicative profile — every animal is an individual.
⚡ Key facts in 30 seconds
L'essentiel
- 1Medium size (5–30 kg) — balance between presence and practicality.
- 2Life expectancy: 11 to 14 years on average, depending on hygiene and diet.
- 3Very high energy level — plan for 1.5+ hours of daily exercise minimum.
- 4Minimal maintenance — little shedding, occasional brushing.
Chapter 1
Getting to know the Shikoku (dog)
Origins & history
A story told
The Shikoku is the descendant of medium-sized dogs that once lived in Japan. Originating from the mountainous regions of Kōchi Prefecture, three varieties of this breed were recognized according to their breeding region: Awa, Hongawa and Hata. The Hongawa region was so remote that it retained the highest degree of purity of the breed. In 1937, the Shikoku breed was declared a "Natural Monument".
Character
Daily temperament
The standard describes it as enduring, very alert, and natural. A passionate hunter, it is docile with its master.
Physical
Breed standard
It is a dog of spitz type, of intermediate size between the large Akita and the small Shiba. Well-proportioned with strong bone structure, the limbs are clearly defined and well-developed. The Shikoku has erect ears and the tail is curled over the back or in a sickle. The relatively small eyes are triangular in shape, well-spaced and dark brown in colour. The outer coat is rough and straight, with a soft and dense undercoat. The coat is longer on the tail. The authorized colours are sesame, black sesame and red sesame, black and tan and red.
What if you adopted your future companion?
The Shikoku (dog) of your dreams may already be waiting in a shelter. Hundreds of shikoku (dog) (and equally wonderful crossbreeds) are looking for a family in France — every adoption starts a new story.
Editorial recommendation — no affiliate links.
Âge
What human age for a shikoku (dog) ?
The calculator is already set to the breed's adult size (espérance de vie 11–14 ans). Drag the slider to see the equivalence and corresponding life stage.
10 à 22 kg — a giant dog ages significantly faster than a small dog after maturity.
Equivalent human age
29years
Adulte
Most stable period. Monthly weigh-in, annual vet visit, dental care — this determines quality of life in later years.
Method: AVMA table: 15 human years in year one, +9 in year two, then +5 per year for a moyen dog.
These equivalences are statistical benchmarks drawn from published veterinary tables. Every animal ages at its own pace, depending on genetics, diet and care. This calculator is neither a diagnosis nor veterinary advice.
Alert
To avoid for dog
Our database lists toxic ingredients and problematic additives by species.
- low-fat cocoa powderModerate
- maltitolModerate
- cocoa pasteModerate
- onion piecesModerate
Calculator · daily ration
How much to give a shikoku (dog) ?
Estimate based on the veterinary formula RER × DER, adjusted for dog. Adjust according to package recommendations.
Result
221 g
per day · 839 kcal
111 g / repas (2 par jour)
Calculation for food of 380 kcal/100g.
FAQ
Frequently asked questions about Shikoku (dog)
Is the Shikoku (dog) suitable for apartment living?+
How much exercise per day for a Shikoku (dog)?+
What is the life expectancy of a Shikoku (dog)?+
Is the Shikoku (dog) good with children?+
If you like this dog
Breeds with similar profiles
For more information
Sources & official links
Supplementary documentation on reference sites — breed clubs, encyclopedias, veterinarians.
The right score for your Shikoku (dog).
SokoScan calculates a personalized PawScore based on breed, age, weight and your pet's sensitivities. Free, instant.