Shikoku: breed features and cultivation

Shikoku is a breed of dog that is considered the property of Japan and is protected by the state. This animal is common in its homeland, but not too well known beyond its borders.

According to some dog breeders, shikoku are descendants of wild wolves that are now extinct. Other scientists voiced information that this breed was bred for the purpose of hunting a large beast in the regions of Koti. Koti-inu - this is how the dog is called in a different way - the wound was kept by hunters in the western and northern points of Shikoku. Since mountains predominate in the territory, the possibility of mating dogs with other dog breeds was excluded.

Therefore, until today, purebred animals have been preserved in certain areas of Japan.. During the Second World War, shikoku were almost exterminated, but after the end of this terrible period, the number of representatives of this breed began to rapidly recover.

In 1982, the Shikoku breed became officially recognized by the IFF. Currently, this dog is considered a rare representative of the animal world, even in its homeland.

Koshi-inu are dogs that have the appearance of Japanese dogs. They are characterized by a magnificent tail that is thrown on their backs in the form of a ring. The animal’s hair doesn’t fit snugly, for this reason the coat seems plush. Shikoku's ears are erect, triangular in shape, slightly inclined forward. The pet is characterized by small, very expressive eyes and a special smile. The representative of this breed has average body size, reaching a height in height of 42 to 55 cm, weighing 20-25 kilograms. The head of the pet is commensurate with the dimensions of the body. Shikoku muzzle elongated, with a weak foot and a wide forehead. The nose of the animal is characterized by a straight back and a black lobe. Dry lips have a good fit.

Representatives of this breed are characterized by correct occlusion, a wide landing of small eyes with a dark iris. The dog is characterized by compact physique, muscular development and bone strength. The height and length of the koshi-inu body are correlated as 10 to 11. The pet has a strong neck, a straight back, a deep chest, a tucked up stomach and bulging ribs. A thick, sickle-shaped tail lies on its back.

The limbs of the dog are strong with powerful joints. Paws are assembled quite well, they have dense pillows with strong claws of a dark shade. Shikoku moves easily and confidently, preferably in short steps. The double coat of animal hair consists of short, coarse hair, as well as a low tender undercoat. On the tail, the hairline is longer than on other parts of the body.

Shikoku fur can be dyed in sesame, black or red. Sesame type of coloring consists of the main color and light tan added to it in several versions. In this situation, the basis can be both black and red.

Despite the primitiveness of the breed, Koshi Inu has a close relationship with its wild past. This suspicious and brave animal is devoted to its owner and his family. With a strong will and self-confident owner, this dog will be an obedient pet. Shikoku loves affection on the part of man, and also prefers to be in the spotlight. For children, these dogs can be great friends if they are accustomed to it.

The dog treats strangers with tolerance, restraint. The representative of this breed has a strong territorial instinct, so he is always ready to warn the owner of intrusions and threats. Many shikoku are aggressive towards their kin, especially towards strangers. However, with good training, this problem can be avoided.

Often, koshi inu put up with other pets that live with him. This small Japanese dog is characterized by enthusiasm, integrity, poise, firmness of character. A loyal dog that has lost its owner in adulthood will not be able to get along with another person. Shikoku - the owners of passionate and enthusiastic natures, they are persistent and collected hunters.

A vigilant and devoted pet can be an excellent watchman and protector, as well as an indispensable friend, companion. Representatives of this breed of dogs are easy to train, as they are used to looking for authority in a person. A gifted pet understands and perceives everything that the owner tells him. In education and training it is important to establish a respectful and trusting relationship with the pet. A Shikoku teacher will need patience, enthusiasm, and kindness in teaching.

The animal also needs socialization and education of obedience, while the important point is that you should not allow shikoku to leadership in the family. The owner should control so that the dog does not go first at the door, does not sleep on the bed of people. When training a thoroughbred animal, you should not use physical activity, shouting at him and hitting him is simply unacceptable. The best learning option for a dog will be a game in which Koshi Inu will quickly learn new things.

A pet in the form of a cat-inu can be brought to experienced dog breeders, as these are not the simplest animals. The best conditions for them are considered a private house with an adjacent territory. Living in an apartment does not suit Shikoku too much. These dogs require physical activity, long walks and 6 kilometers of jogging daily. A four-legged friend can be a great companion for morning and evening jogging.

Representatives of the Japanese breed are well adapted for maintenance in street conditions. In Japan, the pet lives in a booth equipped for him. The room for the dog should be spacious with an area of ​​about 3 square meters.

Koti-inu shed much, so that the situation does not bring inconvenience, in this period they need to be combed regularly and thoroughly. All the rest of the time they are combed out once every 7 days, since the fur of this breed is able to self-clean. For this procedure, you need a scallop. You need to bathe the dog once every few months.

Daily it is worth examining the eyes and ears of shikoku, if necessary, clean them. The dog's nails grow quickly, so they should be cut. Once every 7 days, it is recommended to brush your pet's teeth.

The geography of the origin and residence of shikoku determined the nutritional characteristics of the animal. Previously, they were fed rice porridge, fish, boar and deer meat. Buckwheat and oatmeal can be added to the dog’s diet. And also it’s worth to feed your pets with lean meat, pitted sea fish that are thermally processed. From an early age, puppies should be accustomed to eating raw vegetables and fruits.

It is strictly forbidden to feed the dog from his table, as this can be harmful to his health. Koti-inu can not be given flour, seasoned, pickled and smoked food. Animals cannot be overfed, and food must be served strictly at the same time.

Most shikoku breeders and owners feed their pets industrial feed. It is with this method of nutrition that the dog receives everything necessary for normal life. In the variant with feeding natural products with a lack of certain components in dogs, dementia can occur. An unbalanced menu can lead to impaired functioning of the gastrointestinal tract, heart and blood vessels.

The Shikoku dog breed belongs to hardy animals with good health, they can adapt to a variety of conditions. This pet is sick rarely, but among the most common ailments, the following can be distinguished:

• allergic dermatitis;
• neuralgia;
• dysplasia of the hip and elbow joints;
• arthritis;
• diseases of the heart system;
• food allergy;
• a problem in the functioning of the ears;
• eye diseases.

Genetic pathologies in this group of animals are not observed. For preventive purposes, dogs should be vaccinated regularly. The owner of the dog should not forget about vaccination against rabies, plague, enteritis. With proper care and feeding, Shikoku live for about 14 years.

Koti-inu can be called relic exotic among dogs. You can buy a real purebred puppy only in Japan. This pet is a luxury purchase, as it costs up to $ 12,000. When a shikoku appears in the house, the owner can be sure that he has got a real watchman, faithful friend and companion.

In the next video you will find interesting facts about the Shikoku dog breed.