Shikoku

Shikoku is an affectionate and friendly dog ​​that will become a true friend and reliable protector for your entire family. For a long time, dogs of this breed helped people with housework, they got food, transported heavy loads. To this day they remain excellent helpers and faithful companions of people. Shikoku loves to play with children and adults, loves active and fun activities. Such a dog will become an excellent companion for people who are guided by the slogan "movement is life." And thanks to his noble wolf appearance, you will not go unnoticed in any society, wherever you are.

Origin

Shikoku is one of the Japanese islands, which is considered one of the most beautiful. This island is famous for its beautiful scenery of rivers, mountains and dense forests, as well as an abundance of castles and sacred temples. Numerous farmlands are located here, and the coast is lined with fishing villages. It was here that beautiful dogs appeared several centuries ago, which the locals began to use to hunt large animals, as well as to protect their homes. Breeding these dogs began to be engaged in different cities of Japan, such as Ava, Hata, Hongawa, Koshi. They were also called differently, depending on the place of breeding. The modern name Shikoku, this breed received only in 1937. The breed was recognized as a natural monument and national treasure of the country.

Appearance

The Shikoku is a compact dog of medium size, proportionately built, with strong bones and well-developed musculature. Her head is quite large, corresponds to the body. The skull is wide. The transition from the forehead to the muzzle is weakly expressed, but distinct. The muzzle tapers slightly towards the nose. The bridge of the nose is straight. The nose is black. Lips tight fitting. The eyes are small, triangular in shape, set wide apart, dark brown in color. The ears are erect, small, triangular in shape, with pointed ends, slightly tilted forward. The neck is strong and thick. The back is straight, broad and strong. The withers are well developed. The loin is broad and muscular. The chest is deep, wide, with convex ribs. Belly picked up. The limbs are straight, parallel to each other, strong and muscular. Paws are strong, with tightly compressed fingers; pads are dense and elastic, claws are dark in color. The tail is set high, thick, carried over the back, curled into a ring or sickle-shaped. The coat is of medium length, straight and harsh with a soft and dense undercoat. The tail is covered with long hair. Color sesame, black sesame and red sesame.

Character

These Japanese dogs are very energetic, active and sociable. They are strongly attached to their master, and become faithful and devoted companions to him throughout their lives. Shikoku are selflessly ready to fulfill all the instructions of their owners, they are not afraid of bad weather or a difficult path - these dogs are one of the most enduring. Shikoku are friendly, they get along well with all people from whom they do not feel danger or threat. Shikoku also treat other animals well, but in communication with other dogs they try to dominate and prove their superiority to them.

Health

Shikoku are in very good health, with no serious hereditary diseases. However, each owner should always carefully and responsibly treat the health and well-being of his pet. At an early age, the puppy needs to be given the necessary vaccinations against distemper and parvovirus enteritis, deadly diseases that absolutely any dog ​​can become infected with. Also, every year do not forget to vaccinate your pet against rabies. Make sure your dog has an active lifestyle and a balanced diet.

Maintenance and care

The main thing that all dogs of this breed need is regular exercise and long walks. Shikoku are full of strength and energy, you need to walk a lot with them. Every day with these dogs you need to overcome at least five kilometers. They will be happy to keep you company during sports, for example, it is a pleasure to make morning runs with them. Of course, it will be better for these dogs to live outside the city, where they will be surrounded by nature and space. Although, if you are a traveler or just a very active person, you can live with such a dog in an apartment. The main thing is to spend as much time as possible with him outside of it - in motion. Otherwise, Shikoku are not picky at all. They are very easy to care for. Their coat does not need clipping, stripping and other similar procedures; It is enough to comb it once a week. In addition, their coat hardly gets dirty, so you do not need to bathe Shikoku often. Most importantly, do not forget to keep your pet's eyes and ears clean, and trim his claws every month.

Training

Shikoku are highly intelligent and loyal dogs that will go the extra mile to keep their owner happy. Representatives of this breed are easy to train. However, in order for your pet to grow up obedient, it must be taken care of from childhood. The so-called socialization is very important for a puppy; it is necessary for your pet to grow up self-confident: not afraid of strangers and other dogs, calmly perceive various sounds and unfamiliar objects. You must from the first days of the puppy's birth, acquaint him with the world around him. It is especially important to bring a puppy to the forest from childhood if you plan to hunt with him in the future. Shikoku are excellent hunters: hardy, fast, with a wonderful scent. They simply need to practice such a craft. If you are not a hunter, your Shikoku will enjoy coursing, a sport for dogs that mimics hunting. Shikoku also has well-developed protective and watchdog instincts. It is not necessary to teach him to protect you and your property, these dogs have it in their blood. However, you will need to try to train your pet to complete obedience. This may not be easy, due to the fact that Shikoku can sometimes be stubborn and tend to make decisions on their own. From the first days of the appearance of the puppy in your house, let him know that you are the head of your pack: do not let the puppy lie in your place, do not feed him first, also do not let him go through the door first, during the game of tug of war do not let the puppy win (dogs in this way compete among themselves for superiority). These simple rules will help your puppy understand that you are the leader. Most importantly, never physically punish your pet, a raised tone will be enough for the puppy to understand that he is wrong. Ignoring is also one of the strongest punishments for our smaller brothers. However, remember that the main thing that our four-legged friends need is love, care and attention.