shikoku ken

The Shikoku Dog: A Most Rare and Primitive Breed
by Margaret Graham

The original Shikoku, or Kochi-ken, (ken= dog) existed in the mountain ranges of Kochi Prefecture on the Island of Shikoku. This remote area is defined by mountainous terrain that is not easily accessible by outsiders. Therefore during the development of the Shikoku as a hunting dog, it maintained a high degree of purity. Furthermore, those who preserved the Shikoku were isolated from each other limiting the ability to crossbreed lines. This isolation contributed to the breed developing into different strains.

The original bloodlines of the Shikoku dog have been traced to five distinct strains that were identified by their unique physical features. It is documented that there were two original Shikoku lines: The Eastern Shikoku and the Western Shikoku. The Eastern, or Mount Tsurugi Shikoku dog, existed at the northwestern foot of the mountain as the Tokushima (Iya) strain and at the southeast foot of the mountain as the Kochi-Aki strain. The Western, or Mount Ishizuchi Shikoku dog was known by three strains: Hata Uwahara from the southwest, Honkawa from the south, and Ehime-ken Shuso-gun from the north. As there is no information available that describes the physical differences between these strains, one can only hypothesize based upon general environmental factors and breeding preferences of the region. Maybe the dogs from the north, or high elevations, had thicker coats, or certain lines carried particular coat colors, or some lines were taller and leaner to allow it to maneuver through the thicket. All these factors can be considered in the development of the Shikoku dog.

The Shikoku dog of the past was highly valued by the Matagi (Japanese hunters) as dog used to track mainly wild boar. The dogs were trained by two methods to hunt. "Hoeru-dome=barking to detain" and "Kami-dome=biting to detain." Most hunters bred their dogs for "Hoeru-dome" way of hunting to keep their dogs at a safe distance from an angry boar and risk of injury.

It was not until the later introduction of western dogs into their culture that the Japanese began to recognize the value in documenting and preserving their native Japanese dog breeds. It was during the Showa Era (1926-1988) that the Japanese Dog Protective League was established. Native dogs, to include the Shikoku, were collected from remote areas of their origins and brought down to the cities and placed in kennels to be protected. During this selection, it is not known exactly which strains of Shikoku dog was taken or if strains were blended in the cities.

The modern day Shikoku dog has received the most influence from the Western Shikoku bloodlines, Honkawa and Hata.

The Honkawa line is characterized by its slender build, stamina, and agile movement. Generally this line has a lighter bone structure and lacks an undercoat. Japanese breeders note that this line carries excellent shape of ears and dark colored eyes. During the era before the second World War, more than 80% of Honkawa Shikoku were black sesame (black and tan). Most influential dogs: Choshun, Kusu, and Kuma. Among them, Choshun is the most important. Almost of all Shikokus of today have his blood. Choshun-go [ BOB at the Nippo National Show, 1938]. Kusu-go [BOB at the Nippo National Show, 1936].