What Are Shikokus Like? Temperament Wise? What's It Like To Own Them? I'm Super Interested In Them And

What are shikokus like? Temperament wise? What's it like to own them? I'm super interested in them and love how they look physically but know very little about their temperament and needs! Thanks!

Owning a Shikoku is usually about like this:

But sometimes it’s also like this:

At this very moment it happens to be like this:

In other words, she likes to hang out on the couch.

Shoko is an expert relaxer, but she’s also an expert adventurer:

She loves spending time outside and is always ready to go. In that respect, she seems tireless, but in reality she’s super good at just chilling out at home. In general Shikoku are considered to have a really great “off-switch,” but they’re still higher energy dogs that need a lot of activity. This is difficult for us sometimes, because we live in the frozen tundra north and in the winter it’s hard to get out like we do in the summertime. It’s important to provide other stimulation when that’s the case, but I’ve found that between a couple play sessions, one or two quick training sessions, and making her work for her food with dispenser toys, she’s usually pretty satisfied. Sometimes in the winter it can be weeks before we can get outside for any sort of adventure beyond bathroom breaks, so this is really quite impressive. In the summer, we will often be out hiking 1-2 hours a day.

However, if you don’t make a conscious effort to satisfy their needs, they can get pretty naughty. Shoko will definitely let me know if she’s restless, either by tugging at my clothes, nipping at me, or going to look for something around the house to destroy. It’s naughty behavior, sure, but it is ALWAYS my “fault,” and when she gets like that I take it as a reminder that I’m not doing enough. Still, if you’re looking for a complete couch potato dog, a Shikoku isn’t a good choice. They are GREAT couch potatoes, as long as you properly tire them out. In my opinion, it doesn’t take much to do so, but it is something to be aware of.

On that note, they love to destroy. It is one of Shoko’s favorite things, and I’ve heard from other owners that their Shikoku are the same. She likes tennis balls, but mostly so she can rip them apart. Squeaky toys have the squeaker ripped out immediately. This is a natural behavior, and it’s important to give them a proper outlet for it, or else they’ll end up destroying something valuable. In my opinion, it’s not fair to expect them not to destroy or to try and “train it out of them.” Just give them something they can rip up. Pretty much all of our empty cereal boxes, mac and cheese boxes, etc. go to Shoko. Toilet paper rolls get a bit of peanut butter smeared on the inside and the ends folded in. Entertains her for ~30 minutes, and in my opinion is better than a Kong, at least for Shoko, because she gets to rip it up. Yes, in my mind, the Shikoku’s need to destroy is a big enough aspect of their personality that it needs it’s own paragraph.

What else? They’re not particularly biddable. Shoko is never enthusiastic when I ask her to do something, except MAYBE if I’ve got something REALLY tasty. Usually she’s more reluctant, but we’ve trained enough that she will listen. Recall is a toss-up, always, because they have very high prey drive, so I wouldn’t consider them good off-leash, unless you do a LOT of work. I let Shoko off-leash in areas that I know there’s no way she could end up on a road. Usually she sticks pretty close, but I would never trust her in a city.

They’re also remarkable stoic. It can be hard to get a read on them, especially if you’re not familiar with the breed. This is a really crummy picture, but it’s a good example:

This is a super classic example of Shoko showing affection. She’ll plop down in front of you, with her back to you, and turn her ears back. This is usually about as cuddly as they get. They’ll lean on you, but they usually won’t cuddle. Very rarely will Shoko climb into someone’s lap. If you do happen to get a cuddle out of them somehow, it usually only lasts ~5 minutes. So if you’re looking for a cuddle bug, a Shikoku isn’t your best bet. 

They are still very attached to their people, although it can take awhile to establish that bond. I’d say it was honestly over a year before I felt really close with Shoko, but now that bond is something special. They want to be near you, whatever you’re doing, although it probably comes off as a lot more independent than, say, a border collie, or a lab. 

They’re reserved with strangers and can actually be reactive to them. Same goes for other unknown dogs. I personally haven’t had any experience with this, but Shoko is still young, so it might still develop. What I have had experience with is, in general, other dogs don’t like Shikoku. Their play style can be... rude. They can be obnoxious. I’ve had the best luck with Shoko getting along with huskies or other Japanese breeds. They also don’t like the way dogs like labs can be overly friendly and assertive. Shoko has definitely snapped at dogs that have been too “in her face.”

I think that pretty much covers the basics. Sorry this got so long. I guess I love talking about my dog. I get excited when people show interest in Shikoku, so definitely ask if you have more questions or need me to clarify anything! Also, keep in mind that this is largely anecdotal, and I’ve only had close interactions with one Shikoku. Most of it holds true with what I’ve heard from other owners and what I’ve seen in the other Shikoku I have met, but if you’re interested definitely try to talk to as many owners as possible and meet some Shikoku if you can! 

pls sir, am just a poor dog, in need of snacks

Brave guard dog protects against blizzard.

Where do you live?

I live in North Dakota, near the Canadian border! I highly do not recommend it.

@pawsitivelypowerful I saw your post about rear angulation in the Nihon Ken. I don't know much about structure but I was wondering if you could assess my 18mo Shikoku? Disclaimer: I'm not sure if either of these pictures are any good. We've never done any stacking and I was trying to get her into position and take the picture at the same time (hence my foot in the second picture lol)

Hello all! It's been awhile. Shoko and I went on a lovely walk this morning. We are now temporarily living with my parents. Things have been hectic but I will try to start posting again.