Shikoku Ken

Shikoku linees in the wolrd

Chanur Akita — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 07:55:24 -0400

In France, there is not a lot of Shikoku Ken, only 2 (but very beautyful!!!) Shikoku Ken.

How many Shikoku you think there are in the USA?
There is an excellent breeder in Europe, some Shikoku in the States come from this kennel.
But is there any japanese importation in the USA?

Thanks a lot for your answering ^_^

I want to learn about the breed....
;-)

Shikoku Envy

BradnJess — Sat, 05 Mar 2011 14:51:37 -0500

Oh my goodness, where do we begin? The past few weeks have been almost overwhelming. We have sifted through nearly every discussion in the Shikoku category and have read so much that it is beginning to blur. We have both written comprehensive research papers that required less research than we have done regarding Shikoku. The more we read, the more convinced we are that a Shikoku would be our perfect companion. He and Jess can get carsick together. The pictures and videos... well they have only intensified our eagerness. Jess is even getting a little jealous when we see a post about a Shikoku pup, particularly Brad's wonderful photos of Kaiju.

So what is the next step?
We have filled out a breeder referral form @ www.shikokucanada.org and have emailed Katja of Akashima Kennels.
We are still waiting for responses and are wondering if there is something more we can do. We are waiting to hear back from Katja regarding a trip to meet her and her dogs. We plan to fly down there in late April or early May depending on factors such as work,scheduling and Katja's response. After meeting some Shikoku we will decide upon placing a deposit on a pup from, hopefully, a 2012 litter. The decision is almost made already, given all of our research, yet hinges on our experience and impression of these dogs live and in person.
We are also curious about the contract we must sign. Can anyone please provide us with some information regarding the contracts? We are seeking a companion dog and have no interest in breeding. What may be the terms of such contracts?

-- Decided to check email again just after posting this discussion and there was Katja's response.

Last but not least, how do you cope with the waitng?!?

Akana

7Stefan7 — Wed, 29 Dec 2010 03:26:25 -0500

Hi all,

It all started a few months ago when me and my wife wanted a new dog as we had to put our previous dog, a samojed, down due to an eye desease she lost both of her eyes and all the joy she had was gone, so after trying it with her for several months we decided to stop her struggle.
We both love(d) the Akita and Shiba, but our house isnt the largest so an Akita is/was probably not the best for us, a shiba we both found too small...
So the search continued and then we came up with the Shikoku. We read and read (well.. whatever we could find) and then the Winner Show was in Amsterdam at the 18th of November 2010.
The programme book said there were also 3 Shikoku dogs wich made us decide to go after walking around for a while we found the dogs but there was nobody with them, we waited near enough for an hour when the breeder walked up with one of the Shikokus. She was breathetaking, ever so friendly and very secure. What a beautifull dog!
We spoke with the breeder for quite some time when she told us she recently had a litter of 3, 2 of them were allready discussed and for the last one she had people comming over from Belgium the next day. We agreed to contact her and make an appointment to see her kennel and the rest of her dogs.
We e-mailed her on monday to make an appointment and to ask her of the last puppy was also sold, wich wasnt the case... We immediatly aggreed to meet her on Wednesday, we drove up and met the rest of the pack and the pups. Akana drew our attention immediatly, funnily enough she was also the last pup that was free.
We went home to discuss if this was the dog for us, in this situation. And after a few days we agreed she was/is.
We picked Akana up last Tuesday, so she's with us for exactly a week now. She's "potty-trained" completely allready and she loves our 6 months old daughter.
She's very focussed on "candy" wich makes it very easy to train her, i've read that Shikokus growl a lot.... In the week shes with us now she hasnt growled nor barked once.
We realise we are VERY VERY lucky that we've got her in such a short time as normally there's quite a waiting list!
I'll try to post some pictures later on.

Regards,

Stefan

Rakka and Naomi

hondru — Thu, 27 Jan 2011 10:11:17 -0500

It's pretty dark, but this is such a cute video!

To neuter, or not to neuter; that is the question

BradnJess — Tue, 08 Mar 2011 18:47:49 -0500

We are almost certainly going to place a deposit on a male Shikoku pup (perhaps one sired by Yomato? We get to meet him and all the others in May! :D soo excited), unless we have a horrible impression/experience with this breed when we visit Akashima.
That being said, we are faced with another decision. We have talked with Katja regarding the contract and initially we were sure that we wanted solely a companion dog, and as such would sign a contract agreeing that we would have him neutered. Yet after even more reading we are left wondering if that is a decision best made while the pup is still a pup.

We know that not all adult Shikoku are worthy of being bred. Yet it seems that it would be a shame to neuter the dog only to discover that he grows into an excellent example of the breed. We know there are a couple of Canadian members looking into a Shikoku breeding program in the upcoming years, and if we can contribute to the Shikoku gene pool via a worthy male we believe we would like to.
However:
Is breeding a male out of the lines at Akashima even beneficial to the breed here in NA?

At what age do you compare the dog to standards and do the medical checks to determine if he is breed-able?

At what age would you consider breeding a male Shikoku?

We have read that living with intact dogs and bitches is not fun (all previous dogs have been spayed/neutered): What are some of the trials of living with an intact male Shikoku?

We know this may seem premature, we just like to do our research and explore our options before coming to a decision as big as a) purchasing a dog and b) neutering him.

Trip to Akashima Kennels!

Koda&Mugen — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 23:04:26 -0500

Well, my wife and I have officially put down an deposit on a Shikoku pup! We are number 12 on Katja's wait-list so depending on litter sizes we will most likely have to wait until next year to get one. Here's to big litters to speed it up!

I thought you might all enjoy seeing some pictures from the trip up. We live in the Puget Sound area of Washington State, so we drove up to Port Angeles and took the ferry to Victoria, BC. Stayed a night there, visited Butchart Gardens, and then drove up to Courtenay to see the pups. Fun times!

It was a beautiful day as we departed from Port Angeles...

When we walked around Butchart Gardens, Koda (our Shiba) looked like she belonged there!

High tea for two?...

...make that three!

Another shot of Koda...

And now to the kennel - Kuma was a beautiful black sesame Shikoku:

Sato, a beautiful Shiba

Sniffing

The Shikoku's were very friendly. This one's coloring made it look a lot like a big Shiba

Another shot of Kuma

And another...

Pretty shibas - if Koda lived outside she would probably be this fluffy too!

Another shot of Sato

This Shikoku was very friendly

Finally got to meet a Shikoku in person!

Friendly Shikoku!

Our Shiba's ears do this when she's happy!

Shikoku pack in the snow

More Shikokus

Eating time

Intrigued by the scarf...

Pretty Kuma

Totally looks like my butt is getting sniffed here...

Heavy water drinker?

CrimsonO2 — Mon, 28 Feb 2011 21:43:31 -0500

Anyone's shika a noticably heavy water drinker? I swear my little girl drinks her weight in water (really more like 4-6 cups). Her appetite is still healthy, her energy level on par with Shika's (through the roof) and her stool is firm in shape but soft to handle. Anything I would need to be worried about?

Jesse

Kaiju!

brada1878 — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 00:32:01 -0500

Same applies here, I feel kinda bad about making this post with Mochi being lost and all. But, again, these imports were on their way here when that happened.

You guy got a sneak peak of Kaiju thanks to Shigeru, but here is a proper intro...

Kaiju is our male Shikoku Ken import, he is from a kennel down in Hiroshima, Japan. He lives up to his namesake (Kaiju mean "monster")... He has a big personality for such a little dude. lol

Kaiju...

This is how he rolls...

I have some vids uploading of him too.

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Panda Turned One Year Old

TaraA — Sat, 26 Feb 2011 12:38:26 -0500

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=17602289&l=301ba62a1b&id=678035563

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=628691&id=678035563&l=1c7eae6a22

Mom ball drop.... Happy Birthday Miko (um...should have posted February 13)

JessicaRabbit — Tue, 01 Mar 2011 12:15:37 -0500

Things have been stupid hectic over in Rabbit land. And thus I neglected to post both Miko and Ruby's birthday threads (Ruby's is next). So here is my little photo montage of my own personal devil. I don't care what anyone says, Shikoku's are tenacious demons who god made cute so we don't eat them. I wouldn't trade her for the world, but she is the primary cause of my numerous gray hairs. Happy Birthday Tiny Monster.
Himiko at 5 weeks old

Jason thought it was cute to encourage her lick faces incessantly. He has created a monster who regularly violates his face.

Precious little monster.

My all time favorite picture of Miko and Joey playing (dlroberts Joey)

She is quite the licker

Last sumer after blowing her coat. Every winter my neighbors ask if she gained weight. I tell them it's her winter coat. Every summer they ask if she is losing weight. Mind you, these are the same neighbors who asked if she was a cat too.

She really is such a pretty girl.

Doing what she does best, tormenting her big brother.

The other thing she does best, is being Ruby's best friend

Wile E.

Kadmos — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 23:38:20 -0500

I think Wile E. would be a cool name for a Shikoku because I see a strong coyote look to them. If I had one, it would seem appropriate because the desert is the soul of Arizona.

Yikes, new escape artist!

Edgewood — Thu, 27 May 2010 19:07:54 -0400

Well, I guess I am revisting my Siberian experience, back to making the yard like Fort Knox.

After 2 1/2 years, Kuma has decided/learned how to climb over the fence. First time was yesterday afternoon when Dan went outside to find him outside the gate (he was unattended for about 30 minutes). But we couldn't figure out how he got out. Fast forward to later that evening...I told Kuma that I would be right out, and when I came out, he was gone. Dan and I trekked around with Sachi calling for Kuma (we spotted him within 5 minutes) but could not retrieve him for 20 minutes. He was having more fun running across our farm checking out ground hog holes (hunting).

So, we went and double checked our yard. And sure enough, my sharp eyed husband found the tell tale fur on left over on the top of 1 picket of a 4 foot picket fence, and another chunk of fur on the other side. So he climbed over was our supposition, using the horizontal fence braces.

...now back to the drawing board for how to make the yard Kuma safe. He had been 100% trustworthy until that time. Bummer....but glad he did finally come back.

Moral of the story. All the obedience in the world doesn't override the hunting drive. For instance, although Kuma is perfect in the obedience ring, he turned a pretty deaf ear on our calling him when he was in sight (and earshot) of us!

My Canine Crew - Mini Adventures

ShikokuSpirit — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 15:56:52 -0500

Big Bear, California

The Forest:

The Back of my Truck:

The Malinois - Lynxiene:

The Shikoku:

Kotomi

Kotomi and Shuran

Shuran

Shoushuu

Video:

[VIDEO] Ahi's a Punk...

brada1878 — Sun, 06 Feb 2011 00:05:52 -0500

Ahi being a punk...

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This is a question concerning the Shikoku and Hokkaido status in North America:

Kadmos — Sat, 05 Feb 2011 11:07:50 -0500

This is a question concerning the Shikoku and Hokkaido status in North America:

TheWalrus' article on the Shikoku says that there is about 5-7k registered Shikoku in its native Japan and the Hokkaido have 10-12k registered ones there. If the Shikoku is the rarest of the 6 NK, then why is it harder to find the Hokkaido here due to the fact that there are no known major Hokkaido breeders here http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20100927142348AA7bITj mentions there are 4 active breeders in the US and Canada.

Shikoku Dog Site

Shikoku1 — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 19:19:51 -0500

Hi Everyone,

I wanted to let Shikoku owners know that I put up a registration site for you to register your Shikoku dog. You will find it at www.shikokudog.com under the "ownership" tab you will notice a small heading SHIKOKU DOG REGISTRY that will link you to the page. I plan to track the number of Shikoku dog in North America in hopes of starting a strong breed club and data base. All info will be kept confidential of course.

I also started a page for "Shikoku of the Month". I encourage owners who would like to participate to send me a photo (or two) of their Shikoku dog along with any info/story they would like to share about their dog on the website. Each month a new Shikoku dog will be featured.

I am hoping this will help to bring a greater sense of community and awareness to our efforts in the preservation of the Shikoku dog in North America.

Thank you.

Peggy Graham
info@shikokudog.com

InuYasha Spam 1/10

the_november_rain — Mon, 10 Jan 2011 18:27:50 -0500

Thought I’d post some spam of InuYasha. He’s really developed into a great dog and companion. I love him dearly.

Here are some pics of summer hiking...In true shikoku fashion, he has endless energy and always ready to hit a trail.

We went to visit relatives in the Mid-West and stopped by to see Miss Koshi. She is a really beautiful Kuro-goma. I hope they put out a couple litters. Dave and his wife Vicky are really wonderful people, we had a blast hanging out with them. Inu loved Koshi, but she played hard to get.

Here is a picture of Chicken Time, we actually had to discontinue Chicken Time because the cats couldn’t handle it. They were too worried about getting a bite that they would swallow without chewingy, crawl all over me, bite my fingers trying to get their pieces, and then throw it all up immediately afterwards. It was too stressful for them, silly kitties..

We had a good amount of snow this year, Inu loves it! We have had to keep him either leashed or on a long stake chain, because he can jumped the fence when we have a few feet of packed snow on the ground. On a good note, when he did escape, he responded immediately when called. I was really happy and made sure to reward him.

The relationship with the cats has progressed to napping buddies. Eeyore remains on high alert as a precaution. Inu loves a good blanket.

In this picture Inu has the small end of bullystick in this mouth, while Kagome has the bigger one.

Here is a video of them playing, they can do this all day long. I noticed he is more gentle in the morning and during the day, but in the evening after dinner he has too much gusto for her.

Do Shikokus like water?

Koda&Mugen — Sat, 08 Jan 2011 14:08:34 -0500

Just curious if your Shikokus like (or at least tolerate) the water. We recently moved to an area in Washington State with lots of water surrounding us, and our Shiba isn't the biggest fan, although she seems to be warming up to it a bit.

We want to get a Shikoku soon. What are your experiences with play times by the water?

Shikoku Breeding Plans

bily27 — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 18:24:11 -0500

Does anyone have any plans to breed their Shikoku? I know the gene pool is very very tough in North America, but I was just curious if it is happening outside of Katja's Kennel.

Inu Chicken Time Video 08/17

the_november_rain — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 16:43:09 -0400

Here are some pictures of InuYasha. He is growing up quick! Sometimes he looks like a red-sesame and other times a black-sesame.

sitting still for a few seconds....

playing with bubbles the other day...

with a toy..

he loves playing on his back..

with my friend, he looks big here...

Back Again....Banshee in Florida

bily27 — Tue, 04 Jan 2011 15:33:11 -0500

Well I'll start this discussion with a quick write up on me and my Shikoku: Banshee (aka: Akashima's Kochi-Ken Gaijin) since I've been away for awhile and it looks like this website has gained a lot of new members. Banshee is a product of Katja's breed line; his father is Imiko and his mother is Murasaki (Mura). Banshee is currently 2 yrs, 3mo. old. I got him shipped to me in Florida from Katja in December 2008, and we currently live in Tallahassee, FL. He has grown up into quiet a unique doggy and has followed David Robert's write up on the Shikoku breed about 70%. He is smart, but I don't like the phrase "independent minded" which infers that Shikokus are stubborn. Banshee is eager to please and very intelligent which made him relatively easy to train (sit, stay, heel, come, etc.) He is extremely cautious with visitors/strangers and as dave stated, he has very strict socialization rules and often reacts to other dogs with growling, lunging, and correcting nips despite my serious attempts to socialize him and break him of these characteristics. He does have a very high prey drive, but I've managed to control this by strenuous command training on breaking contact when he initiates a chase (very difficult and only works about 90% of the time). Some recent issues for discussion:

- Possible Tumor (benign) on front right index toe: Banshee's front right index toe began to swell up and he was constantly chewing and licking on it until it was raw and inflamed. I took him to the vet who did a cytology (exam of cells in toe) and diagnosed it as a "possible" benign tumor which would likely have to be cut off (amputation of the toe). I decided to wait it out a little longer and put him on an anti-inflammatory and antibotics. The cyst subsided and his toe is back to normal.

- Food Allergies: Banshee has shown food allergies (skin scabbing and redness) with wheat, soy, beef and chicken (in dog food), and chicken meal. I currently have him eating Taste of the Wild Pacific with Salmon.

- Fear of Smoke/Fire....Break out and picked up by Animal Control: Banshee was acting very skittish (body low and tail hooked sideways running frantically) when I had a fire going in the house. I opened my front door to go outside and get more firewood when Banshee decided to run out the door and proceeded to disappear into the darkness of night. I live in a neighborhood just outside the city, so I began searching the neighborhood for him. After 12 hours of searching for him and having already called all the "agencies" to alert them of his disappearance, the Animal Shelter called me back to inform me that he was picked up. As I was picking him up, I spoke with the officer who captured him, and she told me that they found him fighting with and eating the dog food of a 75lbs pitbull who was chained up in the backyard of someones home (neither dog was injured). When she when to capture him, he bit her on the hand (she had kevlar gloves so it didn't injure her). She also stated that she initially thought he was a coyote or coyote/dog hybrid, and actually requested that I show her his paperwork because she was in disbelief that he was a pure bred dog (no one has ever heard of Shikoku Inus). In the end, everything turned out well and I've learned to watch him carefully when I have a fire going in the house.

I must ask...

kyralyn — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 16:43:28 -0400

I know how the Shikoku has a high prey drive and will go after and wild critter they see, but...
If the shikoku takes off after it, will the dog never come back?

I want a shikoku that can be off the leash when I take it to swimming holes or anywhere else outdoors. (not in places where there are cars and traffic, more like out away from all that) But i'm afraid if a critter is spotted, the shikoku will be gone for ever.
Or spend a days worth of searching and hollering. LOL
So will they take off and not listen to you and not come back?
Someone tell me :) Thanks!
P.S I plan on living in Central Texas, there are wild birds and rabbits and squirrels and Javelina's (wild boars) from what I know.

Shikoku as S&R dogs?

CrimsonO2 — Fri, 31 Dec 2010 11:53:36 -0500

I've come to find that my lil' Kurenai has a very sharp sense of smell at such a young age. She was in the bathroom with my partner while he showered so he can keep an eye on her. The door was closed. As I grabbed a plate of Stella & Chewy's pre-made raw from the kitchen, he told me she stopped chewing her bully stick and ran to the door and began sniffing and pawing underneath the bathroom door to get out (followed by sharp cries immediately after).

I remember Heidi saying she had wished she had gotten Rakka into S&R earlier. Does anyone have any info on the type of temperment to look for in an S&R puppy? She follows her nose very well.

Jesse

Does your Nihon Ken do this?

TaraA — Sat, 25 Dec 2010 19:06:00 -0500

Panda Rubs her Face on My Hair from Tara Alfaro on Vimeo.

Sorry for the bad lighting of the video. I used my cell phone since that was the only thing handy at the time :p

Visit to Akashima Kennel

the_november_rain — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 23:43:28 -0500

So my husband and I finally went up to Katja's to meet and see the dogs on Monday. It was pretty exciting. Vancouver Island is quite beautiful and the ferry rides were pretty nice. We showed up around feeding time so the Shika's were too engaged with bones. :( But she had a couple of Shiba puppies and this B&T Shiba from Japan that were loving the attention. I took a few vids and pics, but am waiting for the go ahead to show them the forum.

We put down our deposit for a Shikoku, (!!!!!) and will have wait for the fall litter (Kuma/Kimi) or the first 2010 litter. Which litter we get are puppies from depends on a couple of things.

One: because we also decided to get a Karelian Bear Dog and want to get the puppies around the same time. We haven't decided on the breeder for the Karelians yet. There are a few breeders in Washington, but we are leaning towards a breeder also on Vancouver Island (also good friends with Katja.)

Two: We will be moving out to the country to get some acreage later on this year. Depending on how things progress, moving, building fence et al; we might be better off waiting for a 2010 litter. :(

So we are pretty excited right now cause we got our spot in line for a puppy. Katja gave us pictures of Kimi and Kuma to keep. I found it slightly humorous because later in the car I felt like a mom looking at a picture of her newly adopted child. It was amusing telling the border portal what we did in Canada, as soon as we told him the price of the dog he waved us through.

Ahi has "chosen" Nio. Pray for him.

brada1878 — Fri, 17 Dec 2010 23:07:31 -0500

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Schutzhund Training for Shikoku??

the_november_rain — Fri, 27 Mar 2009 03:17:50 -0400

Has anyone here considered schutzhund training for their Shikokus? I am curious about everyones thoughts and opinions on how a shikoku would fair in that type of training.

The Shikoku Club

brada1878 — Tue, 16 Nov 2010 16:22:27 -0500

For those of you who want an update on the club's website and the state of things. Basically, it has been sitting on my plate and I have done nothing except make a design for the website. I am the road block, and I apologize. I've accepted my short comings and passed the dev of the site on to Osy now. The registry app is still in my court and I hope to get back to it over the holidays.

If anyone has any questions about the club please feel free to ask. It's all volunteer driven and so the pace is slow, especially considering how slow the breed is growing.

The club is open to all of you to contribute, so if there is something you want to contribute speak up!

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More Shikoku Puppy Pictures

TheWalrus — Sat, 13 Nov 2010 08:38:16 -0500

So today was a puppy filled day. I had some vet trips to make with several pups going overseas. Afterwards I got them all out for a good romp. Unfortunately this led to them finding mud. If there is mud, puppies will find it.

Here are two girls going to Canada

Here's a few of Kaiju, going to the States

And some group shots

With this many Shikoku pictures and posts I'm going to have to rename my blog!

Howling

TheWalrus — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 05:44:45 -0400

Shikoku howling to the afternoon chimes.