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Shikoku Ken: Kochiken genetic problems, Japanese-based data
So I did just a quick search of problems for Kochiken on Japanese sites today, and this is what I came up with so far. Mind you, this is public data, and not through talking with a breeder. We have found no serious breeders in Japan yet that have websites and instead they request a phone call. Being 12 hours ahead of the U.S. East Coast, we obviously cannot call at 3pm Eastern time.. so we will call later.
Anyway, this is the preliminary data on problems in Shikokuken, via the Shikoku enthusiast group/websites based in Japan..
- Shikoku ken should be fed at least partially with high nutrient fish, if not a fish based diet. Part of this reason for this is that Shikoku in their history had fish as a large, daily part of their diet and thus do not have a need to store DHA very well. Not having a good source of DHA is said to contribute to early onset dementia/Alzheimer-like behavior in later years in Shikokuken. Which, by the way, is listed as having a 13-15 year life expectancy versus the US one (which is lower, I think, the last time I checked).
- Shikoku have a tendency for skin problems.
Not much more was said about the skin issue, and we have not yet searched for published data on any of the above mentioned problems. They may be colloquial in nature, but its worth feeding at least some fish since it's not a great inconvenience for most. If your dog is on Orijen 6fish or Acana Pacifica or anything like that, that should be fine.
I knew the American life expectancy was wrong! I kept on researching and I found the same stuff too. I just wasn't convinced that shikoku being medium sized only live from 10-12 years.Araks, Sevuk the doggy and Vazgen and Coco the birds
I'd like to add that for anyone interested in fishy dishes food outside of kibble, sardines canned in water (not oil!) is a great option. Outside of that, if you fish or have access to cheap fresh fish, be sure that at least the Salmon is NOT from the Pacific NW (risk of worms/parasites that affect only dogs). Flash frozen fish, which Sushi-grade fish often is outside of Japan, is not adequate to kill worms and parasites. Please remember to freeze fish for at least 1 week in the freezer (which insures parasite death) before feeding any fish. One of the articles we read also suggested that Kochiken is more susceptible to filaria (aka heartworm). Again, all this information we have found have not yet been researched for scientific causes, so please don't be alarmed. We have yet to find something solidly genetic based like Luxating Patella or PRA, though we have found at least one Japanese breeder who currently tests his dogs for PRA, a degenerative eye problem.
Not sure! I'll have to read more and try to find studies or what not..
The thing is I'm having some difficulty finding the technical words for some genetic problems like LP or HD in Japanese. I don't have a dictionary comprehensive enough, or a medical dictionary, in order to find the word, and I don't know it from common use.
I'm thinking to give some breeders a call sometimes this week and find out what they know about any problems, including dementia or other neurological or genetic problems.
WOW! Shigeru san thank you :) I was going to call and just ask about slipping knees or problems with hips, but it's much easier to know the exact condition rather than vague descriptions. I love your blog. Awesome pictures!
Yup! The average lifespan I've been quoting has been the 12-14 year range. I wonder if it'll be maybe even higher to like 14-16 years?
As for skin problems probably largely based on diet/nutrition. Which is why I keep my Shikoku on a fish-based diet. It is what has worked out best for them I've found.
Thanks for looking up the Japanese Shikoku database!
*** Edit - I don't know how I missed this! I just realized this was originally posted June 17th, lol. I swear, I've been here the whole time! I need to start looking at catergories individually rather then on the Discussion pages. Wow...( \=(^-^)=/ ) Corina | Lynxiene (Malinois) | Shoushuu [a.k.a. Kei-kun] & Kotomi (Shikoku) | Chloe (Labrador) | Fiskars, Mia & Aislyn (Cats)
I don't think it's safe to guess the life expentency of shikoku in North America, since, as far as I know, none have gotten old enough to die yet.-Heidi, and: Noah (husband), Isaac, Matea, and "Goomba the Fetus" (kids), Tojo (shiba inu), Rakka (shikoku inu), Skella (Iceland sheepdog), Hester (cat)
Koji wasn't born in North America though, right? He was imported? So even when his life expectancy is declared, you can't go by that either.Jen | Tsuki, Kitsune [shibas] & Maisy [lurcher]
I contacted a few Japanese breeders by email 2 days ago.. (the few I could find emails for).. still waiting to hear back, but I'll post anything new I learn..
From what I've been reading, they're a rather hardy dog. I don't see why the life expectancy is so low, especially when I think about the fact that they are medium-sized dogs.. generally they tend to live longer than large dogs. Even Lantis (our dobe) is 13 now and Dobermans have a number of known health problems. Plus, Lantis came from a shady BYB .. :S
So I heard back from one Ms. Mito who is involved in one Japanese Shikokuken organization. We're still exchanging information, but so far this is what I've gotten: (Even if it's not genetic problems)..
- Kochiken have propensity towards food-related allergies that will show themselves through shedding too much or tear stains. But from my knowledge, this is common to all breeds especially when fed low-quality diets filled with fillers or common allergens like corn. So it's always important to feed a high quality, preferably fish based, diet.
- Kochiken have genetic disposition towards an unspecified nerve problem/pain. I have yet to learn more about the specific cause or even name of the problem, but it's something we'll delve into more through other emails.
- I asked specifically about LP and HD, but she didn't address them in her reply. She might have overlooked them, or they aren't common problems. I'm sure some dogs do have these problems (like all dog breeds do) but perhaps occur rarely so as to not cause concern. But I'll follow up on it and inquire as to testing or screening.
I've also thought about contacting the FCI or JKC representative and inquiring about general availability of screenings and the popularity of them..
Ms. Mito requested that better information could be gotten if I would Skype her, so perhaps this weekend if I'm not busy, I'll actually sit down and do that (if I can find my microphone..)
I forgot about this thread. As far as I understand, the Shikoku in North America aren't very far removed from the original Japanese stock (3rd generation at most). Therefore, I'd expect their lifespans to be the same as a Japanese Shikoku.Kyla and Captain Jack (Boxer).
You are right, Brad. Tenji is Ronan's brother. No relation to Aibo. Mura and Mike are parents.TENJI( red-sesame male) Shikoku. SASSY(ruddy female) Abyssinian
I know it's been a while, but I'm really going to finally call this Saturday. Hopefully, we'll also set something up to see a few kennels while I'm home for the winter. Between the new job, moving, and the three dogs, I didn't have a lot of time to find my microphone. But I found it randomly after searching for fall clothes.. so I'll update when I can.