Shikoku Care

The Shikoku is a rare Spitz breed that's athletic, independent, and loyal to its owners. These dogs can be independent, domineering, and even aggressive (especially towards other dogs), so they'll need extra training to curb that behavior. Overall Shikoku care and maintenance won't take a ton of work, but will need to include a good bit of daily exercise, along with early training and socialization.

Below you'll find details on caring for a Shikoku, including info about puppy development, exercise and grooming needs, and more. Find answers to your questions about raising a Shikoku in the following sections!

Since they're a Spitz breed, these dogs are very active and athletic--so Shikoku exercise requirements are extensive. They're also intelligent and task-oriented, so they'll need a variety of activities that both condition them physically (walking, fetch) and stimulate them mentally (games, canine sports). Shikoku make good jogging companions as well.

Adult Shikoku dogs will need at least an hour of dedicated exercise each day. You can start exercising your Shikoku puppy when it's three months old by taking it on short walks, then you can increase the walks' length as the pup grows.

Precautions with Shikoku exercise:

• Don't exercise puppies too hard before they're nine months old
• A leash is required when exercising in public; leash training during puppyhood is highly recommended
• Prone to wandering, good escape artists; yards should be securely fenced to keep the dog from running off
• Might overheat easily; best not to exercise in sweltering temps

Exercising your Shikoku every day is a must. Without consistent activity these dogs will become frustrated, disobedient, and destructive--and at worst, they'll escape to freedom. Regular exercise will be great for both the dog's and your own peace of mind! A few Shikoku exercise ideas:

• Walking: Two 20-minute walks (or 15-minute jogs) per day is a good target
• Fetch/Frisbee: These dogs love chasing a ball, stick, or Frisbee
• Hide-and-Seek: Great indoor activity; give the dog a treat when it finds you
• Canine Sports: Shikoku can excel at obedience or agility trials and other events
• Hiking: Excellent bonding activity; bonus if you can find a remote area where the dog can be off-leash

When indoors, give your Shikoku access to balls or toys that will allow the dog to burn excess energy. It's also good to have a regular exercise schedule for the dog, such as walks or jogs after breakfast and dinner and playtime in the afternoon.

These dogs will need moderate maintenance overall. Shikoku dog shedding is seasonal: fair for most of the year, and heavier during the twice-yearly shedding seasons. Drooling isn't much of an issue.

Shikoku have coats typical of a Spitz breed: short- to medium-length, thick, and double-layered. The coats shed moderately most of the time--but when they blow their undercoats in the spring (and depending on the climate, in the fall as well), the shedding gets heavy. Owners can brush their Shikoku a couple of times a week with a pin brush to keep the shedding to a minimum, and cleanup--vacuuming the floors, and lint rollers on clothes and furniture--will be necessary from time to time. (Brushing and cleanup will obviously be required more often during shedding season.)

And a Shikoku doesn't drool much at all. If your Shikoku is drooling excessively, it might be a sign of a medical issue, in which case a veterinarian's care is needed.