Shikoku vs Mucuchies - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Shikoku vs Mucuchies - Breed ComparisonShikoku is originated from Japan but Mucuchies is originated from Venezuela. Shikoku may grow 44 cm / 17 inches shorter than Mucuchies. Shikoku may weigh 8 kg / 17 pounds lesser than Mucuchies. Shikoku may live 3 years more than Mucuchies. Both Shikoku and Mucuchies has almost same litter size. Shikoku requires Moderate maintenance. But Mucuchies requires Low maintenance

History

shikoku - historyThe Shikoku is from the Shikoku Island in Japan and they are very much like the Japanese Shiba Inu. There are six native Japanese dog breeds and the Shikoku is medium sized and sits in between the smaller Shiba Inu and the very large Akita Inu. All of the Japanese native breeds are members of the Spitz family. The Japanese have sorted their six breeds into 3 categories by size. Being medium size, the Shikoku is a member of the Shika-inus group. Others in this group are the Ainu Ken, the Kai Ken and the Kishu Inu. There are small differences between the three dogs in the Shika-inus group.

The Shikoku was bred to be a hunting dog in Kochi Prefecture to hunt boar and deer. Other names for the breed include Kochi-ken and Kishu dog or boar hound. This dog is considered to be the purest of the Japanese native dogs or Nihoken. They are today very , very rare. There are very few outsides of Japan, but some in North America are attempting to save the breed.

The are od Kochi Prefecture is a mountainous region with rough terrain that anyone outside of the area would have a hard time accessing. That is why the Shikoku is considered to be so pure as they were pretty well isolated in the mountains. The breeders were also isolated by the mountains and there was very little interbreeding. Although breeding the same dog, these different groups developed different lines of the Shikoku.

Documentation tells us that the number of originals lines was just two and these were the Western and Eastern Shikoku. The Western dog was known as the Mount Ishizuchi Shikoku and the Eastern as the Mount Tsurugi Shikoku. Within these two lines of Shikoku there are additional strains.

Within the Eastern line there is the Tokushima (lya) and the Koci-Aki strains. Within the Western line there is the Hata Uwahara, the Ehime-ken Shuso-gun and the Honkawa. Among these lines and strains, there are different coats and different colors; some heavier and some taller, but all figure into the development of the breed.

Finally, in the Showa Era the Japanese established the Dog Protective League and they began collecting the native dogs from around the country. They protected them so that the breed will go on. The Shikoku is today recognized as Foundation Stock by the AKC and it is fully recognized by the Japan Kennel Club, the Canadian Hound Club and the Shikoku has been declared a living Japanese “natural monument”.

Two bloodlines became the way the Shikoku were know after the war – the Honkawa and the Hata lines The Honkawa line were the descendants of the Choshun-go and the Hata line were the descendants of the Matsukaze-go. They bred the lines separately until 1955, when they mixed them to make the breed stronger. They are no longer considered separate in any way.

Because they are such primitive dogs, the Shikoku are good watch dogs and quite reserved with strangers. They need a lot of socialization to be a family pet but once they are, they make great companions. Intelligent, quick to learn and eager to please. Of the two lines of Shikoku dogs from the Western strains, the current Shikoku owes much of its current development to the Honkawa and Hata strains.

The Shikoku are recognized by the following organizations.

The American Canine Association Inc.

The United Kennel Club.

The Canadian Kennel Club.

The American Rare Breed Association

The AKC Foundation Stock Service Program.

The Japanese Kennel Club.

The Dog Registry of America Inc.

mucuchies - historyThe Mucuchies are a breed born in the Venezuelan mountains, in the late 1700s. They are rare today but were popular in the mountains for hundreds of years. They are believed to be a cross between the dogs brought by the Spanish Conquistadors in the 14th and 15th centuries and the local dogs. However, by the 1960s this rare breed was close to extinction.

Bred primarily as herders and watchdogs, their ancestry likely included the Algerian Mastiff, the Spanish Mastiff, the Great Pyrenees, and the Atlas Shepherd, otherwise known as the Aidi. The early development of the Mucuchies is attributed to Wilender Ferrari, DVM. At the time, Simon Boliva was fighting for Venezuelan independence in the city of Mucuchies. He adopted a member of the breed and named it for the city. The name stuck as the name for the breed.

Later in this timeframe, the Mucuchies was crossbred with the Pyrenean Mastiffs that friars brought to the Andes from their monasteries. With them, they also brought the sheep for the dogs to herd and guard. During the 1920s the breed spread throughout the country, but by the beginning of the 1960s there was a major decline in the breed. This was partly due to changes in culture and lifestyle in the Andes.

In 1961 a Mucuchies club was formed for the breed preservation and the breed was formally named the National Dog of Venezuela. The club was disbanded in the mid-1960’s and this led the breed to the edge of extinction. By 2008 there was another major push to save the breed. This effort came from the government who wanted to preserve the breed. In 2008, they created the Fundacion Nevado and sent six Mucuchies to the Waraira Repano Cable Car System in the El Avila National Park so that the dogs would be in a climatic environment as similar to the Andes mountain as possible. This was successful and the program was increased by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.

As the breed continued to develop the shepherding instincts were lost and the guarding aspects were strengthened. This left today’s Mucuchies as a breed of gentle, active dogs with strong characters and a loving disposition. They are gentle with their families but protective and aggressive with strangers. They are the only native breed of Venezuela and currently, there are programs in the mountains to re-establish and strengthen them.

In addition to their name for the town of Mucuchie, the breed is also called the Paramo’s Dog or the Snowy. These programs exist because in Venezuela they are near extinction once again. This is the result of inbreeding and more cross-breeding, this time with larger dogs like St. Bernards. Thus, the continued efforts by the Nevado Foundation with the assistance of the government to restore the original Mucuchies breed to Venezuela.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Working dog
Origin:
Japan
Venezuela
Height Male:
17 - 27 cm
6 - 11 inches
56 - 71 cm
22 - 28 inches
Height Female:
14 - 24 cm
5 - 10 inches
51 - 66 cm
20 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
42 - 53 kg
92 - 117 pounds
46 - 61 kg
101 - 135 pounds
Weight Female:
40 - 50 kg
88 - 111 pounds
47 - 57 kg
103 - 126 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 15 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
3 - 8
Size:
Medium dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Kochi-ken • Shikoku-Ken
Paramo's dog , Venezuelan Sheepdog Dog of Páramos ( Snowy (Nevado)
Colors Available:
and red sesame (ground color of red mixed with black hairs)., black sesame (more black than white hairs), Sesame (equal mix of black and white hairs)
all white or white with spots of other colors
Coat:
Sesame (equal mix of black and white hairs), black sesame (more black than white hairs), and red sesame (ground color of red mixed with black hairs).
short coats smooth, medium-haired double coat
Shedding:
Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Stubborn
Affectionate, Aggressive, Courageous, Intelligent, Loyal, Protective
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

shikoku puppy - descriptionToday’s Shikoku is a medium sized breed with a Spitz like body – square with a head that is wedge shaped. The ears are pointed, and the tail is curved and feathered. They have arched toes and hard pads with dark, hard nails.

The two lines of the Shikoku are slightly different in built and look. The Honkawa strain is slender and athletic; agile and single coated. They have dark eyes and most of them are black and tan.

On the other hand, the Hata strain is much heavier boned, with the front more muscular than the rear. They have small ears, a wide skull and a strong undercoat. His eyes are shaped differently than the Honkawa. Their coats are also mostly red and tan.

mucuchies puppy - descriptionThe appearance of the Mucuchies is that of a breed of large dogs who stand two feet at the shoulder and can weight one hundred pounds. They have a deep chest, heads that are wedge-shaped and skulls shaped like domes. Their muzzles are straight, and their nostrils are large on their black nose. The Mucuchies have dark eye and eyelids along with ears that are triangular in shape and medium in size. Their lips are black but this and he has a well-developed ruff.

They are large, sturdy dogs with a grand appearance and tremendous energy. Their neck is strong, short and very muscular with wide shoulders and a straight back. The tail is much longer than their hocks and it is shaped like a fan and he raises it when he is alerted. They have a short, thick coat and most are white or white with gray, honey or black. This is a very attractive breed.

Characteristics

shikoku dog - characteristics1.Children friendliness – They might be a little aloof with children. They are hunters.

2.Special talents – speed and endurance.

3.Adaptability with your commitment to exercise they can live anywhere even in an apartment.

4.Learning ability - highly intelligent fast learners

Children friendliness

mucuchies dog - characteristicsGood with children and very good with their own families. Might be a little standoffish with others.

Special talents

They no longer have the strong herding instinct but are outstanding guard dogs.

Adaptability

Yes but need land to run in. Don’t put this giant dog in an apartment. You will both be miserable.

Learning ability

Very intelligent and their ability and willingness to learn is very good.

Health Problems

shikoku puppies - health problemsBeing isolated as they were, the Shikoku was a fairly healthy breed, no genetic testing has been done. Despite this they suffer a few of the same potential issues as other breeds their size.

  • Hip, knee and elbow dysplasia.
  • Food allergies.
  • Gland infections.
  • Digestive or urinary infections and issues.

Otherwise this is an agile and hardy breed with no known congenital health issues.

mucuchies puppies - health problemsBecause of their rarity and somewhat isolation, they do not have many genetic health concerns. They do however face at least a couple of the issues that most large dogs face.

Hip and/or Elbow Dysplasia

This can be a serious issue for such a large dog. It can cause arthritis and lameness.

Accidents

This might be the biggest threat to the Mucuchies’ health. They are big dogs and if they injury limbs it can be quite serious.

Bloat

The distension or inversion of the stomach and intestines is potentially fatal and must be treated immediately. Large dogs are prone to bloat and feeding schedules can go a long way in preventing it.

Caring The Pet

shikoku dogs - caringFeeding the puppy Be careful with feeding the puppy and adult as the breed is known to have a tendency toward obesity. Fresh food is better as it is what the breed has been used to, but a high quality puppy kibble is acceptable. Feed three times per day.

2.Feeding the adult He is a high energy dog so feed a high energy food designed for a medium sized dog. Feed in two meals each day.

3.Points for Good Health The breed has remarkable endurance.

4. Games and Exercises You will need a fenced yard for this breed and time to play with them. If not, you would need time to walk her more than once a day. They love to play indoors as well, chasing balls, learning new things. The breed make great companions for hiking, swimming, play frisbee or catch outside. They do well at agility, rally, obedience and flyball.

Feeding the puppy

mucuchies dogs - caringAs mentioned in health concerns, feeding appropriately is critical to the Mucuchies’ health. Puppies need a high quality, large breed dry food 2-3 times per day at ½ cup each time. Don’t overfeed. Don’t exercise before or after eating to prevent bloat.

Feeding the adult

The adult Mucuchies should eat at least twice a day for a total of two and one-half cups. So, you might feed one and ¼ cup at each meal. Again, it is critically important that you don’t overfeed. Don’t feed before or after strenuous exercise and don’t let your Mucuchies eat too quickly in order to avoid bloat.

Points for Good Health

This is a large dog with generally very good health. His stamina and heart will impress you.

Games and Exercises

The Mucuchies is not an active inside dog, but he is a large dog that needs daily exercise. They need to be able to run or at least to trot. A large yard or dog bark is necessary. However, this big, double coated dog hates the hot weather and needs a cooler climate. Winter is fine with him. Don’t overwork them while they are growing. Walks are the best exercise for this breed.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Shikoku vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  2. Shikoku vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  3. Shikoku vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  4. Shikoku vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Shikoku vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  6. Shikoku vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  7. Shikoku vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  8. Shikoku vs Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever - Breed Comparison
  9. Shikoku vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  10. Shikoku vs Field Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  11. Shikoku vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  12. Shikoku vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  13. Shikoku vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison
  14. Shikoku vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  15. Shikoku vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  16. Shikoku vs Kooikerhondje - Breed Comparison
  17. Shikoku vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  18. Shikoku vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  19. Slovakian Hound vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison
  20. Small Munsterlander vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison
  21. Sussex Spaniel vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison
  22. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison
  23. West Siberian Laika vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison
  24. Wetterhoun vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison
  25. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison
  26. Samoyed vs Mucuchies - Breed Comparison
  27. Presa Canario vs Mucuchies - Breed Comparison
  28. Pyredoodle vs Mucuchies - Breed Comparison
  29. Sarplaninac vs Mucuchies - Breed Comparison
  30. Native American Indian Dog vs Mucuchies - Breed Comparison
  31. Rafeiro do Alentejo vs Mucuchies - Breed Comparison
  32. Mucuchies vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  33. Mucuchies vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  34. Mucuchies vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  35. Mucuchies vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  36. Mucuchies vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  37. Mucuchies vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  38. Mucuchies vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  39. Mucuchies vs Great Pyrenees - Breed Comparison
  40. Mucuchies vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  41. Mucuchies vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  42. Mucuchies vs Labrador Husky - Breed Comparison
  43. Mucuchies vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison
  44. Mucuchies vs Giant Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  45. Mucuchies vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  46. Mucuchies vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  47. Mucuchies vs Goldador - Breed Comparison
  48. Mucuchies vs Bandog - Breed Comparison
  49. Mucuchies vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Groenendael) - Breed Comparison
  50. Mucuchies vs Dogo Cubano - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds