Shorkie vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Shorkie vs Shikoku - Breed ComparisonShorkie is originated from United States but Shikoku is originated from Japan. Both Shorkie and Shikoku are having almost same height. Shorkie may weigh 46 kg / 101 pounds lesser than Shikoku. Both Shorkie and Shikoku has same life span. Both Shorkie and Shikoku has almost same litter size. Both Shorkie and Shikoku requires Moderate maintenance.

History

shorkie - historyThe Shorkie is a mix between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Shih Tzu. This little dog actually thinks he’s quite big. He is a great watchdog and a barker, and he is a loyal and loving member of his family. He will let you know if he thinks something is going on that shouldn’t be.

This hybrid combines two breeds known for their good looks, cuteness and personalities. Shorkies get their watchdog instincts and their loyalty to their people from the Shih Tzu and their personalities and good looks from the Yorkie. This designer breed has no known standard and every puppy is different, but traits from its founding breeds will remain. Both breeds have great personalities.

Regardless of the differences within the litter, because the personalities and adorableness of the two founding breeds are equal, all of the puppies will have those characteristics. They will all be energetic, playful and think they are big dogs. They will all love people and especially kids – playing and watching over them.

The Shorkie is intelligent, trainable, and snuggly. They will also have the stubborn trait that the two founding breeds can show at times. Developed in the United States, this crossbreed is extremely popular even though they have been in existence for only ten years or so. Breeders in the U.S. began to mix these two breeds in order to develop a cute, friendly and intelligent little dog that will cuddle on your lap – perfect lap dog.

Even if we already have breeds similar to the Shorkie, its development allows breeders to diversify and improve the genetics of the dogs. It is important that these be responsible breeders whose intentions are not financial but to legitimately improve the positive traits of each breed while sorting out the undesirable or weak traits. This is the positive side of the new designer breeds.

Even though it is still being developed, at least the Shorkie seems to be a success story for designer breeds as a loving, popular little dog. It will take a lot more time and a lot more development before the Shorkie becomes an actual recognized breed. At the moment it remains a hybrid, a crossbreed, a so called designer dog.

It will be at least 7-10 generations of careful and quality breeding before the Shorkies are potentially recognized as its own pedigree breed. It is important to breed Shorkies to Shorkies in order to develop a standard that could be accepted for a new breed by the AKC and UKC. Over time the puppies must become more and more standardized in their conformity to that new breed standard. Their physical appearance and their temperament will be standardized. At this stage the second generation of Shorkies is rare. Their popularity is rising in the United Kingdom. Both Britain and Ireland have a growing interest in this hybrid.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Miscellaneous dogs
Sporting dog
Origin:
United States
Japan
Height Male:
18 - 24 cm
7 - 10 inches
17 - 27 cm
6 - 11 inches
Height Female:
16 - 22 cm
6 - 9 inches
14 - 24 cm
5 - 10 inches
Weight Male:
5 - 7 kg
11 - 16 pounds
42 - 53 kg
92 - 117 pounds
Weight Female:
4 - 7 kg
8 - 16 pounds
40 - 50 kg
88 - 111 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
1 - 5
4 - 6
Size:
Small dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Shorki • Shorkie • Yorkie Tzu Shorkie Tzu
Kochi-ken • Shikoku-Ken
Colors Available:
Black and tan • Brown and white • Gold • Red • Gold, black, and white • Particolored
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)
Coat:
coat type soft and relatively long coats. They should be silky and never coarse
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).
Shedding:
Minimal
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Playful, Responsive, Stubborn
Affectionate, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

shorkie puppy - descriptionThe Shorkie, being a cross between the Yorkshire Terrier and the Shih Tzu, and as such has physical and temperament characteristics from both breeds. They could be 50-50 but most likely each puppy will be more like one of the founding parents than the other. Because there is a lot of similarity between the founding breeds there is a lot of similarity between the Shorkies.

Their hair is either wavy or straight, but it is soft. It can be a wide variety of colors and usually they have a darker mask on the face. Usually they have the eyes of the Shih Tzu – large -but not protruding. Their muzzle is short, and the skull is round with triangle ears. Their bodies are compact, small with plenty of muscle for their size. They also have fine bones and short legs, with a thin curled tail.

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.

Characteristics

1.Children friendliness – yes, they are very child friendly.

2.Special talents – Loyal and loving.

3.Adaptability – The Shorkie could happen.

4.Learning ability – Highly intelligent, but they can be stubborn.

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

Health Problems

shorkie puppies - health problemsMany hybrids are in better health at least genetically than their parent breeds. Responsible breeders will breed any genetic issues out of their puppies. Still there are many health issues that the Shorkies are prone to. These include:

  • Tooth loss, tooth decay and gum disease caused by dental overcrowding.
  • Joint issues – can cause lameness.
  • Diabetes – high blood sugar.
  • Kidney stones.
  • Liver disease and potential shunt.
  • Progressive Retinal Apathy - visual imparity.
  • Patellar Luxation – can cause arthritis.
  • Hypoglycemia. – low blood sugar.
  • Collapsed Trachea.

• Brachycephalic Airway Syndrome – “smashed face” causes problems with breathing, heat, flying and more.

• Glaucoma – Yorkshires have this, and it can be secondary to the lens Luxation.

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.

Caring The Pet

shorkie dogs - caring1.Feeding the puppy - The Shorkies need a high-quality, well-balanced dry kibble. Make sure it is a formula for small, active dogs. It should have lean meat and essential minerals and vitamins. Make sure it is puppy food not adult. The puppy needs 300 -550 calories a day in 3 meals.

2.Feeding the adult – Obesity is a problem for the Shorkie as it is for many small dogs. Don’t overfeed your adult but give her the same kind of high quality small breed dog food, only for adults. They need about 200-300 calories a day in 2 meals.

3.Points for Good Health – Few genetic diseases.

4. Games and Exercises – These are very active little dogs and need exercise every day. They needs walks, games, and time with you. They also love to cuddle with you at the end of the day. They love squeaky toys and playing fetch outside or inside.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Shorkie vs Alopekis - Breed Comparison
  2. Shorkie vs Brug - Breed Comparison
  3. Shorkie vs Pomeranian - Breed Comparison
  4. Shorkie vs Maltese - Breed Comparison
  5. Shorkie vs Pug - Breed Comparison
  6. Shorkie vs Boston Terrier - Breed Comparison
  7. Shorkie vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Shorkie vs Maltipoo - Breed Comparison
  9. Shorkie vs Cavalier King Charles Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  10. Shorkie vs Bichon Frise - Breed Comparison
  11. Shorkie vs Dachshund - Breed Comparison
  12. Shorkie vs Jack Russell Terrier - Breed Comparison
  13. Shorkie vs Cockapoo - Breed Comparison
  14. Shorkie vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  15. Shorkie vs Cavapoo - Breed Comparison
  16. Shorkie vs Corgi - Breed Comparison
  17. Shorkie vs Miniature Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  18. Shorkie vs Cavachon - Breed Comparison
  19. Shorkie vs Mal-Shi - Breed Comparison
  20. Shorkie vs American Eskimo Dog - Breed Comparison
  21. Shorkie vs Papillon - Breed Comparison
  22. Shorkie vs Miniature Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  23. Shorkie vs Japanese Chin - Breed Comparison
  24. Shorkie vs Miniature English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  25. Shorkie vs Miniature Dachshund - Breed Comparison
  26. Shikoku vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  27. Shikoku vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  28. Shikoku vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  29. Shikoku vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Shikoku vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  31. Shikoku vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  32. Shikoku vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  33. Shikoku vs Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever - Breed Comparison
  34. Shikoku vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  35. Shikoku vs Field Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  36. Shikoku vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  37. Shikoku vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  38. Shikoku vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison
  39. Shikoku vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  40. Shikoku vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  41. Shikoku vs Kooikerhondje - Breed Comparison
  42. Shikoku vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  43. Shikoku vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  44. Slovakian Hound vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison
  45. Small Munsterlander vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison
  46. Sussex Spaniel vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison
  47. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison
  48. West Siberian Laika vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison
  49. Wetterhoun vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison
  50. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds