Valley Bulldog vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Valley Bulldog vs Shikoku - Breed ComparisonShikoku is originated from Japan but Valley Bulldog is originated from Canada. Shikoku may grow 18 cm / 7 inches shorter than Valley Bulldog. Shikoku may weigh 17 kg / 38 pounds more than Valley Bulldog. Shikoku may live 3 years more than Valley Bulldog. Both Shikoku and Valley Bulldog has almost same litter size. Shikoku requires Moderate Maintenance. But Valley Bulldog requires Low Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Companion dog
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Japan
Canada
Height Male:
17 - 27 cm
6 - 11 inches
36 - 45 cm
14 - 18 inches
Height Female:
14 - 24 cm
5 - 10 inches
36 - 45 cm
14 - 18 inches
Weight Male:
42 - 53 kg
92 - 117 pounds
18 - 36 kg
39 - 80 pounds
Weight Female:
40 - 50 kg
88 - 111 pounds
18 - 36 kg
39 - 80 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 15 Years
10 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
4 - 8
Size:
Medium
Medium
Other Names:
Kochi-ken • Shikoku-Ken
Bull Boxer
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)
white, Tan, red, black and brindle.
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 and smooth
Shedding:
Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
Low Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

History

shikokuThe 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.

valley bulldogThe Valley Bulldog originates from Nova Scotia, Canada. It is thought that the Boxer, English Bulldog and the Olde English Bulldogge have been used to bring about the Valley Bulldog.

With these dog breeds included, he is somewhat larger than the regular Bulldog.

It is thought that the Valley Bulldog has been around since the 1990s.

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.

valley bulldog puppy - descriptionThe Valley Bulldog stands at between 36 and 46cm in height and he weighs in the region of 18 – 36kg. He is actually a taller version of an English Bulldog.

He is muscular and sturdy and has the true broad head of which the Bulldog is so familiar. He has small to medium floppy ears and a stump of a tail. He also has the flat muzzle.

The dog’s coat is short and smooth, making him fairly low maintenance, although he is a moderate shedder. It comes in typical Bulldog shades – tan, white, red, black and brindle.

Temperament:

The Valley Bulldog has an excellent nature, being completely non-aggressive, and when he has been trained and socialized you get a superb pet.

He’s intelligent so you won’t have any trouble learning any basic commands. He is able to get along with other pets in the home. He can be quite entertaining too as he becomes clownish, loving to be around his human family. He is also capable of being calm and gentle.

He makes a splendid playmate for children, loving the games as he is quite an energetic dog. He isn’t suited to life in a tiny home in the city because he loves to just run sometimes, and then he can be like a bull in a china shop.

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

valley bulldog dog - characteristicsThe Valley Bulldog is guaranteed to make you a splendid pet because he has such a sweet temperament.

He is such a social, playful dog too. Because of his intelligence, you won't have any trouble teaching him some basic commands. You’ll be amused and entertained by this wonderful dog in your life as his warm personality will ensure you have a true friend in him.

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.

Joint Problems:

valley bulldog puppies - health problemsIt can be sad watching a dog becoming less mobile as joint problems set in. The vet can recommend a diet which can help to manage joint disease. Also, the pain associated with joint problems can be debilitating for your pet and you will want to get your pet to the vet so the pain can be managed.

These dogs have quite a few folds around the face and these areas need to be kept clean and dry. An overweight Valley Bulldog should be avoided at all costs as this can put additional weight on the joints.

This is a Brachycephalic breed so they tend to battle with breathing, particularly when they are stressed, agitated or hot. Sometimes these dogs will even gag so as to clear their airway.

Watch for coughing and choking. Such difficulties can be life-threatening for your Valley Bulldog so it is important to recognize respiratory problems with your dog.

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.

Diet:

valley bulldog dogs - caringYou need to be careful with a bulldog as they have sensitive stomachs and are prone towards indigestion and flatulence. They will certainly need to avoid some foods and you also want to avoid obesity at all costs. The wrong foods can also cause allergic reactions as well as dermatitis which can be very painful and frustrating.

If you have a Valley Bulldog, for your own peace of mind, speak to your veterinarian or a dog expert about the best foods for a bulldog and also the amount to feed. There are some foods that are totally toxic to bulldogs. Make sure your Valley Bulldog always has a bowl of fresh, cool water available that is easy to reach.

Grooming:

Have grooming sessions with your bulldog where you check inside his ears, inside his mouth for bad teeth and check his eyes and face. His nails will also need to be trimmed.

Exercise:

These dogs are more active than you think but you need to be careful that the exercise isn’t too strenuous. He isn’t the kind of dog that will do well with running next to you as you cycle.

Rather take him on a walk every day and give him some ball games in the garden where you can throw him a ball or allow him to pull on a rope.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Shikoku vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
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  6. Shikoku vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  7. Shikoku vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  8. Shikoku vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  9. Shikoku vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  10. Shikoku vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  11. Shikoku vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
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  13. Shikoku vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
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  25. Shikoku vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison
  26. Valley Bulldog vs English Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  27. Valley Bulldog vs German Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  28. Valley Bulldog vs Golden Retriever - Breed Comparison
  29. Valley Bulldog vs Labrador Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Valley Bulldog vs West Highland White Terrier - Breed Comparison
  31. Valley Bulldog vs French Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  32. Valley Bulldog vs Beagle - Breed Comparison
  33. Valley Bulldog vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  34. Valley Bulldog vs Poodle - Breed Comparison
  35. Valley Bulldog vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  36. Valley Bulldog vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  37. Valley Bulldog vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  38. Valley Bulldog vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  39. Valley Bulldog vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  40. Valley Bulldog vs American Bully - Breed Comparison
  41. Valley Bulldog vs Abruzzenhund - Breed Comparison
  42. Valley Bulldog vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  43. Valley Bulldog vs Afghan Hound - Breed Comparison
  44. Valley Bulldog vs Aidi - Breed Comparison
  45. Valley Bulldog vs Airedale Terrier - Breed Comparison
  46. Valley Bulldog vs Akbash Dog - Breed Comparison
  47. Valley Bulldog vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  48. Valley Bulldog vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  49. Valley Bulldog vs Askal - Breed Comparison
  50. Valley Bulldog vs Atlas Terrier - Breed Comparison