Vikhan Sheepdog vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison | Petzlover

Shikoku is originated from Japan but Vikhan Sheepdog is originated from Pakistan. Shikoku may grow 41 cm / 16 inches shorter than Vikhan Sheepdog. Shikoku may weigh 6 kg / 14 pounds more than Vikhan Sheepdog. Shikoku may live 7 years more than Vikhan Sheepdog. Shikoku may have less litter size than Vikhan Sheepdog. Shikoku requires Moderate Maintenance. But Vikhan Sheepdog requires High Maintenance

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Gun dog
undefined
Japan
Pakistan
Height Male:
17 - 27 cm
6 - 11 inches
66 - 68 cm
25 - 27 inches
Height Female:
14 - 24 cm
5 - 10 inches
64 - 66 cm
25 - 26 inches
Weight Male:
42 - 53 kg
92 - 117 pounds
45 - 47 kg
99 - 104 pounds
Weight Female:
40 - 50 kg
88 - 111 pounds
42 - 46 kg
92 - 102 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 15 Years
6 - 8 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
6 - 10
Size:
Medium
Large
Other Names:
Kochi-ken • Shikoku-Ken
Vikhan Dog Vikhan Shepherd Vikhan Chitral Watchdog
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)
fawn, black , brown
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).
long and shaggy
Shedding:
Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Stubborn
Aggressive, Courageous, Intelligent, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate Maintenance
High Maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Hard
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
No
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

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.

The Vikhan Dog is a rare breed that very little is known about. It is not sanctioned by any breed club or kennel club. The breed originally came from Pakistan in the North-west Frontier Province near the Indian border, in the Chitral region and the state of Himacchal Pradesh. For the most part Pakistan is credited with the development of the breed. They originally guarded livestock and hunting leopard. He is fast and fierce. The breed is bonded to the livestock when they are very young and instinctually guard them for the rest of their life. They do not herd them, they blend into the flock and watch for outsiders.

They confront strangers and predators with aggressive displays and vocal intimidation. If this does not work, it will attack and drive them off. They are even known for luring coyotes into a trap with food so that they can hunt them.

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.

The Vikhan Sheepdog is a large working breed that is lean, muscular and aggressive. He is immensely intelligent and fearless. He has a thick coat in solid brown, red, fawn or black. There are also multi-colored and spotted versions as well. They are related to the other regional Molossers and are sometimes called the giant Rough Collie. They are faster than they are strong. All Molossers are solid, large and share the same ancestor.

They typically have short, muscular necks and broad but short muzzles. They have heavy bones, wrinkles and pendant ears. With well-muscled legs and wide chests, the Molossers include the mastiffs and bully breeds and all other breeds that come from those groups. Molossers are either flock guardians or home guardians. The Vikhan Sheepdog is a flock guardian

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

Characteristics

1Children friendliness No – a very aggressive protector.

2.Special talents agility and speed

3.Adaptability – needs space – not very adaptable to smaller spaces.

4.Learning ability intelligent, quick learner

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.

Because this is a rare breed having lived in isolation for centuries, little is known or documented about their health issues. However being a large Molosser, they face some of the same health challenges as all large dogs. These include

• Bloat – when the internal organs of the intestinal system are knotted or inverted. Without immediate attention it causes death under all circumstances. You need to get the dog to a vet as soon as possible.

• Hip Dysplasia – Can cause lameness in hind legs and/or arthritis. Can be treated.

• Elbow Dysplasia – Can cause lameness in the front legs and/or arthritis. Can be treated.

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.

1Feeding the puppy – due to the risk of bloat, don’t overfeed and don’t feed large meals before or after exercise. Also don’t feed too high protein since the puppies grow so fast and it can cause bone injuries. Feed 3-4 x day.

2.Feeding the adult - due to the risk of bloat, don’t overfeed and don’t feed large meals before or after exercise. feed 2 X day

3.Points for Good Health seems to have stamina/speed.

4. Games and Exercises Although large dogs they are surprisingly good at agility, they need a lot of exercise and long walks.

Comparison with other breeds

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