Your Shikoku
Just another set of questions for those with Shikoku, especially for anybody with an eye towards breeding. Just trying to get a really good understanding of the breed from the experts here. I am interested in hearing all opinions.
1. What do you like most about your Shikoku?
2. Those with Shiba Inu and Shikoku, what is the most challenging aspect of life with the two breeds?
2b. Hard question, no one has to answer this. Have any of you completely sworn off ever wanting to have any future Shiba after the introduction of your Shikoku given the reportedly much nicer difference in temperments? Do you see going from Shiba Inu to Shikoku as upgrading or expanding?
3. Registrations-my understanding is a litter born in Canada is CKC registered, a litter born in Japan from Nippo parents will have Nippo registration, or those pups could be born in the US from Nippo parents and also be given that registration. Why don't the pups in Canada also have Nippo registration (referreing to Katja's dogs)? Were the parents not Nippo or were they FCI? I'm getting confused how this goes for Shikoku.
4. Is there an obvious benefit to having Nippo registration over CKC? A dog with CKC reg couldn't go to any Nationals (or could they?), although it could be bred with a Nippo dog although the pups wouldn't be registrable with Nippo, or could they?
5. What bodies are your Shikoku registered with?
6. Ears-have read the standards, but what is preferred when breeding: a thick, triangular ear with a slightly rounded tip, not sharply pointed, avoiding the overly foxy look? Am I thinking too much like a Shiba person? What do you think a great, drop dead ear and set looks like on a Shikoku?
7. Tails-same as above, have read the standards, but there may be fine points not mentioned that are preffered when breeding. With Shiba, the loose single curl is great and I like it, but the sickle is preferred although more rare. What is your favorite tail set in a Shikoku?
8. Concerning the "conformation" questions, where do you feel the breed lies overall? Much room for improvement still or just some fine tuning needed? Do you feel there are any other conformation issues in the breed in the US such as misaligned bites, east-west fronts, turned out elbows, dropped hocks and pasterns, roached backs, ewe necks, etc? What are some conformation quirks you see in some of your Shikoku? For instance, Beebe is easty-westy in the front, and her hind end is taller than her front causing her hind end to swing around while she walks so she is unable to single track.
9. Is there a Shikoku any of you can think of that you believe is close to perfect regarding conformation and temperment? Are there just so few Shikoku alive that are good examples of an exceptional dog, or they just hiding in Japan (or in your backyards
10. Conformation aside, just for fun, who is your favorite Shikoku? You can pick your own, any shape or colour. I like looking at all of your Shikoku pics, I think all of your dogs are really nice by the way, thanks for indulging my long winded questions!
1. What do you like most about your Shikoku?
2. Those with Shiba Inu and Shikoku, what is the most challenging aspect of life with the two breeds?
2b. Hard question, no one has to answer this. Have any of you completely sworn off ever wanting to have any future Shiba after the introduction of your Shikoku given the reportedly much nicer difference in temperments? Do you see going from Shiba Inu to Shikoku as upgrading or expanding?
3. Registrations-my understanding is a litter born in Canada is CKC registered, a litter born in Japan from Nippo parents will have Nippo registration, or those pups could be born in the US from Nippo parents and also be given that registration. Why don't the pups in Canada also have Nippo registration (referreing to Katja's dogs)? Were the parents not Nippo or were they FCI? I'm getting confused how this goes for Shikoku.
4. Is there an obvious benefit to having Nippo registration over CKC? A dog with CKC reg couldn't go to any Nationals (or could they?), although it could be bred with a Nippo dog although the pups wouldn't be registrable with Nippo, or could they?
5. What bodies are your Shikoku registered with?
6. Ears-have read the standards, but what is preferred when breeding: a thick, triangular ear with a slightly rounded tip, not sharply pointed, avoiding the overly foxy look? Am I thinking too much like a Shiba person? What do you think a great, drop dead ear and set looks like on a Shikoku?
7. Tails-same as above, have read the standards, but there may be fine points not mentioned that are preffered when breeding. With Shiba, the loose single curl is great and I like it, but the sickle is preferred although more rare. What is your favorite tail set in a Shikoku?
8. Concerning the "conformation" questions, where do you feel the breed lies overall? Much room for improvement still or just some fine tuning needed? Do you feel there are any other conformation issues in the breed in the US such as misaligned bites, east-west fronts, turned out elbows, dropped hocks and pasterns, roached backs, ewe necks, etc? What are some conformation quirks you see in some of your Shikoku? For instance, Beebe is easty-westy in the front, and her hind end is taller than her front causing her hind end to swing around while she walks so she is unable to single track.
9. Is there a Shikoku any of you can think of that you believe is close to perfect regarding conformation and temperment? Are there just so few Shikoku alive that are good examples of an exceptional dog, or they just hiding in Japan (or in your backyards
10. Conformation aside, just for fun, who is your favorite Shikoku? You can pick your own, any shape or colour. I like looking at all of your Shikoku pics, I think all of your dogs are really nice by the way, thanks for indulging my long winded questions!
Comments
Be patience, I will answer all your questions. I'll make a print out and answer them. I'm acknowledging you now - I will post later my response.
> Their "Wiley Coyote" personalities.
2. Those with Shiba Inu and Shikoku, what is the most challenging aspect of life with the two breeds?
> Shiba Inu bitchiness + Shikoku reactiveness. Shiba bitches, Shikoku reacts, Shiba reacts, Shikoku finishes.
2b. Hard question, no one has to answer this. Have any of you completely sworn off ever wanting to have any future Shiba after the introduction of your Shikoku given the reportedly much nicer difference in temperments? Do you see going from Shiba Inu to Shikoku as upgrading or expanding?
> We have swore never to have another Shiba, not because of owning Shikoku but because of owning Shiba. I don't consider owning a Shikoku an upgrade or an expansion from owning a Shiba, I consider it a privilege. I don't feel lucky to own a Shiba, I feel our Shiba are lucky to be owned by us. With Shikoku I feel the opposite way, we are lucky to get to live with them. Other than very general things, like cleanliness and spitz characteristics, I really find the 2 breeds to be totally different. Maui has been extra difficult the past few weeks, so my response may be slightly tainted. *I don't consider Kaia a shiba.
3. Registrations-my understanding is a litter born in Canada is CKC registered, a litter born in Japan from Nippo parents will have Nippo registration, or those pups could be born in the US from Nippo parents and also be given that registration. Why don't the pups in Canada also have Nippo registration (referreing to Katja's dogs)? Were the parents not Nippo or were they FCI? I'm getting confused how this goes for Shikoku.
> No idea, I would ask Katja.
4. Is there an obvious benefit to having Nippo registration over CKC? A dog with CKC reg couldn't go to any Nationals (or could they?), although it could be bred with a Nippo dog although the pups wouldn't be registrable with Nippo, or could they?
> No idea, I would ask Katja.
5. What bodies are your Shikoku registered with?
> UKC & CKC.
6. Ears-have read the standards, but what is preferred when breeding: a thick, triangular ear with a slightly rounded tip, not sharply pointed, avoiding the overly foxy look? Am I thinking too much like a Shiba person? What do you think a great, drop dead ear and set looks like on a Shikoku?
> Um... Slightly forward leaning, proportionate to the head, and positioned far apart enough to not look like a Shepard but closer than the Akita Inu. The rounded tip is important, but I have not seen a Shikoku with a (too) pointy tip as of yet. I think Ahi's ears are a bit large, Loa has a beautiful ear set IMO.
7. Tails-same as above, have read the standards, but there may be fine points not mentioned that are preferred when breeding. With Shiba, the loose single curl is great and I like it, but the sickle is preferred although more rare. What is your favorite tail set in a Shikoku?
> A loose single curl, not sickle and not like a cinnamon bun. I like the tail to drape across the back not press against the back. Ahi's tends to press against her back while Loa's drapes across. To me, a loose tail is more expressive, but both are acceptable, IMHO.
Tigher tail:
Looser tail:
Example of a "drape" tail:
8. Concerning the "conformation" questions, where do you feel the breed lies overall? Much room for improvement still or just some fine tuning needed? Do you feel there are any other conformation issues in the breed in the US such as misaligned bites, east-west fronts, turned out elbows, dropped hocks and pasterns, roached backs, ewe necks, etc? What are some conformation quirks you see in some of your Shikoku? For instance, Beebe is easty-westy in the front, and her hind end is taller than her front causing her hind end to swing around while she walks so she is unable to single track.
> East-west fronts, roached backs, and slightly turned in rear legs is common in the breed. The roached back is the only one I feel is an issue.
9. Is there a Shikoku any of you can think of that you believe is close to perfect regarding conformation and temperament? Are there just so few Shikoku alive that are good examples of an exceptional dog, or they just hiding in Japan (or in your backyards
> I think Ishi (Ahi's dad) is an exceptionally good looking Shikoku. Same for Ronan and Aki. As for where are the "good ones", I think it's a bit of both. Some in Japan, some here, too few everywhere to really know 100% what a "good one" is. I personally don't feel the breed needs much "improvement". I fell the breed is pretty sound.
You didn't ask about temperament, and I think this is WAY more important than conformation when breeding. I prefer the higher drive, more confident examples of the breed as they are closer to it's origin. I feel the majority of the Shikoku in America are on the soft side. These dogs are supposed to be fearless, courageous enough to confront Boar w/ no hesitation - very few of the dogs here in the US could/would be able to do that.
10. Conformation aside, just for fun, who is your favorite Shikoku? You can pick your own, any shape or colour. I like looking at all of your Shikoku pics, I think all of your dogs are really nice by the way, thanks for indulging my long winded questions!
> No favorites, I like all Shikoku. Well, Ahi I guess is my fav. She is just difficult and challenging - I like that.
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Brad, what do you consider Kaia if not a Shiba? Just curious?
ETA: I was not implying she is mixed or anything, she is just not typical of the breed. Kaia is more like a very small Akita.
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His very loyal, very obedient personality combined with his looks. He is just SUCH a good dog, never is disobedient and lives to please his owner.
2. Those with Shiba Inu and Shikoku, what is the most challenging aspect of life with the two breeds?
Never had a Shiba. My Shikoku’s hunting drive is at times challenging; although he is obedient 99% of the time, the hunt mode is never fully off.
2b. Hard question, no one has to answer this. Have any of you completely sworn off ever wanting to have any future Shiba after the introduction of your Shikoku given the reportedly much nicer difference in temperments? Do you see going from Shiba Inu to Shikoku as upgrading or expanding?
I owned Siberians previously (very smart but independent)…Shiba sound way too independent (like Siberians) for me (personally) to own one.
3. Registrations-my understanding is a litter born in Canada is CKC registered, a litter born in Japan from Nippo parents will have Nippo registration, or those pups could be born in the US from Nippo parents and also be given that registration. Why don't the pups in Canada also have Nippo registration (referreing to Katja's dogs)? Were the parents not Nippo or were they FCI? I'm getting confused how this goes for Shikoku.
Don’t know. For FCI registration, Peggy had Sweety whelp in Holland. Half the litter was registered FCI, the other ½ came back to the US and was registered UKC.
4. Is there an obvious benefit to having Nippo registration over CKC? A dog with CKC reg couldn't go to any Nationals (or could they?), although it could be bred with a Nippo dog although the pups wouldn't be registrable with Nippo, or could they?
Don’t know.
5. What bodies are your Shikoku registered with?
UKC
6. Ears-have read the standards, but what is preferred when breeding: a thick, triangular ear with a slightly rounded tip, not sharply pointed, avoiding the overly foxy look? Am I thinking too much like a Shiba person? What do you think a great, drop dead ear and set looks like on a Shikoku?
Like Brad said, there are few Shikoku around to compare. I think that Kuma has nice ears, but I also think that many of the Shikoku posted have very similar looks in general (ie, consistent phenotype).
As a puppy (~6 mos)
7. Tails-same as above, have read the standards, but there may be fine points not mentioned that are preffered when breeding. With Shiba, the loose single curl is great and I like it, but the sickle is preferred although more rare. What is your favorite tail set in a Shikoku?
Kuma’s tail is about ½ way between Ahi’s and Loa’s, IMHO.
8. Concerning the "conformation" questions, where do you feel the breed lies overall? Much room for improvement still or just some fine tuning needed? Do you feel there are any other conformation issues in the breed in the US such as misaligned bites, east-west fronts, turned out elbows, dropped hocks and pasterns, roached backs, ewe necks, etc? What are some conformation quirks you see in some of your Shikoku? For instance, Beebe is easty-westy in the front, and her hind end is taller than her front causing her hind end to swing around while she walks so she is unable to single track.
Kuma has a perfect bite. His legs are nice and straight too. You do see a bit of a roach back in some Shikoku.
9. Is there a Shikoku any of you can think of that you believe is close to perfect regarding conformation and temperment? Are there just so few Shikoku alive that are good examples of an exceptional dog, or they just hiding in Japan (or in your backyards
Too few to really say. That being said, I have been nothing but absolutely impressed with Kuma and his ability to interact with ALL people in tremendous crowds down to 1:1. Also, he is a superstar with children, very good and very gentle. I would trust him implicitly with anyone at anytime. He is the most confident and 100% consistent dog I have ever owned with lots of different people and children. I also LOVE that he loves to do obedience and tries so hard to do just what I ask and to do it with precision. And for an intact male, he is very good in situations where there are a lot of dogs (especially at obedience trials; completely ignoring the other dogs while “working”).
10. Conformation aside, just for fun, who is your favorite Shikoku? You can pick your own, any shape or colour. I like looking at all of your Shikoku pics, I think all of your dogs are really nice by the way, thanks for indulging my long winded questions!
I LOVE Ahi’s coloration. While Kuma is beautiful, I prefer a darker sesame or a black sesame.
I think a looser tail is more expressive, it's very pleasing to the eye, as are well balanced ears. Thanks for the pictures to compare. They do seem like a healthy, sturdy breed, there just aren't many of them. Another question for you, would you then prefer the more correct working temperment (is this what Ahi has?) over the softer (correct word?) Loa temperment in a breeding program, or a mix of both?
Sorry about Maui. Agreed-I feel my Shibas are lucky to be in a good home.
I apologize if I haven't made a large point lately of acknowledging the importance of excellent temperments when considering the whole dog. It seems those topics are covered in great detail on the forum already. It's a given, to me, that excellent temperments and health are a priority, and this is always apart of my unprofessional, private "evaluation" of a particular dog. I know I go to dog shows, so inches, counting teeth, correct gait and standard colours are on my mind a lot, but I am always watching how they act with people and other dogs. Thanks for the input about the formal conformation questions. That helps a great deal in understanding some finer points about the breed. I also asked Katja...waiting.
3. Registrations - my understanding is a litter born in Canada is CKC registered, a litter born in Japan from Nippo parents will have Nippo registration, or those pups could be born in the US from Nippo parents and also be given that registration.
- Reguardless of the country the litter is born, so long as the parents have NIPPO registration the puppy eligible for registration.
- Before even if the parents weren't NIPPO registered but the grandparents were. You were allowed to pay for their parents registration and THEN register your puppy with NIPPO. However, I believe that they have implimented a new procedure. It is to my understanding as of 2008...if an eligible puppy is not registered with NIPPO by the age of 3 months, it is no longer able to be registered period.
3. Registrations - Why don't the pups in Canada also have Nippo registration (referreing to Katja's dogs)? Were the parents not Nippo or were they FCI? I'm getting confused how this goes for Shikoku.
- Katja choose not to do NIPPO registration with her pups. There is no point in registering with NIPPO unless you plan to get a rating from NIPPO. For example, sending your dog to Japan to compete in NIPPO shows. Or flying a NIPPO judge out here to give your dog a rating. NIPPO is its own seclusive/private club. It has nothing to do with JKC, AKC, CKC or any other registries as far as I'm concerned. And it is NOT recognized by FCI.
4. Is there an obvious benefit to having Nippo registration over CKC? A dog with CKC reg couldn't go to any Nationals (or could they?), although it could be bred with a Nippo dog although the pups wouldn't be registrable with Nippo, or could they?
- The benefit of having a NIPPO registration is so that you can part-take in NIPPO shows and earn a rating. Your dog will need to also be registered with an FCI recognized registry. Again, the pups are eligible to register so long as the parents are also NIPPO registered. A dog registered with any recognized kennel club JKC, CKC, etc will be able to do shows worldwide. However, they will NOT be able to do any NIPPO events, unless they have their "membership" (NIPPO registration).
5. What bodies are your Shikoku registered with?
- Currently JKC & NIPPO. I also plan to register my Shikoku with UKC, CKC & the Puerto Rico Kennel Club. Puerto Rico is a U.S. territory. Since AKC does not recognize Shikoku, I must register any litters born in the U.S. with the Puerto Rico Kennel Club. As it is recognized by the FCI and they also recognize the Shikoku as an offical breed.
Both Kuma and Sora got darker as they got older (per reports from Sora's owner previously [username grandemu). Kuma has much more black in his coat now than when he was 6 months old. Still, he is a light red sesame.
Her personality is positively magnificent. She is pure love and boundless energy. The energy can be exhausting but I am sure as she matures she will be an incredible dog. I have never met a dog quite like her before.
2. Those with Shiba Inu and Shikoku, what is the most challenging aspect of life with the two breeds?
Moto was incredibly destructive and willful. But snuggly. Miko is a better listener but incredibly tenacious. It is almost impossible to tire her out.
2b. Hard question, no one has to answer this. Have any of you completely sworn off ever wanting to have any future Shiba after the introduction of your Shikoku given the reportedly much nicer difference in temperaments? Do you see going from Shiba Inu to Shikoku as upgrading or expanding?
They are very different breeds. They play similarly. And they share some other minor similarities. I would never say Miko was an upgrade or expansion. I swore off shibas after Moto. But having spent time with Lucy, Joey, Sake, and Miso I will never say never.
3. Registrations-my understanding is a litter born in Canada is CKC registered, a litter born in Japan from Nippo parents will have Nippo registration, or those pups could be born in the US from Nippo parents and also be given that registration. Why don't the pups in Canada also have Nippo registration (referreing to Katja's dogs)? Were the parents not Nippo or were they FCI? I'm getting confused how this goes for Shikoku.
No idea
4. Is there an obvious benefit to having Nippo registration over CKC? A dog with CKC reg couldn't go to any Nationals (or could they?), although it could be bred with a Nippo dog although the pups wouldn't be registrable with Nippo, or could they?
No idea
5. What bodies are your Shikoku registered with?
CKC
6. Ears-have read the standards, but what is preferred when breeding: a thick, triangular ear with a slightly rounded tip, not sharply pointed, avoiding the overly foxy look? Am I thinking too much like a Shiba person? What do you think a great, drop dead ear and set looks like on a Shikoku?
I really like Loa's ears.
Mikos ears are pretty cute too...
7. Tails-same as above, have read the standards, but there may be fine points not mentioned that are preferred when breeding. With Shiba, the loose single curl is great and I like it, but the sickle is preferred although more rare. What is your favorite tail set in a Shikoku?
I don't know what Miko's would be considered
8. Concerning the "conformation" questions, where do you feel the breed lies overall? Much room for improvement still or just some fine tuning needed? Do you feel there are any other conformation issues in the breed in the US such as misaligned bites, east-west fronts, turned out elbows, dropped hocks and pasterns, roached backs, ewe necks, etc? What are some conformation quirks you see in some of your Shikoku? For instance, Beebe is easty-westy in the front, and her hind end is taller than her front causing her hind end to swing around while she walks so she is unable to single track.
Had never really thought about it. I feel like the breed is pretty strong as it is. I only hope that the breed stays rare.
9. Is there a Shikoku any of you can think of that you believe is close to perfect regarding conformation and temperament? Are there just so few Shikoku alive that are good examples of an exceptional dog, or they just hiding in Japan (or in your backyards
I love Loa's look. But I agree with Brad that most of our mushball shikoku don't really fit the fearless hunter standard. I think Miko is on the small side of the standard. But she is pretty lovely.
10. Conformation aside, just for fun, who is your favorite Shikoku? You can pick your own, any shape or colour.
I love my little girl.
Answer: cute.
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Kris / Lindsay: Kris is right on the age of the girls in that pic. Sora was small and is small, but still in the standard. She is a feisty little thing.
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Lindsay:
Another question for you, would you then prefer the more correct working temperament (is this what Ahi has?) over the softer (correct word?) Loa temperament in a breeding program, or a mix of both?
Yes, I prefer Ahi's temperament over Loa's. BUT I think somewhere between the the 2 is what America needs. Just enough "sharpness" to make the Shikoku a "not for many" breed and just enough "softness" to keep them from being dumped in shelters like the GSD and Akita.
Yes, I think Ahi is an example of a "working" temperament, and I feel she is probably one of the more difficult Shikoku in North America. After living with a few "dangerous breeds" and "working breeds", I can honestly say Ahi has been the most difficult of all our dogs. Jen and I both agree that if Ahi had gone to a different family she would have more than likely have been dumped in the rescue system - and in the rescue system she would have probably been put to death do to her high reactivity and growling.
I think "softer" and "sharper" are perfect words to describe Loa vs. Ahi.
I'm excited about Loa's first breeding as it will be to Aki who is a rather "sharp" Shikoku. Our hope is to get a few pups of each temperament and hopefully at least one with a perfect mix of both - Ahi's confidence and courage with Loa's gentleness and livability.
Hope that clears up any questions regarding my post.
Also, I didn't mean to make you feel like I felt like you were ignoring temperment. That's not how I feel, I just felt it was important to add it to this conversation as temperament is a big part of what makes a Shikoku a Shikoku.
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Corina-Do all litters born in the US have to be registered with Puerto Rico if JKC/UKC registration is desired?
Jessica-I love your girl from all accounts, too bad I haven't met her yet. Her ears are very pretty, nice little triangles. Second that her tail is cute. You would know this (sorry, more questions): How many Shiba puppies/other puppies are equivalent to 1 busy Shikoku puppy?
Thanks for the prespectives everyone!
I think this question is really funny! LOL. I would say it is more like having a Tasmanian devil baby. Let's put it this way, Miko has confirmed that I don't ever want another puppy. I will gladly rescue adult dogs with issues over a puppy any day. It took me much longer to fall in love with Miko. She is my precious baby girl now. But if you asked me a year ago, I don't think I would have described her so sweetly.
Personality wise, what popular breed would you say the shikoku is most like?
2a. I don't know. I could tell you of the differences between living with Malinois and Shikoku though.
2b. I actually began my research for a Japanese dog, starting with the Shiba Inu. Then I ended up with Shikoku. I haven't sworn off Shibas completely though...as I plan on doing rescue/fostering. So of course, a Shiba in need will always be welcome in my home. However, having a Shiba as a "personal pet" for myself, no.
3-5. Scroll up, the answers are in an earlier post of mine.
6. Ears - I believe all native Nihon Ken should have a very consistent appearance. So, yes. A thick, triangular ear with slightly rounded tips should be pronouced.
Kotomi seems very "typey", I think she has a wonderful ear set:
7. Tails - I like the tail to rest closer to the body, in either style with a slight curl. I don't like it "too loose (i.e. hook with no curl)" or "too tight (i.e. too curly, like a cinnabun)".
Okay Tail
Shoushuu tends to carry his tail "high". So his tail actually rests further from his body. You see this "loop":
Prefered Tail
Kotomi's tail looks more pleasing, as she carries it closer to her body. It's much more "relaxed":
8. Conformation - I think Shikoku just need some "fine tuning". I'm going overall observation within the breed (I've been to Japan a few times -grins-). I see a lot of "east-west" fronts. A few slight roached backs and there's something about the rear half in a few Shikoku...I can't quite place -sighs-.
As for conformation quirks in my dogs. I know why Ninja-kun (nickname of breeder I got my Shikoku through) kept asking me if I was happy with Shoushuu, lol. Seeing as to how he is a breeder of Show dogs. With Shoushuu, there was a particular temperment I was looking for that I don't find in most Shikoku. Remember...I'm more into working dogs and am willing to sacrafice some conformation for a good working dog.
Anyhow...Mr Shoushuu:
He has a gorgeous head. His father has a lovely front but I don't know what happened to him, lol. He went east-west in the front. He's back has a slight roach. And his tail, though within standard, should be pressed closer to his body (in my opinion), he carries it high.
Now Kotomi has great conformation. If I were to send any of my Shikoku back to Japan to be shown in NIPPO. It would and should be Miss Kotomi. Unfortunely, I have a really hard time trying to get good photos of this kid, lol. I couldn't even get her to put the tail up...she kept swishing it around.
Here is a photo of a Shikoku winner at a previous NIPPO show. This is what the judges are looking for. And I agree, she is a beautiful Shikoku.
9. A Shikoku close to "perfect" in conformation and temperment: Shoushuu's father, Seikan go Kasamatsusou.
10. Conformation aside who is your favorite Shikoku? I love all my dogs, but I'm INLOVE with my Shoushuu.
Here's 50+ individual Shikoku to gander at for your viewing pleasure:
2007 Nihon Ken Show (Shikoku, Kishu & Kai)
I'm going to add the Shiba Inu to this as well (sometime between today and tomorrow). So all together, I took 166 photos at NIPPO show in 2007. I think there's at least 150 in the album. If I make it to NIPPO show this year (November of 2009), I promise to take like 200+ pics!
For me, it's 50%/50%. It depends on their mood. My Shikoku don't seem interested in small animals. Except for the fun of the chasing game or perhaps wanting to play with the other animal (I know, my Shikoku are WEIRD). They chase, I call, they acknowledge....maybe they'll continue the chase or maybe they'll run towards me -shrugs-. Now Shoushuu with Sheep...forget it...I've lost my dog completely.
There's a certain purity and honesty about her attitude. She's so cooperative and amicable, and also so unapologetically driven to hunt, run, jump, and play like crazy. I think of the term "man's best friend" and imagine being back in the cusp of civilisation, forming a partnership with a pure and primal creature, and I think Rakka fits that picture much better than most breeds. There's something about being with a less domesticated animal that makes me feel more connected with my human heritage and with nature. I know that sounds bizarre, but honestly, the joy of living with a shikoku, for me, is just what I've described here. I find real joy in watching Rakka be what she is. I actually feel very fortunate that the powers that be have given humanity the opportunity to share their lives with other animals like this.
2. Those with Shiba Inu and Shikoku, what is the most challenging aspect of life with the two breeds?
Well, I haven't had too many problems lately. The main problem was getting them used to the fact that they didn't really have the same style of play. They both love to play with other dogs, but Rakka's a lot more intense than Tojo. At first, Rakka would try to play with Tojo and Tojo would feel violated and Rakka would get frustrated that Tojo didn't want to play with her. Now Tojo and Skella play with each other like crazy, but all the fun ends when Rakka tries to join in because they just don't want to play with her. I actually feel pretty bad for Rakka being left out like that, so I try to play with her lots with squeaky toys, which she loves more than anything. I plan on having more shikoku in the future, and hopefully, they'll share Rakka's rough play philosophy and have some fun. Tojo and Rakka don't get into fights, which is probably because Tojo's a cool cucumber. He doesn't react when Rakka pesters him, he just keeps his cool and she goes away. He's snarky if there's some kind of resource involved or if he's sleeping, but it hasn't been a problem for a long time. Rakka's not really the type to start fights, but if things escalate during play, she can get out of hand.
2b. Hard question, no one has to answer this. Have any of you completely sworn off ever wanting to have any future Shiba after the introduction of your Shikoku given the reportedly much nicer difference in temperments? Do you see going from Shiba Inu to Shikoku as upgrading or expanding?
I haven't sworn off shibas, but I can't really see myself getting another one any time soon. It's mainly a change of interest and circumstances that's led me to be more interested in shikoku. When I got Tojo, I was living in an apartment and had no plans to get into any kind of dog sports - I just wanted a buddy for walks and someone to hang out with. If that's still all I wanted, I wouldn't have gotten any more dogs, because Tojo's a great for that. After getting him, though, I realised that I was really interested in everything from sledding to hunting to SAR, so I started looking into larger dogs more suited for working. I wanted something similar to a shiba in a lot of ways - I like the look, the cleanliness, the low-maintenance all-weather coat - but a little larger (but not too big), more biddable, and higher drive. The shikoku fit the bill, so I got one! I'm definitely not disappointed. Also, I live in the country now, so I'm more capable of taking care of a larger, higher energy animal. I would've gone crazy trying to take care of Rakka in an apartment, unless that were my full time job.
3. Registrations-my understanding is a litter born in Canada is CKC registered, a litter born in Japan from Nippo parents will have Nippo registration, or those pups could be born in the US from Nippo parents and also be given that registration. Why don't the pups in Canada also have Nippo registration (referreing to Katja's dogs)? Were the parents not Nippo or were they FCI? I'm getting confused how this goes for Shikoku.
As others have said, registration has to do with where the parents were registered, regardless of where they're born. Of course, a lot of kennel clubs are recognised by each other, so if your dog is registered with, say, the AKC, then getting a CKC registration is pretty easy, you basically just have to fill out paper work and pay a fee. Dogs can be registered with however many kennel clubs you want, so it just depends on which is more useful to you. The main point, of course, being to verify the animal's heritage, which any one of them do just fine.
4. Is there an obvious benefit to having Nippo registration over CKC? A dog with CKC reg couldn't go to any Nationals (or could they?), although it could be bred with a Nippo dog although the pups wouldn't be registrable with Nippo, or could they?
I don't actually know if CKC recognises Nippo, but I suspect that it wouldn't be too terribly difficult to deal with dogs registered in Japan because several shikoku have been imported from Japan and are registered with the CKC. They can't make it too hard, or they won't have enough dogs on the continent to breed from.
5. What bodies are your Shikoku registered with?
Rakka's registered with the CKC, but that's irrelevant since she's spayed and has nothing to do with my breeding plans. When I do start breeding, I will definitely want to register my dogs with the CKC, since I live in Canada it makes the most sense. CKC shows are readily available to me, so I can't really see myself spending a lot of time and money on trying to get championships in all the different clubs, especially since conformation isn't my main breeding goal. Whether I register my dogs with other kennel clubs as well will depend on how useful it would be.
6. Ears-have read the standards, but what is preferred when breeding: a thick, triangular ear with a slightly rounded tip, not sharply pointed, avoiding the overly foxy look? Am I thinking too much like a Shiba person? What do you think a great, drop dead ear and set looks like on a Shikoku?
Well, I haven't seen a set of ears that I thought were bad. All of the ears shown in the above pictures look nice to me. I have noticed that shikoku ears are quite stiff compared to other dogs - even to other dogs with erect ears. Maybe some of the other members can feel their dogs' ears for me and tell me if they agree, but shikoku ears seem really thick and sturdy. They're longer than a shiba's and point forward slightly.
7. Tails-same as above, have read the standards, but there may be fine points not mentioned that are preffered when breeding. With Shiba, the loose single curl is great and I like it, but the sickle is preferred although more rare. What is your favorite tail set in a Shikoku?
I like it to drape across the back, like Brad said.
8. Concerning the "conformation" questions, where do you feel the breed lies overall? Much room for improvement still or just some fine tuning needed? Do you feel there are any other conformation issues in the breed in the US such as misaligned bites, east-west fronts, turned out elbows, dropped hocks and pasterns, roached backs, ewe necks, etc? What are some conformation quirks you see in some of your Shikoku? For instance, Beebe is easty-westy in the front, and her hind end is taller than her front causing her hind end to swing around while she walks so she is unable to single track.
Other people have already mentioned the points that could stand to improve, although like Brad, I think the roach back is the only big thing for me. I like to see a dog in motion before I make a definite judgment on the conformation. To me, efficiency and power in movement is the goal of having a good body type, so if the dog doesn't look right walking and running, that's a deal breaker.
9. Is there a Shikoku any of you can think of that you believe is close to perfect regarding conformation and temperment? Are there just so few Shikoku alive that are good examples of an exceptional dog, or they just hiding in Japan (or in your backyards
Hmm... I don't really think I've seen a perfect shikoku. I think breeding is all about maintaining a balance of features, rather than finding a set of perfect features and duplicating it. Each dog has its strengths and weaknesses and the art of breeding is to match dogs that compliment each other so that no individual ends up being unbalanced in any department. When I see a dog, I often try to think of what characteristics I would look for in a mate for that dog. That doesn't really answer your question. :-P
10. Conformation aside, just for fun, who is your favorite Shikoku? You can pick your own, any shape or colour. I like looking at all of your Shikoku pics, I think all of your dogs are really nice by the way, thanks for indulging my long winded questions!
Well, of course Rakka is my favourite! Also, I haven't seen a picture of or met a shikoku I didn't like.
When I get off work I can actually see some of these pics so I will put it all together then.