Shikoku vs Brittany - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Shikoku vs Brittany - Breed ComparisonShikoku is originated from Japan but Brittany is originated from France. Shikoku may grow 25 cm / 9 inches shorter than Brittany. Shikoku may weigh 33 kg / 73 pounds more than Brittany. Both Shikoku and Brittany has almost same life span. Shikoku may have less litter size than Brittany. Shikoku requires Moderate maintenance. But Brittany 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.

brittany - historyOne of the most intense bird dog breeds in existence is the Brittany, bred for hunt. The breed used to be called the Brittany Spaniel, but since the breed is closer to a setter or pointer, that moniker has been dropped. The Brittany is named for the French Province in which they were originally developed. Sometime from the 17th to the 19th centuries, the breed was developed. Images of a very similar dog can be found on 17th century paintings and tapestries. However, the first written description comes from 1850 by a Reverend Davies, describing a hunting episode. The breed was recognized officially in the early part of the 20th century and made a splash at the 1900 Paris Dog Show.

The first official standards were written in about 1907 and the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club (AKC) in 1934.The Brittany is expected to point to and then retrieve birds and other small ground game. Because the Brittany both points and retrieves they are known in the U.K. as a Hunt, Point and Retrieve breed or an HPR, and they have more Dual Champions than the rest of the AKC Sporting group.

There are actually two types of Brittanys in the minds of many breeders. There is the “French” Brittany and the “American” Brittany. When the breed arrived in the United States in 1931 they became immensely popular in a short period of time. In 1942 American Breeders began the American Brittany Club, rewriting the French standard to fit the dog they knew. Today there are definitely difference between the two sub-sets that can easily be seen. The French dog is smaller than the American dog. The American dog is a runner pacing ahead of the hunter while the French dog works more closely with their human companions. Another visible difference is that the French accept black spotted Brittanys, while in the United States a black spotted coat is considered a fault. Both sub-sets are known for their willingness to follow human directions, their eagerness for the hunt, and their agility and speed.

Unfortunately, the European wars took their toll on this breed as they did on many others. Following the second World War, their numbers in Europe were drastically reduced. The French had stop breeding them altogether during the war. It was in this depleted gene pool that the French agreed to accept the black spotted Brittany. Along with the U.S., Canada also does not recognize the black spotted Brittany.

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.

brittany puppy - descriptionThe Brittany is much like other hunting dogs – pointers and retrievers – in size and stature. He is solid and strong but not heavy. He is compact with an average size head and floppy ears, docked tails or short natural tails, and expressively intelligent looking eyes. He is athletic, energetic, and alert. He has a long, elastic and free gait. The French dog is smaller and the dog with black spots is accepted. The American Brittany is larger and only a tri-color of orange, liver and white is acceptable.

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

brittany dog - characteristicsThe Brittany is particularly trainable and friendly. They love to play and are sweet-natured. They don’t due well with harsh correction though and a stern look will cause them to wither. Socialize them young or they can become shy around strangers. They are loyal and family oriented. They can easily become attached to their humans.

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.

brittany puppies - health problemsThe breed is a hardy one and Brittanys are mostly healthy dogs. In Europe 1 in 5 dogs dies of old age and that age is usually 14 or 15 years. They do have a few issues that they may be susceptible to. These would include:

Ears – prone to infections

Hip Dysplasia – bones don’t fit well into joints

Epilepsy – mild or serious seizures are possible.

Hypothyroidism – Low levels of thyroid hormone

Canine Discoid Lupus Erythematosus – autoimmune disease

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

brittany dogs - caringDon’t overfeed your Brittany. Keep him at hunting weight by feeding a half a cup up to 2 cups per day depending on the size of your dog and activity levels. Serve this in two meals not one.

Health issues

Ears – prone to infections – make sure that you check them and wipe them out routinely to prevent infections.

Hip Dysplasia – bones don’t fit well into joints – this can be genetic or otherwise, causing lameness and arthritis. If severe it can require surgery to correct.

Epilepsy – mild or serious seizures are possible. This can be genetic/hereditary but is set off by an infectious disease of the brain, head injury, poison, tumor, or metabolic disorder. There is no cure, but medication can be very effective.

Hypothyroidism – Low levels of thyroid hormone – can cause drooping eyelids, obesity, lethargy, mental difficulties or irregular heat cycles or all of this. Medication is available as it is for humans but must be taken daily for the rest of the dog’s life

Canine Discoid Lupus Erythematosus – autoimmune disease that is rare in dogs. Cats and humans can also have it. It is a skin disease and does not become the more serious and deadly Systemic Lupus. The Discoid version of this disease causes loss of pigmentation and a scaling on the nose which can then progress to the skin around the ears, eyes and genitals. There could be ulcerated lesions and tissue death in more severe cases. Sun exposure can make the condition worse.

Exercise and games

The Brittany is a hunting dog that acts like a pointer but will retrieve fowl and birds in the water or on land. If you don’t hunt, the Brittany can still be your family dog. They need lots of exercise and mental stimulation. They need a job if they are not going to hunt and expect them to be distracted by every bird they see. Try flyball, agility, FAST CAT, field trials and dock diving. They are very task oriented and have boundless energy. They excel at obedience and confirmation as well.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Gun dog
Origin:
Japan
France
Height Male:
17 - 27 cm
6 - 11 inches
43 - 52 cm
16 - 21 inches
Height Female:
14 - 24 cm
5 - 10 inches
40 - 50 cm
15 - 20 inches
Weight Male:
42 - 53 kg
92 - 117 pounds
14 - 20 kg
30 - 45 pounds
Weight Female:
40 - 50 kg
88 - 111 pounds
12 - 18 kg
26 - 40 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 15 Years
12 - 13 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
1 - 12
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Kochi-ken • Shikoku-Ken
Brittany Spaniel Brittany Wiegref Epagneul Breton French Brittany
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)
tricolor, orange roan, liver roan, black roan
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).
Flowing Medium length
Shedding:
Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Stubborn
Alert, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Intelligent, Loyal, Playful, Sweet
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

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. English Springer Spaniel vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  27. Brittany vs American Cocker Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  28. Brittany vs Boykin Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  29. Brittany vs American Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  30. Brittany vs Braque d'Auvergne - Breed Comparison
  31. Brittany vs Barbet - Breed Comparison
  32. Brittany vs Blue Picardy Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  33. Brittany vs Canadian Pointer - Breed Comparison
  34. English Setter vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  35. French Brittany vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  36. Pudelpointer vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  37. Picardy Spaniel vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  38. Ariege Pointer vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  39. Pont-Audemer Spaniel vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  40. Irish Water Spaniel vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  41. Deutsch Drahthaar vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  42. Clumber Spaniel vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  43. Stabyhoun vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  44. Styrian Coarse Haired Hound vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  45. Vizsla vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  46. Large Munsterlander vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  47. Tyrolean Hound vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  48. Cockalier vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  49. Braque du Bourbonnais vs Brittany - Breed Comparison
  50. Cesky Fousek vs Brittany - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds