Shikoku vs Long Haired Chihuahua - Breed Comparison

Shikoku vs Long Haired Chihuahua - Breed ComparisonShikoku is originated from Japan but Long Haired Chihuahua is originated from Mexico. Both Shikoku and Long Haired Chihuahua are having almost same height. Shikoku may weigh 50 kg / 111 pounds more than Long Haired Chihuahua. Shikoku may live 5 years less than Long Haired Chihuahua. Shikoku may have more litter size than Long Haired Chihuahua. Both Shikoku and Long Haired Chihuahua requires Moderate 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.

long haired chihuahua - historyThe short haired Chihuahua is such a recognizable dog breed, probably because of his tiny size, but did you know that you also get a long haired variety?

Looking quite a bit like a Pomeranian, the only difference between the two types of Chihuahua is the length of the coat.

This small dog dates back to Mayan times and while it may well have originated in Mexico, its popularity saw it becoming a sought after pet in other countries too.

To get the long haired Chihuahua, breeding programs were established and the short-haired variety was mated with other long haired toy sized dogs such as the Pomeranian and the Yorkshire Terrier.

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.

long haired chihuahua puppy - descriptionYour long haired Chihuahua will have a coat that is soft and slightly wavy. He weighs between 1 and 3kg and stands at about 15 – 23cm. He generally sheds throughout the year with a couple of heavier shedding periods during the year.

Don’t be fooled by the long, thick hair on the long haired Chihuahua as it doesn’t protect him from the cold – in fact he doesn’t tolerate the cold well at all, and is essentially an indoor dog. The ears are erect and feathery and the tail is full and plumed, lying over the back. He has a ruff on the neck, which is often described as a mane.

Temperament:

Chihuahuas are such bright-as-a-button little dogs and they’re intelligent too.

It’s difficult to say how a dog’s temperament will turn out, because breed, lifestyle and the type of owners can all make a dog a certain way.

Socialization and training can sometimes help with a dog that has bad genes. There are some people who say the Long haired Chihuahua is a nasty, aggressive little dog who’ll easily give you a nip but they’ve got a good reputation with many other dog lovers.

They love their own human family but may take quite a while to chill towards other people and other dogs too. They’re more ‘birds of a feather flock together’ type of dogs, preferring to get on with other Chihuahua dogs.

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

long haired chihuahua dog - characteristicsThe Chihuahua is such a feisty, courageous, confident little dog who also believes that he is part- lion. He is loving, sweet and gentle and just loves being picked up and petted non-stop. He looks up at you, moving his front paws up and down to tell you that he wants to be picked up.

He is in 7th heaven when he can be cuddled up in your lap. You just have to teach your children to be very careful with him and not enter into games with him that are too rough and tumble. Tiny he may be but he makes a great watchdog too, barking and alerting you to strangers.

His small size makes him perfect for life in the city or in the countryside. Just be careful when in the countryside lest an Eagle or Owl scoop him up and carry him off to some faraway nest.

He doesn’t need a great deal of exercise either and you can actually keep him happily busy with some games indoors. He’ll always welcome walks with you though.

This small dog is full of life and confidence and he is ready to be your constant, loving companion.

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.

long haired chihuahua puppies - health problemsWith good care, you’ll have your long haired Chihuahua with you for a long time – 15 years and longer.

Parasites:

Make sure to de-worm your Chihuahua. Worms and other parasites can be deadly for your pet and the vet will do preventative deworming on a regular basis.

You Chihuahua will need to be vaccinated when he is a puppy and even when he is an adult, although less often. These vaccines will protect your Chihuahua from the likes of parvo, distemper and rabies. Have your chihuahua spayed or neutered.

There are so many puppies in the world who can’t find homes. Desexing your Chihuahua is a responsible way to ensure your pet doesn’t have puppies. Spaying and neutering can actually be beneficial for your dog’s health.

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.

Grooming:

long haired chihuahua dogs - caringThe pint-sized long-haired Chihuahua isn’t going to take up too much of your time in terms of grooming. Make sure you brush him at least twice a week to ensure his long hair doesn’t tangle. Small dogs are prone to dental problems, so try and brush his teeth at least 2 or 3 times a week with special doggy toothbrush- and toothpaste.

General Care:

Take your puppy Chihuahua to the vet for his regular vaccinations to prevent him getting dangerous illnesses.

Feed him a high quality dog food. He is a high energy dog so buy high quality food that caters for small, lively dogs. Try and feed him such home made food from time to time. Remember that with small dogs, high-salt diets can contribute to kidney problems.

Never overfeed your Chihuahua as obesity opens up major health problems in Chihuahuas.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Toy dog
Origin:
Japan
Mexico
Height Male:
17 - 27 cm
6 - 11 inches
15 - 23 cm
5 - 10 inches
Height Female:
14 - 24 cm
5 - 10 inches
15 - 23 cm
5 - 10 inches
Weight Male:
42 - 53 kg
92 - 117 pounds
1 - 3 kg
2 - 7 pounds
Weight Female:
40 - 50 kg
88 - 111 pounds
1 - 3 kg
2 - 7 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 15 Years
12 - 20 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
1 - 3
Size:
Medium dog
Toy dog
Other Names:
Kochi-ken • Shikoku-Ken
None
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)
brownish, white, black - bi-color, Many colors - cream, apricot
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, straight to wavy
Shedding:
Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Stubborn
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate 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. Morkie vs Long Haired Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  27. Pekingese vs Long Haired Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  28. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Yorkshire Terrier - Breed Comparison
  29. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  30. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Havanese - Breed Comparison
  31. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Chorkie - Breed Comparison
  32. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Chinese Crested Dog - Breed Comparison
  33. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Chiweenie - Breed Comparison
  34. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Chug - Breed Comparison
  35. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Affenpinscher - Breed Comparison
  36. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Brussels Griffon - Breed Comparison
  37. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Chipoo - Breed Comparison
  38. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Chiapom - Breed Comparison
  39. Long Haired Chihuahua vs English Toy Terrier (Black & Tan) - Breed Comparison
  40. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Bichon Bolognese - Breed Comparison
  41. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Franzuskaya Bolonka - Breed Comparison
  42. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Bugg - Breed Comparison
  43. Long Haired Chihuahua vs Cockachon - Breed Comparison
  44. Russian Toy Terrier vs Long Haired Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  45. Phalene vs Long Haired Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  46. Shih Tzu vs Long Haired Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  47. Silky Terrier vs Long Haired Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  48. Snorkie vs Long Haired Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  49. Toy Bulldog vs Long Haired Chihuahua - Breed Comparison
  50. Toy Mi-Ki vs Long Haired Chihuahua - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds