Sussex Spaniel vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Sussex Spaniel vs Shikoku - Breed ComparisonSussex Spaniel is originated from United Kingdom but Shikoku is originated from Japan. Sussex Spaniel may grow 11 cm / 5 inches higher than Shikoku. Sussex Spaniel may weigh 33 kg / 72 pounds lesser than Shikoku. Both Sussex Spaniel and Shikoku has same life span. Both Sussex Spaniel and Shikoku has almost same litter size. Both Sussex Spaniel and Shikoku requires Moderate maintenance.

History

sussex spaniel - historyThe Sussex Spaniel comes from Sussex in southern England. The whole purpose of his development was for him to rush between reeds, causing birds to fly up and for their owners to then shoot them so that they could retrieve them.

His history dates back to the 19th century when breeding for the dog started. The first breed standard was also written during this time.

It was about in 1969 that some of these Sussex Spaniels were imported to the United States where they were referred to as a sporting breed. Today they are still a rare breed.

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.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Sporting dog
Origin:
United Kingdom
Japan
Height Male:
33 - 38 cm
12 - 15 inches
17 - 27 cm
6 - 11 inches
Height Female:
33 - 38 cm
12 - 15 inches
14 - 24 cm
5 - 10 inches
Weight Male:
16 - 20 kg
35 - 45 pounds
42 - 53 kg
92 - 117 pounds
Weight Female:
16 - 20 kg
35 - 45 pounds
40 - 50 kg
88 - 111 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 15 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
2 - 8
4 - 6
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
The Sussex
Kochi-ken • Shikoku-Ken
Colors Available:
Golden liver
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)
Coat:
Quite long, thick, silky
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).
Shedding:
Moderate
Seasonal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Docile, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Quiet, Responsive, Social, Stubborn, Sweet, Territorial
Affectionate, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

sussex spaniel puppy - descriptionWith his low, long body and short legs, this beautiful golden liver color spaniel has long, silky ears and a long, feathery tail.

He is a moderate shedder. He is quite a distinctive looking dog with his silky coat and sombre expression. You’d descibe him as medium sized dog, standing at between 33 – 38cm in height and weighing 16 -20kg.

Temperament:

The Sussex Spaniel is more slow and sedate than the Cocker Spaniel but he still makes an excellent pet and companion.

He is strong and robust. He is clever too, but slightly stubborn, while also being clownish and entertaining. They’re the kind of dogs who bond strongly with their family and aren’t that enthusiastic with strangers.

They take a while to warm towards people they don’t know. He is steady, reliable and determined and makes a good watchdog. Because he is gentle and even tempered he makes an ideal pet for children and he is able to get on well with other dogs too.

It’s good to have them trained and socialized as they become even more amicable around other people and dogs they don’t know.

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.

Characteristics

The Sussex Spaniel makes the perfect pet for families where there are children.

sussex spaniel dog - characteristicsHe is a low drooling dog and he adapts easily to life with his human family, preferably in the countryside.

He isn’t the most intelligent breed, but most people love him just like that because he’s eager to please and just wants to be your trusted, loyal pet and companion.

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

Health Problems

sussex spaniel puppies - health problemsYour Sussex, like any other dog, is going to be prone to some diseases and conditions. If you are going for a puppy, always look for a reputable dog breeder, as this at least gives your dog a better chance of a healthy life.

Some health conditions that can affect your Sussex Spaniel include -

Pulmonic Stenosis: 

This is a congenital heart disease where blood doesn't flow properly and where the right side of the heart works harder and actually enlarges.

If the obstruction is severe, it can cause arrhythmia or congestive heart failure.

If the stenosis is mild, you may not even notice any conditions, but if it's severe, your pet may have difficulty with breathing, his stomach may be distended, and with strenuous exercise he could even collapse.

Intervertebral Disc Disease:

This is when a disc in the spine ruptures and pushes upward into the spinal cord. It can be an injury or an inherited condition.It is painful and will include anti-inflammatory medications and possibly surgery.

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.

Caring The Pet

Grooming:

sussex spaniel dogs - caringBecause of the long, silky hair, brushing your Sussex twice a week will be necessary to prevent matting from dirt adhering to the fur.

The insides of those long floppy ears can be a breeding spot for bacteria as they don’t easily dry. When you brush him, check inside the ears to make sure they aren't red which could be a sign of ear infection.

Remember, if you don’t like to do all the grooming chores there are, a grooming parlour will do the chores for you. They cut your dog’s hair, check inside his ears, clean his teeth and trim his nails.

Diet:

Every dog needs excellent food to be healthy. Many people feed their pets the wrong kinds of foods and then wonder why they have to fork up so much on vets fees.

If you feed your Sussex Spaniel one of the commercial manufactured foods, make sure its one of the good ones packed with vitamins and minerals. Tasty home-made food added to his kibble a couple of times a week can do him the world of good if its kept simple – no spicey, exotic foods that can upset the stomach.

Boiled chicken, brown rice or pasta and spinach, sweet potatoes and carrots all chopped up and mixed into the dry kibble once or twice a week will ensure a healthy, happy pet.

To avoid skin allergies and a dull coat, try and add in some raw meat occasionally. Always make sure he has access to fresh, cool water.

Exercise:

These dogs have been accustomed to a life of running in open spaces and they’re going to want lots of exercise. They love ball games and they love a walk in the countryside with lots of new scents to follow.

It’s why this dog isn’t suited to life in a small city property. He needs space and the outdoors to use up his energy.

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.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Sussex Spaniel vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  2. Sussex Spaniel vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  3. Sussex Spaniel vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  4. Sussex Spaniel vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  5. Sussex Spaniel vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  6. Sussex Spaniel vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  7. Sussex Spaniel vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  8. Sussex Spaniel vs Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever - Breed Comparison
  9. Sussex Spaniel vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  10. Sussex Spaniel vs Field Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  11. Sussex Spaniel vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  12. Sussex Spaniel vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  13. Sussex Spaniel vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison
  14. Sussex Spaniel vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  15. Sussex Spaniel vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  16. Sussex Spaniel vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison
  17. Sussex Spaniel vs Slovakian Hound - Breed Comparison
  18. Sussex Spaniel vs Small Munsterlander - Breed Comparison
  19. Sussex Spaniel vs Kooikerhondje - Breed Comparison
  20. Sussex Spaniel vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  21. Sussex Spaniel vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  22. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Sussex Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  23. West Siberian Laika vs Sussex Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  24. Wetterhoun vs Sussex Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  25. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Sussex Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  26. Shikoku vs East Siberian Laika - Breed Comparison
  27. Shikoku vs English Pointer - Breed Comparison
  28. Shikoku vs French Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  29. Shikoku vs Flat-Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  30. Shikoku vs Finnish Spitz - Breed Comparison
  31. Shikoku vs Ariegeois - Breed Comparison
  32. Shikoku vs Beagador - Breed Comparison
  33. Shikoku vs Nova Scotia Duck-Tolling Retriever - Breed Comparison
  34. Shikoku vs English Water Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  35. Shikoku vs Field Spaniel - Breed Comparison
  36. Shikoku vs Artois Hound - Breed Comparison
  37. Shikoku vs Curly Coated Retriever - Breed Comparison
  38. Shikoku vs Lagotto Romagnolo - Breed Comparison
  39. Shikoku vs Braque Francais - Breed Comparison
  40. Shikoku vs Formosan Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  41. Shikoku vs Kooikerhondje - Breed Comparison
  42. Shikoku vs Braque Francais (Pyrenean Type) - Breed Comparison
  43. Shikoku vs Braque Saint-Germain - Breed Comparison
  44. Slovakian Hound vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison
  45. Small Munsterlander vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison
  46. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison
  47. West Siberian Laika vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison
  48. Wetterhoun vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison
  49. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds