Shikoku

This impressive canine is one of only six Spitz breeds native to Japan. They originated on the island of Shikoku in the mountains of the Kochi Prefecture. Developed by the Matagi or hunters who remained true to ancient Japanese traditions, the Shikoku is a large game hunter who was first known as the Tosa Ken but was eventually renamed when people kept confusing them with the Tosa Fighting Dog. When Japan suffered economic hardship starting in 1926, dog ownership became a luxury and they were on the verge of extinction. A study was conducted by Haruo Isogai, a cynologist, and he identified only six breeds that were native to Japan and have a Spitz heritage: the Shikoku, Shiba Inu, Hokkaido Inu, Kishu Ken, Kai Ken and Akita. The Nihon Ken Hozonkai or NIPPO was formed in 1928 and dedicated itself to the preservation of these six breeds. NIPPO’s initial focus was on the Shiba Inu and Akita but they shifted their focus to the Shikoku in 1937. NIPPO began the reconstructive effort of the dog by having the breed declared a living natural monument of Japan. Three lines of Shikoku developed from the reconstructive effort. All three of these lines were named after the region within Kochi Prefecture where they originated: the Hata, the Awa and the Hongawa. Because of the remote location of Kochi Prefecture, this breed was not well known. It was not until the late 1960s and early 1970s that they were imported into countries within the western hemisphere. They were accepted in the Foundation Stock Service of the American Kennel Club in 2014.