Comparison: Shiba Inu and Shikoku

Shiba Inu and Shikoku are marked as similar in our database. The table compares only the data we have on the breeds.

Shiba Inu
Photo: Maja Dumat, CC BY 2.0, source
Shikoku
Photo: Canarian, CC BY 4.0, source
Shiba InuShikoku
FCI group5. Spitz and primitive types5. Spitz and primitive types
Country of originJapanJapan
CategorySmallMedium
Height at withers35–41 cm–
Weight8–11 kg–
Life span12–15 years–
Recognition features
  • Spitz type, red, black-and-tan or sesame colouring
  • Tightly curled tail, foxy face
  • 35-41 cm tall
  • Medium-sized, compact, clean-cut and muscular
  • Typical sesame-coloured coat (a mix of black, red and white hairs)
  • Pricked ears and a curled or sickle tail
CoatStiff outer coat and soft undercoat; red, sesame, black-and-tan.Rather harsh straight outer coat and soft dense undercoat; sesame, red or black-and-tan.
PurposeThe smallest Japanese native breed, bred to hunt small game and birds in mountainous terrain.Japanese boar hunter from the mountains of Kochi Prefecture; tough, agile and enthusiastic.

Breed page: Shiba Inu · Breed page: Shikoku

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The information is indicative. Texts are based on available sources and may contain inaccuracies; for binding details (e.g. for breeding or shows) use the official breed standard.