Shikoku vs Basenji - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Shikoku vs Basenji - Breed ComparisonShikoku is originated from Japan but Basenji is originated from Congo. Shikoku may grow 16 cm / 6 inches shorter than Basenji. Shikoku may weigh 40 kg / 89 pounds more than Basenji. Both Shikoku and Basenji has almost same life span. Both Shikoku and Basenji has almost same litter size. Shikoku requires Moderate maintenance. But Basenji 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.

basenji - historyThe Basenji is an old breeds of domesticated dog and the dog was discovered by Westerners in the Congo region of West Africa in the 19th century. The word ‘Basenji’ means ‘dog of the bush’ the Congo area of Africa. The Basenji falls into the hound category as a hunting dog.

The dogs were first imported into England and the United States in the 1930s.The Basenji Club of America was started in 1942, and the American Kennel Club recognized the breed in 1943. The new additions also introduced the brindle color pattern to the Western Basenji.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Hound dog
Origin:
Japan
Congo
Height Male:
17 - 27 cm
6 - 11 inches
41 - 43 cm
16 - 17 inches
Height Female:
14 - 24 cm
5 - 10 inches
37 - 40 cm
14 - 16 inches
Weight Male:
42 - 53 kg
92 - 117 pounds
10 - 13 kg
22 - 29 pounds
Weight Female:
40 - 50 kg
88 - 111 pounds
8 - 13 kg
17 - 29 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 15 Years
12 - 14 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
5 - 7
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Kochi-ken • Shikoku-Ken
Congo Dog, Congo Terrier
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)
red and white, tan, tan and white as well as black and white, tri-color
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).
short
Shedding:
Seasonal
Minimal
Temperament:
Affectionate, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Stubborn
Affectionate, Alert, Cheerful, Courageous, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Independent, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Social, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Low maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Moderate
Hypoallergenic:
No
Yes
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
No

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.

A Variety of Strange Features

basenji puppy - descriptionDescribed as being catlike, this is an unusual dog to say the least. The reason for this is that he doesn’t have a bark but rather emits a characteristic noise which is likened to a chortel and a yodel. The Basenji is a medium sized dog but he isn’t robust looking. He is a lightly built dog of 40 – 43cm in height and his coat is short and sleek. He has long legs which help with being quick and agile and his shortish tail curls over his back and he has naturally upright ears.

A Quizzical Expression

As we’ve said, this is an unusual dog, and his wrinkled head gives the dog a quizzical expression. Another strange feature is that not only is this dog breed looked upon as being somewhat primitive, the odd thing about these dogs is that the female only comes into heat once a year. Another somewhat unusual aspect of this self-confident, friendly dog is that unlike other dogs which have a typical dog odour, this canine is odourless, making him a particularly excellent household pet.

His coat comes in different colors and this can be red and white, tan, tan and white as well as black and white or tri-color. These particular dogs are well known for their excellent eyesight and their excellent sense of smell.

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

basenji dog - characteristicsThe Basenji is an affectionate dog with his family, but he doesn’t take kindly to strangers. If he is socialized when young, he’ll be fairly friendly with other pets in the family too. The Basenji is an intelligent dog but not particularly easy to train, and will require patience as he has a will of his own.

These short-haired dogs are clean-living with grooming habits similar to a cat. They shed just a little too. They love their human family and will make a good watchdog because they are courageous dogs, ready to defend what they love.

This is an unusual dog, and not everyone will appreciate him as a pet as he is independent, obstinate and determined to do his own thing. If you’re a single person or a family who spends a lot of time outdoors hiking, swimming and hunting – then the Basenji can make an affectionate devoted, loyal 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.

basenji puppies - health problemsBasenji are generally healthy dogs. As with most other canines, these dogs are also prone to health disorders such as canine hip dysplasia. Check your Basenji for hereditary eye diseases which can lead to blindness.

Fanconi Syndrome

This is a kidney disease where your pet will urinate out the protein he so badly needs. He’ll be excessively thirsty and the disease mostly sets in from 4 years of age. It is an inherited kidney disease which can be fatal.

Preventing Health Problems

Many health problems can be partially- or totally prevented by the way you raise your puppy, and the lifestyle you provide him with. By doing everything you can to give him good food, a dry, warm space to sleep, lots of activities and exercise and plenty of love and attention, you’ll have less health problems.

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

basenji dogs - caringBasenjis are fastidious – much like a cat, and they like to be licking at their coats to keep themselves clean. They have a short coat, and this will need to be brushed once or twice a week to get rid of loose hairs and to also stimulated skin oils throughout the coat to keep it shiny and glossy.

As with all dog breeds, the Basenji‘s ears should be checked over and his nails regularly trimmed.

Food

The Basenji needs high quality dog food, regardless of whether you food him commercially manufactured foods or you make your own. If you aren’t sure about how to feed a dog properly to maintain good health, speak to your veterinarian. Dog food needs to be appropriate to the dog’s age and his breed type. Certainly it can be wise to learn what human foods can be dangerous for your dog. Clean, fresh water from bowls which are regularly cleaned should be accessible at all times.

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