Shikoku vs Komondor - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Shikoku vs Komondor - Breed ComparisonShikoku is originated from Japan but Komondor is originated from Hungary. Shikoku may grow 49 cm / 19 inches shorter than Komondor. Shikoku may weigh 7 kg / 15 pounds lesser than Komondor. Shikoku may live 3 years more than Komondor. Shikoku may have less litter size than Komondor. Shikoku requires Moderate maintenance. But Komondor requires High 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.

komondor - historyLooking like a giant mop, and sometimes being referred to as 'mop dogs' the Komondor, known also as the Hungarian sheepdog, hails from Hungary.

The dog was brought to Europe centuries ago so he is a well established breed. It has been declared as one of the country's national treasures.

He is a dog related to many other dogs such as the Pulim the Ovcharka, the Bearded Collie, Old English Sheepdog and others.

Basic Information

Group:
Sporting dog
Working dog
Origin:
Japan
Hungary
Height Male:
17 - 27 cm
6 - 11 inches
64 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
Height Female:
14 - 24 cm
5 - 10 inches
64 - 76 cm
25 - 30 inches
Weight Male:
42 - 53 kg
92 - 117 pounds
40 - 60 kg
88 - 133 pounds
Weight Female:
40 - 50 kg
88 - 111 pounds
40 - 60 kg
88 - 133 pounds
Life Span:
13 - 15 Years
8 - 12 Years
Litter Size:
4 - 6
3 - 10
Size:
Medium dog
Large dog
Other Names:
Kochi-ken • Shikoku-Ken
Hungarian sheepdog, Mop dogs
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)
White
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, thick, corded or dreadlocks
Shedding:
Seasonal
Moderate
Temperament:
Affectionate, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Stubborn
Affectionate, Aggressive, Alert, Cheerful, Curious, Energetic, Friendly, Gentle, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Outgoing, Playful, Protective, Social, Stubborn, Territorial
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
High maintenance
Trainability:
Easy
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
No
Yes
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

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.

komondor puppy - descriptionKnown for his unique long corded, singular white coat, the Komondor, a molosser dog, is large. Females start at 64cm in height and both males and females can reach up to 76cm in height.

This unusual coat of theirs is wavy and actually forms cords or dreadlocks as the dog matures. You can't easily see the dog's face because of all the hair.You also can't see the tail easily, in fact you might think he hasn't got a tail as it is obscured by the hair. The tail is medium length and held low.

He has a large head, dark brown eyes, and floppy ears. The coat is certainly going to require grooming even though the dog doesn't shed much. His body is robust and well muscled with the body being slightly longer than the height of the dog.

Temperament:

The Komondor has been a dog used for guarding livestock, and while his character is calm and balanced, when the livestock is threatened, he can show another side – more aggressive – as he defends his flock. He makes an excellent watchdog.

He is an affectionate dog with his human family, being a gentle playmate of children. He is slightly reserved and wary of strangers, and is willing to guard and protect his human family from them.

He is also good with other family pets. When you look at him you might think of him as not being very energetic, but he is an athletic dog, fast and powerful. Because of his size and speed, it is best to have him trained and socialized as he can be obstinate. Training him makes him obedient.

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

komondor dog - characteristicsThe Komondor is known for his strong guardian characteristics, especially with his human family. He is loving and loyal towards them while being wary of strangers.

True, his coat can make people think twice before making this dog a pet, but if you're game and ready to attend to his coat, he can make an excellent family pet. They're fine with other pets too, and he is also an intelligent dog, capable of being easily trained.

He needs a good deal of exercise and can become noisy and destructive without the right amount of stimulation. If you do your part with the Komondor and provide him with a loving, caring home, he will be an awesome pet and guard you with his life.

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.

komondor puppies - health problemsThe Komondor is a healthy dog breed who can live to be 10, 11 or 12 years if you look after him well. There aren't any known genetic disorders prominent with the dog, but it pays to know about some of those that could strike -

Entropion:

This is an irritating eye problem where the eyelash rubs up against the eyes.The result can be scratching of the cornea and eye infections. It is an eye problem which can be corrected with surgery.

Hip Dysplasia:

Hip dysplasia is a serious genetically inherited disorder and common in large dog breeds. It is caused by a malformation of the hip joint. It can cause problems for the dog, weakening the hip and making it incapable of supporting the weight of the dog.

It also leads to pain for the dog, difficulty with moving and even total lameness. Weight, size of dog, age and genetics are all factors which can increase the dog's likelihood of developing hip dysplasia.

Whimpering, lethargy and refusing to put weight on the leg are common signs of hip dysplasia and your vet will go ahead with ways to relieve the pain and symptoms of your Komondor.

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:

komondor dogs - caringThe Komondor is most certainly not a low maintenance dog with that extraordinary coat.Before the dog turns 1, the coat begins to form its cords. These cords can become discolored and matted, In fact the cords will need to be separated to keep the dog clean and free of matted hair.

For those who keep the dog as a pet and who don't want him to be a show dog, he can be trimmed, otherwise the coat and its maintenance could turn out to be a real issue.

Of course once the distinctive coat has been sheared, he loses that typical and recognizable Komondor look.

Check his ears on a regular basis for wax- and dirt buildup so as to prevent ear infection.

Teeth need to be checked regularly to prevent tartar buildup and if you don't have the time or the knowledge to keep his teeth clean and maintained, take him to the vet as the teeth-treatments they do there will promote healthy teeth and gums.

Comparison with other breeds

  1. Samoyed vs Komondor - Breed Comparison
  2. Presa Canario vs Komondor - Breed Comparison
  3. Labrador Husky vs Komondor - Breed Comparison
  4. Mackenzie River Husky vs Komondor - Breed Comparison
  5. Pyredoodle vs Komondor - Breed Comparison
  6. Lurcher vs Komondor - Breed Comparison
  7. Maremma Sheepdog vs Komondor - Breed Comparison
  8. Sarplaninac vs Komondor - Breed Comparison
  9. Mountain View Cur vs Komondor - Breed Comparison
  10. Native American Indian Dog vs Komondor - Breed Comparison
  11. Komondor vs Siberian Husky - Breed Comparison
  12. Komondor vs Rottweiler - Breed Comparison
  13. Komondor vs Boxer - Breed Comparison
  14. Komondor vs Akita - Breed Comparison
  15. Komondor vs Doberman Pinscher - Breed Comparison
  16. Komondor vs Alaskan Malamute - Breed Comparison
  17. Komondor vs Bullmastiff - Breed Comparison
  18. Komondor vs Great Pyrenees - Breed Comparison
  19. Komondor vs Boerboel - Breed Comparison
  20. Komondor vs Alapaha Blue Blood Bulldog - Breed Comparison
  21. Komondor vs Argentine Dogo - Breed Comparison
  22. Komondor vs Giant Schnauzer - Breed Comparison
  23. Komondor vs Africanis - Breed Comparison
  24. Komondor vs Belgian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  25. Komondor vs Goldador - 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. Sussex Spaniel vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison
  47. Welsh Springer Spaniel vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison
  48. West Siberian Laika vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison
  49. Wetterhoun vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison
  50. Wirehaired Pointing Griffon vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison

View/Compare Breeds

Popular Dog Breeds