Spanish Water Dog vs Shikoku - Breed Comparison | MyDogBreeds

Spanish Water Dog vs Shikoku - Breed ComparisonSpanish Water Dog is originated from Spain but Shikoku is originated from Japan. Spanish Water Dog may grow 23 cm / 10 inches higher than Shikoku. Spanish Water Dog may weigh 31 kg / 68 pounds lesser than Shikoku. Both Spanish Water Dog and Shikoku has almost same life span. Both Spanish Water Dog and Shikoku has almost same litter size. Both Spanish Water Dog and Shikoku requires Moderate maintenance.

History

spanish water dog - historyBred in Spain to guard and herd sheep, the Spanish Water Dog was also used in hunting because he could retrieve in water. The breed is closely aligned with other water dogs like the Irish Water Spaniel, Portuguese Water Dog and French Barbel. It is especially true that the Spanish Water Dog and the Portuguese Water Dog share some of the same ancestors. The two breeds are closely related.

In the early days of the breed, they were separated into three different sizes and types. The dogs from Northern Spain were smaller than the others and came from the regions of Cantabria and Asturias. These lighter colored dogs eventually became their own breed – the Cantabria Water Dog. The second group came from western Andalusia marsh lands. He had a long chorded coat. The third group was the strongest and largest and came from the southern Andalusian sierras. This was by far the largest and most influential group, most of whom were herders. Eventually the groups interbred and today’s SWD carries the traits of all three. They were and still are a very versatile breed. In addition to herding they fished or retrieved for hunters.

The breed was revived in the 1970”s by two breeders, Santiago Montesinos and Antonio Garcia Perez travelled through southern Spain to buy or borrow dogs for breeding. By 1980, they had established the Spanish Water Dog Club of Spain and reestablished the breed. They fought to the breed recognized in Spain first. After five years of hard work, the Federation Cynologique Internationale recognized the breed permanently in 1999.

The UKC, or United Kennel Club, of the United States, recognized the breed in 2001, accepting them for confirmation by 2004. In the United States the breed was championed by Ken and Jerry Mann to attain that UKC recognition. Still the AKC, or American Kennel Club, held out on their recognition. The Manns showed the SWD in 2000 in the AKC Rare Breed Conformation and the UKC multi-breed show in 2004.

The Manns also used their breed for herding in the United States in entered them into the herding competition. In the they advocated for and got the SWD into the herding group for confirmation with the UKC in 2013. The American Kennel Club approved the requests of the Spanish Water Dog Club, Inc and recognized the breed in 2005 as foundation stock. By 2008 the AKC recognized the SWD to be able to compete in field trials by not conformation. In 2015 the SWD will be admitting to AKC conformation and fully recognized as a member of the herding group. They were also recognized by the American Herding Breed Association in 2007.

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:
Herding dogs
Sporting dog
Origin:
Spain
Japan
Height Male:
44 - 50 cm
17 - 20 inches
17 - 27 cm
6 - 11 inches
Height Female:
40 - 45 cm
15 - 18 inches
14 - 24 cm
5 - 10 inches
Weight Male:
18 - 22 kg
39 - 49 pounds
42 - 53 kg
92 - 117 pounds
Weight Female:
14 - 18 kg
30 - 40 pounds
40 - 50 kg
88 - 111 pounds
Life Span:
12 - 14 Years
13 - 15 Years
Litter Size:
5 - 8
4 - 6
Size:
Medium dog
Medium dog
Other Names:
Perro de agua Español SWD Turco Andaluz • Turkish Dog
Kochi-ken • Shikoku-Ken
Colors Available:
solid black, beige, brown, or white; bicolour where the second colour is white; or particolour
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:
distinctive curly coat which is woolly in texture and may form cords when long
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, Intelligent, Loving, Loyal
Affectionate, Courageous, Independent, Intelligent, Lively, Loving, Loyal, Protective, Quiet, Stubborn
Grooming:
Moderate maintenance
Moderate maintenance
Trainability:
Moderate
Easy
Hypoallergenic:
No
No
Kids Friendly:
Yes
No
New Owners Friendly:
Yes
Yes

Description

spanish water dog puppy - descriptionThe Spanish Water Dog is an athletic, medium size, robust breed that is not as tall as it is long. In countries like the US, the tails are docked but it is not a conformation fault if they are not. The carry themselves with pride and elegance, have a strong head and expressive eyes which are brown. They have flat skulls and wide set eyes. Their paw pads, eye-rims and nose should be darker than their coat or at least the same color. Their eyes are chestnut, hazel or dark brown and their ears are medium height and triangular. His coat is curly and his topline is straight. With a broad chest and arched rib, he is a very athletic looking dog. The breed has much respiratory capacity with broad shoulders and straight sturdy legs. The breed has rounded feet , tight toes, and resistant pads.

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

1.Children friendliness - yes

2.Special talents - water/swimming search and rescue

spanish water dog dog - characteristics3.Adaptability - very adaptable with the right exercise. Neither heat nor cold bother them.

4.Learning ability – Smart but need a reliable recall.

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

spanish water dog puppies - health problemsThe Spanish Water Dog has much of the same health problems as the other water dogs and dogs their size and heritage. Here are some of the health issues they are prone to.

  • PRA- Progressive retinal atrophy – can cause blindness.
  • Hip dysplasia- can cause lameness or arthritis.
  • Cherry eye – can be successfully treated.
  • Cataracts – usually in old age and not removed.
  • Hypothyroidism – affects the immune system of middle aged dogs.
  • Allergies – skin and food.

• Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency – inability to digest food – can be treated.

  • Addison’s Disease – Adrenal glands not functioning. Can be treated.

• CHG – Congenital Hypothyroidism with Goiter – inherited and pups don’t grow correctly.

• Neuroaxonal Dystrophy – cognitive and muscular dysfunction. Vitamin E and insulin deficiency

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

spanish water dog dogs - caring1.Feeding the puppy – Because of the breed propensity to some genetic dietary issues it is important to feed high quality food made from mostly meat. Avoid grains as much as possible. Don’t feed adult foods to the puppies. Feed puppy breed specific or medium size dogs.

2.Feeding the adult - Feed the adult as little grain and as much protein as possible. Feed adult breed specific or medium size dog’s food.

3.Points for Good Health - speed, stamina and agility

4. Games and Exercises – This is a working breed. Remember they are both herders and hunters and need exercise. They love strenuous hiking, running, jogging, long walks, swimming and playing fetch. Don’t over work the puppy/young dog until they have matured and their growth plates close.

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. Spanish Water Dog vs Pembroke Welsh Corgi - Breed Comparison
  2. Spanish Water Dog vs Australian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  3. Spanish Water Dog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Malinois) - Breed Comparison
  4. Spanish Water Dog vs Australian Cattle Dog - Breed Comparison
  5. Spanish Water Dog vs Bearded Collie - Breed Comparison
  6. Spanish Water Dog vs Collie - Breed Comparison
  7. Spanish Water Dog vs Austrailian Blue Heeler - Breed Comparison
  8. Spanish Water Dog vs Dutch Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  9. Spanish Water Dog vs Blue Healer - Breed Comparison
  10. Spanish Water Dog vs English Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  11. Spanish Water Dog vs Australian Collie - Breed Comparison
  12. Spanish Water Dog vs Catahoula Cur - Breed Comparison
  13. Spanish Water Dog vs Australian Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  14. Spanish Water Dog vs Catalan Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  15. Spanish Water Dog vs Pyrenean Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  16. Spanish Water Dog vs Bergamasco - Breed Comparison
  17. Spanish Water Dog vs Berger Picard - Breed Comparison
  18. Spanish Water Dog vs Appenzell Mountain Dog - Breed Comparison
  19. Spanish Water Dog vs Queensland Heeler - Breed Comparison
  20. Spanish Water Dog vs German Coolie - Breed Comparison
  21. Spanish Water Dog vs Bohemian Shepherd - Breed Comparison
  22. Spanish Water Dog vs Croatian Sheepdog - Breed Comparison
  23. Spanish Water Dog vs Red Heeler - Breed Comparison
  24. Spanish Water Dog vs Belgian Shepherd Dog (Tervuren) - Breed Comparison
  25. Spanish Water Dog vs Blue Lacy - 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