Introducing Kiyoshi - The Shikoku Ken

[Silverlace]

They are quite a bit different than the Shiba. They are high energy, VERY in your face, and have a unique play style. They can be quite rough with lots of nipping, hair pulling, biting, pouncing, chasing, body slamming (into the ground), and skin pulling. It's Extremely rough and not for everyone, especially if you have other dogs in the house, unless they also have a rougher play style or like that kind of play. In other words they're all little jerks. They can also be somewhat territorial and sometimes don't get along well with other males, especially other intact males.

Kennels in Japan are much different that what we call kennels here in the US. And there are many things in Japan that they don't screen for before breeding's or treat preventatively for (like heartworm). So if anyone imports from Japan do your research first.


More pictures!!! I'm camera happy, what can I say...
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[Linds]

Thanks everyone!

We have a Kai Ken in the family and I fell in love with her so I grew an interest in the Japanese breeds. These little guys aren't for everyone though. There's 3 kennels in the US (1 in Canada), and only a handful of litters born in the states every year. They are just as rare in Japan with only about 200 pups born every year...he's my little gem

I look forward to watching him grow too! It'll be an experience...I'd never seen one in person until I got him.

What made you choose them over other breeds?

Sorry if I sound nosey! I just always find it interesting why people choose a more rare breed over others.

 

[Silverlace]

I chose him because of they're uniqueness. But also because I wanted a therapy dog. Not all of the Japanese breeds are well suited for therapy work, most are aloof with strangers and very reserved. The Shikoku (most of them) LOVE people, they greet everyone and love on everyone with kisses and hugs and lots of tail wagging. They are also quite strong willed and confident independent thinkers, not easily intimidated by situations, ad most always have a clam demeanor. Even if it didn't work out for therapy work he'd still be the love of my life. I especially like they're 'wild' look.

It was a bit of a gamble as to whether or not he'd really be suited for it, especially considering they're still quite a primitive hunting breed, and the fact that he was coming all the way from Japan and I had no influence on his early development really made it hit or miss. But he came to me the prefect little social butterfly oozing in confidence, personality, and willingness to learn. So I'm pretty sure that with some more training he'll pass for therapy work no problem.

 

[Julee]

His pictures are making my heart melt. How big are you expecting him to get?

 

[Silverlace]

He was the biggest in his litter, but he should only be about 50lbs...we'll see though lol Everytime I tell someone 'only 50lbs' they laugh

 

[ruffiangirl]

I chose him because of they're uniqueness. But also because I wanted a therapy dog. Not all of the Japanese breeds are well suited for therapy work, most are aloof with strangers and very reserved. The Shikoku (most of them) LOVE people, they greet everyone and love on everyone with kisses and hugs and lots of tail wagging. They are also quite strong willed and confident independent thinkers, not easily intimidated by situations, ad most always have a clam demeanor. Even if it didn't work out for therapy work he'd still be the love of my life. I especially like they're 'wild' look.

It was a bit of a gamble as to whether or not he'd really be suited for it, especially considering they're still quite a primitive hunting breed, and the fact that he was coming all the way from Japan and I had no influence on his early development really made it hit or miss. But he came to me the prefect little social butterfly oozing in confidence, personality, and willingness to learn. So I'm pretty sure that with some more training he'll pass for therapy work no problem.

It's awesome that they are people orientated! Shibas...not so much :rofl1: I loved my shibas, for that time in my life, we had three, two show and one rescue, and my parents had one as well.

As for importing, the things that have become issues in North American lines is what scare me, epilepsy is a big one for me.

I can't wait to watch your guy grow up, he is beautiful!

 

[Silverlace]

Thanks!

I took him to the vet today and he weighs 21.9 lbs! He's getting so big...

 

[Silverlace]

I think now is a good time for an update. He's 10 months old and doing great. We love him to death and couldn't be happier with how he's turning out. He's growing up to be a great dog. I hope you guys enjoy the pictures.

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We do pilates together
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[PWCorgi]

You have a gorgeous, gorgeous dog.

 

[Romy]

He's beautiful! I've been in contact with the breeder in Canada and hope to meet some in person within the next year or so. I love how they are so much more people oriented.

What are they like compared to the Kai ken? More or less biddable? Better or worse with other dogs? More or less outgoing?

 

[MicksMom]

He's stunning! I'd love to hear more about not only him, but the breed as well.

 

[Barb04]

Wow, he sure is gorgeous!

 

[Silverlace]

Thanks everyone!!

He's matured quite a bit over the past 6 months. We're keeping him intact in hopes of breeding in the future if all health checks pass. He's a VERY dominant male and has been since he was only 3 months old. He gets along great with females but we don't let him interact with male dogs very often, especially strange dogs that approach us on the street. He gets overwhelmed when there's too many unfamiliar dogs around him, which we're working on.

Compared to the Kai? They seem to typically be very people friendly, where as most of the Kai are very aloof. I think that Kai get along better with other dogs than shikoku and are much more dog friendly. Shikoku are very pushy, rude, bold, and sometimes don't understand 'dog language' like they should. They can be very 'in your face'. Shikoku are independent but also enjoy spending time with you, Kai remind me more of cats. They like attention but on they're own terms. My sisters Kai is very much like that. But if your looking for a dog park material type of dog then the Shikoku might not be for you.

Better or worse with other dogs...I think there are a lot of factors that play into it. We socialized him with people and other dogs since day 1, we use to be able to go to the dog park, and he use to be able to greet most dogs we'd meet. Now that his hormones have kicked in he's great with the ladies but will try to dominate all other male dogs, and if they don't submit then he tries to 'make' them. There are some males he can play with comfortably (and some that are intact), but the owner has to be knowledgeable enough and the dog trained well enough for that type of play to be possible. You have to be able to differentiate between dominant behavior and aggressive behavior and know where to draw the line, and how to enforce it so no one gets hurt. Otherwise it's not a good situation for anyone.

He was initially very pushy, rough, and didn't back off from 'play' even after the other dog had clearly had enough. Through lots of training he's now very well mannered in his play (which is a rarity in shikoku). He understands when another dog says 'no' and he backs off. He's high energy but we go on at least one walk a day, work the treadmill, and play a good game of fetch before the end of the day.

Outgoing? Yes, he's very outgoing. He LOVES people. All sorts of people too, doesn't matter if your on a motorcycle or using a leaf blower he'll walk up to you. He's not intimidated by much. I will tell you though that his brother is pretty timid and somewhat aloof towards strangers. I think he's gotten a little bit better about it but Kiyoshi is definitely the social butterfly (of the human kind).

He has a Facebook page if you'd like to follow him
Kiyoshi the Shikoku

 

[JazzyTheSibe]

He is so handsome,& gorgeous. I'm glad your having such a good time with him, he sounds like a perfect fit.

 

[Silverlace]

I have more cute pictures!!

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First time wearing his backpack....he wasn't as thrilled about it as I was.
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[Silverlace]

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Him playing with his little Kai girlfriend

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[Moth]

He is just absolutely gorgeous!

 

[Kootenay]

He's absolutely stunning! What an awesome dog.

 

[Silverlace]

Thank you guys! He's my baby

 

[AllieMackie]

Since your last photos, he seems to have gotten a little bump on his nose that's perfectly heart-shaped! Love it. He's stunning, thanks for the update!