Appearance and coat of the Shikoku
The Shikoku is a muscular dog with even proportions. The broad forehead, thick, strong neck, straight back, deep chest, and strong legs make his build appear compact. The small, triangular ears are carried erect by the Shikoku. Its dark brown eyes take on an almost triangular shape. The dog's nose is black and its bite is strongly pronounced. The thick, high set tail of the Shikoku is curled up or sickle shaped over its back.
The coat of the Shikoku consists of a hard, straight outer coat and a soft, dense undercoat. It is short on the body and slightly longer on the tail. The color of the coat is called sesame and is a mixture of white, black, and red hairs.
Size of the Shikoku
The Shikoku belongs to the medium-sized dogs. Male dogs reach a shoulder height of 49 to 55 cm. With a shoulder height of 43 to 49 cm, females are slightly smaller than their male counterparts.
Weight of the Shikoku
The weight of the Shikoku varies in both males and females depending on size. An adult Shikoku can weigh 16 to 25 kg.
Age of the Shikoku
With good care and appropriate husbandry, the Shikoku can live 10 to 12 years. A healthy diet and sufficient exercise promote the life expectancy of the dog.