The Tornjak

The Tornjak has a fearless nature, a clever mind and a pleasant disposition. He is generally a calm dog when in the home – not one to bounce around foolishly all day. His steady activity level matches that of his generally stable attitude. He is loyal and affectionate with his owners and those whom he loves, including children. However if problems arise and a stranger (human or animal) threatens his home and/or property he won’t hesitate to defend it. Originally bred to guard livestock, he takes his job as a guardian very seriously which means it also takes him a while to warm up to strangers.

Tornjaks are obedient when trained, and training is a necessity because of their large size and powerful frame. Intelligent, they enjoy working with their owners and having a job to do. This breed often takes to obedience training quickly and happily, and many Tornjaks boast a great memory. Some can become willful or even pushy with owners that don’t enforce limits, so make sure to stay fair… but firm when needed.

Tornjaks are incredibly healthy dogs for their size, living 12-14 years on average. They developed in harsh climates and conditions which meant that only the fittest survived. Today they are easier keepers than other breeds of dog and tend to thrive easily. They can live outdoors in even cold and snowy weather thanks to their thick coats, and don’t tend to require as much food as one might otherwise assume for such a large dog.

The Tornjak is either indifferent to strange dogs (if meeting in a neutral territory) or potentially territorial and defensive (if they come onto his property). He isn’t known for being randomly dog-aggressive without reason, however, as long as he was properly raised and socialized. When raised with other dogs in the same household, he is often very social and friendly with his housemates, and doesn’t tend to get into fights or quarrels.

Tornjaks require only minimal exercise, particularly when they are still growing. At all ages they prefer off-leash running and play rather than leashed exercise but should always learn how to walk on a leash for the sake of manners, safety and laws. Although they are a low-energy breed, they don’t tend to thrive in apartment settings as they do best with lots of outdoor time where they can stretch their legs in a cool climate.

The medium-length, yet thick coat of the Tornjak needs to be brushed weekly (at minimum) to keep him looking and feeling his best. The coat can be prone to mats and tangles if not kept up with regularly. Furthermore during shedding seasons the Tornjak will require even more brushing – up to once per day! Doing so will speed the process along and keep the house cleaner as well. Giving the dog a bath when he’s shedding will also serve to loosen the hair and help with upkeep. Depending upon the desires of the owner, he only needs to be bathed a few times a year but can be given baths more frequently if desired. He doesn’t normally have a strong doggy odor. One more note about cleanliness – the breed can be prone to drooling.

Tornjaks tend to develop very deep bonds with their owners, so much so that they can be difficult to re-home if the situation calls for it. They seek to be near those they love at all times, often moving from room to room in order to stay with “their people”. Although there are some that are kept as outside-only dogs, they were often raised this way from puppyhood. Those who are raised primarily indoors for several years will have a very hard time transitioning to outside-only life later on. Unless the dog is being used for the purpose of guarding flocks of animals, it is discouraged to keep them as outdoor-only pets.

Photo CC BY-SA 3.0

 

The Drever

The Drever, with his steady temperament yet strong-minded nature, makes a faithful companion to those who can give him what he needs. A dwarf breed, he is small yet sturdy in stature. Like many other scenthounds, he is friendly and playful with other dogs and doesn’t normally have a problem getting along in groups. This affable nature extends to people and children as well as he tends to get along with everyone, making him a good candidate for therapy dog work! Shyness and aggression aren’t normally seen in the breed, especially as long as the dog has been socialized.

Drevers have a number of “scenthound quirks”. They can tend toward being loud, especially when there is a lot going on around them. They are also natural diggers. Finally (and often most importantly to know), they will follow their noses into danger if not properly supervised. This means they must be kept on leash and/or in a fenced yard at all times. Keep in mind that they were developed as hunting dogs and not companion animals. This means that the dog’s hunting abilities were far more important than their abilities to live in a city or suburban environment. While it is possible to keep a Drever in an apartment, make sure to give him lots of time outdoors on a leash, and hope your neighbors don’t mind the barking!

The Drever is fairly easy to keep. They do not require a lot of grooming, and are also not a high energy breed. As long as they are given regular exercise they are able to chill for long periods of time, especially if their owner is nearby. Don’t let their couch potato traits fool you into thinking they don’t need any exercise, however. These hunting dogs love to be given outdoor activities, particularly ones that challenge their noses and otherwise allow them to do what they were bred to do! They can be taken hunting or used to track wounded animals. They also enjoy dog sports such as scent work, lure coursing, agility, barn hunt, conformation and rally! Meet their basic needs and give them a solid routine and you will find they are not difficult to live with as long as you can put up with their quirks mentioned above.

When it comes to training, Drevers prefer to hunt more than anything! They may become very stubborn and determined if given a sit command while they’re trying to follow a scent outside. An owner must be patient and work on gradually upping the distraction level little by little. Don’t teach brand new commands outside under heavy distractions – start slow and build. Don’t take their difficult nature as reason not to train… they absolutely must learn the basics (at least)! They are intelligent and their brains must be challenged, which makes obedience a necessity.

The Drever is a very health breed, often living to the age of 14-16. There are no frequent health issues seen in the breed. Furthermore this is both a sturdy and agile dog that can run, jump and play with the best of them! Despite his short legs, he is also surprisingly quick and has a good deal of stamina, especially when hunting. This hardworking dog will be with you for a long time, so expect lots of affection, silliness and energy for years to come.

Although a rare breed in the United States, the Drever is very popular in his home country of Sweden, particularly among hunters. He is regarded as a powerhouse among hunting breeds, with an excellent nose and fantastic endurance. While not originally bred for companionship, the breed can surprisingly adapt to life as a pet quite well! Prospective owners should still do their homework – life with a Drever is markedly different than living with a toy breed – but it is definitely possible and even easier than many other scenthound breeds.

Photo By Svenska Mässan from Sweden

 

The Yakutian Laika

The Yakutian Laika was created in the harsh climates of Siberia where only the strong would survive. This medium-sized spitz is a multi-purpose dog used for sled pulling, herding and hunting. As such, today he is a versatile breed who enjoys numerous outdoor activities with his owner! The breed is clever, lively and affectionate – an excellent companion for active people and/or families. When raised with children, he is superb with them and can be very gentle.

The Yakutian can make a good watchdog as he will alert to the presence of strangers on the property, however he is not suited to guard dog work. Although slightly reserved around strangers initially, he enjoys making friends and is simply too friendly to be any real threat. Any type of aggression is extremely rare in this breed. He also gets along very well with other dogs, particularly those in his own household (no surprise there, as he would often work on sled dog teams). His friendliness doesn’t always extend to other species, however. The hunting background can make some individuals iffy around cats and other small animals. When raised with an indoor-only cat, it is possible for the Yakutian to accept his feline housemate but this does depend on the particular dog.

Yakutian Laikas do shed seasonally, and during this time the shedding can be quite extreme! Owners must make sure to brush very frequently during these time periods – as often as every day. Other than this, the breed doesn’t require any special trimming other than neatening up underneath the feet. Nail care, ear care, and the occasional bath are also necessary procedures, and it should be noted that Yakutians aren’t noted to have an excessive odor.

Yakutians, like all other sledding breeds, have a lot of energy that must be mitigated through daily exercise. For owners that don’t live in snowy regions, this breed enjoys sled-like experiences such as bikejoring (running in front of a bicycle) or even pulling a dog-powered cart. Obviously, those that do live in the snow are happiest when pulling an actual sled or participating in skijoring (running while towing a person on skis)! As might be imagined, this is an endurance dog and needs the types of exercise that reflect this. A walk around the neighborhood is not enough.

The Yakutian Laika must live inside the home or with a family who can spend plenty of time outside with the dog. This is a very social and faithful breed that was raised with the family and never expected to spend long periods of time alone. They enjoy playing, whether it be in a game of fetch, a romp around the yard or a hiking adventure with their people – they want to be active with you! When living with a family, they tend to pick a favorite person and this favorite often is the person who spends the most time with the dog.

Yakutians are smart people-pleasures that learn very new commands very quickly. This said, they have a stubborn streak! Although they do enjoy training when it’s on their terms (which is why they can learn quickly), once they become bored or during the corrective phases of training tend to show their stubborn sides. Although intelligent, they can be independent and want to do things their own way rather than yours. They respond more favorably to positive methods of training, however corrections are a necessary aspect of training. Be mindful and always fair with corrections (these submissive dogs don’t require a lot), and guide the dog towards your goals while keeping in mind his individual temperament!

Photo By Yras

 

The Catahoula Leopard Dog

The Catahoula Leopard Dog – the state dog of Louisiana – is an independent-minded yet faithful breed. This sturdy and powerful dog is not lacking in endurance and can be put to work in a number of different tasks, completing all sorts of varied jobs with ease. His original job was that of a hog hunter, which gives him his fearless temperament – he will not hesitate to go after a wild boar many times his own size! In addition to this task, he is also used for other jobs such as a watchdog, stock dog (herding), tree dog, guard dog and/or tracking dog. Today the breed can also be seen competing in obedience, rally and agility trials. In addition to these tasks, this versatile American breed makes a gentle and loyal companion.

Alert to his surroundings, the Cat is confident and naturally protective. Strangers will not be accepted blindly. He will also let his owners know when something is wrong and may take action to “correct the problem” if danger does arise. He can have a similar attitude toward other dogs and is more prone to dog-aggression than other breeds. These are some of many reasons why the breed is for experienced dog owners only! When everything is smooth-sailing, he can be affectionate, gentle and even playful. Good with older kids when supervised by an experienced dog owner. Again, experienced is the key word here. This wonderful breed needs to be owned only by those who understand and can manage this beautiful, yet challenging breed.

Leopards must be given early socialization from the time they are young puppies in order to accustom them to the world. Naturally territorial and suspicious of strangers, these traits can get out of hand if they haven’t been raised correctly! Furthermore they need early and continued obedience training, as well as firm boundaries and household rules. This is not a dog for the weak-willed as they will take the top spot of the household if they feel leadership is lacking. Nor is this a breed for someone who plans on using excessive force or intimidation in training as they can be defensive when threatened. Keep training fun to prevent boredom – this breed is smarter than many humans! Also keep in mind that although these working dogs crave a job, they have a primitive personality to boot and are not push-button obedience dogs.

The Catahoula Leopard requires a ton of exercise to keep him fit and healthy. Walks around the block won’t cut it. He needs long hikes, vigorous retrieve games (with toys made for destructive chewers), swimming opportunities and similar. Not only should he only live in an area with plenty of room to move and run (no apartments for this active breed), but he most definitely needs a regular job to occupy his mind as well. Like other high-energy, intelligent working breeds, without enough mental/physical outlets he can be extremely difficult to live with. Cats without a job are very destructive!

Catahoulas have a smooth coat that is often recognizable by a number of interesting and unique colors/patterns, including spotted, solid, brindle or patched. Extremely vivid and unusual eye colors (including two eyes of different colors and/or eyes containing multiple colors in the iris itself) are also frequently seen in the breed. When looking at puppies, remember that the more white in the coat, the more likely the dog may have hearing issues (unfortunately the merle and patched merled patterns are also linked to deafness). Luckily, there are tests which can let you know if the dog in question has an issue with deafness. This is a large breed with an athletic, although noticeably sturdy frame weighing as much as 90 pounds when fully mature (bitches will be slightly smaller).

Leopard Dogs do have a couple of health issues to be aware of – namely hip dysplasia, eye problems and the aforementioned deafness. Make sure to only buy from a responsible breeder who can show you the health clearances of the parents and related dogs in their lines. All purebreds and mixed breeds can develop health issues but buying from a breeder who health tests makes it easier to avoid the potential of problems down the line. When healthy, Cats frequently live between 12-14 years.

The Hovawart

The Hovawart is a hardy working dog breed from Germany with a protective nature. Roughly translated, the name means “guardian of the farm”. Large in size yet loyal, this rare breed is sought after and loved by those who are lucky enough to know about him! Because there are strict breeding principals put in place by the International Hovawart Federation, these dogs are very healthy and long-lived compared to many working breeds (13-14 years is average). A trustworthy and alert companion, they make excellent dogs in the right home – but have specific needs that must be met. This working breed needs a job and without one, will create their own!

The Hovawart can be strong-willed and therefore not always recommended for novice owners. Furthermore, their guarding instincts can be too much for those who don’t know how to properly raise such a dog. These dogs need firm rules and plenty of structured exercise – both physical as well as mental. An owner needs to be willing to put in plenty of time, and those who work long hours often are not able to do so. The breed also does best in a home with a large fenced yard, although can be OK without if given a lot of increased exercise otherwise. They aren’t recommended for apartments.

Hovawarts are extremely intelligent and are trainable as long as the owner/trainer recognizes they want to work WITH you, not FOR you. With the right training style, they have a love of both fun/games as well as more serious tasks. They are able to put up with more stress during training than many other breeds, and also able to perform sometimes stressful jobs such as search and rescue, without shutting down (this is not to say that training should be heavily reliant on stress or harshness – they need a lot of positive motivation). They do take about two-three years to completely mature but it is recommended that training starts while they are still young. In particular, most Hovie puppies take extra long learning not to jump up or chew on hands. Once mature, these dogs still enjoy working even into older age.

The Hovawart can get along just fine with kids as long as he has been socialized to them from puppyhood. He may accidentally knock over a toddler, however, as he is a large dog weighing up to a hundred pounds. Homes with older children are much better than ones with young kids. Supervision is always recommended with all children. Hovies may or may not get along with strange dogs. This combined with the fact that they tend to play rough means they aren’t always the best candidates for dog parks. With people, this is a social dog that enjoys being around his family, whether young or old, and should never be kept as an outside-only dog.

Hovawarts were created to guard the homestead and the farm and this is an instinct that remains in the breed today. They bond very strongly to their owners and will not hesitate to protect their people if they feel it is necessary. While they are intelligent and can often figure out when the situation calls for defense, they can make mistakes. This is the main reason why an owner must provide lifelong training and socialization. A Hovawart with the correct temperament (and raised correctly) should never be randomly aggressive. They were bred to be defensive rather than offensive, which accounts for their kind disposition. They are also more likely to welcome a stranger as a new friend… provided the owner has said it’s OK.

The Hovawart prefers colder temperatures although can live in warmer climates if given access to air conditioning, shade and water. Many love to swim, so time at the pool or lake can be a rewarding experience as long as the owner supervises all water activities. As some Hovies can have thicker undercoats than others (particularly altered dogs), definitely make sure to protect against heatstroke on hot days. Two of the three color patterns of the breed (black and black/tan) are also extra prone to heatstroke. Blonde dogs have an easier time in hot weather but can still overheat, so make sure to keep a close eye on them during the summer!

The Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog

The independent-minded Romanian Mioritic Shepherd Dog worked as a Livestock Guardian in the Carpathian mountains, and did this job without help from his owners. Today, he is just as faithful and reliable towards both his flock and owner. This giant-sized, confident breed served as an intimidating deterrent to predators and strangers alike – with a strong temperament to match his imposing size. He was, and still is, more than willing to back up his bark with a bite! This is not a breed for the novice dog owner.

With his own family, the Romanian Mioritic is affectionate and friendly. He tends to bond very strongly with the “family pack”, which also includes pets, livestock and children. Cats, other dogs, and even smaller animals will be included as long as he grows up with them from puppyhood. With strangers, he is extremely mistrustful and territorial. In the family, the Mioritic considers it his job to watch over and protect “his pack”. Many will choose a preferred spot in the home to lay down while they keep watch – spending most of their time in that one special place. Some will choose a particular person whom they give extra time to, and will follow that person from room to room. Despite being good with kids, he is not big into playing and prefers… again, to simply observe and keep watch over.

When it comes to training, the Mioritic Shepherd tends toward stubbornness. This isn’t surprising when one remembers that he was originally bred to make decisions on his own and work independently. He can also exhibit a sensitivity to harsh handling, so corrections should always be fair. As this breed can exhibit excessive dominance when given too much freedom, obedience training is required. An owner of this powerful guardian breed must also be ready to put a stop to any excessive protective behaviors he might try (excessive being the key word here – protection is in this breed’s blood and cannot be extinguished). A dog that understands obedience commands will be much easier to communicate with and handle.

The coat of the Mioritic is long and does require regular grooming. This said, the harsh texture and general properties of the coat itself means that it is still lower maintenance than other long haired breeds. As this is a giant breed with a love of romping outdoors, it is mostly dependent on the owner’s desired level of cleanliness as to how much grooming needs to be involved. As a dog that originally lived almost exclusively outdoors, the coat is somewhat dirt resistant which means that the majority of dirt will dry and fall off in a few hours – but whether it falls off to the extent that an owner would be happy with is another story! It is recommended that the dog is brushed at least once a week (all the way to the skin), at which time the owner can also clean teeth, ears and eyes. Baths can be given as much, or as little, as desired.

Romanian Mioritic Shepherds have an active nature when younger and do require daily exercise. Long hikes or walks are always appreciated. When they mature, they don’t require as much exercise although should still be given a daily walk. Unlike some breeds that also require a regular mental job in addition to exercise, the Mioritic already chooses his occupation – guarding his family – so he doesn’t necessarily need anything extra. This said, he enjoys participating in activities with his people so any extra games or sports will be icing on the cake for a fulfilling life!

Although the majority of Mioritic Shepherd Dogs usually live healthy lives during their average 12-14 years, all purebred and mixed breeds are susceptible to health issues. Hip dysplasia and bloat are the most common health maladies seen in this breed. Dogs that aren’t brushed to the skin when being groomed can form mats which then makes them prone to skin irritations. Furthermore dogs that live outside frequently are more prone to parasites without the proper treatment. Regular grooming, health care and general maintenance will play a big part in keeping the Mioritic healthy and happy!

Photo By Summer06

 

The Korean Jindo Dog

The Korean Jindo Dog originated from Korea thousands of years ago. They developed naturally alongside humans and were known for their hunting abilities of boar, deer and smaller prey. Along with their sharp hunting instincts, they were also kept around for their protective instincts and abilities as companion dogs. This is a medium sized spitz-type breed that shares many of the same traits as other spitz dogs, including an aloof nature around strangers and a fondness for being clean. They are also fairly quiet in the home and will usually only bark if someone comes to the door. In Korea, they are considered a National Treasure.

The Jindo can be a territorial creature and may try to escape his yard in order to “expand his territory”. He is also naturally protective and quick to defend the home if he feels he needs to (sometimes a bit too quickly). Responsible owners should have secure fencing in place before acquiring this breed. In the home, he tends to housebreak quickly and is an unassuming/calm/clean house dog – particularly when he is the only dog. Many members of the breed have same-sex aggression issues as well as being iffy toward other dominant dogs in the household, so some owners find it easier to only have own Jindo at a time. When out and about, the dog may be less territorial/aggressive toward strange dogs as long as they keep their distance and remain polite.

The Jindo develops a strong bond with his owner, to the extent that if he needs to be re-homed it can be difficult. This bond may extend to animal members of the family as well… but many prefer humans over other pets due to their selective nature toward other dogs and high prey drives toward small animals (cats are ok with some dogs and a no-go with others). He can be untrusting towards strangers as well, even being difficult to board or having a pet sitter come over – so it is highly recommended that he be socialized early so family vacations without the dog can happen smoothly!

Jindos aren’t the most reliable of breeds to train for obedience due to their highly independent natures, however they can learn quickly as long as they like the trainer. Learning a command and performing a command reliably are two very different animals however… an owner or trainer must put in a lot of time, working the dog under distractions to increase reliability. This intelligent breed is very in-tune with hierarchy of “the pack” (ie – your family) and will claim top position if nobody else does. Obedience training is a big part of taking control of that situation so that the dog does not. Take note that the Jindo is an excellent problem solver and can be trained easily to learn dog puzzles and other canine games!

The Jindo is a double-coated breed and as such, does shed twice a year. Aside from that, the coat tends to repel dirt and is generally not smelly, so overall doesn’t require a ton of care other than a weekly brushing and occasional bath (although shedding season will require a bit more of both). In addition, Jindos enjoy being around their people and will follow them from room to room without getting too underfoot/in the way. They tend to be very polite and watchful little shadows who rarely get into things they shouldn’t (counter surfing, trash-raiding or other destructive endeavors). They are easy keepers when their needs have been met!

Jindos can do OK in an apartment setting as long as they are given plenty of exercise. This said, although the breed is normally quiet, they are more likely to bark when they hear or see other people – which is often more of an issue in an apartment. This could potentially cause problems in a busy, bustling apartment building. The exercise the breed requires in a house setting can be above average for this high energy dog, so be prepared to put in even more work if you live in a small apartment or condo! Ideally the Jindo is taken out several times a day for long walks and/or other physical activities. Members of the breed have gotten involved activities ranging from conformation, temperament testing, canine good citizen, coursing, barn hunt and agility… and some have even joined sled dog teams! They are excited to be given jobs which exercise both their minds and bodies.

When raised around children, the Jindo can get along fine with them as long as the kids have been taught how to behave. Remember that this is a bold breed that will put someone in place who they feel is being rude – kids included. This is not to say the breed is needlessly aggressive but they will stick up for themselves if they feel they need to! While most don’t have the typical friendly temperament of a Lab or similar breed, they can learn to live with and even bond with a polite child. Some don’t like strange kids, however and may take issue when a new kid comes over to play. Prospective owners must fully evaluate their lifestyle in order to decide if this is the breed for them.

Photo by Hairwizard91 at English Wikipedia

 

The Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound

The Bavarian Mountain Scent Hound is an adaptable hunting dog and faithful companion. He is known for his tracking abilities and is able to find injured game even when the trail has gone cold. Aloof with strangers, this German breed nonetheless has a balanced temperament and a “good head on his shoulders”. The breed has a confident nature yet will listen to his owner for direction when needed. He is steady both physically as well as mentally – making an excellent dog for an owner who can meet his rather substantial needs.

The Bavarian is active, yet when properly exercised he is calm and easy to take out in public. His medium-sized build is athletic and he is able to handle as much vigorous exercise as you can give him! He doesn’t always fare well in crowded city life without lots of effort on the part of the owner (he prefers frequent access to nature and the great outdoors). Despite being used for tracking long distances and other utilitarian work, he should be allowed to live in the home with the rest of the family. Although a working dog, he is not a kennel or outside-only breed.

Mountain Scent Hounds are working hunters and must regularly do what they were bred to do. This is not a dog for someone looking for “just a pet”. He is even too much for some hunters! The breed is frequently owned by those who give the dog a daily job, such as game wardens. Prospective owners must take this into account to decide whether or not they can provide what this dog needs. If they are not hunters themselves, they must be willing to provide daily activities (such as tracking, scent work, search and rescue and/or training in other dog sports) along with increased exercise.

Bavarians are intelligent and they need training in order to keep their minds occupied. If they aren’t given this, they can become very destructive! The social aspect of the breed means that they crave attention – even negative attention is better than nothing. Better to train the dog in obedience and/or other sports in order to fulfill that need rather than let them destroy your belongings! The breed works best when given plenty of motivation and praise for doing things right.

Although smooth-coated, the Bavarian Mountain does shed fairly extensively and requires frequent brushing. Other than this, grooming is fairly simple. When it comes to vet care – most members of the breed are healthy although epilepsy and hip dysplasia are occasionally seen. Prospective owners should do their homework and only buy from a reputable breeder who health tests and can tell you the issues in their lines (unfortunately there are no tests for idiopathic epilepsy, however a good breeder should know what is in their line). When well cared for, many members of the breed live to 15 or beyond.

Bavarian Mountain Scent Hounds can be escape artists. All fencing must be secured both top and bottom. These hounds normally either try to escape out of boredom (see above) or because they spy an animal outside the fence. Like all scenthounds, they have a high prey drive and desire to hunt. On a related note – they may not make the best choice for people who own cats or small animals. Families with kids and/or other dogs are usually OK.

The Bavarian Mountain is a fairly quiet breed although can be prone to barking if left alone for long periods of time. They aren’t known for being watchdogs, nor for being guard dogs as they don’t tend to show any sort of aggression even when pushed. These dogs are lovers and not fighters, as evidenced by their strong loyalty and affectionate nature towards those whom they know, love and trust. When it comes down to it, they live to work and hunt with their owners – everything else comes second.

Photo CC BY-SA 3.0

 

The Shikoku

The Shikoku is another one of Japan’s six hunting spitz breeds, and one of the rarest. While they can make great companions in the right home, it is important to remember that this dog is a working breed that still retains a strong hunting instinct. Shikokus are curious by nature and likely to blow their owner off when exploring. If they are off-leash and catch the sight or scent of a prey animal, they will think nothing of leaving the human in their dust! They cannot be trusted off-leash without very extensive training (even then, they may not be reliable). Like several of their close relatives, they are courageous (sometimes too much for their own good) and can be hard to handle for novice owners.

The Shikoku is a very independent thinker and can be more difficult to train than other dogs. The catch-22 is that they must have regular training in order to keep their minds active and keep them out of trouble. An untrained Shikoku can be destructive and extremely frustrating to live with so obedience is a must-do, but an owner must be prepared to put in more work than with less independent breeds. Along with obedience training, it is highly recommended to crate train puppies early so they are less likely to get into things while unsupervised. When it comes to training style, although the breed is tough in general, they will shut down if methods are too rough. Be firm but fair and don’t employ overly-harsh corrections unless you’re willing to work through the consequences.

The Shikoku has a ton of excess energy that needs to be burned off daily, and they do require quite a bit more than many other breeds. Two separate hour-long walks in addition to running time in a fenced yard is often necessary. While out walking, some will act aloof towards strangers while others can be overly friendly – it all depends on the individual dog. Most will bark to alert you if they consider someone to be particularly suspicious. This said, this is not a guard dog and shouldn’t be counted on to protect the home or person.

Many Shikoku are quite vocal and those vocalizations often have a “growly” aspect to them. This is normal for the breed but can scare unsuspecting guests (and other dogs). They are not the best candidates for dog parks as the noise can spur on fights (whether or not that was their intention). They are also known for being mouthy and nibbly with their owners – thinking nothing of gnawing on an arm or pant-leg when excited. It is recommended to put a stop to this behavior early on – although take note this ingrained behavior can take a while to break completely.

While the Shikoku was originally bred to hunt in small packs of 3-5 dogs, they act very differently toward a dog whom they were raised with vs. a strange dog. They are prone to barrier reactivity and can also be unforgiving towards rude dogs. They tend to take social rules very seriously and will think nothing of putting a dog in check whom they feel has broken a rule. Many are selective about which dogs they like… and which dogs they really don’t like at all, and will be obvious about it! With all of this said, it may be surprising to learn that this breed is actually very social and many do prefer to live with other dogs – or at least play with them regularly. Play sessions should always be supervised and dog buddies should be carefully chosen, in addition to the Shikoku having had plenty of socializing time when he was a puppy.

The Shikoku needs to live as an indoor dog with the family or they will become depressed. They are not a velcro breed that follows their owner around, however they enjoy their time spent with their people. They are OK living with a single person or a family – they tend to bond with as many or as few people as live in the home. They will express this bond in subtle ways, however. They are not one to get overly enthusiastic every time their owner comes back into the room as other breeds do.

Shikokus mature late and tend to be wild and hyper for the first 2-3 years, but they will eventually calm down with age – provided they are given exercise and training. Prospective owners must consider whether this kind of commitment is something that they can handle! Another thing to think about is that the breed does shed profusely a couple times a year, leading to the dog needing to be brushed up to twice a day for a two-three week shedding period. Thankfully, aside from shedding seasons the coat-loss isn’t too bad, and they tend to keep themselves fairly clean as well.

The Kai Ken

The Kai Ken is one of Japan’s native spitz breeds – nicknamed “the tiger dog” because of their brindle coat. An active breed, they were originally used for hunting (primarily boar and deer) and today are happy to participate in a number of canine activities! Although only medium in size, this dog is bold and sassy with a confident nature. Neutral to strangers, they are nonetheless loyal with those whom they love. Temperaments can somewhat vary between individuals in the breed because diversity as well as function are highly prized so it is wise for a prospective buyer to meet dogs from the breeder to determine a good match. Take note – spitz breeds in general (and the Kai is no exception) are more primitive and are not the same as an outgoing, happy Lab. They all need early socialization in order to function well in the world!

The Kai Ken tends to get along with other dogs. Many of them are experts at reading canine body language and avoiding fights although this does depend on the individual and the amount of socialization he/she has had as a puppy. Many also get along well with cats and even smaller pets, although because of their high prey drive may chase those same animals if they dash around the home. It’s not recommended to allow outside play with cats and Kai. Along those same lines, this little spitz shouldn’t be let off-leash without extensive training in areas that might have woodland creatures suddenly appear (like squirrels)! They will chase after, swim after, and even climb trees after a running prey animal.

The Kai needs daily activity and exercise – both mental as well as physical. They have a lot of energy but their smaller size means the exercise requirements aren’t too hard to keep up with. When provided with proper exercise, good food and vet care the Kai tends to live 13-15 years. Most members of the breed are very healthy however health issues that can crop up include Progressive Retinal Atrophy (an eye disorder), luxating patellas (slipped kneecaps) and heart issues. No breed or mix breed is immune to congenital health defects and this breed is no exception. With a purebred dog, however, it is easier to know what you might be up against and choose a breeder who health tests.

Kai have the capability to be over-achievers when it comes to training as they love to work with their owners! They are also very versatile and love to learn new things – especially if those things involve movement and excitement. Obedience can be exciting to them but they really love to participate in activities in which their owners are also “playing along”, such as agility. Kai have been seen dabbling in herding, barn hunt, conformation and even lure coursing! Perhaps even more so than many other breeds – the amount of dedication an owner/trainer has will highly influence their Kai’s results. Shoddy training and skipping steps will undoubtedly lead to frustration to both dog and owner. Some Kai are more independent and/or more assertive than others – these dogs need strong-willed owners.

The Kai Ken usually loves children when he is brought up with them – make sure the children are taught never to tease the dog and always supervise around young kids. When brought up right, he will form strong bonds with them – just as he does with the rest of the family (although he may form the strongest bond with only his favorite family member). Make sure he is given plenty of affection and allowed to live inside the house as he is a social animal who needs/thrives on attention.

Kais make good watchdogs and will often find a high place to survey “their territory”, whether it be a couch, windowsill or even table! Make sure to teach them what is acceptable and what is not acceptable to sit on. He will keep watch in any type of home, whether house or apartment (and yes, this dog can do quite well in an apartment as long as he is exercised regularly). Despite his small-ish size, he is very brave!

Kai Ken are a naturally clean breed that requires little grooming. They shed once or twice a year and tend not to have a doggy odor. The short double coat will require more brushing during shedding seasons. The thick, brush tail may require a little more work to groom but overall the coat is easy to keep up with. As with all dogs – nails, teeth and ear care are important to schedule regularly. These clean dogs also tend to housebreak extremely quickly!

Photo CC BY-SA 3.0