How tall is a Shikoku?

An adult Shikoku stands about 20 inches at the shoulder (AKC mid-range, male). Females typically run 1–2 inches shorter, and individual variation within the breed is roughly ±2 inches.

Is a Shikoku considered a medium dog?

Yes — at 20" / 45 lb, the Shikoku falls into the medium-breed size class (shoulder height 16–22"). Out of 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #119 tallest.

How does a Shikoku compare to a person?

At 20" tall, a Shikoku stands about 31% of the height of an average adult (5'4" / 64"). The chart on this page draws both silhouettes at the same pixel-per-inch scale so the proportion you see is the real ratio.

Shikoku Size Compared to a Person

A Shikoku stands 20″ at the shoulder and weighs about 45 lb — that puts it at 31% of the height of an average adult (5′4″ / 64″). Of the 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #119 by shoulder height and falls into the medium-breed size class (Medium breeds, 16–22").

Shikoku next to a person at scale — 20-inch shoulder height, 45 lb. Drawn by iDogNames. — Shikoku at 20″ / 45 lb, next to an average adult at 5′4″ / 135 lb. Drawn to AKC breed standards.

How a Shikoku compares

	Shikoku	Person	Difference
Shoulder height	20″	64″	-44″
Weight	45 lb	135 lb	-90 lb

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About the Shikoku

The Shikoku is a rare and primitive Japanese breed originating from the mountainous Shikoku island, where it was developed to hunt wild boar in rugged terrain. Often compared to a larger Shiba Inu, the Shikoku is a medium-sized Spitz-type dog with a sesame, red, or black and tan coat, a curled tail, and an alert, wolf-like appearance. This athletic and agile breed is considered one of Japan's most prized native dogs.

Similar-size breeds

The 8 breeds in the Medium size class with shoulder height closest to the Shikoku.

Combai — 20″ / 50 lb (same height)
English Springer Spaniel — 20″ / 50 lb (same height)
Finnish Lapphund — 20″ / 43 lb (same height)
Harrier — 20″ / 53 lb (same height)
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever — 20″ / 43 lb (same height)
American Pit Bull Terrier — 19″ / 50 lb (−1″ vs Shikoku)
American Staffordshire Terrier — 19″ / 63 lb (−1″ vs Shikoku)
Australian Cattle — 19″ / 43 lb (−1″ vs Shikoku)

Frequently asked

How tall is a Shikoku?: An adult Shikoku stands about 20 inches at the shoulder (AKC mid-range, male). Females typically run 1–2 inches shorter, and individual variation within the breed is roughly ±2 inches.
Is a Shikoku considered a medium dog?: Yes — at 20" / 45 lb, the Shikoku falls into the medium-breed size class (shoulder height 16–22"). Out of 252 breeds catalogued, it ranks #119 tallest.
How does a Shikoku compare to a person?: At 20" tall, a Shikoku stands about 31% of the height of an average adult (5'4" / 64"). The chart on this page draws both silhouettes at the same pixel-per-inch scale so the proportion you see is the real ratio.

More on the Shikoku

Shikoku dog names & full breed page · All medium-size breeds · Visual atlas (Medium section) · Size comparison home