Shikoku

Typically 10-12 years, and many reach the upper end because the breed is a relatively sound working landrace rather than a heavily exaggerated type. The main influences on a Shikoku's lifespan are keeping it lean (this hardy breed gets fat easily from over-feeding), enough real exercise, and early workup of the breed's uncommon-but-real concerns — epilepsy and orthopedic issues — rather than a wait-and-see approach.

Good with respectful children in its own family, with supervision — it is loyal and bonded but primitive and not infinitely tolerant of rough handling. With other animals it is harder: the Shikoku has a strong prey drive (it was bred to hunt boar) and notable same-sex dog intolerance. It can live with animals it is raised with under management, but small free-roaming pets and another intact same-sex dog are high-friction combinations. Lifelong socialization is essential, not optional.

A lot — plan for at least 60 minutes of vigorous daily activity plus mental work. This is a boar-hunting landrace with the stamina and drive to match; a couple of short street walks will not satisfy it, and an under-exercised Shikoku turns destructive, vocal and escape-focused. Hiking, trail running, scent work and structured play suit it well. It is an excellent active-owner dog and a poor sedentary-household dog.

More trainable than a Shiba and genuinely handler-focused, but still a primitive, independent breed — it cooperates with a respected handler rather than blindly obeying. Use early, consistent, reward-based training and heavy socialization. The hardest item is recall: high prey drive means you should not rely on off-lead reliability around wildlife, livestock or small animals regardless of training. Treat secure containment as the real solution, not perfect obedience.

Comparatively, yes. As a working Japanese landrace selected for performance rather than appearance, it is physically robust and relatively free of the exaggerated-conformation problems that plague many refined breeds. It is not problem-free: hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, idiopathic epilepsy and allergies do occur. The honest summary is 'hardy but not immune' — buy from health-tested parents and do not let the breed's toughness become an excuse to skip screening or to over-feed.

It is not ideal but it is possible for a committed, active owner who delivers the exercise and mental work the breed needs daily — the limiting factor is the dog's energy and drive, not its size. Without that outlet an apartment Shikoku becomes vocal and destructive. Containment also matters: this is an agile, escape-prone breed, so balconies, doors and any access points must be genuinely secure. A house with a tall-fenced yard suits the breed far better.