The  Internationale kennelclub Fédération Cynologique Internationale (FCI) divide the dog breeds in ten groups.

The Shikoku is group number 5, which is called Spitz and primitive types, section 5 Asian Spitz and related breeds. Without working trial. 

There is also another name for the dog breed Shikoku namely Japanese Wolfhound, Kochiken or Mikawa Inu which is originally  from the Japanese island Shikoku. The Shikoku was hardly known outside his country but begins gain popularity. 

The Shikoku has a strong hunter instinct and is specialized in hunting deer, boars and bears.

Also the Shikoku can behave distantly and reserved towards strangers.

When raising this dog do it gently because of its sensitive nature, you must be consistent and socialize the dog well. This applies not only in puppyhood but preferably up to 3 years of age.