01/23/2025
"Rare"
I think this term gives people the wrong impression, and can attract people to the breed for the wrong reasons. A more accurate term at this point is probably "endangered." But even that can make it sound more exciting and romanticized than our reality.
Their rarity isn't what makes Shikoku valuable or special. If anything, it's their...... "special-ness," that has kept them from becoming a more accomplished breed. Let's be honest, with their looks, if they possessed the list of traits that the average dog owner finds desirable, the population would be booming.
"Rare" sounds exciting to the average pet owner, but rarity in the dog world usually points to lack of interest.
And here's a really important consideration. The prices you see for Shikoku aren't where they are because they're rare and more valuable than other dogs. It's a reflection of the costs to produce those puppies.
We have expensive health testing needed for the breed, cost of importing can be high, most breeders aren't using their breeding dogs beyond 2-4 litters, and we have relatively small litters. Plus some breeders are choosing to keep more puppies beyond the minimum 8 weeks to further train and evaluate them, which is worth it in terms of producing quality dogs but does incur higher costs for the breeder in food, vet care, time, etc.
Anyone seeing these price tags and thinking they've discovered a lucrative breed is going to be in for a rough time when it comes time to place them as well. Why would anyone spend $3-5k on a puppy with no health testing behind them when that's the going rate for a puppy from an established breeder going above and beyond in health and everything else?
Shikoku are valuable and special to me because I have a lifestyle and personality that they fit wonderfully with, not because most people haven't heard of them. This is why I want to breed them, to share them with other people who appreciate their quirks.
