The Shikoku is a native primitive Japanese breed of dog from Shikoku island that is similar to a Shiba Inu. The Shikoku is not a recognized breed of the American Kennel Club but it is recognized by the Japanese Kennel Club an organization recognized by AKC as an official foreign registry (AKC recognizes the Shiba Inu however). The Shikoku is also in the Canadian Kennel Club Hound group and the United Kennel Club awaiting full recognition.