New Guinea Singing Dog vs Shikoku: full comparison
| Trait | New Guinea Singing Dog | Shikoku |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Medium | Medium |
| Energy level | High | High |
| Trainability | Low | Medium |
| Friendliness | Low | Low |
| Good with children | Low | Medium |
| Grooming needs | Low | Low |
| Shedding | Medium | Medium |
| Barking | Low | Low |
| Protectiveness | High | High |
| Adaptability | Very Low | Low |
| Typical lifespan | 15 years | 13 years |
| Hypoallergenic | No | No |
Size and living space
The New Guinea Singing Dog is a moderately built dog that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. By comparison, the Shikoku is a moderately built dog that settles into most homes, although a yard makes life easier. Because they are a similar size, neither has a clear space advantage — both will suit the same kind of home.
Exercise and energy needs
The New Guinea Singing Dog needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. The Shikoku needs real exercise every single day to stay balanced. Their exercise needs are broadly the same, so this is unlikely to be a deciding factor.
Grooming and shedding
The New Guinea Singing Dog asks for a light brush once or twice a week and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. The Shikoku asks for a light brush once or twice a week and sheds moderately, with heavier blowouts as the seasons turn. Grooming upkeep is similar for both.
Temperament, training and family life
The New Guinea Singing Dog takes a little persistence to train but responds to consistency, speaks up only now and then and manages with kids when introductions are handled slowly. The Shikoku is reasonably trainable with regular, positive sessions, speaks up only now and then and gets on with children when raised around them. On guarding instinct, New Guinea Singing Dog is naturally watchful and protective of its family and home, whereas Shikoku is naturally watchful and protective of its family and home.
Which is better for…
- For apartment or apartment living, New Guinea Singing Dog and Shikoku are an even match — either can work well.
- For families with young children, Shikoku has the edge, being the more naturally child-friendly and sociable of the two.
- For first-time dog owners, Shikoku has the edge, as it is easier to train and more forgiving of beginner mistakes.
- For being left alone during the workday, New Guinea Singing Dog and Shikoku are an even match — either can work well.
- For allergy sufferers, New Guinea Singing Dog and Shikoku are an even match — either can work well.
Which should you choose?
Choose the New Guinea Singing Dog if you want a longer-lived breed.
Choose the Shikoku if you want the more child-friendly companion, you want an easier dog to train, or you want a more adaptable dog.
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Find your perfect matchFrequently asked questions
- Is the New Guinea Singing Dog or the Shikoku better for families with children?
- The Shikoku tends to be the more naturally child-friendly of the two, though both can do well in family homes with early socialization.
- Which sheds more, the New Guinea Singing Dog or the Shikoku?
- The New Guinea Singing Dog and Shikoku shed a similar amount (medium).
- Which is easier to train, the New Guinea Singing Dog or the Shikoku?
- The Shikoku is generally the easier of the two to train, making it a better pick for less experienced owners.
- Is New Guinea Singing Dog or Shikoku bigger?
- New Guinea Singing Dog and Shikoku are a similar size (Medium).
- Which barks more, New Guinea Singing Dog or Shikoku?
- Both bark a similar amount (low).
- Which is better for apartment living, New Guinea Singing Dog or Shikoku?
- For apartment or apartment living, New Guinea Singing Dog and Shikoku are an even match — either can work well.