Shirokuro



Shirokuro, also known as Checkers, is Ryoga's pet dog. Half black, half white, she is very good at fighting, as well is intelligent, and is a "Ninken" or "ninja dog" from the same village as Sasuke Sarugakure. Shirokuro's name can broken down into "shrio" meaning white and "kuro" meaning black, which is why her name is "Checkers" in the English Dub.

Anime Biography
Shirokuro first appears drowning in a river. Ryoga attempts to save her, but falls in and becomes a pig instead. Shirokuro saves them both though, and Ryoga allows the dog to become his traveling companion. Shirokuro, already loyal, treats Ryoga like her master for the kindness he showed in attempting to save her and in his general attitude. After Ryoga explained to Shirokuro about his love letter to Akane, the dog's purpose was clear, much to Ryoga's embarrassment, as Ryoga was so shy that he didn't want Akane to see the letter as much as he did want her to. Shirokuro delivered Ryoga's love letter to Akane, and gave Akane's reply back to Ryoga. After this, Ryoga and Shirokuro became companions.

Manga Biography
A dog with the same name and pattern appears in the manga, but this dog is a long-time family pet of Ryoga and the Hibiki family, as well as being a female who, when first introduced, has delivered a litter of about five puppies. She is intelligent enough to get onto a TV show to send a message to Ryoga to come and see her new family, and recognizes Ryoga in his P-chan form instantly, though it's not known whether this is because they have met since Ryoga was cursed or not.