Shiba
Brushwood Dog, Japanese Small-size Dog
The Shiba Inu is a compact breed that, despite its size, embodies a boldness reminiscent of a lion. In Japan, it is officially recognized as a treasured natural asset. Initially bred for hunting in Japan's rugged terrains, the Shiba Inu is renowned for its agility in navigating difficult landscapes, its sharp instincts as a guardian, and its vibrant, energetic personality. As one of Japan's oldest native dog breeds, the Shiba Inu is cherished as the nation's most adored companion. Its distinctive reddish-brown fur often causes it to be mistaken for a fox.
Breed Origin
The Shiba Inu is a breed with a rich history, though it wasn't officially designated as "Shiba Inu" until the 1920s. This hardy dog was well-suited for traversing steep hills and mountainous terrains that were often challenging for humans. With its sharp instincts, the Shiba Inu proved to be an excellent hunter, adept at flushing out birds and small game, as well as tracking wild boar. In 1936, Japan honored the Shiba Inu as a national treasure under the Cultural Properties Act. Sadly, the breed came perilously close to extinction during and after World War II, largely due to a drastic population decline caused by distemper. To help restore the breed, three variations were crossbred: the Shinshu Shiba, the Mino Shiba, and the Sanin Shiba. The Shiba Inu made its way to the United States in 1954, thanks to American service members, with the first litter being born there in 1979. The American Kennel Club (AKC) granted official recognition to the breed in 1993. The term "Shiba Inu" fittingly reflects the dog’s characteristics; "shiba" means "small" (though some interpretations suggest it also refers to "brushwood"), while "inu" translates to "dog."
Breed Appearance
The Shiba Inu is a compact and well-balanced breed. Its head is proportionate to its body, characterized by a rounded muzzle that tapers gently towards the nose. Both the lips and nose are black, and the teeth come together in a scissors bite. The eyes are set deep into the skull and are relatively small in relation to the dog's overall size. The front legs are straight, and the breed typically has dewclaws, which some owners may opt to remove. The tail is carried high, thick at the base, and curls over the back. This breed features a double coat, comprising a soft undercoat and a stiff, straight outer layer. Shiba Inus are often seen in various colors, including red, red with a slight black overlay, black with tan markings, and sesame with red highlights, while the undercoat is usually cream, buff, or gray. Markings are typically found on the cheeks, sides of the muzzle, throat, underside, and chest, with occasional white patches on the legs, the tip of the tail, and above the eyes.
Care Routine
The Shiba Inu is characterized by a short, coarse, and resilient coat that requires very little maintenance. A sturdy brush should be used on a weekly basis to remove any dead hair and skin. Bathing should only be done when absolutely necessary, as the coat has natural waterproof properties; frequent washing can diminish this protective feature. This breed is known for shedding quite a bit. Regarding exercise, a daily walk is adequate, but due to their energetic nature, they benefit from regular physical activity. While they can adapt to living in an apartment, they still need a moderate amount of exercise. Ideally, a yard of average size is preferable to ensure they get enough activity. Although their waterproof coat allows them to stay outdoors, it is crucial to provide a fenced yard with proper shelter from severe weather. The Shiba Inu does not like being left alone, whether inside or outside, and thrives best in the company of a loving family.
Behavior & Temperament
The Shiba Inu is a lively, brave, and self-assured small dog. Known for their affectionate and gentle demeanor, this breed is also quite trainable. Remarkably clean, Shiba Inus typically steer clear of dirt and are generally easy to housebreak. They are relatively quiet, barking only occasionally, and are recognized for their playful disposition, getting along well with children and other dogs, even if they haven't been socialized beforehand. However, they may be somewhat aloof around strangers. Early training is essential for this breed; without a strong and confident owner, a Shiba Inu might take on the role of pack leader. As instinctive hunters, they should not be trusted around small animals, including other pets. Caution is advised when letting them off-leash, as they have a propensity to chase cars and small creatures. It is vital for handlers to consistently establish themselves as the pack leader; otherwise, the Shiba Inu may attempt to assert dominance, which can lead to various behavioral challenges.
Play & Exercise
Things to Know
Cups Per Day
2.0 Cups
Daily Activity
60 Minutes
Average Lifespan
14 Years
Origin
ancient times
Type
Pure Breeds
Size
Medium
Origin Country
Japan
Brush Frequency
Weekly
Coat Texture
Straight
Register
Your kids have been begging for a pet forever, and you've recently decided that it's time for your family to get a new addition -- a dog! While everyone is excited for the new arrival, you're wondering if you need to have a dog license. How much does it cost? Is it required? Where do you get one?
Member Clubs
PETINNATE
Northern Breed
AKC
Non-Sporting Group
UKC
Northern Breed
Height & Weight
Weight
25 lbs (11 kg)Male: 25 lbs (11 kg) , Female: 25 lbs (11 kg)
Height
15 inches (38 sm)Male: 15 inches (38 sm) , Female: 14 inches (36 sm)
6 Months
12 lbs ( m 12 lbs, f 12 lbs )
8 inches ( m 8 inches, f 8 inches )
12 Months
16 lbs ( m 16 lbs, f 16 lbs )
13 inches ( m 13 inches, f 13 inches )
18 Months
25 lbs ( m 25 lbs, f 25 lbs )
14 inches ( m 14 inches, f 14 inches )
Eye Colors
Brown
Nose Colors
Black
Coat Colors
Black
Red
Characteristics
Mixes
Shibadox
The Shibadox is a hybrid breed that results from the combination of the purebred Shiba Inu and the Dachshund. While its appearance can differ, it generally reflects the Shiba Inu's lively and joyful personality, paired with the Dachshund's elongated body. This crossbreed is not widely recognized and is officially acknowledged by only two breed registries: the Designer Dog Registry and the International Designer Canine Registry. Although both parent breeds were initially bred for hunting small game and have unique physical traits, the Shibadox is now mainly seen as a companion animal. Its Shiba Inu heritage also contributes to its reputation as a healthy hybrid.
Read more