BACK to Dog Breed Listing

SHIBA INU DOG BREED INFORMATION

Family	ancient dog breed, wolf
Life Span	12-16 years
Avg Size of Male:	Height: 14–17 inches, Weight: 23 kg
Avg Size of Female:	Height: 13–15 inches, Weight: 18 kg
Original Function:	hunting
Overall Rating (out of 5)	The Shiba Inu is the smallest of the Japanese Spitz-type dogs. They are good natured and quite lively, they are a smart dog but can be sometimes difficult to train due to them being independent and choose sometimes to ignore your commands. So they need firm not harsh training from an early age.

The Shiba Inu's coat is double coated with the outer coat being stiff and straight and the undercoat soft and thick. Fur is short and even on face, ears, and legs. Guard hairs stand off the body are about 1 1/2 to 2 inches in length at the withers. Tail hair is slightly longer and stands open in a brush. Shibas may be red, black and tan, or sesame (red with black-tipped hairs), with a cream, buff, or grey undercoat.

The Shiba is a fastidious breed and feels the need to maintain itself in a clean state. They can often be seen licking their paws and legs much like a cat. They generally go out of their way to keep their coats clean, and while walking will avoid stepping in puddles, mud and dirt. Because of their fastidious and proud nature, the Shiba puppy is easy to housebreak and in many cases will housebreak themselves. Having their owner simply place them outside after meal times and naps is generally enough to teach the Shiba the appropriate method of toileting.

Temperament

An independent, strong minded, and hardworking dog, the Shiba Inu dog breed has a lot of courage and spirit. These dogs can be stub burn and if not well trained disobedient, therefore suit an experienced owner. The Shiba Inu is adept and digging and climbing, and is a confirmed pursuer of just about anything that crosses his path - it is essential that he is therefore in a safe and secured area whenever he is not on a leash. Very fast and agile, the Shiba Inu is an intelligent dog and thrives on interaction and mental stimulation. Early socialization is a must with this dog breed and will ensure a stable temperament.

When brought up with them the Shiba Inu tends to get along well with children, although he does not take well to be handled roughly or teased. The bark of the Shiba Inu can sometimes resemble and yodel and can be quite high pitched. They do need a fair amount of exercise and should always be walked on a leash. With proper socialization and training the Shiba Inu can make a loyal, loving, and entertaining pet and companions, but is not for the weak willed or for those with little time to dedicate to a pet.

Health

Health conditions known to affect this breed are glaucoma, cataracts, hip dysplasia, and luxating patella. Shibas are also prone to food allergies[citation needed]. Overall; however, they are of great genetic soundness and few Shibas are diagnosed with genetic defects in comparison to other dog breeds.

History

The Shiba Inu originates from Japan, and has a very long history as the country's oldest native breed. Originally, the Shiba Inu was bred to hunt and flush small game, such as birds and rabbits. Despite efforts to preserve the breed, the Shiba nearly became extinct during World War II due to a combination of bombing raids and a post-war distemper epidemic. However, these dogs now enjoy popularity as household pets and independent companions. The breed was registered with the AKC in 1997.