All You Need to Know About the Shiba Inu - Home

History

The name Shiba-Inu is a Nagano prefecture dialect word meaning "Little Brushwood Dog". The Shiba Inu is thought to have been originated from an ancitnet dog breed developed as early as the 1500 B.C. Skeletal remains and drawings of prick-eared, curled tailed dogs resembling the shiba shuggest that this breed is one of the oldest of modern day dogs. Like many of the Japanese dog breeds the Shiba was bred for hunting wild boar and deer and originate from mountainous, landlocked parts of Japan. In 1979, the first recorded litter was born in the United States. The Shiba Inu has been carefully bred mixing strains of small Japanese dogs.

Growth and appearanceThey stand 13 - 17 inches high at the shoulders and weighs around 17 - 23 pounds. Like most of the Japanese breed dogs, the Shiba has a thick double coat with the outer layer having stiff and straight hair and the undercoat having fluffy thick fur. The Shibas face has short hair that resembles a fox. Their tail hair stands open in a bush. They come in a variety of colors from red, black and tan or sesame. The life expectancy for the Shiba Inu is 12 to 15 years.

Dog Care and Grooming

Like most Japanese dog breeds the Shiba Inu is vey clean so grooming is minimal. The Shiba Inus coat is designed to be waterproof as well as helps protect them from freezing temperatures so there is little need to bathe them regularly. Shedding is heaviest for the Shiba during the hot months but can be easily brushed away.

Like Akitas the Shiba is known to have several health conditions including, allergies, glaucoma, cataracts, hip dysplasia, entropion and luxating patella.

As with any dog the Shiba needs to be walked and excersied daily to ensure mental and physical well-being.

Personality

They are independent and intelligent dogs. As with many dogs, socialization at a young age can greatly affect their temperament. The Shiba is known for its cleanliness and grace and is often compared to the feline family. They will clean themselves in a cat like manner and spend a considerable time in personal grooming. They are fairly easy to housebreak and prefer not to foul up their living quarters. Due to these traits the shiba is known as an easy keeper. They are a no fuss type dog. They are very loyal to their family and are great guard dogs.

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