What Is A Shiba Inu?

Introduction | History | Physical Characteristics | Temperament | Health

Introducing the Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu was developed in Japan as a hunting dog, to flush birds, small game and occasionally wild boar. Today, their primary function is that of companion, but that hunting instinct is still very present.

A Shiba puppy is very appealing, it is a fair description to say that they look like live teddy bears. But the Shiba is not a toy - it is a very lively little dog with a unique set of characteristics. Each one is a individual with his/her own personality, but there are some traits that are considered typical of the breed.

And a side note: "inu" means "dog" in Japanese.

Around 7000 BC the ancestors of today's Japanese breeds accompanied the earliest immigrants to Japan. Archaeological excavations of the shell-mounds left by the Jomonjin show that they had small dogs in the 14.5 to 19.5 inch range.

In the third century BC, a new group of immigrants brought their dogs to Japan. These dogs bred with the descendants of the Jomonjin dogs, and produced canines known to have pointed, erect ears and curly/sickle tails. In 7 AD, the Yamato Court established a dogkeeper's office which helped maintain the Japanese native breeds as an integral part of Japanese culture. Although the country was closed to foreigners from the 17th through 18th centuries, some European and Chinese dogs were imported and crossed with native dogs living in the more populated areas. Dogs in the countryside remained relatively pure.

From the original Japanese native dogs, six distinct breeds in three different sizes developed. They are the Akita (large size); Kishu, Hokkaido, Shikoku, Kai (all three medium size); and the Shiba (small size).

World War II nearly spelled disaster for the Shiba and the other breeds, and most of the dogs that did not perish in bombing raids succumbed to distemper during the post-war years. After the war, Shibas were brought from the remote countryside and breeding programs were re-established. The remnants of the various bloodlines were combined to produce the breed as it is known today.

The Shiba is of very balanced proportions: height at shoulder as compared to length of body is a ratio of 10 to 11. Males are 14.5 to 16.5 inches tall at the shoulder, with females ranging from 13.5 to 15.5 inches. Height under or over these limits is a disqualification in the show ring. .The weight varies according to height up to about 25 pounds.

This is a medium boned, moderately compact and well muscled dog with a generally spitz-like appearance. Because of its hunting heritage, it should be quick, agile and able to turn on a yen. It has a dense double coat: a soft, wooly undercoat with coarse guardhairs. The Shiba does shed twice a year.

Red, red sesame (red with black tipping), and black & tan are the preferred colours. White/cream shadings are present on the legs, belly, chest and part of the face and tail - this is referred to as "urajiro". Cream/white dogs do appear occassionally, but are disqualified from the show ring and should not be bred. They are NOT rare or desireable.

The Japanese have three words to describe the Shiba temperament. The first word is "kan-i" which is bravery and boldness combined with composure and mental strength. The opposite of "kan-i" is "ryosei" which means good nature with a gentle disposition. One cannot exist without the other. The charming side of the Shiba is "soboku" which is artlessness with a refined and open spirit. They combine to make a personality that Shiba owners can only describe as "irresistible"!

If a Shiba could utter one word, it would probably be "mine". It is "mine" food, "mine" water, "mine" toys, "mine" sofa, "mine" crate, "mine" car, "mine" owner, and "mine" world. Sharing is a concept he feels others should practice, and a Shiba will not let you forget those wonderful things your mother taught you about generosity!

If the bait is dangled when a potential Shiba owner sees adults at a dog show or pictures in a magazine, the hook is set when he encounters his first puppy! Exemplary examples of canine cuteness, fiery little fuzzballs-from-hell, no words can describe the appeal of the infant Shiba. A litter of Shibas is a Dakin convention and a school of piranha; strutting, posturing little windup toys! The adult Shiba is far from a toy; and takes the "spirited boldness" part of his temperament quite seriously.

Having a Shiba is very similar to living with a cat - they are not slavish robots, but very independent, thinking, individuals. Some of the drawbacks to a typical Shiba temperament may be: stubborness, dominance, willful destruction of property, disobedience, temper tantrums. Yes, temper tantrums. Similar to a human 2 year old - throwing oneself on the floor, thrashing about, and SCREAMING.

Early socialization and firm-but-fair discipline is mandatory for the young puppy. They do need guidelines, and owners must be consistent. It is also helpful if the human is smarter than the dog! Many Shibas go through puppyhood without any of the above; what joy! But most owners learn to deal with the difficult aspects of the dog's temperament in order to enjoy the delightful ones. With "soboku", the Shiba sets his hook into the heart. This is "artlessness" with squinty-eyes, airplaned ears, and a vibrating tail. It is "charm" standing in your lap washing your ears, and "dignity" plus "refinement" born of the knowledge of superiority.

As a breed, Shibas can rightfully be described as sturdy, healthy little dogs, able to withstand the rigors of outdoor life as well as enjoying the comfort of indoor dwelling. They are easy keepers, and can run for miles with an athletic companion or take their exercise chasing a tennis ball around the backyard. Their catlike agility and resilience provide good resistance to injury, and the "natural" size and symmetrical proportions lessen susceptibility to conditions caused by structural imbalance.

Despite these assets, Shibas do have some hereditary defects which all reputable breeders screen for in their breeding stock.

Patellar luxation is common in many small breeds and sometimes appears in Shibas. It causes loose kneecaps and is 'usually' not severe enough to be detrimental to a Shiba's life, but should not be bred. An experienced veterinarian can detect this condition by palpation.

Hip dysplasia occasionally occurs - mild dysplasia will not show any adverse clinical effects and the dog will lead a normal life; but again, should not be part of any breeding program.

Eye disease should be screened for (a regular veterinarian does not have the needed equipment - this is done by an opthamologist). There have been reports of PRA (progressive retinal atrophy) and Glaucoma (increased pressure in the eye) - these are both very serious problems that cause blindness.

 

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