How is the Shiba Inu?

Origin, appearance and temperament

Let's learn the basics of this beautiful breed...

Origin of the Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu is the smallest of the six original and different Japanese dog breeds. It is a very ancient breed. Its origins arise in South Asia, registering the first signs of the arrival of this dog in Japan around 2000 BC, and were descendants of wild dogs from South China. Like the Akita Inu, it has direct offspring from the wolf. The Shiba’s habitat was the mountainous area facing the Sea of Japan and, like most Japanese dogs, it was used in its early days as a hunting dog of small animals and birds.

After World War II it was on the verge of disappearing, but thanks to the breeding programs promoted by the government of Japan and the incipient notoriety that the breed was beginning to gain abroad, in a short time it overcame the crisis and began its history of success . In 1928 the Nippon-ken Hozonkai (NIPPO) was founded, which today is the most important club for the promotion of the breed, and in 1932 the Shiba Inu obtained the qualification of National Treasure, which helped a lot to protect the breed.

Shiba Inu appearance and characteristics

The Shiba Inu is a small dog, with not very long hair, with a rustic and energetic appearance. It resembles a miniature Akita Inu. It has small triangular ears, erect and slightly inclined forward. Its neck is thick and robust. It has a straight back of the muzzle and a well defined stop. He has a broad forehead and well-formed cheeks. The nose is dark, almost black or black. It has small, triangular eyes with dark brown irises. Its tail is similar to the Spitz one, thick, of medium length and set high, it is well rolled on the back or sickle.

It has hard hair and a thin, soft and dense undercoat, slightly longer and in the direction of the tail. Their coat color is usually reddish, sesame or black with tan spots. All colors must have urajiro spots (between cream and white) on the cheeks, on the inside of the ears, on the sides and lower part of the muzzle, on the throat, on the inside of the limbs, on the abdomen and around the tail. It has well developed muscles. It is a fast, agile and beautiful dog.

Shiba Inu temperament

The Shiba Inu is considered a very good pet. It is a loving and affectionate dog, especially with his master. It is considered a good companion dog and guard dog. It gets along very well with children and with other pets, as long as he is respected. It adapts without problems to indoor life, in apartments or houses, although it requires being outdoors a few minutes a day to exercise and relieve itself.

The Shiba, like the Akita, is a very intelligent dog. It is aware of any detail that passes around and is able to distinguish enemies easily. It also knows who can trust, it is not a dog that causes trouble. It is patient and calm, capable of defending its loved ones if necessary. It will never start a fight, however it will always be able to finish it. The Shiba Inu is a very elegant dog. It has a sophisticated, refined, simple and proportionate appearance, which helps it stand out from other dogs.