Shiba Inu:Characteristics, Grooming, Health, Training

Group: AKC Non-Sporting; KCGB Utility

Also Known As: Japanese Shiba Inu; Shiba Dog

AKC Ranking: 65

About Shiba Inu

Origin and History of the Breed The Shiba Inu is the smallest, and possibly the oldest, of the Japanese breeds. This alert and agile dog with keen senses was developed for hunting by both sight and scent in the dense undergrowth (brushwood) of Japan’s mountainous areas. ‘Shiba’ means ‘brushwood’ and it means ‘small.’ The word ‘Inu’ means ‘dog.’ They have become the number one companion dog in Japan. This is a breed where the male looks very masculine and the female looks very feminine.

A General Appearance of the Dog

The Shiba Inu can easily be mistaken for a fox if seen on the run, but his thick, powerful tail curls up over his back in a sickle or curled position. This small Japanese dog has somewhat deep-set, dark eyes which are rather triangular in shape and slant upward toward the ears. The eye rims are black. The Shiba Inu’s ears are triangular, small for his head and body, and pricked with a forward slant. His facial expression is good-natured with a strong and confident gaze. His back is straight and level to the ground. And his legs are thin but strong.

Coat Color

Urajiro, a creamy white color, is required in the following areas on all coat colors: on the sides of the muzzle, on the cheeks, inside the ears, on the underjaw and upper throat inside of legs, on the abdomen, around the vent and the underside of the tail. On reds, it is commonly found on the throat, forechest, and chest. On blacks and sesames, it is commonly found as a triangular mark on both sides of the forechest. White spots above the eyes are permitted on all colors but not required.

Coat Color can be

Intense, clear red - White markings restricted to eye spots, cheeks, under jaw, forechest, underparts and underside of tail and legs. No white above elbows or hock.

Sesame red - Red with an even overlay of black guard hairs; black to be not less than 25%, or more than 50% of normal red area. White markings in Red and Red Sesame restricted to eye spots, cheeks, under jaw, forechest, underparts, and underside of tail and legs. No white above elbows or hock. The white marking on the forechest resembling the shape of a bow-tie. Colour Eye spots in Red Sesame may be tan.

Black and Tan - Dull black with a bronze cast. Tan markings restricted to eye spots, cheeks, inside of ears, legs and tail. White markings as in Red and Red Sesame. Tan markings only occur between black and white areas.

White: White coat with red or grey tinges. White undercoat.

Coat Type

The Shiba Inu 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 standing off the body are about 1½ to 2 inches in length at the withers. Tail hair is slightly longer and stands open in a brush.

Height

Males: 14.5 to 16.5 inches
Females: 13.5 to 15.5 inches

Weight

Males: 20 – 30 lbs; ideally about 23 lbs
Females: 18 – 28 lbs; ideally about 17 lbs

Personality

Temperament of the Dog

The Shiba Inu is agile, fast, affectionate, and loving. He is trainable and confident, fearless and kind. He does not bark much. He bonds tightly with his handler, but remains independent.

He can be aloof with strangers, but does well with children in his own family. He needs to be well socialized as a puppy.

He cannot be trusted with small pets that are rodents or small birds, but he is okay with cats and other dogs if raised with them. He is a good traveler, but he is never reliable off-leash.

He prefers a securely fenced yard, but can live in an apartment if walked sufficiently and given opportunity to play in a fenced area. He can walk for hours on end with his great endurance.

Better suited to an indoor or outdoor lifestyle?

The Shiba's waterproof, all-weather coat protects him in both cold and hot conditions, so he could live outdoors if you have a secure yard of reasonable size. However, he regards himself as part of the family and does not like to be left alone outside. This breed would be much happier living indoors with his family.

He prefers a securely fenced yard, but can live in an apartment if walked sufficiently and given opportunity to play in a fenced area. He can walk for hours on end with his great endurance.

Are they suited to homes with kids?

He can be aloof with strangers, but does well with children in his own family.

Activity Level

How Active is the Breed?

He is moderately active indoors. He likes running in a securely fenced yard, but can live in an apartment if walked sufficiently and given opportunity to play in a fenced area. He can walk for hours on end with his great endurance.

How Much Exercise Does the Dog Need at every stage of its Life?

Puppies need more exercise than adults. Trips to a fenced dog park a couple of times a week will be necessary if you do not have a fenced yard. Indoor play and walks help keep him exercised throughout life.

Health and Care

He is generally healthy but beware that some lines have hip dysplasia, eye problems, or patella luxation.

Life Span: 12 – 15 years

Grooming

Once a week brushing is necessary year-round. He is a seasonally heavy shedder.

National Breed Clubs

British – Japanese Shiba Inu Club of Great Britain
US – National Shiba Club of America – www.shibas.org/index.html

Other Recognition: CKC, FCI, AKC, KCGB, ANKC, NKC, NZKC, APRI, ACR

Rescue Link:  www.shibas.org/rescue.html