Shiba Inu

Scientific Name: Canis Iupus

Type: Small Hound

Kingdom: Animalia

Class: Mammalia

Phylum: Chordata

Family: Canidae

Order: Carnivora

Genus: Canis

Origin: Japan

Height: 13.5 to 16.5 inches 

Weight: 17 pounds to 23 pounds

Life span: 13 years to 16 years

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Image: Shiba Inu (Canis Iupus)

Shiba Inu is an ancient Japanese hunting dog breed that originated about 3000 years back. These dogs resemble foxes and were initially reared for flushing small-game and birds out of the bushes. Shibas make a very intelligent dog breed with a life span ranging from 13 years to 16 years. These dogs have white patches on their fur coat, most commonly around their chest, inner ears, legs, belly, and also on their cheeks. These white patches on the fur coat of Shibas are termed as Urajiro.

Shiba Inus are one of the most popular dog breeds in Japan and has survived an extinction phase at the time of the Second World War. The male and female dogs of this breed can be well differentiated based on their physical and behavioural features. These dogs have a super-fast pace and are highly agile like cats. They make a friendly pet when trained properly, and have an innate feature of good watchdogs. A cute Shiba Inu is likely to make a good companion dog.

Physical Description of a Shiba Inu

A Shiba dog has quite distinctive physical features. The male dogs can be distinguished from the female dogs on the basis of their physical features. The male Shiba Inus are stronger and bigger than the females. The average height for male Shiba Inus is 16.5 inches and that for female Shiba Inus is 13.5 inches. The male dogs of this breed weigh nearly 23 pounds whereas the female dogs weigh about 17 pounds. A male Shiba dog has a broader face whereas a female has softer features. The common physical description of the Shiba Inus is discussed below.

• Shiba Inus resemble foxes and have a classic orangey-red fur coat. The colour of their coat can vary from sesame, cream, tan and black. Their fur coat is usually a mix of colours with white patches. Mostly, they have a white undercoat, and in terms of length, these dogs have short to medium coats. Their guard hairs are 2 inches long. They have a short, straight, and plush coat and an undercoat. Since Shibas originated in the mountainous areas of Japan, they have dense and double-layered fur coats like the Siberian husky. 

• A Shiba Inu dog has a muscular build, with an average height of 13 inches and 16 inches and an average weight of 20 pounds to 30 pounds. To be more precise, these dogs nearly weigh 9 to 14 kilograms. 

• Shibas have triangular set eyes, and their eye colour varies from black and brown. 

• These dogs have medium-sized, triangular and erect, ears. Their plump tails are tightly curled up on their back. Their tails have longer hair and tend to take the shape of an open bush.

Habitat and Geographic Range of Shiba Inus

‘Shiba’ and ‘Inu’ are Japanese words for ‘brushwood’ and ‘dog’. Hence, the name of this breed of dog hints at its natural habitat. Shiba Inus inhabited the dense bushes of bright red-coloured coppice trees. Also, ‘Shiba-aka’ is another Japanese word that means brown-red colour, hence, the name Shiba Inu implies the coat colour of these dogs to an extent.

Shiba Inus originated in the hills of Japan in about 7000 B.C. Remains of similar dogs are found in areas where the settlements of the Jomon-Jin population used to be. Hence, Shiba Inus are most likely to be a mix-breed of Jomon Jin dogs and the dogs that immigrated to Japan in 300 B.C. Originally, these dogs were employed to hunt birds and small animals. Shiba Inus are believed to have survived a phase very close to extinction. At the time of World War II, the bombarding in Japan had caused a great loss to the population of this breed. Also, Shiba Inus have died of a viral infection (canine distemper). However, they survived extinction mostly due to the cross-breeding with other native breeds. Shiba Inus were introduced to America about 60 years ago and now they have become even one of the popular breeds in the Western countries.

Behavioural Features of Shiba Inu

A tiny plump Shiba Inu puppy is an energy ball and is as agile as the full-grown Shibas. These puppies are quite intelligent, and it is preferable to train them at a young age so that they can make a strong bond with their masters. A Shiba Inu puppy is quite confident.

The smooth stride of full-grown Shibas makes them look like foxes. The female Shiba Inus are timid and more receptive than the males. Hence it is easier to train a female Shiba than a male. Also, females are more cautious when they are around strangers. The male Shibas are more active and friendly with humans. However, they become a little tired when they are around other dogs. It is most beneficial to train Shiba Inus as young as possible. Shiba Inus make a squeaking noise when they are excited or distressed. They are very smart and trot to the beats of their own drum. They are moody at times and will sit, roll over, or stay when they wish to.

They are always on the look for adventure and are a sturdy breed. Some of these dogs tend to bark a lot, and most other Shibas make good watchdogs. They are shy and alert with strangers and have a territorial nature. They are strong and confident. Hence, keeping them busy on a regular basis with physical activity keeps them calm indoors. Mostly, Shibas are fond of chasing small animals. Shiba Inus are born with a naturally obedient and devoted instinct and are characterized by a unique sense of humour. They have a mischievous and goofball nature, and with good training, Shibas can make adorable pets. A baby Shiba Inu is a fun and loveable furball.

Upkeep of Shiba Inu

This breed is naturally clean and needs very basic brushing and grooming. The puppies as well as the full-grown Shibas are mostly found licking themselves clean. Their double-layered fur coat needs frequent brushing at the time of shedding. Their coats do not require shaving so that an optimum body temperature is maintained in the hot as well as cold seasons. It is likely that these dogs shed their coats during the summer season. They have a waterproof coat that makes it easier to clean up. The outer coat is stiff and straight while the inner coat is soft and thick. Potty-training Shiba Inus can be a task, if not started early. They require a good run or high-spirited games to remain active. The ideal weather for these dogs to thrive is that of the cool temperate latitudes. The best way to upkeep Shiba Inus is by letting them spend equal amounts of time outdoors as well as indoors.

Diet for Shiba Inu

Shiba Inus can be fed one and a half cups of premium-quality dog food in a day so that it remains active throughout the day. Their diet has to include protein from meat and other sources. Also, Shiba Inus can be fed biscuits at times.

Health Concerns of Shiba Inu

Though high-spirited and adventurous, Shiba Inus need proper routine check-ups even when they are young puppies. It is likely that the young puppies, as well as the adult Shiba Inus, may develop some sort of allergies from pollens or dust. Also, they must undergo regular tests for hip, knees, and eyes to detect any conditions at an early stage. A cataract is another common health concern observed in these dogs. The other major health issues that are seen in these dogs include canine hip dysplasia, glaucoma, patellar luxation, chylothorax, persistent pupillary membranes, epilepsy, progressive retinal atrophy, and distichiasis.

Interesting Facts About Shiba Inu

Being a popular Japanese breed, Shiba Inus has become quite popular as show dogs in the West as well. They are known to be good guard dogs innately and here are some of the interesting facts about Shiba Inus. 

• The oldest Shiba Inu that lived on the earth died at the age of 26 years. This was recorded in 2011.

• Shiba Inus get along quite well with the cats.

• There is one type of Shiba Inu that has a completely white or cream coloured coat. These dogs are called white Shiba Inu. They do not have any other marking or patches on their coat. These dogs have a white coat due to their recessive genes. Also, there is a myth that the white Shiba Inus may have certain health issues and often are not accepted for dog shows.

• Shibas are one of the oldest breeds of dogs that were domesticated in Japan. Also, they have genetic similarities with the wolves. 

• They belong to the spitz family and have a thick coat and pointed ears.

• Shiba Inus are the smallest of the 6 breeds of original Japanese dogs, namely, Kishu Inu, Akita Inu, Kai Ken, Shikoku Inu, and Hokkaido. 

• Shibas are the most preferred pets in Japan. They make an ideal pet due to their high energy, and long life span.

• They may make human-like squeals when petrified. For example, when they are bathed or groomed. 

• They are hypoallergenic and are heavy shudders.        

Shiba Inus are quite friendly and they are growing in popularity in Western countries like the United States. These dogs come with simple upkeeping and need good training for socializing. Shiba Inus mark the roots of Japanese history and are one of the most loved breeds in their native nation.