Facts About Shiba Inu Dogs & Puppies

The Shiba Inu is the most popular dog breed in Japan, according to "Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds." This dog breed is one of only six dog breeds native to Japan, although when the Shiba Inu originated is unknown. They were originally bred to hunt small animals and to chase larger animals out of the thick undergrowth and into the path of hunters' weapons. They are also called Shibas, brushwood dogs or Japanese small sized dogs.

  1. Identification

    • Shibas have heads resembling that of a fox. They have pointy noises and naturally pointed ears that tip forward, making them appear to be smaller than they actually are. This small ears are thought to help keep in the dog's body heat, according to "Encyclopedia of Dog Breeds." They have a body made in the same sturdy style as a spitz dog, but with shorter coats. They come in several colors, mainly black and tan or red with white, pale or gray bellies, insides of the legs and undersides of their bushy tails that are naturally carried over the dog's back.

    Size

    • These are small- to medium-sized dogs, with males often growing to be larger, heavier and more muscular than the female. The average size of male Shiba Inus is 14.5 to 16.5 inches high from the ground to the highest point of their shoulder. The average weight of the males is 23 lbs. Females only weigh about 17 lbs. and grow to an average of 13.5 to 15.5 inches tall. Individual Shibas can grow smaller or larger than the average.

    History

    • Shibas are thought to descend from a mixture of three now extinct Japanese breeds--the Shinshu Shiba, the Mino Shiba and the Sanin Shiba. All three of these breeds are thought to descend from the spitz. The breed was nearly wiped out by both World War II and a distemper outbreak in 1952. By 1954, the Shiba Inu arrived in America.

    Temperament

    • Shibas are very independent, intelligent dogs that have a reputation of being difficult to train. For this reason, only people experienced with dogs should adopt a Shiba. Shibas may be aggressive to other dogs. Shibas were bred to be active and hunt all day, so they may become destructive out of boredom if they are not given regular exercise. Shibas make excellent watchdogs, according to Dog Breed Info.com.

    Health Problems

    • Compared to many other purebreds, Shibas are prone to few health problems. But they are prone to knee problems, cataracts, hip dysplasia (a painful condition where the hip bone does not go into the socket) and are allergic to the saliva in flea bites (known as flea allergy dermatitis.) Shiba Inus can also get hypothyroidism, a problem of the thyroid gland, according to the Northeast Shiba Rescue Association.