"Shiba" refers to a type of small, brushwood found in the mountainous regions of Japan. The word "shiba" is used to describe something small, compact, or rustic. In the case of the Shiba Inu, it likely refers to the dog's small size and its association with rural areas.
"Inu" simply means "dog" in Japanese. It is a common word used to refer to any type of dog, regardless of breed.
So, the word "Shiba Inu" literally translates to "brushwood dog" or "small rustic dog." This name reflects the dog's origins and its association with the rural areas of Japan where it was bred.