The Complete Guide to Purebred Shiba Inus

The Shiba Inu is a breed of dog that originated in Japan, specifically bred to hunt small game. They are known for their distinctive fox-like appearance.

Their independent nature can make them stubborn at times, but with consistent training and socialization, they can become loving and loyal companions.

The Shiba Inu's small size, typically weighing between 15-25 pounds, makes them a great fit for apartment living or small homes.

Their short coats require minimal grooming, making them a low-maintenance pet option.

Shiba Inus are originally from Japan, where they were bred as hunting dogs to flush out small game.

Their small size, typically weighing between 15-25 pounds, makes them well-suited for navigating dense forests and rugged terrain.

Shiba Inus are known for their distinctive fox-like appearance, with a curved tail and triangular ears.

They have a double coat, with a soft undercoat and a harsh outer coat that sheds heavily, requiring regular grooming.

Their independent nature can make training challenging, but consistency and positive reinforcement can help.

Getting started in dog sports can be an exciting and rewarding experience for you and your Shiba Inu. There are many different dog sports to choose from, including agility, obedience, and tracking.

If you're new to dog sports, it's a good idea to start with an introductory course or workshop to learn the basics. This will give you a chance to meet other dog owners and trainers, and to get a feel for what each sport entails.

Canine Partners programs are a great way to get started, as they offer a range of activities and sports that are suitable for dogs of all breeds and sizes. You can even enroll your mixed-breed Shiba Inu in one of these programs!

Some dog sports have their own unique titles and abbreviations, so it's worth learning what they mean. For example, "CD" stands for "Companion Dog", while "CDX" stands for "Companion Dog Excellent."

If you're not sure which dog sport is right for you and your Shiba Inu, consider their age, energy level, and breed characteristics. For example, if your Shiba Inu is high-energy, agility or tracking might be a good fit.

To get started in dog training, you'll need to find a qualified trainer or instructor who can teach you and your Shiba Inu the basics. Look for trainers who are certified by a reputable organization, such as the Karen Pryor Academy.

If you can't attend in-person dog sports and training sessions, don't worry – there are plenty of virtual options available. Virtual dog sports and events are a great way to participate in dog sports from the comfort of your own home.

The Shiba Inu is a unique and fascinating breed, and as a dog owner, I can attest to their intelligence and energy. They require a daily workout, either in the form of active games, long walks, or off-leash runs in a securely fenced area.

Their exercise needs are quite high, but it's worth it for their playful and curious nature. Shibas prefer cooler weather but can deal with warmer temperatures.

Their coat is double-layered, with a stiff outer coat and a soft undercoat that sheds profusely twice a year. During shedding season, daily brushing is a must to prevent matting and tangling.

A hair dryer or dog-appropriate vacuum can also be used to remove dead hair from their coat. Their top coat is stiff and stands off from the body, but it doesn't tangle or mat.

The Shiba Inu breed is generally quite healthy, but some may suffer from allergies or patellar luxation, a dislocation of the kneecap. Dogs that hop with a rear leg held up and forward should be checked by a veterinarian.

Here are some key facts about the Shiba Inu breed:

Their distinctive appearance includes a compact body frame with well-developed muscles, a stiff outer coat, and a soft undercoat. Their fur is short and even on the foxlike face, ears, and legs.

The Shiba Inu's tail hair is slightly longer and stands open in a brush, and their tails are a defining characteristic that sets them apart from other dog breeds.

The Shiba Inu has a rich history that dates back to the prehistoric Jōmon period of Japanese history, where dogs with a similar appearance to the Shiba Inu were represented in dogū.

The breed was originally bred to hunt small game, such as birds and rabbits, in the mountainous areas of the Chūbu region.

Shiba Inus were highly valued for their hunting skills and were kept by hunters and intellectuals who appreciated their unique characteristics.

The breed nearly became extinct during World War II due to wartime food shortages and outbreaks of distemper.

Only three surviving bloodlines, the Shinshu Shiba, the Mino Shiba, and the San'in Shiba, were used to breed subsequent Shiba Inus.

The Shinshu Shibas had a solid undercoat and were small and red in color, while the Mino Shibas had thick, prick ears and a sickle tail.

The San'in Shibas were larger and tended to be black, without the common tan and white accents found on modern black-and-tan Shibas.

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The first Japanese breed standard for the Shiba, the Nippo Standard, was published in 1934, and the Shiba Inu was recognized as a Natural Monument of Japan in 1936.

The Shiba Inu was first introduced to the United States in 1954 and became recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992.

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The Shiba Inu is generally a healthy breed, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. One of the most significant health concerns for Shiba Inus is patella luxation, a condition where the kneecap slips out of place. In one study, 35% of Shiba Inus surveyed were affected by this condition.

Shiba Inus are also at a higher risk for glaucoma, with 33% of cases in one study attributed to the breed. This is a serious condition that can lead to blindness if left untreated. Glaucoma is often associated with genetics, and research has identified three genes in Shiba Inus that are linked to the condition.

If your Shiba Inu is intact, she may be more prone to pyometra, a uterine infection that can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. This is a common issue in many breeds, but Shiba Inus seem to be at a slightly higher risk.

Shiba Inus can also suffer from canine atopic dermatitis, an autoimmune disease that causes skin irritation and itching. This can be managed with medication and lifestyle changes, but it's essential to catch it early to prevent long-term damage.

The Shiba Inu is known for its remarkable lifespan, with a review of cemetery data in Japan finding that the breed has a life expectancy of 15 and a half years.

This is significantly longer than the average lifespan of purebred dogs, which is around 12.7 years, according to a 2024 UK study.

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The Shiba Inu is an independent dog that seems to have a robust sense of humor, often entertaining with its inventive mischief.

Shibas can be headstrong and may not obey commands without question, making them somewhat challenging to train. They are intelligent, but this also means they require a lot of exercise and stimulation to prevent anxiety and undesirable behaviors.

As an independent breed, Shibas can be aloof toward strangers and may challenge unfamiliar dogs. They make excellent watchdogs, but some may bark excessively.

A survey of experts classified the Shiba Inu as having 'high aggression, high reactivity and medium trainability', which may be due to their closer relation to wolves than domesticated dogs from other countries.

Due to their high intelligence, Shibas require a lot of exercise and stimulation to prevent anxiety, which can lead to undesirable behaviors like the 'shiba scream'. Insufficient exercise can cause Shibas to engage in destructive behavior, refuse to walk on a lead, and exhibit mounting behavior or tail chasing.

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The Shiba Inu's history is fascinating, and understanding its origins can help you appreciate this breed even more. The three surviving bloodlines of Shiba Inus in Japan were the Shinshu Shiba, the Mino Shiba, and the San’in Shiba.

These bloodlines were the foundation of the modern Shiba Inu. All Shiba Inus today have descended from these dogs.