Japanese Shiba Inu Dog Breed

Registration: KC, AKC, FCI
Country of Origin: Japan
Size: Medium
Coat: Short
Colours: Variety, including intense red, black and tan, and white
Temperament: Alert, active, attentive, curious, energetic, lively, friendly, loyal

History

These ancient breeds’ ancestry can be dated back over 7,000 years. There are pieces of evidence found on pottery and terracotta pots of very similar-looking dogs dating back to the 3rd century BC. It is also believed that during 6000-7000 BC, immigrants took their dogs with them to Japan. It is a time when Jomon-Jin settled in the country in the 1400s BC. These beautiful dogs interbred with local dogs, resulting in spitz-type dogs with pointed, erect ears, and curly tails. But then again, their exact origin remains a mystery and buried in the mists of time.

The Shiba has three main types that are named after the regions in which they were first bred. These are the following:

Shinshu Shiba from the Nagano region
Sanin Shiba located in the north-eastern region of the mainland
Mino Shiba from the Gifu region

While they all look similar, each of them contributed to the breed we see today. From these foundation breeds, six distinct dogs were developed, and one of these is the Shiba Inu.

The “Organisation to Preserve the Japanese Dog” was established in 1928 to save native breeds from disappearing altogether. That same year, the first dog show was held representing the organization, and it was a success. Sadly, at the start of World War II, the number of Japanese dog breeds declined, and this included the Shiba Inu. Luckily, numbers were restored when people found out that there were dogs safely living in the remote areas of Japan.

During the 1920s, the breed was finally called the Shiba Inu, and in 1936, these dogs were considered to be one of the country’s national treasures. Their numbers fell precariously low for the second time because of a severe distemper outbreak in the early 50s. But they were saved again by using two types of Shibas, one being a heavier, stockier-boned dog and the other being a longer-legged variety found in other regions of Japan.

Today, these loyal dogs are still one of the most popular and endearing dog breeds in Japan, both as family and companion pets. Because of their dedicated, fun-loving characters, combined with their charming appeal, they are also fast gaining popularity in the United Kingdom.

Appearance

The Japanese Shiba Inu is one of the smallest Japanese dog breeds. These faithful dogs look like a smaller version of the Akita but somewhat longer than they are tall. These dogs have flat skulls that are broad, with well-muscled cheeks, a defined stop, and an attractive furrow. Their straight muzzles taper moderately to the nose. The nose and tight lips are black in colour, but there are white dogs with flesh-coloured noses that are accepted under the breed standard.

Their almond-shaped eyes are relatively small. They are set well apart on the face and dark brown in colour. The Shiba Inu’s triangular-shaped ears are small and carried pricked, pointing a little forward. They have strong jaws with a perfect scissor bite. Their moderately-long necks are somewhat arched, thick, and well-muscled.

This dog breed has moderately sloping shoulders and well-developed fore chests. Their front legs are strong and straight. Their withers are quite high and well-developed, with short loins and level backs. Shiba Inus have deep chests and moderately sprung ribs. Their bellies are well-tucked up, which adds to their athletic appearance. They have powerful back legs with long upper thighs and short but robust second thighs. Their feet are very cat-like with well-knuckled toes, firm pads, and strong dark nails. Their thick tails are set high and carried curled in the shape of a sickle.

The Japanese Shiba Inu’s double coat is straight, with a harsh outer coat and a much denser, softer undercoat. The hair on the tail is somewhat longer than the hair on the rest of the body.

Accepted coat colours according to the UK Kennel Club registration are

Intense red
Clear red
Black and tan
Red sesame
White with red or grey tinges

Personality

The Japanese Shiba Inu is known to be good-natured, attentive, and courageous. They are strong-minded and confident and often have their own ideas about things! Still, they are faithful, devoted, and loving to their families. But with strangers, they tend to be a bit wary. These dogs are very playful and love to be involved in everything you do. So, they are better in homes where someone is around for most of the day.

This dog breed does not share well. They tend to guard and protect because they have strong territorial instincts. This includes their food, toys, and home. If not trained or socialised from puppyhood, they can be aggressive towards other dogs. And they won't hesitate to hunt small animals that they consider prey. So, they are not the best choice for first time dog owners. But, if you are consistent with training, these dogs can be amazing, devoted canine companions that will offer you plenty of love and entertainment.

Unlike other dog breeds, the Shiba Inu doesn’t really bark much. Instead, they have a variety of unusual sounds such as yodels, purrs, and even a high-pitched scream when they get excited! These dogs are full of personality with a curious streak.

Trainability

If there is one thing every Japanese Shiba Inu owner should know, this dog breed is not really considered reliable off-leash except if they are in a confined or controlled area. This is because of their strong predator instinct.

Because of their independence and stubborn streak, the Japanese Shiba Inu can be a bit of a challenge to train. However, they are very intelligent and eager to please, so with positive reinforcement and short, fun training sessions, you shouldn’t have much of a problem. Furthermore, it’s a good idea to train your dog in a quiet room to minimise distractions. Socialization and training must begin early to teach these independent dogs how to be obedient, well-rounded, and understand what is expected of them.

Make sure you give your Shiba Inu plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Furthermore, you need to be consistent with commands and prioritise socialisation for best results. On the plus side, they are naturally clean animals that take to housetraining impressively well. Just ensure you start when they are young.

Coat & Care

Japanese Shiba Inus shed a lot during the natural dog shedding seasons twice a year, in Spring and Autumn. But some dog owners joke that it can last for six months at a time with this breed. Fortunately, the Japanese Shiba Inu doesn’t matt too much, so a weekly brush is usually sufficient, as long as you purchase a brush that can get right down into the undercoat. Moreover, blow drying these dogs with a strong blow-dryer or a shop vacuum in reverse is a great way to remove loose hair, dandruff, and dirt. You can also inspect for fleas this way. Most canine companions adjust to like and enjoy the blower, as it feels good and doesn’t scrape the skin or pull at the coat. But, make sure you keep the nozzle at least a few inches away from the skin to prevent burns.

For their ears, make sure to clean them weekly using a vet-approved ear cleaner and a cotton wool ball or clean cloth. Only wipe the outer portions of the ears because if you push anything into the ear canal it can cause damage. If their ear’s outer part is dry, you can also apply baby or mineral oil as needed. These can be also used on a dry nose. Bear in mind that if your dog’s nose is dry for an extended period of time then this can indicate a health issue. In general terms, it should always be slightly damp.

Japanese Shiba Inus can object to nail trimming. So, it is best to start training from puppyhood to ensure compliance and prevent stress. You can also elicit the assistance of a professional groomer or your local vet if needed.

For their teeth, brush them at least twice a week to avoid the buildup of tartar and bacteria. To avert tooth and gum disease and bad breath, brushing their teeth daily is still the best option.

Moreover, you should get into the habit of checking the whole body over for any indications or symptoms of infection such as rashes, sores, swelling, tenderness, or redness. Your Shiba Inu’s eyes must be clear and without irritation or discharge.

Health

Japanese Shiba Inus are generally healthy dogs. Their life expectancy is between 12-15 years with proper care, exercise, and a high-quality diet. But like all dog breeds, they are prone to specific health conditions. So, make sure you purchase your new puppy from a licensed breeder who will be able to conduct DNA tests to identify any underlying health issues.

Some of the health concerns common in Japanese Shibu Inus include:

Allergies – This is a common condition in all dogs, not just the Japanese Shiba Inu. There are three main types of allergies: contact allergies, inhalant allergies, and food allergies. Treatment is available, and it varies depending on the cause. These may involve environmental changes, medications, dietary restrictions, and medications.
Chylothorax – A health condition that is characterised by an accumulation of fluid in the chest cavity. This can lead to coughing, breathing difficulties, lethargy, and decreased appetite.
Glaucoma – A painful disease where pressure is abnormally high in the eyes because they are continuously producing and draining a fluid called aqueous humour. If the fluid does not drain properly, the pressure inside the eyes increases which causes damage to the optic nerve.
Cancer – One of the symptoms that may identify canine cancer is sores that do not heal, abnormal swelling of a sore or bump, bleeding from any body opening, and trouble breathing or eliminating waste. Available treatments include surgery, chemotherapy, and medications.
Epilepsy – A neurological health condition that is frequently, but not always, genetic. It can cause mild or severe seizures that may show unusual behaviour like running hysterically as if being chased, staggering, hiding or even falling, stiff limbs, and losing consciousness.
Patellar Luxation – This is also known as "slipped stifles," which is a common problem in small dog breeds. It occurs when the three parts, the femur (thigh bone), patella (kneecap), and tibia (calf), are not correctly lined up. This can cause limping or an abnormal step, kind of like a hop or a skip.
Hypothyroidism - A health disorder of the thyroid gland that is believed to cause hair loss, epilepsy, lethargy, obesity, dark patches on the skin, and other skin conditions. It can be treated with proper medication and diet.
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) – This is a family of eye diseases that causes the eye retina's slow deterioration.
Hip Dysplasia – This is an irregular formation of the hip socket that can lead to pain and lameness.

Children & Other Pets

The Japanese Shiba Inu is known to be a good family dog, if they are raised appropriately and consistently training and socialised from puppyhood. However, they are still best suited to homes with older children who know how to treat a dog. They are known to be impatient with young children, especially if not socialised properly.

Early puppy training and socialization can go a long way in assisting the Japanese Shiba Inu to get along with other dogs and animals. However, always bear in mind that these dogs are naturally very territorial and have high predatory instincts. So, consider this at all times. Constant training and keeping them on a leash are the best ways to manage a Japanese Shiba Inu with other dogs and animals.