Shiba Inu History
The Shiba Inu is a Japanese spitz-type of herding and watchdog dog. The Shiba Inu is descended from the indigenous Japanese dogs. The Shiba Inu is the smallest of the spitz breeds, and it is also one of the most ancient. The history of the Shiba Inu dates back to around 500 BC, when the indigenous people of Japan began using small, quick-working, and hardy spitzes to hunt and herd their cattle. These early Japanese dogs came to be known collectively as the Shikoku Inus. Japan was occupied by both the Chinese and the Russians in the 16th and 17th centuries, and during this time some Japanese dogs were also exported to European countries. These European imports, along with native Japanese dogs, contributed to the development of the modern spitz breeds, including the Shiba Inu. Although the modern Standard and Miniature varieties were formally established in Japan in 1928, it wasn’t until the 1970s that the Shiba Inu became popular outside Japan. The breed is now well established in Europe and North America.
Shiba Inu Physical Characteristics
The Shiba Inu is a small, medium-to-large-sized, breed of domestic dog and one of the oldest breeds of Spitz-type dogs, originating in Japan. The breed is well known for resembling foxes, and its name means “brushwood (shiba) dog (inu)” in Japanese. The Shiba Inus come in three varieties: the rokkaku, the yoko, and the chu. The rokka is that which has erect ears, the yoku has drop ears and a tail that is carried curled over the back, while the chu has pricked or semi-pricked ears, and a tail that is carried straight. The sable and sesame colored dogs are called kojiro.
Eye Colors
Brown
Nose Colors
Unknown
Coat Colors
Unknown
Height Range
Male Height Range: 14 – 16 inches
Female Height Range: 13 – 15 inches
Weight Range
Male Weight Range: 20 – 26 lbs
Female Weight Range: 15 – 20 lbs
Shiba Inu Health
Description of breed health.
Lifespan
12-16 yrs
Shiba Inu Health Concerns
Usually A Very Healthy Breed, Patellar Luxation, Allergies, Hip Dysplasia
Shiba Inu Temperament and Behaviour
The Shiba Inu is a fiercely independent, highly intelligent, and courageous breed of dog. They are extremely loyal to their owners, but are often wary of strangers. They are generally quiet and calm, but are very protective of their home and owner when threatened. They are territorial and self-reliant, and typically do well with older children.
Shiba Inu Activity Requirements
The Shiba Inu is a particularly high-energy dog. They are happiest when they are busy, and they do best in households where the owners are active and able to spend a lot of time with their Shiba Inu. The Shiba Inu is an alert, intelligent, and loyal companion. They are also a courageous and independent dog. The Shiba Inu can be very assertive, making them excellent watch dogs and guard dogs. They will not back down from a fight, but they do get along well with other animals and people. The Shiba Inu is best suited to owners who are able to give them the time and attention they need. This is not a breed who can be alone for long periods of time. They are highly intelligent and crave companionship.
Miles Per Day
Unknown
Activity Per Day
Unknown
Daily Food
2 cups
Kennel Club Recognition
![](https://advicepaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/American-Kennel-Club-Logo.png)
American Kennel Club
Recognized by the American Kennel Club
Shiba Inu is part of the Non-Sporting group.
Visit the American Kennel Club website.
![](https://advicepaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/the-kennel-club-logo.png)
The Kennel Club
Recognized by The Kennel Club
Shiba Inu is part of the Utility group.
Visit the Kennel Club website.
![](https://advicepaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/ANKC-logo.webp)
Australian National Kennel Council
Recognized by the Australian National Kennel Council
Shiba Inu is part of the Utility group.
Visit the Australian National Kennel Council website.
![](https://advicepaw.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/Canadian_Kennel_Club_logo.png)
Canadian Kennel Club
Recognized by the Canadian Kennel Club
Shiba Inu is part of the Non-Sporting group.
Visit the Canadian Kennel Club website.