Shiba Inus

Appearance:

Body: Compact, powerful, and well-muscled with a level back, moderately sprung ribs, and deep chest.

Coat: Stiff and straight outer coat with a soft, dense undercoat.

Color: Red, black, tan or red with black-tipped hairs or buff.

Ears: Small, triangular-shaped, wide set, and held erect.

Eyes: Small, triangular-shaped, brown with black rims and deep set. Outer corners slanted upward towards the base of the ears.

Feet: Cat-like with close, well-arched toes and dense pads.

Head: Well-proportioned, with a wide, flat forehead, slightly sloped stop, and rounded muzzle that tapers to the nose.

Legs: Forelegs are straight and well-developed. Hindquarters are somewhat sloping with short, well-developed thighs and strong hind legs.

Neck: Moderately long, thick, and strong.

Size:
Weight: 17 - 23 pounds
Height: 13.5 - 16.5 inches

Tail: Thick, strong-rooted, and carried curled and upward over the back.

Behavior

Recommended for experienced dog handlers
Can be aggressive
Not recommended around cats and other small animals

Not only does he shriek rather than bark, the Shiba Inu is also known for his ability to yodel when he is looking for a treat or for some attention. A good watchdog and avid climber, he is alert, fast, and a talented escape artist capable of scaling many kinds of fences, including mesh.

The National Shiba Club of America says, "With a black button nose, little pricked ears and a curly tail, the Shiba enters the world knowing he is a superior being. Whether with intrepid boldness, squinty-eyed cuteness or calm dignity, he is king."

This is a very quick dog with strong hunting instincts who can be extremely difficult to catch once loose. He should be kept on a lead or in a very secure enclosure. Don't underestimate his cleverness - he will escape from most ordinary fence structures by jumping or scaling over them, or digging under them.

Michele Welton, author of Your Purebred Puppy says, "Once he's loose, he's gone. You must stay one step ahead of this breed: He is both dominant and clever. He often tries to manipulate through intimidation and when displeased by something can emit a loud scream, which may catch you (and your vet!) totally unprepared."

Isolated dogs can become bored and this can lead to destructive behavior. An intelligent dog like the Shiba Inu needs an abundance of both mental and physical stimulation. His owner must have the time and desire to spend with him and must be experienced at handling a challenging dog with strong leadership but with firm and respectful training methods.

Though some Shibas are tolerant of cats many are not and most are certain to view other small animals, pets or not, as prey.

Breed Type

AKC Group: Non-Sporting Group

Bred to hunt birds and small game, by both sight and scent, in the thick underbrush in the mountainous areas of Japan.

Care and Grooming

Exercise: With his abundance of energy he needs a fair amount of exercise. A good daily jog or vigorous, lengthy walk will do.

Grooming: Brush weekly with a "slicker" brush; daily during shedding season (spring and fall) with a rake to help strip the woolly undercoat. Bath and thoroughly dry one to two times yearly.

Health

Life Expectancy: 12 - 13 Years

Possible Problems:
Allergies - particularly to flea bites
Cataracts
Entropion - eyelids turn inward
Epilepsy
Hip Dysplasia - degenerative joint disease
Luxating Patella - dislocation of the knee cap
Progressive Retinal Atrophy (PRA) - can cause blindness

Recommended Certificates:
CERF - for the eyes
OFA - for the hips


Learn more at The National Shiba Club of America

Country of Origin

Japan