History of the Shiba Inu

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The Shiba Inu is a small dog, well balanced, well boned with muscles well developed.  His moderately compact and well furred body suggests his northern heritage.  The Shiba’s expression is alert and invites activity.  Shibas enjoy a game of fetch as well as being an avid hunter, a lightning fast runner, an active and athletic dog.   They do not possess the typical high strung or yappy traits of other breeds their size.  The males range in size from 14 1/2” to 16 1/2” at the withers.  Females are 13 1/2” to 15 1/2”.

ORIGIN

The Shiba Inu has been a part of the Japanese culture for centuries.  They are considered to be the oldest and smallest of the native Japanese dogs.  Agility and keen senses enable this little dog to be a superb hunting dog, and to maneuver the steep hills and mountain slopes of their homeland.

Today's Shibas are descendants of the hardy survivors from the mountainous regions of Japan.  These areas were nearly inaccessible to humans.  Shibas were originally used to hunt large game.  Today however, they are more widely used for smaller game.  They are good family dogs, currently ranked as the number one companion dog in Japan, and are excellent watchdogs.  They are visible throughout Japan, city, suburbs and countryside alike.

There are different theories on how the Shiba obtained its name.  The Shiba has been referred to as the Little Brushwood Dog because of its skill in negotiating the brushwood bushes.  The more widely accepted theory is that the Japanese word “Shiba” means small.  Hence, the description of the breed: Shiba (small) Inu (dog).  Setting aside how the name came to be, we do know that name “Shiba” was used for the breed, early in the 1920’s and in December of 1936, through the Cultural Properties Act, the “Shiba” was designated as a precious natural product of the Japanese nation and thereby given official recognition.

The Shiba of today has changed somewhat in appearance from the Shibas of the 1939’s.  Most of the Shibas were brought down from the mountainous areas of Yamanashi or San In.  As hunting dogs, their appearance was somewhat rough looking and large boned.

The Shiba, like many breeds, nearly became extinct during World War II.  The remaining Shibas were from three different bloodlines;  the San In Shiba, Mino Shiba and the Shin Shu Shiba.  The most popular Shiba was the Shin Shu.  The Shiba we see today has been bred from these three lines. 

AMERICAN HISTORY

Our research indicates that the first documented Shiba arrived in the U.S. in 1954 and was brought here from Japan by an American armed services family.  It  wasn't until the late seventies that Americans started to import Shibas for breeding purposes.  The first documented litter born in the U.S. was in 1979.  The sire and dam were imported by Julia Cadwell.

Serious interest in the breed began to develop in the early 1980’s and at that time a breed club, the National Shiba Club of America was formed and a breed standard published.  They operate the Registry that has been recognized by AKC as the Official Breed Registry.  Their efforts to have the Shiba accepted into the AKC 'Miscellaneous' Class were successful in November, 1991.  They were able to be shown in the 'Miscellaneous' Class in regular AKC shows in July of 1993, and now enjoy full AKC status in the Non-Sporting Class.  The AKC standard was approved February, 1997.

FAMILY FRIEND

The Shiba has a real love for life and a good sense of humor.  They enjoy fun, and by using that natural trait, training is relatively easy.  Known for their performance in the Obedience ring, they are quick to learn, as long as all training is kept happy and upbeat, much can be accomplished.

Shibas can adapt well to almost any household, whether it be a family with children or a senior needing a special friend.  They are equally at home in a large yard or in an apartment with daily walks.  It is recommended that a Shiba have a fenced yard, because they are quick moving and have a keen hunting instinct.  They will excersise their boundaries to the limit.  The Shiba is well muscled, and will enjoy any type of athletic sport.

The Shiba is a very clean animal, almost cat like, having been described by some as a cat in dogs coating yet fox like in appearance.  They use there front paws much like a cat, batting at toys and even cleaning themselves.

In keeping with their clean nature, they are very easy to housebreak.  Even their yards have a special location for their potty breaks.  They are not notorious diggers and they are not  known for being barkers, but they will let you know when company is coming.  As a rule, they are not destructive, they are mischievous, which goes along with their love of fun.

Like most spitz type dogs, they have a wedge shape head, small pricked ears, almond shape eyes, a tail curled over their back and a double coat.  They do not shed hair as a smooth coated dog would do, but they do blow coat once or twice a year.  It is then that you will develop a close and loving relationship with your vacuum cleaner.

The Shiba is more aloof than most breeds when meeting strangers, being tolerant but not overly friendly at the first introduction.  The female is more apt to be more aloof than the male.  She may go through a more pronounced period of cautiousness, while the male is usually more outgoing.  As a rule, they are not lap dogs, but will eagerly share your couch or bed as long as it is their idea.  They are very sensitive and your moods will be reflected in your Shiba’s personality.  They bond strongly to their family but are never OWNED.  You will know that your Shiba has bonded to you when he smiles or brings you a special token of his love, his bone, ball or sock.  His gift is not for you to take but rather to share and thus acknowledge that you have developed a relationship that will be special beyond words.

Before entering into the wonderful world of Shiba Inus, make an effort to see as many of them as you can, both adults and puppies.  They are such darling pups that it is hard to not lose your heart to them, but that is not a sensible way to pick your life long friend.  Talk with other Shiba owned humans, and as many Shiba breeders as you can.  Decide on the quality you want, show/breeding stock or pet/companion, and why.  If you want a pet quality, and do not plan on showing or breeding  it later on, then make your purchase with that in mind.  Do not buy from a pet shop, no living, ethical breeder would ever place pups there for sale.  Choose your breeder carefully.  Ask questions and expect answers.  Ask to see the Sire and Dam and where they were raised.  Be prepared to give personal references, and ask the same of the Breeder.  Get a full health history on the pups and parents and talk with their Veterinarian regarding any health questions you might have.  Shibas are a healthy breed, but not without some problems.  The most common are slipping patellas (knees) and hip dysplasia.  Breeding stock should be certified by OFA for hips being free of dysplasia.  Missing teeth are also a problem in the breed to the degree that it is considered a fault, or in some cases a disqualification in the show ring.

If you would  like any additional information on the Shiba Inu breed, or have any questions that I might be able to answer.

E-mail Blackcrest.

Site designed by Jeannette Watson Blackcrest Updated  04/20/2007

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