Shiba Inu Japanese
The shiba inu is a robust, medium-sized spitz-type dog
(erect ears, thick fur, and curled tail). Reduced version of the Akita, adult
males are around 39.5 cm and females 36.5 cm. The thick, fluffy undercoat is
covered by a hard and smooth overlay that can be red, sesame red (red with
black protective hair), black and tan, or white.
Japanese shiba inu
Size:
Medium
Cleanliness:
Once a week
Hair:
Short / rough
Allergies:
Not
Noisy:
Not too loud
Group:
Polyvalent
Other Pets:
Low
Suitable for being alone:
From 1 to 3 hours
Move:
Heavy
Guardian:
Medium
Origin
Raised for hunting and hunting small game in the mountains
of Japan, shiba inu is a small version of akita (in fact, "shiba inu"
means 'little dog'). It is known to be one of the oldest races in Japan, dating
back to the 3rd century BC. The shiba inu was on the verge of disappearing
entirely in World War II, but the few dogs that survived the airstrikes and a
distemper epidemic were used to regain the breed.
Personality
The Japanese shiba inu is an attentive, active and friendly
dog, which can be quite independent and usually has a strong hunting instinct.
Thorough socialization from an early age is essential to help you be sociable
with other dogs. A distinctive feature of the breed is "the shiba
shout", a very high-pitched vocalization that is emitted when excited or
agitated.
Health
The Japanese shiba inu is usually a robust breed in good
health. Like many other breeds, it can suffer from inherited eye problems,
forcing breeding dogs to undergo routine eye tests.
Exercise
They require about an hour of exercise a day. Given his
strong hunting instinct, you need to make sure he picks up the call before you
let go of the leash, and you should only exercise in safe, fenced places.
Nutrition
Your dog's diet should contain the proper ratio of all major
nutrient groups, including a continuous supply of fresh water. It's also
important to do regular checks with the 'fitness' tool to make sure you keep
your dog in top shape and remember to feed him twice a day following the
feeding guidelines for his specific food.
Cleanliness
The shiba inu is a very clean breed; in fact, he grooms his
own hair, like cats. However, it will be necessary to brush his hair once a
week and, when the hair changes ... you will realize how thick the undercoat
is!
Shiba Inu
The shiba inu is
one of the most special dog breeds that exists today, mainly due to an origin
that dates back thousands of years and that takes place in Japan, where there
are only six indigenous dog breeds. It is a striking-looking dog reminiscent of
the Akita Inu, albeit in much smaller proportions. This small size allowed the
animal to move agilely through the mountainous terrain, where it served
hunting-related purposes.
The shiba inu is
one of the oldest known breeds, although it is not classified as a primitive
dog by the FCI. There are records of the breed's earliest ancestors in Japan
around 2000 B.C., dogs that descended from other wild dogs in South China and
that still differed greatly from the specimens we know today.
This dog, like
most of those raised in Japan, was used for hunting in the mountains in the
center of the country. Hence, animals with specific characteristics were
sought, small and agile, well proportioned to be able to move without problem
and to hunt animals such as birds and small mammals.
For a time the
breed was on the verge of disappearing, at the end of the 19th century, because
hunting became a sport and the number of dogs imported from other parts of the
world increased, especially pointers and setters, which gave excellent results
in the activity. At this time, in addition, crossbreeds between races
proliferated, becoming really difficult to find a purebred shiba.
Luckily for the
breed, some people decided to preserve its characteristics through selective
crosses, keeping the lines as pure as possible. It also had another difficult
time during World War II, but finally managed to save itself from extinction.
From these saved specimens and their lines, the shiba as it is known today
would be defined over the years.
Despite his
complicated path, he managed to recover until he became one of the preferred
breeds in Japan, above many other breeds from that same and other countries. It
was in 1920 when the breed was named as Shiba, although it is not very clear
what the meaning was that they wanted to give it. It is believed that the
meaning of the word shiba, small bush, could have part of the explanation of
its name, given that these dogs were used for hunting animals that were hiding
in the thickets, although it is a theory that has not been found. try out. For
its part, inu simply means dog in Japanese.
Thereafter, the
shiba inu spread to other regions of the world, such as the United States and
Europe, and is now well known and appreciated as a pet, so much so that it is
extremely easy to find specimens of the breed almost anywhere.
Characteristics
of the Shiba Inu
The shiba inu is
a small, agile and very athletic dog. It has a fine and slender body, very well
proportioned despite its small size, and a striking curled tail that was one of
the attributes most desired and pursued by the Japanese when defining the characteristics
of their races. The head is reminiscent of that of a fox for its expressiveness
and shape, its muzzle is very fine, and it shows pointed ears and almond-shaped
eyes, generally dark. Its neck and chest are robust and wide, the back is
strong and the legs are long and well formed, very slender.
He maintains an
alert expression and is full of energy despite his height. It is striking that
it is an animal with the appearance of a larger breed, but much more compact
and ready for speed racing. It is fast and easy to walk on any terrain and is
slippery, so care must be taken when leaving it loose in certain places.
Shiba Inu Size
One of the
characteristics that stands out the most in the breed is that there is hardly
any difference in size between males and females. The height at the withers in
both cases tends to remain between 37 and 40 centimeters, and the weight
between 9 and 15 kilos, with females always tending to be slightly less than
males. It is, therefore, a small breed, although not as small as those usually
considered within this category.
Shiba Inu fur
The coat of the
shiba inu is certainly very special. It comes in two layers, an internal and
cottony, very soft, and an external hard and rough to the touch. The coat is
very dense and reminds of Nordic dogs, although it presents clear differences.
As for the color, there are many shades that are accepted, such as red, red and
fire, cream, sesame, or black. The only unaccepted shade is pure white, and
specimens must always maintain the characteristic Urajiro, which turns out to
be white hair areas in areas such as cheeks, muzzle, jaw, abdomen, tail and
legs.
Shiba Inu
behavior
The character of
the shiba inu is generally cheerful and friendly, affectionate at times,
although he is also independent and silent. It is a good vigilant dog, since it
loves to take walks around the house to control everything that happens,
although it does not always participate in the activities. He generates a
unique relationship with his family, to whom he is always loyal, although he is
not as affectionate as other races.
He is somewhat
suspicious and shy before strangers, so he needs a correct socialization from
puppy. In addition, it is an easily excitable dog, although it is also playful
and mischievous. His nervous temperament makes it necessary to have a concrete
and effective education as a puppy, to ensure that the adult is a balanced and
stable animal.
It is not one of
the most sociable breeds with other dogs or with children, although it all
depends on the experience of each individual and the socialization it has had.
On the other hand, it adapts well to any situation as long as there is calm and
tranquility, so it is not difficult to enjoy a great pet if it is properly
educated.
Shiba Inu main
diseases
The shiba inu is
not a breed that exhibits excessive associated or genetic health problems,
although it may be prone to conditions such as patellar dislocation, hip
dysplasia, or eye defects. Otherwise, everything will depend on the type of
life you lead and the care provided.
Basic care of the
Shiba Inu
The shiba inu is
a fairly easy to maintain dog, very clean by nature, requiring no special care
to show its best appearance. The dog itself groomes itself frequently just like
cats do, although it also enjoys brushing by its owners, which should generally
be done a few times a week to remove dead hair. In addition, it is not
necessary to bathe it more than once every two months, unless it is very dirty
or if it has made a getaway through the field. And always using a suitable
shampoo to avoid damaging your skin, which is quite delicate.
On the other
hand, remember the importance of check-ups at the vet, to rule out possible
illnesses and to keep your vaccination and deworming schedule up to date. You
should also take care that their diet is of quality and that they never take a
ration higher than necessary, since it could easily put on weight, something
that will eventually lead to other health problems.
Despite its size,
it is a breed that has large amounts of energy, which must be eliminated in the
form of exercise. Daily walks and games are more than necessary for the dog to
remain in perfect physical condition. Affection, dedication and an adequate
education are the keys to achieving a balanced and affectionate pet.
Curiosities of
the Shiba Inu
In 1934, the
breed standard was defined, and it became known as a natural monument of Japan.
This country has always shown an interest in caring for and protecting its
native races, being the shiba one of the most important.
One of the
longest-lived dogs in the world registered so far was a shiba inu who lived in
Japan and lived 26 years, a record for the breed and for the canine world in
general.
Although it is
not unusual to find a white shiba, this shade is not accepted for exhibitions
or beauty competitions, something that should be taken into account if you
intend to compete with it.
It is one of the
dog breeds that has the most genetic kinship with the wolf due to its age and
many of the characteristics it has inherited, something that very few breeds
can say.
Although it is
currently practically not used for hunting, it maintains some of its hunting
instincts, so it will tend to chase small animals when given the opportunity.
If you want to
enjoy the company of a shiba inu in your life, then go to a reputable breeder
specialized in the breed. In this way, you will be able to obtain all the
information about the breed first hand, and you will have all the health
guarantees you need about the puppy. The shiba inu is a very special dog that
requires specific care and attention. By understanding your pet's needs, you
can enjoy the best relationship with it for many years.
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