The Shiba Inu

Recent DNA analysis confirms that this is one of the oldest and most "primitive" dog breeds, dating back to the third century B.C.

Originally, the Shiba Inu was bred to hunt and flush small game. However, it is now primarily kept as a pet both in Japan and Abroad.

In 1936, the Shiba Inu was declared a natural treasure of Japan through the Cultural Properties Act. Despite efforts to preserve the breed, the Shiba nearly became extinct during World War II due to a combination of bombing raids and a post-war distemper epidemic. All subsequent dogs were bred from the only three surviving bloodlines, known as the San'in, Mino, and Shinshu.

In 1954, an armed service family brought the first Shiba Inu to America. In 1979, the first recorded litter was born in the United States. The Shiba was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992 and added to the AKC Non-Sporting Group in 1993.

• I can tell you from personal experience, Shiba Inus are smart, very playful, and loyal. My Shiba already knows how to wine in just the right way to melt my heart and get my sympathy. I remember when she jumped down from my lap before and screamed so loud I thought she broke her leg! She walked around limping and barely moving, but as song as I went to get her some food she was amazingly better. No more limping! Surprise, surprise, she knew just how to push my buttons for attention.
  
  
• Acoording to the AKC breed standards, a Shiba Inu has:
  A spirited boldness, a good nature, and an unaffected forthrightness, which together yield dignity and natural beauty. The Shiba has an independent nature and can be reserved toward strangers but is loyal and affectionate to those who earn his respect.
  
  
• According to Jacey Holden who wrote a brochure for the National Shiba Club of America: 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.
  
  The Japanese have three words to describe the Shiba temperament. The first is "kan-i" which is bravery and boldness combined with composure and mental strength. The opposite side of "kan-i" is "ryosei" which means good nature with a gentle disposition. One cannot exist without the other. The charming side of the Shiba is "sobuku" which is artlessness with a refined and open spirit. They combine to make a personality that Shiba owners can only describe as "irresistible."
  If a Shiba could only utter one word, it would probably be "mine." It is "mine" food, "mine" water, "mine" toys, "mine" sofa, "mine" crate, "mine" car, "mine" owner, and "mine" world. Sharing is a concept he feels others should practice. Some Shibas may carry "mine" a bit too far and become aggressive in their resource guarding, particularly in the presence of other dogs. It is wise to remove favored toys and food-based treats in the presence of other dogs and small children so the dog doesn't become overly possessive.
  
  If the bait is dangled when a potential Shiba owner sees adults at a dog show or pictures in a magazine, the hook is set when he encounters his first puppy. They are exemplary examples of canine cuteness, fiery little fuzzballs-from-hell, no words can describe the appeal of the infant Shiba.

The Shiba is a very proportionate dog with a height to length ratio of 10 to 11. Males run from 14 1/2 to 16 1/2 inches tall, with females ranging from 13 1/2 to 15 1/2 inches. Heights over or under the limits are a disqualification in the show ring. The weight varies according to height up to about 25 pounds. It is a medium boned, moderately compact and well-muscled dog with a generally Spitz-like appearance. Because of its hunting heritage, it is quick, agile and able to turn on a yen. It has a dense double coat similar to that of a husky. Although all colors are acceptable in the Shiba standard, red, red sesame (sable) and black and tan are preferred. White and cream shadings (urajiro) are present on the legs, belly, chest and part of the face and tail.

• I wouldn't suggest buying a Shiba from a pet store like I did because most Shiba's and puppies found there come from horrible puppy mills and buying those puppies only supports those puppy mills. Unfortunatly when I laid eyes on my cute little Shika (that's my shiba's name) I just couldn't stand the thought of her going back into those stuffy little cages and living in filth. I suggest finding a reputable breeder and visiting that breeder's facility to make sure you will have a healthy and well bred Shiba.
  
  
• The National Shiba Club has this to say about purchasing Shiba's:
  You have probably been admonished to buy from a reputable breeder. Where are they? You may look in the newspaper, but the best breeders use other methods of advertising. Many do not need to advertise at all as they only have a few litters each year and their good reputations precede them. It is best to check with the National Shiba Club of America (NSCA) which is the national organization (parent club) for the Shiba. In fact, if you are reading this article, you are already there. Start with this Club's Breeder Directory and try to avoid websites that offer selling services to anyone who wishes to place an ad. It's rather like choosing a dentist from an ad on the side of a bus.
  Let your best instincts guide you when choosing a breeder. Don't pick a puppy because you feel sorry for it or want to "rescue" it. This is an animal that will be sharing your life and the life of your family the next 12 years or so. Take your time. If it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Visit several breeders and pick one with whom you feel comfortable. Choose one who is willing to help you both before and after the sale. Since Shibas often aren't readily available, choose the breeder first and place a deposit on an upcoming litter. If possible, see the puppies as they develop. A breeder should not mind the visitation as he wishes to become acquainted with you too.
  
  Unfortunately, as Shiba ownership becomes more widespread, some of them will end up in rescue services. There are several for the breed already. If you feel you could take one of these dogs, check on this website for a rescue organization in your area. Rescue dogs are usually nice dogs whose owners could no longer keep them. These dogs come already neutered, adjust readily to their new homes and usually cost less than a puppy. (Rescue)
  
  Sometimes adults are available from breeders or people who have kept them as potentia

• The Shiba Inu originated in Japan and is admired by them not only because of their temperment and loyalty, but because they resemble the fox, which has always been a important part of Japanese culture and religion.
  
  
• There is plenty of information available about the Kitsune (Japanese for fox) and it's spirituality. Here is a small excerpt from Wikipedia about the Kitsune:
  Kitsune is the Japanese word for fox. Foxes are a common subject of Japanese folklore. Stories depict them as intelligent beings and as possessing magical abilities that increase with their age and wisdom. Foremost among these is the ability to assume human form. While some folktales speak of kitsune employing this ability to trick others - as foxes in folklore often do - others portray them as faithful guardians, friends, lovers, and wives.
  
  Foxes and human beings lived in close proximity in ancient Japan; this companionship gave rise to legends about the creatures. Kitsune have become closely associated with Inari, a Shinto kami or spirit, and serve as his messengers. This role has reinforced the fox's supernatural significance. The more tails a kitsune has - they may have as many as nine - the older, wiser, and more powerful it is. Because of their potential power and influence, some people make offerings to them as to a deity.
  
  

Unisex Shiba Inu Grey Tee Shirt

This 100% cotton 6 oz. tee shirt with your Shiba Inu goes with everything. The profile dog image is embroidered on the left chest. The Shiba Inu embroidered tee shirt has reinforced stitching. Both men and women will be proud to wear this wonderful dog breed tee shirt. An affordable gift for your favorite dog lover.

Unisex Shiba Inu Grey Tee Shirt

Ladies' Micro Fleece Unlined Vest Shiba Inu

Walk your dog, play in the leaves, ride in a convertible, what ever you do, you will love this soft comfortable micro fleece anti-pill vest. Our own bone zipper pull adds a touch of fun. The vest is unlined 6.4 oz 100% spun polyester and has two zippered pockets, a shock cord drawstring at the hem. The best part is showing your love of your Shiba Inu beautifully embroidered on the left chest and our exclusive paw/bone embroidery on the back yoke. Color: Celery/Gunmetal.

Ladies' Micro Fleece Unlined Vest Shiba Inu

Fleece Scarf Shiba Inu

Our own unique Shiba Inu dog embroidered 6" x 48" scarf is USA made. It has a pocket for your dog treat, house key or coffee money. This polar tec fleece Shiba Inu dog scarf is soft and cozy. Your Shiba Inu embroidered scarf is machine washable and doesnt pill. The double zip nylon pocket displays the beautiful Shiba Inu dog directly embroidered image. This is a perfect gift for your dog lover friend or for you.

Fleece Scarf Shiba Inu