Shiba Inu

An ancient Japanese breed that has been around since at least 300 B.C., the Shiba Inu was originally developed for hunting by sight and scent in the dense undergrowth of Japan’s rugged mountains. ‘Shiba’ means ‘brushwood’ in Japanese, referring either to the brush in the mountains or to the dog’s reddish colour, while ‘Inu’ means ‘dog’. A superb hunter, the hardy Shiba was used to flush birds and small game out of the bushes and to hunt wild boar in packs.

Possibly having its origins in the extinct Japanese wolf, the Shiba and other early Japanese breeds remained almost unaltered for thousands of years because of the country’s geography and isolation. During the 1900’s, Japanese officials embarked on an effort to classify and preserve these breeds, and researchers scoured the countryside for them, ultimately identifying six distinctive breeds. They were declared “Nihon Ken”, national treasures of the country. Importantly, this means that the government is involved in their preservation.

At the end of World War II the breed almost became extinct because of a nationwide food shortage and a canine distemper epidemic. Fortunately, breeding programs that began after the war helped the breed bounce back. Today the Shiba is the most popular companion dog in Japan and comprise around 80% of the dogs bred currently in Japan. Imported from Japan to the USA as recently as 60 years ago, Shibas are steadily growing in popularity in the West.

Most Shibas are fairly energetic and love to go for daily walks. They need plenty of outdoor adventures and opportunities to run off some steam. A versatile breed, they are suited to a range of activities from hunting to dog sports. They also have a passion for fetch that can prove to be a very effective exercise option.

Shibas must be kept in a fully enclosed yard and should always be walked on lead. Their natural hunting instinct is always present and given the opportunity, they will be off and may not heed your efforts to call them back. An open door, an unlocked gate, a moment of inattentiveness, and the Shiba may be gone forever.

Training and socialisation with both people and other dogs and animals from a young age is recommended. Because of their willpower and stubbornness, they need to be managed with strong leadership skills. They like to push boundaries, and even when trained, they will always keep this bit of independence.

On the positive side, a Shiba is practically born housebroken. By 4 weeks of age the puppy is trying to get as far away from his sleeping area as possible to eliminate. By 5 weeks the puppy will hold it all night and wait until taken outside to go. Controlling the bladder takes a little longer and depends a lot on immediate access to outdoors and diligence of the owner.

Said to be cat-like in many ways, the Shiba does not have a doggy odour and keeps itself fastidiously clean.

Generally, the Shiba Inu is easily maintained. The coat requires extra attention during shedding seasons, but outside of this, a regular weekly brush and occasional bath will keep it under control. The breed does not require any clipping.

Fairly heavy shedding usually occurs twice a year and it can take up to a month for the coat to shed. Grooming through this stage is essential, while a bath and blow dry with a strong hairdryer – not too hot – will also help to remove the coat without pulling or scraping the skin.