Description: The Shiba Inu is a compact and small dog, with the male dog measuring 15-18 inches in height and the female bitch measuring 13-16 inches, with a weight for the male of 17-25 pounds and 15-21 pounds for the female. Their head is proportionate to the size of their body, with a round muzzle that tapers towards their nose. Their triangular shaped eyes are deep-set, with black rims. They have triangular ears and these are small by comparison to the rest of their body also being erect. Their thick based tale is set high and is carried over their back, and can be reminiscent of either a sickle shape or a ring shape. The breed has a double coat which is straight with an undercoat that is both thick and soft. The coat can come in several colours being red with a small amount of black, red, or black with some tan. There can sometimes be white over the eyes, upon their legs, and their throat and chest.
History: This breed is extremely old, dating back to the third century BC; this fact has recently been confirmed by DNA testing. It was originally bred in Japan for, flushing rabbits, birds, and other small game, also for hunting. Shiba, translates to mean either 'brushwood' or 'small', and the word Inu, translates to 'dog'. As with other breeds this dog suffered heavily in World War II, which nearly wiped the breed out completely, leaving only three bloodlines in existence. Subsequent to the war the breed was successfully reintroduced from these three bloodlines, although obviously great care had to be taken.
Temperament: The Shiba Inu normally, barks occasionally and bonds very well with their owner. They are kind and loving, showing traits of courage and boldness. They are quite easily housetrained as, in fact; they are for all their training. They can be shy with strangers, and therefore, need to be socialised very young. As is often the case their master, or lead handler, must assert themselves well, over their pet. This of course needs to be done in a calm yet strong fashion, to establish you as their pack leader, but not to alienate yourself. They are natural hunters, and whilst they will bond well with a family, care needs to be taken over smaller household pets. If you are a strong leader to them, you can sometimes manage to call them off the chase, but this is not something to rely on. Great care should be taken when this dog is in the open and not on a leash as they do love to chase.
Health issues: Due to exceptionally careful breeding, given the fact that the original gene pool of today's dogs was so small, this dog suffers from very few ailments. Ailments it does suffer from are hip dysplasia, PRA, and slipped kneecap. They have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.
Grooming: This breed sheds heavily seasonally, but not too much the rest of the time. Their short hair is fairly simple to groom, with a brush that has firm bristles, and maybe a comb. To avoid removing the natural waterproofing of the dogs fur, only bath when really necessary, and give consideration to dry shampoos.
Living conditions: The breed has an all-weather waterproof coat which means they can live outdoors, as long as adequate shelter is provided for them, and the area is secure enough. However, they do not enjoy being isolated, and would much prefer living indoors with a family. Their coats protect them from hot and cold, but in warm weather they benefit from ventilation if kept inside the house. With adequate exercise this dog would be suited to living in an apartment, as they are only moderately active when indoors.
