The Shiba Inu has been a native breed to
As dogs like English Setters and English Pointers were imported from
Hunters and other educated persons became concerned with the preservation of the pure Shibas from around 1928, and the preservation of the limited number of pure strains began seriously, and the breed standard was finally unified in 1934. In 1937, the Shiba was designated as a natural monument, after which the breed was bred and improved to become the superior breed known today.
GENERAL APPEARANCE - Small sized dog, well balanced, well boned with well developed muscles. Constitution strong. Action quick, free and beautiful.
Important Proportions: The ratio of height at withers to length of body is 10:11.
CHARACTERISTICS - Utilisation: Hunting dog for birds and small animals; companion dog.
TEMPERAMENT - The temperament is faithful, with keen senses (sensitive), and high alertness.
HEAD AND SKULL - The forehead broad, cheeks well developed, and stop defined with slight furrow. The nasal bridge straight and the nose black in colour desirable. The muzzle moderately thick and tapering. The lips tight.
EYES - Relatively small, triangular and dark brown in colour; the corners of the eyes are upturned.
EARS - Relatively small, triangular, slightly inclining forward and firmly pricked.
MOUTH - The teeth strong with scissor bite.
NECK - Thick, strong, and well balanced with the head and the body.
FOREQUARTERS - Shoulders moderately sloping, elbows tight, seen from the forearms straight.
BODY - Back straight and strong; loin broad and muscular. Chest deep, ribs moderately sprung, belly well drawn up.
HINDQUARTERS - Upper thighs long, lower thighs short but well developed. Hocks thick and tough.
FEET - Toes tightly closed and well arched. Pads hard and elastic. Nails hard and dark in colour desirable.
TAIL - Set on high, thick, carried vigorously curled or curved as a sickle, the tip nearly reaching hocks when let down.
GAIT/MOVEMENT - Light and brisk.
COAT - Hair: Outer coat harsh and straight, undercoat soft and dense; hair on tail slightly long and standing off.
COLOUR - Red, black and tan, sesame, black sesame, red sesame..
Definition of the colour sesame:
Sesame Equal mixture of white and black hairs.
Black sesame More black than white hairs.
Red sesame Ground colour of hair red, with mixture of black hairs.
All the above mentioned colours must have "Urajiro".
"Urajiro" = whitish coat on the sides of the muzzle and on the cheeks, on the underside of the jaw and neck, on the chest and stomach, on the underside of the tail, and on the inside of the legs.
SIZE - Height at withers: Dogs
Bitches
There is a tolerance of
FAULTS - Any departure from the foregoing points should be considered a fault and the seriousness with which the fault should be regarded should be in exact proportion to its degree.
Particular Faults:
1. Shyness
2. Bitchy dogs, doggy bitches.
3. Malocclusion (overshot or undershot mouth)
4. Numerous teeth missing.
Disqualifying Faults:
1. Ears not pricked.
2. Hanging or short tail
The oldest and smallest breed of the Japanese dogs, the shiba inu dates back to the third century B.C. “Shiba” may mean small, but it also could refer to the red brushwood trees that filled the hunting grounds. The color of the trees matched almost exactly the colouring of the shiba inu, establishing the nickname “little brushwood dog.” Whatever the origin, the official name of shiba inu wasn’t given until the 1920s. The origin of the breed itself is in part from spitz heritage. Its ability to traverse steep hills and mountain regions that were inaccessible to men, along with its excellent senses, made it a superb hunting dog. Initially used to flush out birds and small game, it was also occasionally used to hunt boar. In 1936, the shiba inu was declared a natural product of
This compact, powerful breed is slightly longer than it is tall. A northern breed, it has small upright ears, thick fur, and a curled tail. The shiba inu is the smallest of the Japanese dogs. Its expression reveals its personality: bold yet friendly. The shiba’s double coat is soft underneath with a harsh, straight outer coat. It is colored in red, salt and pepper, black, black and tan or white.
The shiba inu is an independent, strong-willed breed that requires consistent training. It is intelligent and active – always ready for a good adventure. The shiba may appear aloof at first, however it is a good-natured breed that is affectionate and loyal to its loved ones. It can be reserved with strangers, at least initially. This breed guards its territory and makes an excellent watchdog. It can bark a lot and may show aggression towards strange dogs, especially those of the same sex. It will be calm indoors with proper exercise. Outdoors, it will be active and may give chase to small animals.
The Shiba Inu requires brushing with a bristle brush several times a week, more so when shedding. Since their double coats are naturally waterproof, it only needs a bath when necessary. This breed needs plenty of exercise to maintain its muscular form. Its daily workout should involve a fast-paced game, a moderate run, or a long walk. It can live in an apartment as long as it receives adequate exercise. If given warm shelter, shibas can live outdoors in temperate to cool climates, however they prefer to be with their family. The shiba inu can be stubborn and should be trained with a loving hand, not harsh methods. Puppies should be trained and socialized to prevent aggression towards other animals. This breed can be vocal, making it a good watchdog.
• Life span: 12 – 15 years
• Major concerns: none
• Minor concerns: patellar luxation
• Occasionally seen: none
• Suggested tests: knee