The Shiba Inu is a native Japanese breed dating back to ancient times. Originally, the word "Shiba" meant something small, a "little dog." Its natural habitat was the mountainous region facing the Sea of Japan, where it was used for hunting small game and birds. Depending on their place of origin, there were slight variations among individuals of this breed. Because dogs such as English Setters and Pointers were imported to Japan between 1898 and 1912, hunting for sport became popular, and Shiba Inus and these English dogs were frequently crossbred. As a result, purebred Shiba Inus became rare, so much so that between 1912 and 1926, even in its natural habitat, the breed dwindled to a critical point. Around 1928, hunters and scholars, concerned with preserving the purebred Shiba Inu, began seriously working to safeguard the few remaining pure bloodlines, and in 1934, a unified breed standard was established. In 1937, the Shiba Inu was declared a "natural monument," after which the breed was further developed and refined into the magnificent breed we know today.
that we know today.
(Source: Official FCI Standard of 16.06.1999)
HISTORICAL
THE SHIBA INU
STANDARD
The Shiba is a small-sized, well-proportioned dog with well-developed bone structure and muscles. Robust constitution. Lively with free and beautiful movement. Its eyes, relatively small, are triangular in shape and dark brown in color. Its ears, relatively small and triangular, are slightly inclined forward and held firmly pricked. Set high, the tail is thick and carried firmly curled or curved like a sickle; the tip nearly reaches the hock when the tail is extended downwards. It is loyal, very attentive, and highly alert.
The outer coat is harsh and straight; the undercoat is soft and dense. The hair on the tail is slightly longer and stands off.
This breed comes in several colors: Red, Black and Tan, Sesame, Black Sesame, Red Sesame.
Definition of the "Sesame" Color
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Sesame: An equal mix of white and black hairs.
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Black Sesame: More black hairs than white.
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Red Sesame: Red background coat mixed with black hair.
Note: There is another color: Cream (or white to some), but it is not recognized by the breed standard. It can occur when both parents carry the white gene (often used to achieve nicer masks: Urajiro).
Important Requirements & Clarifications
⚠️ Urajiro Requirement:
All the colors mentioned above must display "Urajiro", which refers to whitish hair on the sides of the muzzle and on the cheeks, under the jaw, on the throat, chest, and belly, on the underside of the tail, and on the inside of the legs. On a cream Shiba, this "mask" is invisible, which explains why the color does not comply with the breed standard.
⚠️ Point of Attention (Avoiding Confusion):
A white/cream Shiba born to two LOF-registered parents (FCI / Official Kennel Club registered) is indeed a purebred dog, but it cannot be confirmed. This coat color does not cause any health issues; they make perfect companion dogs.
Confirmation is the official certification granting authorization for dog shows and breeding rights.
SIZE:
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Males: 40 cm
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Females: 37 cm
(with a tolerance of ±2 cm)
(Source: Société Centrale Canine / Kennel Club Standard)
GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Shiba belongs to the so-called "primitive" breeds, meaning it has been very little modified by humans. The Shiba barks relatively little and is rather "cat-like" or fastidious—in fact, Shibas generally dislike getting dirty.
With a Shiba at home, you should expect at least two major shedding seasons with heavy coat loss. So if you are looking for a dog that doesn't shed, this is not the breed for you!
This dog requires ultra-high-quality socialization (getting them used to various everyday noises, street environments, etc.) with plenty of positive experiences. Indeed, the Shiba can be prone to fearfulness, which is something breeders and owners aim to prevent as much as possible.
It is also a dog that is exceptionally sensitive to and strict about canine social etiquette.
Living in the city
It adapts well to apartment living, but as an athletic dog, it will need frequent walks.
This is a dog that can be a bit of a couch potato indoors, but becomes a real ball of energy once outside.
It can be suitable for apartment living but will require many outings in order to be sufficiently channeled.
Behavior
Robust, enduring, lively, very alert, this calm dog is fiercely independent.
Affectionate, playful, and sensitive, he is a pleasant companion. Vigilant, courageous, and rarely barking, he makes a good alarm watchdog.
The Shiba is a sensitive dog, but with a lot of patience and gentleness anything is possible.
Because of its primitive nature, for its education, we will therefore turn to the so-called "positive" method which consists of gaining the latter's trust, in order to create a mutual harmony, established in mutual respect.
This is absolutely not a dog to be trained through negative reinforcement, at the risk of ruining any bond.
You need to be patient and consistent to train this lively little dog.
This dog has a reputation for being very stubborn, but also very intelligent. Indeed, the Shiba Inu will only "obey" if it sees a benefit in doing so. Similarly, recall training can be difficult (but not impossible).
The Shiba Inu is said to be one-quarter cat, one-quarter dog, one-quarter monkey, and one-quarter human. There's no better way to describe it.