Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu is a small, muscular spitz dog developed in the mountainous terrain of Japan to hunt small game and birds. In 1937, the Japanese government designated the breed as a protected natural monument to ensure its preservation after foreign breeds arrived.

The Fédération Cynologique Internationale classifies the Shiba in Group 5 under Spitz and primitive types. Male withers height measures approximately 39.5 cm (15.5 in) while females measure 36.5 cm (14.5 in), with an allowable variation of 1.5 cm (0.6 in). Adult weight typically ranges between 7-11 kg (15-24 lb). Key physical traits include small triangular pricked ears, deep-set dark brown triangular eyes, and a thick tail carried curled over the spine.

Breed standards describe its temperament as faithful, sharp, and highly alert, possessing spirited boldness coupled with dignified composure and natural reserve around strangers. The weather-resistant double coat features a straight harsh outer layer over soft underfur. Acceptable colorations include red, sesame, black and tan, and red sesame, all required to display urajiro, which consists of whitish markings along the cheeks, throat, chest, belly, and inner legs.

Routine care requires firm fencing and reliable recall practice during daily exercise because instinctual prey drive prompts rapid pursuit of small wildlife. The dense undercoat undergoes heavy shedding twice a year, calling for thorough de-shedding rakes to remove dead fur. Inherited disorders monitored by veterinarians include patellar luxation, hip dysplasia, allergies, cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy.