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The Shiba (Inu) (柴犬)
The Shiba Inu is the smallest of the six original Japanese breeds of dog.
A small, agile dog that copes very well with mountainous terrain, the Shiba Inu was originally bred for hunting. It is similar in appearance to the Akita, though much smaller in stature.
With their typical face, square bodies, wedge-shaped heads, small upright ears and their tail curled up over the back.
Unlike the Akita and most of the other Japanese dog breeds, for example, the Hokkaido, the Kai , the Kishu , the Tosa and the Shikoku, the Shiba is not associated with a particular area in Japan.
Inu is the Japanese word for dog, but the "Shiba" prefix's origin are less clear. The word shiba usually refers to a type of red shrub. This leads some to believe that the Shiba was named with this in mind, either because the dogs were used to hunt in wild shrubs, or because the most common color of the Shiba Inu is a red color similar to that of the shrubs. However, in old Japanese, the word shiba 柴 also had the meaning of "small", thus this might be a reference to the dog's small size. Therefore, the Shiba Inu is sometimes translated as "Little Brushwood Dog".
Other popular explanations are that the dogs were named after the brushwood bushes where they hunted or after the autumn color of the leaves of these same brushwood bushes which resemble the dog's coat color.
These explanations are, however, unlikely.
A first indication is that the Japanese translate the Kanji combination Shiba Inu 柴犬 into "midget dog" in English.
A second proof is the existence of other words where the Kanji Shiba 柴 is used as a diminutive, for example in 柴 栗 shiba guri, meaning "dwarf chestnut", where shiba stands for "dwarf".
In Japan, some animals bred for miniature size are referred to as Mame-Shiba (豆柴, Mame-Shiba). The prefix "mame," meaning "bean" in Japanese, is similar to "teacup" prefix used to refer to other miniature breeds.
Recent DNA analysis confirms that this is one of the oldest and most "primitive" dog breeds dating back to the third century B.C.
Originally, the Shiba Inu was bred to hunt and flush small game. However, it is now primarily kept as a pet both in Japan and Abroad.
epidemic.In 1936, the Shiba Inu was declared a natural treasure of Japan through the Cultural Properties Act. Despite efforts to preserve the breed, the Shiba nearly became extinct during World War II due to a combination of bombing raids and a post-war distemper All subsequent dogs were bred from the only three surviving bloodlines, known as the San'in, Mino, and Shinshu.In 1954, an armed service family brought the first Shiba Inu to America.
In 1979, the first recorded litter was born in the United States. The Shiba was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992 and added to the AKC Non-Sporting Group in 1993.
Like the other native japanese dog breeds they were bred for hunting by ancient hunters of Japan, called matagi and were believed to have special characteristics associated with the concepts of spirit, obedience, loyalty and bravery and their temperaments are always calm and considerate, with great dignity.
Their eyes tend to be triangular and recessed, "suggesting the burning spirit within."
The Shiba is an agile dog that copes well with mountainous terrain, its original habitat, were it was used on small game and small ground-breeding birds.
It is fiercely independent and highly intelligent.
Fanciers of the breed compare him to a cat.
A relatively healthy breed, the Shiba is nonetheless subject to genetic abnormalities and diseases that affect other breeds and mixes. Hip dysplasia, patellar luxation (slipping of the kneecap), and eye problems affect the breed, so potential Shiba owners should make sure to buy from breeders who do the appropriate screening in attempts to minimize these problems.
Like all double-coated breeds, Shibas shed. Grooming helps, but it's almost impossible to eliminate the fluffs of soft undercoat that float around the house during the biennial shed. Shibas can spend a lot of time outdoors in moderate and cold climates, but they need a leash if they are not confined in a fenced yard, and they need obedience training to help overcome their attitude that 'what's mine is mine and what's yours is negotiable.' Individual dogs may be able to romp in public (fenced) dog parks, but some Shibas are dog aggressive and should not be allowed off leash when other dogs are around. Some Shibas don't take kindly to training, especially when expected to walk on a leash or come when called. Some Shibas actually scream their displeasure at the indignity of it all. Equipment in a Shiba's home should also include an exercise pen and a dog crate, for the breed will take liberties if not supervised. He'll want to sleep in your bed, sit on your sofa, and sample your dinner if allowed to do so. Although small, he definitely needs a firm hand; if you can't deal with mischief and stubbornness, think about a different breed. Shibas like children if they are raised with considerate children, but they have no tolerance for children who tease or mishandle them.
The Shiba is a fastidious breed and feels the need to maintain themselves in a clean state. They can often be seen licking their paws and legs much like a cat. They generally go out of their way to keep their coats clean, and while walking will avoid stepping in puddles, mud and dirt. Because of their fastidious nature, the Shiba puppy is easy to housebreak and in many cases will housebreak themselves. Having their owner simply place them outside after meal times and naps is generally enough to teach the Shiba the appropriate method of toileting. A distinguishing characteristic of the breed is the so-called "shiba scream". When sufficiently provoked or unhappy, the dog will produce a loud, high pitched scream. This can occur when attempting to handle the dog in a way that it deems unacceptable
These three qualities that define a true Shiba dog are: Kan'i, Ryosei and Soboku.
Kan'i 敢為 is the most important quality a true Shiba should possess.
It is sometimes translated as "spirited boldness" and means "well-balanced, courageous and self-confident".
Ryosei 良性 ("good nature") refers to the loyal and obedient character of the Shiba and to his strong senses which make him an ideal home guardian.
Soboku 素樸 refers to the natural beauty of the soul, meaning that a Shiba should be unaffected,cheerful and spontaneous.
The breed appears in the Miscellaneous Class of the AKC since October 1991.
Shibas range in height from 14.5 to 16.5 inches (37 to 42 cm) for males, and 13.5 to 15.5 inches (34 to 39 cm) for females, with males weighing approximately 23 lb (10 kg), and females approximately 17 lb (8 kg).
They have double coats, with a straight outer coat and a soft, dense undercoat .
The preferred colors are crimson red through pale red, red sesame and black and tan
This is not a dog for everyone.
Prospective owners must be prepared to understand and deal with the spitz-type personality of this dog.
Their cheerful character and lively temperament make them ideal children's playmates, but they are also perfectly able to entertain themselves alone for long periods when their owners are busy.
If you decide a Shiba is the right breed for you, start your research to find a reputable breeder.
You can find world wide breeders on the link page on this website.
Never buy a dog from a puppy mill or pet store.
Shibas should be raised indoors, with constant human contact and all the typical noises associated with living in a home within a family.
Puppies raised outdoors, in kennel type situations or who spent part of their early live in a pet store conditions may become very anti-social and frightened by everything.
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1olena1
10 Aug : 13:15
Thanks for the compliment Webmaster! Yes, I'm an artist and have created 17 children's books, of which this is the most recent, for ages 3 - 6. It is the ONLY book about a Shiba that I have been able to find! Hope other members will have a look.
Webmaster
07 Aug : 06:02
Olena i seen a pic of ur book, Looks very nice. I see u illustrate in childerens books. Is this new book also made for the kids or isnt it?
For those who want to order the book i just opend a new part in the forum so ill add this book to it.
Webmaster
07 Aug : 05:56
Hi Members, I just made a special part on the Forum where u can put all messeges and share the info that u want to share.
Keep it clean, Spammers of Ads will be removed.
Admin
1olena1
19 Jul : 12:08
The book is titled Nicholas, you are ridiculous!, and can be googled, since the website doesn't seem to appear here!
1olena1
19 Jul : 12:07
I've just published a new picture book about a Shiba puppy - see it on my site, Would love to get your input!
Lazulum73
12 Jul : 21:55
Hello,, would like to know how much costs to whatsh atournement in japan and when. Thank you
jawg
08 Nov : 14:45
DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAEN THE NEXT TOSA-INU TOURNAMENT WILL BE HELD IN JAPAN OR HOW CAN I FIND THIS INFORMATION
jawg
08 Nov : 14:43
ANY THOUGHTS OR HELP WILL BE WELCOMED
jawg
08 Nov : 14:42
SORRY ALL SHE IS A TOSA
jawg
08 Nov : 14:41
I JUST HAD THE LUCK OF GETTING A 20MOS FEMALE; SHE WAS VER DEPRESSED LEAVING HER DAD,MOM,2SISTERS AND BROTHER. SHE WOULD NOT RESPOND TO HER NAME AND ONLY AFTER NOW 8WKS AND HEAT CYCLE IS SHE COMING AROUND, SHE IS ALWAYS AFFRAID
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