The Shiba Inu
- Temperament: Alert, Active, Attentive
- Height:5-16.5 inches (male), 13.5-15.5 inches (female)
- Weight:23 pounds (male), 17 pounds (female)
- Life Expectancy:13-16 years
The Shiba Inu dog breed was originally bred to flush birds and small game, and was occasionally used to hunt wild boar. They’re one of Japan’s six native breeds: Akita (large), Kishu, Hokkaido, Kai, Shikoku (medium), and Shiba (small).
Shibas are known for their spirited personality, small upright ears, and cat-like agility. Today they are the most popular companion dogs in Japan and are fast gaining popularity around the world due to their handsome features, quiet disposition, loyalty to 1 owner, intelligence, independence & playfulness.
You will hardly hear a Shiba bark. There may even be a few occasions when you forget you actually have a pet Shiba because it is extremely quiet. It’s known for a “Shiba Shriek” – an occasional small scream when your pet is excited or agitated.
Shiba’s are also very hardy pets, almost never getting sick as long as properly fed & attended to. This fox look-alike is also tireless and has been known to hike or stroll for hours. They come in 4 different color varieties – Red, White, Black & Sesame all of which are beautiful but very often shed specially during summer.
A Shiba is also very independent thus a bit harder to train. When a Shiba isn’t interested in something you will most likely not have any luck convincing it to try it out. An owner that expects his Shiba to be cuddly & sweet will be frustrated no end as it is the dog that decides when it wants cuddles. This breed is also fearless so is best kept on a leash when walked. A cat, other dogs, a ball or any other distraction will surely have your Shiba on a track race & you stumbling behind to catch up. They have no qualms about approaching other dogs & showing how fearless they are and because they are hunters by nature they will kill rats, birds and won’t hesitate to challenge even bigger dogs in their territory claims.
One look at a Shiba though is enough to melt your heart. A warning therefore to potential Shiba owners – once you start, you can’t stop!
