BREED HISTORY

A rare and ancient breed, the Shiba Inu originates from central Japan. Meaning "little dog," it is a diminutive Spitz breed.

Renowned for its cunning and agility, the Shiba Inu has been used for hunting small game. With quick speed and outgoing character, these dogs are fine herders. Alert and temperamentally sound, Shiba Inus are excellent guardians. In fact, their flexibility and friendliness makes it easy for them to adapt to a wide variety of situations, which also makes them ideal pets. Males and females are distinctly different in appearance: males are masculine without coarseness, females are feminine without weakness of structure.

IDEAL BREED CHARACTERISTICS

Size

Males 14-1/2 inches to 16-1/2 inches at withers. Females 13-1/2 inches to 15-1/2 inches. Average weight at preferred size is approximately 23 pounds for males, 17 pounds for females.

Neck, Body & Tail

Neck is thick, sturdy, and of moderate length Body is dry and well muscled without the appearance of sluggishness or coarseness. Tail is thick and pOverful and is carried over the back in a sickle or curled position.

Coat

Double coated with the outer coat being stiff and straight and the undercoat soft and thick. Fur is short and even on face, ears, and legs.

Color

Coat color: The undercoat is cream, buff or gray. Urajiro (cream to white ventral color) reds: commonly on the throat, forechest, and chest. On blacks and sesames: commonly as a triangular mark on both sides of the forechest. White spots above the eyes on all colors but not required. Bright orange-red with urajiro lending a foxlike appearance to dogs of this color. A patch of blaze is sometimes on the throat, forechest, or chest in addition to urajiro.

Temperament

A spirited boldness, a good nature, and an unaffected forthrightness, which together yield dignity and natural beauty. The Shiba has an independent nature and can be reserved toward strangers but is loyal and affectionate to those who earn his respect. At time aggressive toward other dogs, the Shiba is always under the control of his handler.