Shiba Inu facts for kids
Standard/Red Coloured Shiba Inu Dog
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Other names |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Origin | Japan | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Domestic dog (Canis lupus familiaris) | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Shiba Inu | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
.svg)
"Shiba Inu" in kanji
|
|||||
| Japanese name | |||||
| Kanji | 柴犬 | ||||
| Kana | しば いぬ | ||||
|
|||||
The Shiba Inu (pronounced SHEE-bah EE-noo) is a special dog breed from Japan. These dogs are known for being small to medium-sized. They are the smallest of Japan's six original dog breeds. Long ago, people bred Shiba Inus to be hunting dogs. Their name means "brushwood dog" because they helped flush out small animals.
Shiba Inus are alert, quick, and good at moving around mountains and trails. They look a bit like other Japanese dogs, such as the Akita Inu. However, Shiba Inus are a unique breed. They have their own special history, personality, and are smaller than many other Japanese breeds.
Contents
What Does a Shiba Inu Look Like?
Shiba Inus come in several beautiful colors. These include red, black and tan, and cream. They can also be "sesame," which means a mix of red with black tips.
Colors and Markings
All Shiba Inus have a special cream or white color on their underside. This is called urajiro (pronounced oo-rah-JEE-roh). Urajiro means "underside white" in Japanese. This white color appears on their cheeks, inside their ears, and under their chin. It also covers their belly, the inside of their legs, and the underside of their tail.
Sometimes, a Shiba Inu might be mostly cream-colored. This is usually not preferred for show dogs. This is because their special urajiro markings are hard to see. However, a cream coat is perfectly fine for a pet Shiba Inu.
Their Special Coat
Shiba Inus have a thick double coat. The outer layer has stiff guard hairs. The inner layer is soft and fluffy. Some Shibas can even have long hair, though this is rare.
Size and weight
A Shiba Inu typically weighs between 17 and 23 pounds (about 7.7 to 10.4 kilograms) for males, and between 15 and 19 pounds (about 6.8 to 8.6 kilograms) for females.
Males stand about 14.5 to 16.5 inches (37 to 42 cm) tall at the shoulder. Females are a little shorter, usually 13.5 to 15.5 inches (34 to 39 cm).
What is a Shiba Inu's Personality Like?
Shiba Inus are known for being alert and loving dogs. They are also quite independent. They are very smart but can be a bit stubborn sometimes.
People often describe Shibas as having "spirited boldness" and a "good nature." They are also very "alert." These words help us understand their unique personality.
Some experts say Shiba Inus can be very reactive. This means they respond strongly to things around them. They might also be a bit harder to train than some other breeds. One reason for this could be that they are more closely related to wolves than many other dog breeds.
Training and Exercise
Because they are so smart, Shiba Inus need lots of exercise. They also need mental challenges. If they don't get enough activity, they might get anxious. This can lead to unwanted behaviors. One famous behavior is the "Shiba scream," a loud, unique sound they make.
Shiba Inus can sometimes seem a bit distant or "aloof." It is very important to socialize them early as puppies. This helps them get along well with other people and animals.
A study in Japan found that Shiba Inus might sometimes chew on things they shouldn't. They might also refuse to walk on a leash. They can also sometimes show dominant actions or chase their tails. Interestingly, they are less likely to bark at noises when they are inside the house.
A Look Back: Shiba Inu History
The Shiba Inu is a very old dog breed. It existed long before many modern dog breeds appeared in the 1800s. Ancient drawings of dogs that look like Shibas have been found. These drawings were made during Japan's prehistoric Jōmon period.
Shiba Inus were originally bred to hunt small animals. They lived in the mountains of Japan's Chūbu region. Later, during the Meiji Restoration, new dog breeds came to Japan from other countries. People started mixing these new dogs with native Japanese breeds. By the early 1900s, there were very few pure Shiba Inus left.
Saving the Breed
Around 1928, some people realized how special the pure Shiba Inu was. Hunters and smart thinkers worked to protect the remaining dogs. However, the breed faced more challenges. During World War II, it was hard to find food for dogs. Then, in the 1950s and 60s, a serious dog illness called distemper spread. A big fire in Tottori also made things difficult.
Because of these problems, the Shiba Inu almost disappeared. All the Shibas alive today come from just three special family lines. These were the Shinshu Shiba, the Mino Shiba, and the San'in Shiba.
The Shinshu Shibas were small and red. They had a thick undercoat. The Mino Shibas often had pointy ears and a tail shaped like a sickle. The San'in Shibas were larger and usually black.
These three types were eventually combined to create the Shiba Inu we know today. In 1934, the first official description of the breed was written. In 1936, the Shiba Inu was named a Natural Monument of Japan. This was a big step to protect them.
The first Shiba Inu came to the United States in 1954. The first puppies were born there in 1979. The American Kennel Club officially recognized the breed in 1992. Today, Shiba Inus are popular pets in Japan and all over the world. In 2024, they were the 42nd most registered breed in the U.S.
Keeping Shibas Healthy
Like all dog breeds, Shiba Inus can have some health concerns. One common issue is called patella luxation. This is when the kneecap slips out of place. A study in Japan found that about 35% of Shiba Inus had this condition.
Shiba Inus can also be more likely to get an eye condition called glaucoma. This can affect their eyesight. Female Shiba Inus can sometimes get a type of infection that affects their reproductive system. They are also prone to skin allergies. Another rare immune system disease, similar to one seen in Akitas, can also affect Shibas.
How Long Do Shibas Live?
Shiba Inus are known for living a long time. A study in Japan found that they lived for about 15.5 years on average. This was longer than any other breed in that study. A UK study from 2024 also found their life expectancy to be around 14.6 years. This is longer than the average for most purebred dogs.
Images for kids
-
A sesame Shiba Inu
-
A black and tan Shiba Inu with Urajiro Markings
-
A red Shiba Inu with visible Urajiro markings on the muzzle, cheeks, ears and throat
See also
In Spanish: Shiba Inu para niños
- List of dog breeds
- Japan Kennel Club
- Mameshiba
- Nihon Ken Hozonkai
- Shiba Inu Puppy Cam
