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Featured Breed - Shiba Inu

Remaining Japan’s most popular breed of companion dog to this day, the Shiba Inu breed was officially declared a, “precious natural product,” by the Japanese government in December of 1936. While the source of this breeds' name remains under debate, it's heritage can be traced back to as early as 7000 B.C.

Known as both the eldest, as well as the smallest of the six canine breed-types native to Japan, these versatile dogs were originally bred for their keen, large-game hunting skills and hardy level of endurance. Like many other breeds, the end of World War II marked an era of near extinction for the Shiba Inu, with just three lines of blood- known as the San In Shiba, Mino Shiba and the Shin Shu Shiba left as the remaining breeding stock.

Despite making its debut in the U.S. in the mid- 1950’s, the Shiba Inu struggled to establish recognition with the AKC as a Non-Sporting breed until the year of 1993.

A widely-based forehead, adorn by a small set of deeply-set, dark brown, eyes and triangle-shaped ears provide this breed with a characteristically confident and kind expression. Black lips and a slightly-tapering muzzle with black nose encase this breed’s powerful, precision scissor-like bite. A deep chest with a noticeably sprung ribcage and matched toned abdomen are carried by straight, well-defined forelegs and widely-spaced hindquarters.

One of the Shiba Inus most easily recognized traits is a highly-set tail, which curls up and over this breed’s back in a sickle-shape. Arched, cat-like paws mark just another of this canine’s unique traits.

This breed’s unique, weatherproof double coat is composed of a soft, cream, buff, or gray undercoat, with straight, stiff guard hairs most commonly seen in a black-tipped, red or black with tan shade. White-to-cream-hued markings accent the neck, chest, and sides of the muzzle. Shiba Inus are an impressively nimble breed. Their compact, yet athletic and agile build is truly one of a kind.

A fundamental weariness of unfamiliar faces has led the Shiba Inu to often be described as somewhat reserved. While an extremely independent, self-directed nature proves evident in this breed’s meticulous grooming habits, they do, nevertheless, share a common tendency to bond considerably close with their owners, and make great pets in homes containing families.

The bold personality of the Shiba Inu Aside for a slight difference in size and weight (Males generally reach full-size at 14-16” in height at 20-30lbs., while females grow up to 13-15” in height at 18-28 lbs.) male members of this be typically appear more masculine than the females.