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Characteristics, History, and Health
Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is a small to medium-sized breed of dog that originates from Japan. In Japanese, Shiba means brushwood, referring to the dog's hunting in the wild brush, and Inu means dog. It is also believed that the name may allude to the breed's reddish color which resembles that of the brushwood leaves in the fall. The Shiba Inu is one of the six original and distinct spitz breeds of dog from Japan, and it is the smallest and oldest among them. The breed's history dates back to 300 B.C. when it was used primarily as a hunting dog in the mountainous regions of the country. They were used to hunt small game and birds, and occasionally larger game like wild boar. During World War II, the breed nearly went extinct due to food shortages and a distemper epidemic. The Shiba Inu breed as we know it today was mainly established through three surviving bloodlines: the San In Shiba, the Mino Shiba, and the Shinshu Shiba.
Main Info
- Origin
- Japan
- Alternate Names
- Shiba Ken, Little Brushwood Dog, Japanese Small Size Dog
- Life Expectancy
- 13-16 years
- Average Male Height
- 14.5-16.5 inches
- Average Female Height
- 13.5-15.5 inches
- Average Male Weight
- 23 pounds
- Average Female Weight
- 17 pounds
- Coat Length
- Short
- Coat Type
- Double
- Coat Colors
- Black & Tan, Cream, Red, Red Sesame
- Coat Pattern
- White Markings
Genetic Predispositions and Health
Shiba Inus can suffer from degenerative myelopathy, glaucoma, cataracts, and progressive rod-cone degeneration. They can also suffer from hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and allergies. A specific hereditary condition for which they should be tested is GM1 gangliosidosis, a progressive nerve disease that is eventually lethal by 18 months.
Personality and Behavior
Shiba Inus are known for their spirited and good-natured personality. They are intelligent, agile, and strong-willed. Often described as 'cat-like', they can be aloof, independent, and a little hard to train. Despite their size, they make excellent watchdogs and are often reserved around strangers but typically form strong bonds with their families. Shibas can be aggressive toward other dogs, especially those of the same sex, and their hunting instinct may cause them to chase small animals.
Fun Facts
They are the oldest and smallest of Japan's dogs.
The Shiba Inu has been designated a national treasure of Japan, reflecting the breed's historical and cultural significance in the country.
The Shiba Inu was popularized in Western culture through various internet memes, most notably the 'Doge' meme, which features a picture of a Shiba Inu with various captions written in broken English.
They have a unique vocalization, often referred to as the 'Shiba scream', which is a loud and high-pitched noise they make when they are extremely happy or stressed.
References
https://vgl.ucdavis.edu/test/gm1-shiba-inu
https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/shiba-inu
https://www.fci.be/en/nomenclature/SHIBA-257.html
https://www.ukcdogs.com/shiba
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