Shiba Inu trainable brave clean lively alert calm companion dog game guarding property
February 8th, 2010
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Shiba Inu
3 year old red Shiba Inu
Other names Japanese Shiba Inu
Japanese Small Size Dog
Shiba Ken
Nicknames Shiba
Country of origin Japan
[hide]Traits
[show]Classification & standards
FCI Group 5 Section 5 #257 standard
AKC Non-sporting standard
ANKC Group 6 (Utility) standard
CKC Group 6 – Non-Sporting standard
KC (UK) Utility standard
NZKC Utility standard
UKC Northern Breeds standard
The Shiba Inu (柴犬?) is the smallest of the six original and distinct breeds of dog from Japan.[1]
A small, agile dog that copes very well with mountainous terrain, the Shiba Inu was originally bred for hunting.[1][2] It is similar in appearance to the Akita, though much smaller in stature.
[edit] Appearance
The Shibas frame is compact with well-developed muscles. Males and females are distinctly different in appearance: males are masculine without coarseness, females are feminine without weakness of structure. Males 14 1/2 inches to 16 1/2 inches (3543 cm) at withers. Females 13 1/2 inches to 15 1/2 inches (3341 cm). The preferred size is the middle of the range for each sex. Average weight at preferred size is approximately 23 pounds (10 kg) for males, 17 (8 kg) pounds for females. Males have a height to length ration of 10 to 11, females slightly longer. Bone is moderate.
[edit] Health
Health conditions known to affect this breed are glaucoma, cataracts, hip dysplasia, and luxating patella.[12] Shibas are also prone to food allergies. Epilepsy is also becoming common in several bloodlines in Australia and the USA. Overall; however, they are of great genetic soundness and few Shibas are diagnosed with genetic defects in comparison to other dog breeds.[citation needed]
[edit] Grooming
These are fantastically clean dogs, so grooming needs will likely be at a minimum for most individuals. A Shiba Inu coat is short, coarse and naturally waterproof, so there is little need for regular bathing. However, there is one drawback – shedding, also known as blowing coat. They have a thick undercoat that can protect them from temperatures well below freezing. Shedding is heaviest during the seasonal change, but brushing should be performed on a daily basis whenever possible.
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