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Shiba Inu Puppies for Sale
Shiba Inu
(Japanese Shiba Inu) (Japanese Small Size Dog) (Shiba)
(Shiba Dog)
Griffin, the Shiba
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Pronunciation |
SHEE-ba
Inu |
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Description |
The Shiba is a small, compact, agile
furry dog that looks like a miniature Akita. It has a pointed face, broad
forehead and triangular prick ears. The eyes are small and dark. The teeth
should form a scissors bite. The nose is dark. The Spitz-like tail is thick and
strong curling over the back and carried either in a ring or with a sickle
curve. Though all colors are acceptable, the plush double coat most often comes
in red, or red with a little black overlay, or black with tan markings. The dog
should have white or cream-colored markings on the cheeks and sides of the
muzzle, throat, underside and chest. White is also permitted on the legs, tail
tip and above the eyes. |
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Temperament |
The Shiba is an alert, lively and bold
dog. Independent, but affectionate and loving. Kind, trainable, brave and clean.
Confident, fearless and courageous. A big dog in a small dog's body. The Shiba
is agile, fast and playful. Charming and open. They bark little and bond closely
with their handler while remaining independent. It may be a bit reserved with
strangers but children do not usually cause any problems, for Shiba's make good
companions for children. Socialize this breed well as a puppy. They do well with
other dogs and cats if they are raised with them from puppyhood. Don't trust this dog around
other small pets such as rodents and small birds. Big birds such as parrots may
be okay. The Shiba is an easy dog to travel with. Be careful during hunting
season as the dog looks like a fox and may be mistaken for one. It is not
usually a reliable off-leash dog. It is easy to housebreak these dogs because
they are naturally fastidious. Make sure you are this dog's firm, confident, consistent pack leader, providing daily pack walks to avoid behavior issues. |
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Height, Weight |
Height: Dogs 14-16 inches (36-41
cm.) Bitches 13-15 inches (33-38 cm.)
Weight: Dogs 18-25 pounds (8-11 kg.) Bitches 15-20 pounds (6.8-9 kg.) |
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Health Problems |
This breed is generally hardy and
healthy with few genetic weaknesses. A small proportion of Shibas have histories
of hip dysplasia and PRA. Some lines are prone to patellar luxation (slipped
kneecap). |
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Living Conditions |
The Shiba will do okay in an apartment
if is sufficiently exercised. It is moderately active indoors and will do best
with at least an average-sized yard. The Shiba's waterproof, all-weather coat
protects it in both cold and hot conditions, so it can live outdoors if you have
a secure yard of reasonable size. However, it does regard itself as part of the
family and does not like to be left alone outside. This breed would be much
happier living indoors with its family. |
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Exercise |
The Shiba Inu is an undemanding dog
that will adapt to your circumstances, so long as it gets a daily
walk. It is a very active dog
and will be healthier and happier with regular exercise. This breed can walk for
hours on end as it has tremendous endurance. |
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Life Expectancy |
About 12-15 years. |
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Grooming |
The Shiba has a clean, coarse, stiff,
short-haired coat that is easy to groom. Brush with a firm bristle brush to
remove the dead hair and bathe only when absolutely necessary as it removes the
natural waterproofing of the coat. This breed is a seasonally heavy shedder. |
| Origin |
The Shiba Inu is an ancient Asian
breed, probably with Chow Chow and Kyushu blood. It
was brought to Japan from China two thousand years ago. Six distinct breeds
developed from these original dogs, including the Akita
and the Shiba Inu. The Shiba is the smallest of the six Japanese Spitz-type
dogs. Some of the other six breeds are now extinct. Shibas were originally bred
to flush birds and hunt small game. The breed may have been named for the
brushwood environment where the dog hunted, because the bright red color of the
autumn brushwood leaves matches the color of some Shiba's coats, or perhaps just
for size, as the word "shiba" means both "brushwood" and
"small." The word "Inu" means "dog." World War II
was a difficult time for many dog breeds worldwide, and the Shiba was not an
exception. Though the breed almost become extinct, breeding programs were
established after the war, using individuals from the countryside. The Shiba is
now the most popular breed in Japan and in recent years has been gaining
popularity in the United States as well, primarily as a companion dog. Some of
the Shiba's talents include: hunting, tracking, watchdog, guarding, agility
and performing tricks. |
| Group |
Northern, AKC Non-Sporting |
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Recognition |
CKC, FCI, AKC, KCGB, ANKC, NKC, NZKC,
APRI, ACR |
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CKC = Continental
Kennel Club
FCI = Fédération
Cynologique Internationale
AKC = American
Kennel Club
KCGB = Kennel
Club of Great Britain
ANKC = Australian
National Kennel Club
NKC = National
Kennel Club
NZKC = New Zealand
Kennel Club
APRI = American Pet Registry
Inc.
ACR = American Canine Registry |
Griffin, the Shiba
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"Aust. Ch. Torza Totally Awe Some" - Photo courtesy of Trina & Ian Kennard - Torza Shiba Inu\ Bichon Frise - Australia
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Lindsey and Chester
Shin
Bear, the 9 year old Black & Tan Shiba
Shiba Inu Pictures 1
Shiba Inu Pictures 2
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