Japan’s most iconic dog, the Shiba Inu is known for its adorable fox-like face, tan fur and curly tail. Inu means 'dog' in Japanese, while shiba is an archaic word for 'small.' Locals call them Shiba Inu or Shiba Ken, since thekanji can be read both ways, but often, you'll just hear them called Shiba. These Japanese native dogs have been around for hundreds of years and, despite being one of the country’s most commonly owned breeds, they’re still treated as special national treasures.
Shiba Inu aren’t just beloved in Japan, either – they’ve proven popular around the world for their cute and cuddly features. But these dogs are much more than a pretty face. Here are some interesting facts and history that you might not know about the Shiba Inu.
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FAQs
9 things you didn't know about the Shiba Inu, Japan's native dog breed
- They used to be bred as hunting dogs. ...
- They're one of the six official native breeds of Japan. ...
- They almost went extinct. ...
- They come in four different colours. ...
- They have a cat-like personality. ...
- The oldest Shiba Inu was 26 years old.
Known to be a clean dog, Shiba Inu are very loyal and alert with a strong prey instinct and a knack for escaping from gardens. They make a good choice for the experienced dog owner.
Why are Shibas so popular in Japan? ›
The Shiba-Inu is so popular that it accounts for 80% of all the Japanese dog breeds kept in Japan. The breed is intelligent and highly attentive to humans. Plus, the fact that they were originally small hunting dogs means they love exercise and playing with toys.
What were Shiba Inus originally bred for? ›
The Shiba Inu was bred to hunt and flush small game, such as birds and rabbits. Shiba lived in the mountainous areas of the Chūbu region. During the Meiji Restoration, western dog breeds were imported and crosses between these and native Japanese breeds became popular. From 1912 to 1926, almost no pure Shiba remained.
Why don t Shiba Inus like to cuddle? ›
Shibas happen to be one of the most ancient canine breeds. Because of this fact, they exhibit a trace of their wild ancestry in their temperament. And believe it or not, this dash of “wild” often presents a no-cuddle zone. It's true—Shiba Inus are not so open to free cuddles.
Do Shiba Inus like to sleep with you? ›
Shibas are very aloof and independent.
They enjoy their alone time, need their space respe-pcted, and are not “cuddlers”.
Do Shibas protect their owners? ›
Are Shiba Inus Good Guard Dogs? While Shiba Inus have the traits necessary to make fantastic watchdogs, they're less likely to be effective guard dogs.
Do Shibas love their owners? ›
Shiba Inus are known for their alertness and attentiveness. If your Shiba Inu often maintains eye contact with you, it's a clear sign of their trust and love. They're showing they consider you a part of their pack and feel safe in your presence.
What does Shiba mean in Japanese? ›
One explanation is that the word Shiba means "brushwood;" the dogs were named for the brushwood bushes in which they hunted. Japanese: there are two names with this pronunciation; the first, meaning 'turf', is found mainly in western Japan; the other, meaning 'brushwood', occurs chiefly in eastern Japan.
What are Shibas prone to? ›
Shibas are prone to a common condition called hypothyroidism in which the body doesn't make enough thyroid hormone. Signs can include dry skin and coat, hair loss, susceptibility to other skin diseases, weight gain, fearfulness, aggression, or other behavioral changes.
Some people may reason that since Shiba Inus are independent thinkers, they would respond better to aversive training techniques, such as collar corrections or alpha rolls. This is false. Shiba Inus are also extremely strong-willed and stubborn. They will fight back if they feel threatened.
What two breeds make a Shiba Inu? ›
Before World War II, there were three types of Shiba Inu — the Mino, the Sanin and the Shinshu. The modern Shiba Inu are a combination of all three original Shiba breeds. The Sanin type came from Tottori and Shimane prefectures.
Why are Shibas like cats? ›
Shiba Neko 1 – Independent, Aloof, and Stubborn
Probably the most important way in which a Shiba Inu resembles a cat is in his independence, aloofness, and stubbornness. Like cats, Shibas enjoy their own company and are usually not interested in too much human attention.
What are the three types of Shiba Inu? ›
The Shiba Inu: Japan's Beloved Dog Breed
Originally, there were three types of Shiba Inu, each named after its region of origin: Shinso, Mino, and San-in.
Are Shiba Inus clean dogs? ›
Shiba Inu's are very clean, making them easy to toilet train as they naturally dislike soiling their own living spaces. Their natural watchdog abilities also mean they may be inclined to inform you when there are strange noises or people around the house as they are often on high alert.
How smart are Shiba Inus? ›
These Japanese dogs are highly intelligent, which can make them pick up on training cues easily. That said, Shiba Inu can be independent-minded and opinionated. If they are not interested in what you're asking from them, they might not follow your cues or scream to signal their frustration.
How long do Shibas sleep? ›
Sleep. Shiba Inu puppies need about 18 to 20 hours of sleep per day for proper mental and physical development. Adult Shibas spend around 75% of the daytime either sleeping or lounging around—as much as 10 to 12 hours per day.
Do Shiba Inus grow fast? ›
Shiba Inus grow the most between three and seven months of age, and typically reach maturity around one year. Depending on the gender of the breed, Shiba Inus weigh between 17 and 23 pounds as an adult, with 13.5 to 16.5 inches in height.
Are Shibas rare? ›
Brought to America from Japan as recently as 60 years ago, Shibas are growing in popularity in the West and are already the most popular breed in their homeland.
