THE SHIBA INU

A very ancient Spitz breed, the Shiba Inu is thousands of years old. In an article in the April, 2006 issue of "Dogs in Canada", Jean Donaldson discusses dogs descending from wolves and states: "The earliest split-off from wolves was a branch consisting of Shar-Pei, Shibas Inu (sic), Chows and Akitas. Next came Basenjis. The third branch was made up of Alaskan Malamutes and Siberian Huskies (which, incidentally, were difficult to distinguish genetically). The fourth group to split off were Afghans and Salukis. Then came a giant group with the most modern origins, consisting of all the other breeds that were analyzed."

The first Shibas made their way to North America in the 1950s, brought over by American servicemen returning from Japan. Breeding Shibas were imported in the 1970's and they were recognized by the CKC in 1992 and the AKC in 1993. The Shiba of today bears only a small resemblance to the Shibas of the early 1900s, but they still have retained the feral instinct to run and to hunt. With their coat, teeth, intelligence, endurance and agility, one can still picture the Shiba Inu hunting in the rough terrain of the mountains of Japan, flushing wild boar, deer and small game. The name "Shiba Inu" has been interpreted as "little dog" or "brushwood dog". In 1936, the Shiba Inu was designated as a "national treasure of Japan" and when the breed was severely threatened during WWII, an extensive and successful reclaiming of the breed was undertaken. Today, the Shiba Inu is the most common dog in Japan and is found in higher numbers on the West coast, although "What breed is that dog? It looks like a fox." is heard from coast to coast.

The Shiba should exude confidence, happiness, intelligence, beauty and kan-i (spirited boldness). The body is a well-muscled hardness with no flabbiness. To strangers, the Shiba is often aloof until there is familiarity, although the modern breeding programs are producing Shibas with a more out-going personality, befitting life in North America. There are six Japanese breeds in three sizes, with the Akita being the largest and the Shiba Inu the smallest. In between, there are: Kishu, Shikoku, Hokkaido and Kai.

The Shiba's head should be rather foxy-looking with: dark, triangular shaped eyes; high set, firmly pricked ears; pronounced cheeks, giving the head an octagonal shape; black nose and lips. The tail is carried over the back in a loose or single curl. Red is the most common colour with black/tan and sesame also desirable in the show ring. All have an underbody of white, called "urajiro".

The challenge of sharing one's life and home with a Shiba Inu comes from its intelligence and cat-like behaviour. Some call it a "stubborn" dog, but others say it is "independent". Whichever, it learns very quickly, becomes bored with too much repetition and is a real challenge when it comes to repeating a behaviour when the handler requests it (in obedience, agility and other events), although  more and more Shibas are obtaining their performance titles. One of the most versatile and successful drug detection dogs is a Shiba. They also make wonderful therapy dogs, bringing joy and amazement to people in a hospital or nursing home situation. A Shiba not given its required attention, exercise and stimulation will make life challenging and frustrating to its owner.

Please check the "links" section on the left of this page for links to pages of the breed standard, other Shiba Inu information and breeders.

If you would like to provide a forever home to a sweet Shiba finding itself in a rescue situation, please contact the Greater Toronto Rescue. An adult Shiba adjusts to a loving family very well and will repay love many times over.