Shiba Inu
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| Shiba Inu | ||
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| Classification and breed standards
<tr style="text-align: left;"><th>FCI:</th><td>Group 5 Section 5 #257</td><td>Stds</td></tr><tr style="text-align: left;"><th>AKC:</th><td>Non-sporting</td><td>Stds</td></tr><tr style="text-align: left;"><th>ANKC:</th><td>Group 6 (Utility)</td><td>Stds</td></tr><tr style="text-align: left;"><th>CKC:</th><td>Group 6 - Non-Sporting</td><td>Stds</td></tr><tr style="text-align: left;"><th style="white-space: nowrap;">KC (UK):</th><td>Utility</td><td>Stds</td></tr><tr style="text-align: left;"><th>NZKC:</th><td>Utility</td><td>Stds</td></tr><tr style="text-align: left;"><th>UKC:</th><td>Northern Breeds</td><td>Stds</td></tr> |
The Shiba Inu (柴犬 shiba inu or shiba ken?) is the smallest of the six original and distinct breeds of dog from Japan.
A small, agile dog that copes well with mountainous terrain, the Shiba Inu was originally bred for hunting. It is similar in appearance to the Akita, though much smaller in stature. The Shiba Inu nearly became extinct in the latter phase of World War II, with all subsequent dogs bred from only three surviving bloodlines known as the San'in, Mino, and Shinshu.
Inu is the Japanese word for dog, but the origins of the "Shiba" prefix are less clear. The word shiba usually refers to a type of red shrub. This leads some to believe that the Shiba was named with this in mind, either because the dogs were used to hunt in wild shrubs, or because the most common colour of the Shiba Inu is a red colour similar to that of the shrubs. However, in old Japanese, the word shiba also had the meaning of "small", thus this might be a reference to the dog's small size. The Shiba Inu is sometimes translated as "Little Brushwood Dog".
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[edit] Appearance
Shibas range in height from 14.5 to 16.5 inches (37 to 42 cm) at the withers for males, and 13.5 to 15.5 inches (34 to 39 cm) for females, with males weighing approximately 23 lb (10 kg), and females approximately 17 lb (8 kg). They have double coats, with a straight outer coat and a soft, dense undercoat that is shed two or three times a year, producing a surprising amount of fur considering the size of the dog. Shedding normally occurs at the beginning or end of each season. Shibas may be red, black and tan, or red with black-tipped hairs, with a cream, buff, or grey undercoat. They may also be creamy white or pinto, though this colour is not allowed in the show ring as the markings known as "urajiro" (裏白?) (literally "back white") are unable to be seen.
[edit] Temperament
Shibas are generally independent and intelligent dogs. They have a reputation for aloofness with strangers and other animals, and some owners struggle with obedience training, but like many dogs, socialization at a young age can greatly affect temperament. Traits such as independence and intelligence are often associated with ancient dog breeds, such as the Shiba Inu.
From the Japanese breed standard:
The dog has a spirited boldness and are fiercely proud with a good nature and a feeling of artlessness. The Shiba is able to move quickly with nimble, elastic steps.
The terms "spirited boldness" (勇敢 yuukan?), "good nature" (良性 ryōsei?) and "artlessness" (素朴 soboku?) have subtle interpretations that have been the subject of much commentary.
The Shiba is a fastidious breed and feels the need to maintain themselves in a clean state. They can often be seen to lick their paws and legs much like a cat. They generally go out of their way to keep their coats clean and whilst walking will avoid stepping in puddles, mud and dirt. Because of their fastidious nature, the Shiba puppy is surprisingly easy to housebreak and in most cases will housebreak themselves. Having their owner simply place them outside after meal times and naps is generally enough to teach the Shiba the appropriate method of toileting.
[edit] History
Recent DNA analysis confirms that this is one of the oldest and most "primitive" dog breeds.[1]
[edit] Health
Health conditions known to affect this breed are cataracts, hip dysplasia, and luxating patella. 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.
[edit] Miscellaneous
The Shiba Inu can be found in the "Labrador and Friends" edition of the Nintendogs pet simulation video game. This edition of the game was originally released as "Nintendogs: Shiba and Friends" in Japan, the Shiba being the more recognisable breed in that country, not only can you get it in that game, but also is available in all the other "and Friend" nintendog games. A Shiba Inu also appears in the video game Silent Hill 2 in one of the game's multiple endings. In this "joke" ending, it is revealed that a Shiba Inu was manipulating events from behind the scenes, much to the surprise and anguish of the game's protagonist.
The title character of the anime Inuyasha is suspected to be a shiba inu hanyo.
Black Hayate of the anime Fullmetal Alchemist is suspected to be a shiba inu.
[edit] Gallery
Eight-week-old red Shiba Inu puppy |
One-month-old red sesame Shiba Inu puppy |
Seven-year-old female red Shiba Inu |
Nine-month-old black and tan Shiba Inu |
Red & White 3-month old male Shiba Inu |
Red & White 7-month old male Shiba Inu |
Red 1 year and 1/2 old male Shiba Inu |
Red 8 month old female Shiba Inu |
[edit] References
- Miriam Clews (Ed.). The Japanese Shiba Inu: A detailed study of the Shiba.
[edit] External links
- The American Kennel Club's page on the Shiba Inu
- Shiba Web an informative website on breed information and care
- The Misanthropic Shiba - an informative and humorous look at living with a Shiba Inu
- Shibas.org National Shiba Club of America
- http://dogs.lovetoknow.com/wiki/Shiba_Inu
- http://national.shibarescue.org/ A national Shiba Rescue sitecs:Shiba
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