Dating back to the third century B.C., the Shiba Inu is a Japanese dog with a great heritage. Shiba Inu mix puppies are a desirable find for dog-lovers. This breed is similar in appearance to the Akita, though it is of a much smaller stature. This beautiful dog comes with a unique temperament and an inspiring history.
Originally, the Shiba Inu mix was bred in Japan to hunt and flush game such as birds and rabbits. However, this breed is not primarily kept as a pet both in Japan and abroad. After many centuries as a prominent breed in Japan, the dog was declared a natural monument in 1936 through the Cultural Properties Act. In World War II, the Shiba Inu mix breed faced near extinction as a result of bombing raids and a post-war distemper epidemic. There were only three surviving bloodlines after this epidemic, and all Shiba Inu today have been bred from of these three lines. The Shiba Inu mix was introduced to the United States in 1954, and the first litter born in the U.S. was recorded in 1979.
Though the Shiba Inu mix may resemble an Akita or Malamute, the breed is distinctly smaller. In fact, it is the smallest of the six distinct Japanese dog breeds. The most common coat color is red, lending the dog to resemble a red fox. Other colors are black and tan or sesame (red with black-tipped ears). A white coat is not recognized by any major kennel club. Patterns of white in contrast to the primary coat color found on the underside are referred to as “urajiro” and is also not allowed in the show ring.
Because the Shiba Inu is an ancient dog breed, it comes with a unique independence and intelligence. Because of their independence, some owners find obedience training difficult. However, as with most breeds, socialization at a young age can offset training difficulties. Because of their strong instinct to hunt and chase prey, owners often find it necessary to keep their Shibas on a leash. The Shiba Inu temperament has also been described as very fastidious. Their personal grooming standards are very high, and they can often be found licking their paws and legs much like a cat. They will often walk around puddles and mud when walking. This meticulously clean standard makes them one of the easiest breeds to house train.
But perhaps the most unique feature of the Shiba Inu is their “scream.” When sufficiently provoked or unhappy, the dog will produce a loud, high pitched scream. The animal may also emit a very similar sound during periods of great joy, such as the return of the owner after an extended absence. What better way to let an owner know he or she is very loved?
