Shiba Inu - wikipedia Shiba Inu Shiba Inu 3 - year - old Red Shiba Inu Other names Japanese Shiba Inu Japanese Small Size Dog Japanese Brushwood Dog Shiba Ken Common nicknames Shiba Shibe Origin Japan Traits Weight Male 10 kg ( 22 lb ) Female 8 kg ( 18 lb ) Height Male 35 to 43 cm ( 14 to 17 in ) Female 33 to 41 cm ( 13 to 16 in ) Coat double Color Red, sesame, black and tan, or white Litter size 3 puppies on average Life span 12 -- 15 years Classification / standards FCI Group 5, Section 5 Asian Spitz and related breeds # 257 standard AKC Non-Sporting standard ANKC Group 6 ( Utility ) standard CKC Group 6 - Non-Sporting standard KC ( UK ) Utility standard UKC Northern Breed standard Notes It is similar to the Akita, though much smaller in stature. Domestic dog ( Canis lupus familiaris ) Shiba Inu `` Shiba Inu '' in kanji Japanese name Kanji 柴犬 Transcriptions Romanization shiba inu The Shiba Inu ( 柴犬 ) is the smallest of the six original and distinct spitz breeds of dog from Japan. A small, agile dog that copes very well with mountainous terrain, the Shiba Inu was originally bred for hunting. It looks similar to and is often mistaken for other Japanese dog breeds like the Akita Inu or Hokkaido, but the Shiba Inu is a different breed with a distinct blood line, temperament and smaller size than other Japanese dog breeds. Contents 1 Etymology 2 Description 2.1 Appearance 2.2 Temperament 3 History 4 Health 4.1 Life span 4.2 Grooming 5 See also 6 References 7 External links Etymology A Shiba Inu in Kagawa Prefecture, Japan Inu is the Japanese word for dog, but the origin of the prefix `` Shiba '' is less clear. The word shiba means `` brushwood '' in Japanese, and refers to a type of tree or shrub whose leaves turn red in the fall. 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 color of the Shiba Inu is a red color similar to that of the shrubs. However, in an old Nagano dialect, the word shiba also had the meaning of `` small '', thus this might be a reference to the dog 's diminutive stature. Therefore, the Shiba Inu is sometimes translated as `` Little Brushwood Dog ''. Description A `` white '' ( also called `` cream '' ) Shiba Inu Appearance The Shiba 's frame is compact with well - developed muscles. Males are 35 to 43 cm ( 14 to 17 in ) at the withers. Females are 33 to 41 cm ( 13 to 16 in ). The preferred size is the middle of the range for each sex. Average weight at preferred size is approximately 10 kg ( 22 lb ) for males, 8 kg ( 18 lb ) for females. Bones are moderate. The Shiba is double coated, with the outer coat being stiff and straight and the undercoat soft and thick. Fur is short and even on the fox - like face, ears, and legs. Guard hairs stand off the body and are about 4 to 5 cm ( 1 ⁄ to 2 in ) long at the withers. Tail hair is slightly longer and stands open in a brush. Shibas may be red, black and tan, or sesame ( red with black - tipped hairs ), with a cream, buff, or grey undercoat. They may also be white ( cream ), though this color is considered a `` major fault '' by the American Kennel Club and should never be intentionally bred in a show dog, as the required markings known as `` urajiro '' ( 裏白 ) are not visible ; `` Urajiro '' literally translates to `` underside white ''. Conversely, a white ( cream ) coat is perfectly acceptable according to the British Kennel Club breed standard. The urajiro ( cream to white ventral color ) is required in the following areas on all coat colors : on the sides of the muzzle, on the cheeks, inside the ears, on the underjaw and upper throat inside of legs, on the abdomen, around the vent and the ventral side of the tail. On reds : commonly on the throat, forechest, and chest. On blacks and sesames : commonly as a triangular mark on both sides of the forechest. Temperament Sesame Shiba Inu Shibas tend to exhibit an independent nature and sometimes show aggression. This is more prevalent between female Shibas and is influenced by the breed 's strong prey drive. The Shiba Inu is best in a home without other small dogs or young children, but consistent obedience training and early socialization can make all the difference. The breed also interacts fairly well with cats. From the Japanese breed standard : A spirited boldness, a good nature, and an unaffected forthrightness, which together yield dignity and natural beauty. The Shiba has an independent nature and can be reserved toward strangers but is loyal and affectionate to those who earn his respect. They can be aggressive toward other dogs. The terms `` spirited boldness '' ( 悍 威, kan'i ), `` 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 relatively fastidious breed and feels the need to maintain itself in a clean state. They can often be seen licking their paws and legs, much like a cat. They generally go out of their way to keep their coats clean. Because of their fastidious and proud nature, Shiba puppies are easy to housebreak and in many 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. A distinguishing characteristic of the breed is the so - called `` shiba scream ''. When sufficiently provoked or unhappy, the dog will produce a loud, high pitched scream. This can occur when attempting to handle the dog in a way that it deems unacceptable. 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, or the arrival of a favored human guest. History Black and tan Shiba Inu with urajiro The Shiba Inu has been identified as a basal breed that predates the emergence of the modern breeds in the 19th Century. Originally, the Shiba Inu was bred to hunt and flush small game, such as birds and rabbits. Despite efforts to preserve the breed, the Shiba nearly became extinct during World War II due to a combination of food shortage and a post-war distemper epidemic. All subsequent dogs were bred from the only three surviving bloodlines. These bloodlines were the Shinshu Shiba from Nagano Prefecture, the Mino Shiba from Gifu Prefecture, and the San'in Shiba from Tottori and Shimane Prefectures. The Shinshu Shibas possessed a solid undercoat, with a dense layer of guard - hairs, and were small and red in color. Shiba Inu puppy The Mino Shibas tended to have thick, prick ears, and possessed a sickle tail, rather than the common curled tail found on most modern Shibas. The San'in Shibas were larger than most modern shibas, and tended to be black, without the common tan and white accents found on modern black - and - tan shibas. When the study of Japanese dogs was formalized in the early and mid-20th century, these three strains were combined into one overall breed, the Shiba Inu. The first Japanese breed standard for the Shiba, the Nippo Standard, was published in 1934. In December 1936, the Shiba Inu was recognized as a Natural Monument of Japan through the Cultural Properties Act, largely due to the efforts of Nippo ( Nihon Ken Hozonkai ), the Association for the Preservation of the Japanese Dog. In 1954, an armed service family brought the first Shiba Inu to the United States. In 1979, the first recorded litter was born in the United States. The Shiba was recognized by the American Kennel Club in 1992 and added to the AKC Non-Sporting Group in 1993. It is now primarily kept as a pet both in Japan and abroad. In the United States, the growing popularity of the Shiba Inu is evident as the American Kennel Club Registration Statistics ranked the breed in 44th place in 2016 ; a rise from 50th place in 2012. Health Shiba Inu portrait Overall, the Shiba Inu is a healthy dog breed. Health conditions known to affect this breed are allergies, glaucoma, cataracts, hip dysplasia, entropion, and luxating patella. Periodic joint examinations are recommended throughout the life of the dog but problems are generally discovered early in the dog 's life. Eye tests should be performed yearly as eye problems can develop over time. By two years of age, Shiba Inus can be considered fully free from joint problems if none have been discovered by this point, since at this age the skeleton is fully developed. As with any dog, Shibas should be walked or otherwise exercised daily. Life span Their average life expectancy is from 12 to 15 years. Exercise, especially daily walks, is preferred for this breed to live a long and healthy life. The oldest known Shiba, Pusuke, died at age 26 in early December 2011 and was the oldest dog alive at the time. Grooming These dogs are very clean, so grooming needs will likely be minimal. A Shiba Inu 's coat is coarse ; short to medium length with the outer coat being 2.5 to 3.2 cm ( 1 to 1 ⁄ in ) long, and is naturally waterproof so there is little need for regular bathing. They also have a thick undercoat that can protect them from temperatures well below freezing. However, shedding, also known as blowing coat, can be a nuisance. Shedding is heaviest during the seasonal change and particularly during the summer season, but daily brushing can temper this problem. It is recommended that owners never shave or cut the coat of Shiba Inu, as the coat is needed to protect them from both cold and hot temperatures. Shiba Inu Shiba Inu from profile A cream coated Shiba Inu Two red with a black and tan Shiba Inus A red Shiba Inu See also Dogs portal Japan portal Doge ( meme ) Mameshiba Dogecoin, which features a likeness of the breed. Japan Kennel Club Shiba Inu Puppy Cam References ^ Jump up to : `` Dog Owners Guide : Shiba Inu ''. Retrieved August 20, 2007. ^ Jump up to : `` Shiba Inu Breed Standard ''. American Kennel Club. Retrieved August 20, 2007. Jump up ^ `` Japanese Kennel Club Classification ''. Jkc.or.jp. Retrieved 1 July 2014. Jump up ^ `` Shiba inu ''. Japanesedog.org. Retrieved 1 July 2014. Jump up ^ Parker, Heidi G. ; Kim, Lisa V. ; Sutter, Nathan B. ; Carlson, Scott ; Lorentzen, Travis D. ; Malek, Tiffany B. ; Johnson, Gary S. ; DeFrance, Hawkins B. ; Ostrander, Elaine A. ; Kruglyak, Leonid ( 2004 - 05 - 21 ). `` Genetic Structure of the Purebred Domestic Dog '' ( PDF ). Science. 304 ( 5674 ) : 1160 -- 4. doi : 10.1126 / science. 1097406. PMID 15155949. ^ Jump up to : Haskett, Gretchen ; Houser, Susan ( 1997 ). The Total Shiba. Loveland, CO : Alpine Publications. ISBN 1 - 57779 - 049 - 9. ^ Jump up to : `` Get to Know the Shiba Inu '', ' The American Kennel Club ', retrieved 14 May 2014 Jump up ^ `` Japanese Shiba Inu Breed Standard ''. The Kennel Club Limited. Retrieved November 16, 2012. Jump up ^ `` NSCA : Urajiro ''. Retrieved August 23, 2007. Jump up ^ Miriam Clews ( Ed. ). The Japanese Shiba Inu : A detailed study of the Shiba. Jump up ^ `` An Introduction to the Shiba Inu ( part 2 ) ''. Retrieved August 20, 2007. Jump up ^ `` Shiba Inu Traits ''. Archived from the original on August 10, 2007. Retrieved August 20, 2007. Jump up ^ `` The Misanthropic Shiba ''. Retrieved August 21, 2007. ^ Jump up to : `` Shiba Inu Dog Breeds ''. Retrieved August 20, 2007. Jump up ^ Atkinson, Maureen ( 1998 ). The Complete Shiba Inu. Howell Book House. p. 11. ISBN 0 - 87605 - 177 - 8. Jump up ^ Club, American Kennel. `` Shiba Inu Dog Breed Information ''. Jump up ^ Holden, Jacey. `` Shiba Inus ''. Retrieved August 23, 2007. Jump up ^ American Kennel Club 2013 Dog Registration Statistics Historical Comparisons & Notable Trends, The American Kennel Club, Retrieved 17 February 2018 Jump up ^ `` Shiba Inu ''. dogtime.com. Retrieved 1 June 2014. Jump up ^ `` The Shiba Inu ''. smalldogplace.com. Retrieved 1 June 2014. Jump up ^ `` Shiba Inu ''. pikimal.com. Retrieved 1 June 2014. Jump up ^ `` About the Shiba Inu ''. dogs.lovetoknow.com. Retrieved 1 June 2014. Jump up ^ Holden, Jacey. `` An Overview of Health Problems in the Shiba Inu ''. Retrieved August 20, 2007. Jump up ^ `` Get to Know the Shiba Inu '', ' The American Kennel Club ', retrieved 13 May 2014 Jump up ^ `` Shiba Inu Training - Grooming ''. Retrieved 1 March 2013. External links Wikimedia Commons has media related to Shiba Inu. Shiba Inu at Curlie ( based on DMOZ ) Dogs originating in Japan Extant Akita Hokkaido Japanese Chin Japanese Spitz Japanese Terrier Kai Ken Kishu Shiba Inu Shikoku Tosa Extinct Sakhalin Husky Related articles Japan Kennel Club Nihon Ken Hozonkai Spitz - type dogs Sled dogs Alaskan Husky Alaskan Malamute American Eskimo Dog Canadian Eskimo Dog Chinook Eurohound Greenland Dog Labrador Husky Mackenzie River Husky Northern Inuit Dog Sakhalin Husky Samoyed Seppala Siberian Sleddog Siberian Husky Tamaskan Dog Hunting breeds Black Norwegian Elkhound East Siberian Laika Finnish Spitz Hokkaido Jämthund Karelian Bear Dog Kai Ken Kishu Korean Jindo Norrbottenspets Norwegian Elkhound Norwegian Lundehund Pungsan Dog Russo - European Laika Shiba Inu Shikoku West Siberian Laika Herding breeds Finnish Lapphund Icelandic Sheepdog Lapponian Herder Norwegian Buhund Swedish Lapphund Swedish Vallhund Asiatic breeds Akita Chow Chow Indian Spitz Japanese Spitz Nureongi Thai Bangkaew Dog Miscellaneous Alaskan Klee Kai Eurasier German Spitz ( Keeshond, Kleinspitz, Mittelspitz & Pomeranian ) Schipperke Volpino Italiano Extinct breeds Guejae Gae Hare Indian Dog Hütespitz Sakhalin Husky Salish Wool Dog Seskar Seal Dog Tahltan Bear Dog Types Husky Laika NDL : 01152916 Retrieved from `` https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Shiba_Inu&oldid=827590367 '' Categories : Spitz breeds Dog breeds Dog breeds originating in Japan Hidden categories : Articles with ' species ' microformats Articles containing Japanese - language text Articles with Curlie links Talk Contents About Wikipedia Bân - lâm - gú Български Català Čeština Cymraeg Dansk Deutsch Eesti Español Esperanto Français 한국어 Hrvatski Bahasa Indonesia Italiano עברית ქართული Magyar Bahasa Melayu Nederlands 日本 語 Norsk Norsk nynorsk Polski Português Русский Scots Simple English Suomi Svenska ไทย Українська Tiếng Việt 中文 25 more Edit links This page was last edited on 25 February 2018, at 16 : 37. 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Question: what is the lifespan of a shiba inu
Answer: from 12 to 15 years