From: schalene@sequent.com
Subject: Re: Shibu Inu Query
Organization:  Sequent Computer Systems, Inc.
Distribution: bl
Date: Fri, 10 Apr 92 16:42:08 GMT

In article <1992Apr10.133407.17935@cbnewse.cb.att.com> shirley@cbnewse.cb.att.com (shirley.d.dunn) writes:
>
>Hi all,
>
>I was at a pet shop buying some cat litter and looked at the caged dogs.  Don't
>worry I would NEVER buy one, just checking out the their condition.  ANYWAY,
>they had a dog called a Shibu Inu.  I was wondering if anyone has heard of this
>breed.  My husband and I have looked at books and can't find any references.
>
From "The Atlas of Dog Breeds of the World"

Country:     Japan
Weight:      20-30 pounds
Height:      13 1/2- 15 1/2 inches
Coat:        Fairly short, harsh, plush, straight, stand-off, double
Color:       In order of Japanses preference:  deep red, red sesame
	     (red and black hairs with red predominating), black/tan,
	     black sesame, white, lighter red.  American standard has
	     no order of preference and also includes brindles and 
	     white markings.
Registry:    Federation Cynologique Internationale (FCI)

In Japan, a small package filled with a keen disposition and talent is
generally compared to the Japanese pepper.  This term fits the Shiba
dog -- spicy though small.  His name literally means small dog.  The
Shiba should look like a small version of the Akita.  

Wending its way through the southern regions, perhaps over land
bridges from Korea and China, Shibas originated in the mountainous
landlocked areas of Japan, where the type has been known for nearly
3,000 years.  The Shiba is a result of interbeeding ancient tpyes:
the Sanin, the Mino, and the Shinshu.

Shibas were used as hunters of ground birds and small game.  The
little dog occasionally assisted the hunter for boar, bear, and deer.
Originally, more than one type were bred in different areas.  Modern
breeders have combined the various types, selecting from among them
for the desired qualities of small size, curled tail, triangualr-set
"Oriental" eyes, deep red color, and warmeth and affection for the
master.

Because of its native ability and environment, the modern Shiba enjoys
the out-of-doors and cold weather.  In fact, some Japanese owners put
their dogs on ice and blow fans on them to grow lush coats.

Agile and quick, they delight in a good run with owners.  A warning to
use a leash accompanies this suggestion, for it is said, "you can
never outrun a Shiba."  They are catlike in their cleanliness and have
the northern dog tendency of aloofness to strangers and an independent
nature, being natural guardians.  Although affectionate to their
family, they are sometimes scrappy with other dogs.

Owners describe their cunning intelligence, saying that they could
charm a stone!  Breeders warn they are not a dog for everyone, even
though many who see one find it appealing.  Prospective owners must
understand the spitz-type personality and be prepared to deal with it
before they will truly enjoy owning one.  They are perky and sturdy
for their size, making them ideal children's playmates.  If there are
no children around, nor adults available, a Shiba is perfectly able to
entertain himself for long periods.  They are loving and ready for fun,
but are not always underfoot when their people are busy.  An owner
says, they "love to live and live to love."

The Shiba has been the most popular dog in Japan for a number of
years, where his size is welcome in a small country with a high
population.  The Shiba is making headway in the USA with at least two
organization promoting and registering the breed, and the breed ha a
good number of enthusiasts in other countries.