Japanese Shiba Inu

Believed to be one of Japan’s most ancient breeds, bones matching the modern Shiba Inu dog have been found at an archaeological site dating from the Jōmon period, at least 500 BC. It is thought that later, around the 3rd century AD, these dogs were refined by mating with spitz type immigrant dogs, bringing in the pricked ears and curly tail. 

This is one of the most popular companion breeds in Japan, established as part of Japanese culture by the 7th century, and used for hunting both small ground-breeding birds and even bigger game such as wild boar. 

Due to the popularity of importing foreign breeds, the Shiba Inu became extremely rare by the 1920s, so hunters started a preservation programme in 1928. By 1934 the breed standard had been fixed, and by 1937 the Shiba Inu was declared a National Monument, which saw the breed rise steadily in number.  

Although they suffered during the Second World War, and subsequent to that a distemper outbreak reduced numbers even further, the breed has risen again in number and popularity, becoming the most numerous of all the native Japanese breeds and now popular outside Japan, particularly in Europe, Australia, and North America. 

Ideal Shiba owners will adore the clever, quick-witted nature of this neat, foxy breed, and crucially, be able to match that physical and mental speed to keep their Shiba well trained, exercised and entertained with plenty of enrichment. As with all Spitz types, a strong desire to vacuum frequently and the ability to groom outside is beneficial. Best suited to those without children or with older children who want to take part in exercise and training activities.

An hour per day of exercise, ideally more, and with training and games on top – the Shiba Inu is a clever and active dog, who will be far happier and much more pleasant to live with if kept well entertained both mentally and physically. Free running in secure locations is necessary on top of lead walks, so training a reliable recall is vital. They love their freedom and make excellent hiking companions so you can always count on them to be ecstatic whenever a running opportunity comes along. 

Whilst small and compact in size, the Shiba Inu dog does need some space to run and play outside the house, so a very secure well fenced garden of a decent size is important. Indoors they are neat and clean, although their spitz-type coat will shed heavily at times so take this into consideration! 

Due to their vocal nature on seeing anything exciting or unusual, or when frustrated, they are better in a quiet location, rural suburbs or countryside, as the constant busy-ness of inner city or town living may be too much — and you may not be popular with close neighbours! 

Your dog's diet needs to have the right balance of all the main nutrient groups including a constant supply of fresh water. It's also important to conduct regular body condition scores to ensure you keep your dog in ideal shape, and remember to feed them at least twice daily and in accordance with the feeding guidelines of their particular food. Proper nutrition along with care can contribute to a Shiba Inu lifespan reaching 15 years. 

The Shiba Inu is a very clean breed – in fact, they are known for self-grooming rather like a cat. However, the coat does need brushing about once a week, and when the coat sheds, you'll realise how thick that undercoat really is!

Independent and clever thinkers and problem solvers, the Shiba Inu is a challenge to train to a high level, and progress will only be made with positive reinforcement methods and a lot of patience and consistency. An owner must invest time and effort to motivate their Shiba Inu to want to work with them, and if they succeed, the Shiba Inu is capable of, and will enjoy, a variety of doggy activities and sports such as scent-work, agility, and more. 

With older, dog-wise children, the Shiba Inu can make an excellent pet, particularly if they are willing and able to take part in exercise and training. Shibas may find life with very small children and babies a bit too exciting, and as a result may be noisy and hard work to live with. 

While many dogs are traditionally thought of as being good with children, all dogs and children need to be taught to get on with and respect each other, and be safe together. Even so, dogs and young children should never be left alone together and adults should supervise all interactions between them.