If you are thinking of adopting a Shiba Inu, whether it is a puppy or an adult, and you want to discover everything about it, you have come to the right place. In this breed file on our site we offer you all the information you need to know about this small and beautiful Japanese dog. Including its character, characteristics or necessary care.
This is a breed that is generally very affectionate with its owners and very adaptable to different environments and families. Some sources claim that it is originally from Korea or South China, although Japanese origin is popularly attributed to it. He is currently one of the most popular companion dogs in Japan. If you want to know the characteristics of the shiba inu, their character and education, continue reading this file on our site.
Origin of the Shiba Inu
As we have mentioned, the Shiba Inu is one of the oldest breeds. Even so, the International Cinological Federation does not consider it one of the "primitive dogs", but it is included within the group of " spitz dogs". The first time this breed was recorded in Japan was in 2000 BC, in southern China. The specimens that existed were descendants of wild dogs, but even so, representations of the shiba inu dog have been found in ruins from 500 AD. Despite not being one of the small dog breeds, its name literally means "small dog".
In its beginnings, and like most Japanese dogs, the shiba inu was used to hunt. In fact, rumor has it that was able to hunt foxes and roe deer Due to the introduction of other European breeds and the fashion of turning hunting into a sport, this breed of dog was on the verge of disappearing, since it was practically impossible to find a purebred.
Characteristics of the shiba inu
When we talk about this breed of dog, we refer to an agile animal with a robust chest and short hair. Some of the characteristics of the shiba inu are the following:
- Small size: it is very similar to the Akita Inu, one of its closest relatives, although we can see clear differences in its appearance, since the shiba inu is much smaller and its snout is thinner. We also see small pointed ears and almond-shaped eyes.
- Coiled Tail: This attribute is shared with the Akita Inu.
- Triangular ears: This is one of the most peculiar characteristics of the Shiba Inu dog, as it highlights its attentive appearance.
- Minimal sexual dimorphism: males usually measure about 40 centimeters at the withers and weigh about 11-15 kilograms. Meanwhile, females usually measure about 37 centimeters at the withers and weigh between 9 and 13 kilograms. If you want to know more about sexual dimorphism: definition, curiosities and examples, check out this post on our site.
Colors of the shiba inu
The colors of the shiba inu are very diverse. We can find:
- Red
- Red and Fire
- White
- Cream
- Sesame
- Red sesame
- Black sesame
Except the white shiba inu, all other colors are accepted by the Kennel Club as long as they have the Urajiro characteristic of showing areas of white fur on the cheeks, snout, jaw, abdomen, inside of the tail and inside of the legs. You can find more information about the colors of the shiba inu in this article that we suggest.
Shiba inu character
Each dog has a specific character and behaviour, regardless of the breed to which it belongs. However, we can set some general attributes that usually accompany Shiba Inu dogs.
The shiba inu is an independent and quiet dog, although not always. In addition, he is an excellent watchdog who will enjoy patrolling the grounds of the house and warning us of any intruders. He tends to become attached to caregivers, to whom he shows loy alty and affection He is somewhat shy with strangers, with whom he will be passive and distant. We can add that the shiba inu is a somewhat nervous, excitable andplayful , even a little mischievous.
As for the Shiba Inu's relationships with other dogs, they will largely depend on the socialization he has received. If we have dedicated time to this process we can enjoy a social dog that will get along with other members without problem.
In general, there are controversies about the relationships between the shiba inu and children We can say that if we train our dog correctly it will not there will be no problem. Of course, since it is such an excitable and nervous dog, we must teach our children how to play and interact with it to avoid any mishap. It is important to maintain stability within the home, something that will positively affect all the members that make it up, including the dog.
Shiba inu education
You must be clear that when you adopt a shiba inu puppy you should spend time on the socialization process to enjoy a sociable dog without fear. It is very important that you keep this in mind before welcoming the dog. It will also be essential to initiate him in basic obedience, which can sometimes be somewhat difficult. Always use positive reinforcement and never use force in this process.
The training of the shiba inu is not particularly difficult if we spend at least a few 10-15 minutes a day, since it is about quite an intelligent dog. Of course, it requires a constant caregiver and some experience in basic education and socialization.
We recommend that you set, together with your entire family unit, the rules that you must apply to the Shiba Inu: whether or not he will get on the bed, his meal times or his walk times, for example. The rapport will prevent the shiba inu from becoming a disobedient dog.
To learn more about the Basic commands for dogs or the socialization of the dog, we leave you these two other posts.
Shiba inu he alth
The life expectancy of the shiba inu is something that all the canophile associations do not agree with. Some experts age over 15 years old, while others age up to 18 Even so, we highlight the 26 years that the longest-lived shiba inu in the world lived. Providing him with care, a proper and happy life will significantly increase his life expectancy.
The he alth of the shiba inu is also related to its education. The fact that the dog does not get used to eating everything he finds or has bad behaviors, will avoid many problems. Even so, what should worry us the most regarding the he alth of the shiba inu are allergies, such as now to dust, pollen or medications, although it can also be to some plants. On the other hand, the most common illnesses he suffers from are:
- Patella dislocation.
- Hip dysplasia.
- Inherited defects of the eyes: such as cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).
Another thing to keep in mind is that the shiba inu can accumulate legañas, which if left unremoved can form an ugly stain on the tear duct. Discover on our site Tricks to remove tear stains from dogs, in case that is your case.
Care of the shiba inu
You should know that the shiba inu is a especially clean dog that reminds us, in terms of hygiene, of a cat. He can spend hours grooming himself and enjoys letting himself be groomed by his closest relatives. Brush your shiba inu 2 or 3 times a week, removing dead hair and also preventing the appearance of insects. During the shiba inu's shedding, it will be essential to increase the frequency of brushing while also providing good nutrition.
We recommend you bath him every two months, unless he is especially dirty. This is because the shiba inu has a very thick internal sub-layer of hair that, in addition to protecting it, preserves an essential natural fat. Too much soap and water will remove this natural skin protection. In the coldest times of winter, we recommend using dry-cleaning shampoos to prevent your Shiba Inu from staying wet for too long.
We also highlight the activity that a shiba inu requires. You should walk with him at least 2 or 3 times a day for times between 20 and 30 minutesWe also recommend practice active exercise with him, without forcing him of course, so that he develops his muscles and relieves his stress. In addition to all of the above, it will be essential that our dog can enjoy his own bed or toys to relax and bite properly among others. Proper nutrition and good care will result in a he althy, happy and pleasant dog.
We leave you to consult this other article about Remedies to reduce stress in dogs.
Feeding the Shiba Inu
Like the vast majority, the shiba inu is a breed of dog that requires a balanced diet in order to lead a he althy life and long. We have already seen it in other dogs, and the best way to achieve this is to base our dog's diet on raw foods that are natural
On the other hand, you can also offer dry food, such as meat (the main source of protein). Keep in mind that processed foods or foods with dyes and preservatives, or foods such as wheat, corn or soy can be harmful to your he alth.
Where to adopt a shiba inu dog?
Finding a shiba inu in Spain can be a complicated task, but not impossible. The best way to be able to have a shiba inu in our lives is to adopt it and, for this, we can visit different associations, shelters or protectors of animals that can offer us a dog with these characteristics.
Taking into account the character of this breed of dog, we have to be aware that adopting a Shiba Inu dog is not an easy task. We will need to dedicate much of our time and affection to him, since he will need it. Although sometimes the behavior of this dog can leave us a little confused, given that although he is calm he can also be distrustful, we will have to be more patient than ever.
Curiosities
- In the past, the Shiba Inu was used as a hunting dog for pheasants or small mammals.
- The oldest dog in the world, at 26 years old, was a shiba inu who lived in Japan.
- This breed of dog was on the verge of disappearing on a couple of occasions but the cooperation of breeders and society in Japan made it possible for it to endure.
