The Shiba Inu dog is a dog breed many people love because of its cute facial expressions. This breed is very intelligent and loyal to its owner.
Join DailyPets.net to learn about the origin, characteristics, and care of Shiba Inu dogs through this article.
Shiba Inu dog origin
Shiba Inu (or Shiba dog) is a dog breed from Japan, believed to have been present in this country more than 3,000 years ago. In Japanese, Shiba means palm tree, and Inu means dog.
The Shiba Inu is one of the six original Japanese dog breeds, including Kai Ken, Akita, Shikoku, Kishu, and Hokkaido. The Shiba is the smallest of them all.
According to scientific studies, the Shiba Inu is an ancient dog breed that appeared in the 3rd century BC. During World War II, the Shiba were in danger of extinction, but after the war, they were bred and cross-bred to give birth to today’s Shiba dog breed.
The organization that announced the origin of the Shiba Inu dog is the Japan Dog Association (Nippo). Nippo is the oldest and most prestigious dog breed organization in Japan. Nippo recognized the Shiba Inu as a separate breed in 1934.
Authentic evidence about the origin of the Shiba Inu dog includes:
- Ancient Japanese paintings and sculptures show images of dogs with a Shiba Inu-like appearance.
- Archaeological sites have found bones and teeth of Shiba Inu-like dogs in Japan.
- DNA studies have shown that the Shiba Inu is closely related to other primitive Japanese dog breeds, such as the Akita Inu, Hokkaido Inu, and Kishu Ken.
Shiba Inu lives mainly in mountainous areas and has a similar shape to the Akita Inu but is smaller in size. In addition, Shiba Inu is also known as the “smiling Shiba dog.” The corner of Shiba’s smiling mouth exudes irresistible cuteness.
Physical characteristics of Shiba Inu
The Japan Dog Association (Nippo) has standards for the Shiba Inu’s appearance. This standard is used to judge Shiba Inu dogs in dog breed competitions.
Shiba Inu’s appearance standards include the following factors:
- Size: The Shiba Inu is a small breed, 33 to 41 cm (13 to 16 in) tall and 8 to 12 kg (18 to 26 lb) in weight.
- Body structure: Shiba Inu has a balanced, healthy body structure. They have a deep chest and a straight back.
- Coat: Shiba Inu has a double coat; the outer coat is rough and hard, and the undercoat is soft and thick. The Shiba Inu’s coat color can be red, black, brown, or sesame (red with black hairs).
- Head: The Shiba Inu’s head is small and triangular. The Shiba Inu’s nose is black. Shiba Inu’s eyes are dark brown. The Shiba Inu’s ears are small and erect.
- Tail: The Shiba Inu’s tail curls up on its back.
Shiba Inu’s personality traits
- Intelligence: The Shiba is a very intelligent breed and can be trained easily. However, they can also be quite stubborn and need patience to train.
- Loyal: is a very loyal and loving dog breed. They will always be with their owners and protect their owners.
- Affection: Shiba is very affectionate and loves to be petted and hugged. They also love to play and will always bring joy to their owners.
- Independence: The Shiba is a very independent breed and can solve problems on its own. They do not need too much monitoring and care from their owners.
- Vigilance: Shiba Inu is very alert and has a high protective instinct. They will always bark to alert when a stranger or strange animal approaches.
- Exercise: Shiba needs exercise. They need to walk or run for at least 30 minutes a day. Without exercise, Shiba Inu can become bored and destructive.
How to take care of Shiba Inu dogs
Habitat for the Shiba Inu dog
Shiba Inu dogs are very naughty and hyperactive, so the living space needs to be spacious; it is best to have a garden to run around. Shiba can also be kept in apartments or small apartments, but you must regularly take them outside to exercise for at least 30 minutes daily.
The Shiba Inu dog’s home needs to be cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Their habitat should not be separated from humans as they will become aloof and aggressive.
Shiba Inu dog food
You should buy high-quality dog food such as grain, canned, homemade, and fresh food.
Look for foods that incorporate high-quality proteins from fish, chicken, sheep, beef, and eggs.
Look for the ingredient list on the product packaging with the top ingredient containing protein, such as beef or chicken, instead of carbohydrates, such as corn or wheat.
You can feed your dog extra human food that is delicious and safe for dogs. Dogs often love vegetable soup or broth from beef or chicken that is fat-free, salt-free and warmed up.
You can feed your dog more beef liver, boiled chicken liver, chicken eggs cooked with pumpkin, and sweet potato. Or add fat-free cheese and fat-free yogurt.
Physical activity for the Shiba Inu dog
Shiba should be taken for a walk every day and do physical exercises such as Swimming, high jumping, jogging, catching a ball…
Keep an eye on your Shiba Inu when going out because they often run after other pets and can easily get lost.
Train Shiba commands from an early age to control them more easily.
It would be best not to let Shiba stay in the house for too long because they will gradually become afraid of humans and shy.
Shiba Inu dog hair care
Trim and brush hair regularly with a specialized comb for Shiba dogs to minimize hair loss, remove dead hair, and stimulate new hair growth.
Pruning should be done every 2-3 months.
Body hygiene for Shiba Inu dogs
Bathe your dog 1-2 times a week. When bathing, you must clean your ears, underarms, between your toes, nostrils, etc. After bathing, you must dry your hair.
Trim Shiba’s toenails with nail clippers and clean their teeth regularly to prevent respiratory diseases.
Health problems
The Shiba Inu dog breed has a lifespan of about 12 – 15 years. They are quite healthy but are susceptible to genetic diseases and some other diseases, such as:
- Hip dysplasia.
- Ear infections – mainly due to narrow ear canals.
- Acute pleural effusion.
- Epileptic.
- Allergy.
- Cataract.
- Glaucoma – both primary and secondary – BVA/KC/ISDS.
In addition, Parvo, distemper, hepatitis, rabies… are also quite dangerous for Shiba dogs but can be prevented by properly vaccinating them.
Note when choosing to buy a Shiba Inu dog
When looking to buy a Shiba Inu dog, you should pay attention to:
Shiba Inu puppies should be selected with well-proportioned bodies, standing majestically and moving quickly and flexibly. Puppies must be plump and have strong limbs. No defects in parts. Check that the skin is clean and free of fungal infections.
It would be best to choose a Shiba dog with a strong personality, confidence, and always cheerful and active. In particular, do not choose Shiba dogs lacking vitality and movement.
Choose a Shiba Inu with a thick double coat; the guard hair on the shoulder should be about 4-5 cm away from the body. The tail feathers are ruffled and curved up the back.
Age: Over 2 months old, fully vaccinated.
*Note: It is necessary to request the Shiba Inu dog seller to provide complete medical records, vaccination schedules, documents proving origin, and sales contract.
Shiba Inu dog price
A Shiba Inu dog can cost anywhere from $1,200 to $3,500 or even more, depending on various factors such as the dog’s age, pedigree, breeder’s reputation, and location.
Puppies with champion or high-quality bloodlines are often at the higher end of this price range and cost up to $ 5,000.
