<C>Height:</C> 14 1/2 to 16 1/2 inches (male); 13 1/2 to 15 1/2 inches (female).
<C>Weight:</C> 15 to 28 pounds.
<C>Size:</C> Small.
<C>Availability:</C> May take some effort to find.
<b>History:</> The Shiba is an ancient Asian breed whose ancestors were probably brought to Japan by early immigrants thousands of years ago. Six distinct breeds developed from these original dogs, including the Akita and the Shiba. The Shiba is the smallest of the six (some of the other breeds are now extinct). Shibas were originally bred to flush birds and hunt small game. The breed may have been named for the brushwood environment where the dog hunted, for the bright red color of the autumn brushwood leaves that matches the color of some Shiba's coats, or perhaps just for his size, as the word "shiba" means both "brushwood" and "small". World War II was a difficult time for many dog breeds worldwide, and the Shiba was no exception. Though the breed almost became extinct, breeding programs were established after the war, using individuals from the countryside. The Shiba is now the most popular breed in Japan and in recent years has been gaining popularity in the United States as well, primarily as a companion dog. The Shiba is now in the AKC Non-Sporting Group.
<b>Description:</> The Shiba is a small, compact, agile furry dog that looks like a miniature Akita, with a pointed face and triangular prick ears. The eyes are small and dark. The teeth should form a scissors bite. The Spitz-like tail curls over the back. Though all colors are acceptable, the plush double coat most often comes in red, or red with a little black overlay, or black with tan markings. The dog should have white or cream colored markings on the cheeks and sides of the muzzle, throat, underside and chest. White is also permitted on the legs, tail tip and above the eyes.
<b>Notes:</> Easy to travel with. Be careful during hunting season as this dog looks like a fox and may be mistaken for one! Not usually a reliable off-leash dog. Clean. Though only a small proportion of Shibas have histories of hip dysplasia and PRA, buy only from OFA and CERF-certified stock as a precaution. Some lines are prone to patellar luxation (slipped kneecap).
<b>Personality:</> Alert, lively and bold. Independant but loving. Confident, fearless and courageous. A big dog in a small dog's body. Agile, fast and playful. Charming and open. A good child's companion. Socialize well as a puppy. Does well with other dogs and cats if raised with them from puppyhood, though they tend to be aggressive with members of the same sex. Don't trust this dog around other small pets such as rodents and small birds. Big birds such as parrots may be okay.
<b>Behavior:</>
<C>Children:</C> Good with children.
<C>Friendliness:</C> Reserved with strangers.
<C>Trainability:</C> Slightly difficult to train.
<C>Independence:</C> Fairly independent.
<C>Dominance:</C> High.
<C>Other Pets:</C> Generally good with other dogs; do not trust with non-canine pets.
<C>Combativeness:</C> Can be a bit dog-aggressive.
<C>Noise:</C> Not a barker.
<b>Grooming and Physical Needs:</>
<C>Grooming:</C> Very little grooming needed.
<C>Trimming & Stripping:</C> No trimming or stripping needed.
<C>Coat:</C> Fluffy coat.
<C>Shedding:</C> Seasonally heavy shedder.
<C>Exercise:</C> Moderate exercise needed.
<C>Jogging:</C> A good jogging companion.
<C>Indoors:</C> Moderately active indoors.
<C>Apartments:</C> Will be OK in an apartment if sufficiently exercised.
<C>Outdoor Space:</C> Best with at least an average-size yard.
<C>Climate:</C> Does well in most climates.
<C>Owner:</C> Good for novice owners.
<C>Longevity:</C> Moderately long lived (12 to 15 years).
<b>Talents:</> hunting, tracking, watchdog, guarding, agility, and performing tricks.
<b>For More Information:</>
Call the AKC Breeder Referral Hotline: 1-900-407-PUPS for the name of a breeder referral representative in your area. Cost is 99 cents per minute.
<b>Photo Caption:</> SHIBA
Photo copyright: Cook PhoDOGraphy 1995. All rights reserved.
