SCRAPS Breed Profile SHIBA INU Stats Country of Origin: Japan Group: Non-Sporting Use today: Hunting, Tracking, Watchdog, Guarding, Agility Life Span: 12 - 15 years Color: Coat colors come in red, or red with a little black overlay, black with tan markings, sesame with red markings, all with a cream, buff or gray undercoat. Coat: The coat is double with a soft, thick undercoat and a stiff, straight outer coat. Grooming: The Shiba has a clean, coarse, stiff, shorthaired coat that is easy to groom. Brush with a firm bristle brush to remove the dead hair and bathe only when absolutely necessary as it removes the natural waterproofing of the coat. This breed is a seasonally heavy shedder. Height: Males 14 - 16 inches; Females 13 - 15 inches Weight: Males 18 - 25 pounds; Females 15 - 20 pounds Profile In Brief: The Shiba has an independent nature colors come in red, or red with a little black and can be reserved toward strangers but is overlay, black with tan markings, sesame with loyal and affectionate to those who earn his red markings, all with a cream, buff or respect. The Shiba adapts well to different living gray undercoat. Markings should appear on the situations, but must be exercised regularly on cheeks and sides of the muzzle, throat, leash or in a secure area. Early obedience underside and chest. There may be white on the training and regular brushing are musts. The legs, tip of the tail and above the eyes. smallest of the Japanese native breeds, the Shiba was originally developed for hunting in the Temperament: The Shiba is alert, confident, dense undergrowth of Japan's mountainous courageous and bold. It is loving, kind, trainable areas. Alert and agile with keen senses, he is and brave. It is clean and most try to avoid also an excellent watchdog and companion. His puddles and are relatively easy to housebreak. frame is compact with well-developed muscles They bark little and bond closely with their and he possesses a double coat that can be handler. Playful and delightful, a well-adjusted black and tan, red or red sesame. Shiba is good with kids, other dogs and cats. Active, lively, agile and fast. Socialize this breed Description: The Shiba is a small, compact well as a puppy, as they can be reserved with dog. The head is in proportion with the body. strangers. If the Shiba is not completely The round muzzle has a moderate stop and convinced that its handler can handle the pack tapers slightly toward the nose. The tight lips leader position and regards itself as stronger and the nose are black. The teeth meet in a minded it will become a bit stubborn as it will scissors bite. The deep-set eyes are triangular in believe it needs to make up its own rules. Proper shape and dark in color. The eye rims are black. human to canine communication is essential. A The erect ears are triangular in shape and small natural hunting dog, the Shiba should not be in proportion to the rest of the body. The front trusted alone with small pets such as rabbits, legs are straight. Dewclaws may be removed. guinea pigs, rodents and small birds. Be careful The high-set tail is thick at the base, curled and when taking them off leash as they like to chase, carried over the back, either in a ring or with a especially if they do not regard their owners as a sickle curve. The coat is double with a soft, thick strong pack leader. Adapts well to traveling. undercoat and a stiff, straight outer coat. Coat Make sure you are this dog's firm, confident, consistent leader, providing daily pack walks to Origins: The Shiba is the smallest of the avoid behavior issues. Japanese native breeds, which include the Kai Inu, Hokkaido Inu, Kishu Inu, Shikoku Inu, Tosa Living Conditions: The Shiba will do okay in an Inu and the Akita Inu. Despite its smaller size it apartment if is sufficiently exercised. It is was bred to hunt small wild game, bear, boar moderately active indoors and will do best with and to flush birds. The name Shiba means, both at least an average-sized yard. The Shiba's "small" and "brushwood" in Japanese. It may waterproof, all-weather coat protects it in both have been named after the terrain the dogs cold and hot conditions, so it can live outdoors if hunted in or the color of the Shiba's coat, or you have a secure yard of reasonable size. perhaps the dog's size. The word "Inu" means However, it does regard itself as part of the "dog." As with many breeds, the second world family and does not like to be left alone outside. war nearly did the breed in. After the war was This breed would be much happier living indoors over, several breeding programs worked to bring with its family. the breed back to safe numbers. The Shiba is one of the most popular breeds in Japan today Exercise: The Shiba Inu is an undemanding and is gaining numbers in the USA. The Shiba Inu was recognized by the AKC in 1992. Some dog that will adapt to your circumstances, so of the Shiba's talents include: hunting, tracking, long as it gets a daily walk. It is a very active dog watchdog, guarding, agility and performing and will be healthier and happier with regular exercise. This breed can walk for hours on end tricks. as it has tremendous endurance. Spokane County Regional Animal Protection Service 6815 E. Trent • Spokane Valley • Washington • 99212 (509) 477-2532 voice (509) 477-4745 fax www.spokanecounty.org/animal .