Japanese Shiba Inu

The Japanese Shiba Inu is an ancient breed that originated in Japan, as the name indicates. It is considered a basal breed that precedes the development of the newer breeds in the 19th century. Records show similar-looking dogs existed in the 3rd century BC as seen on pottery and terracotta remains. These dogs are believed to have been taken to Japan by immigrants and crossed with local dogs.

The Japanese Shiba Inu is one of Japan’s six native breeds along with the Akita, Kishu, Kai, Hokkaido, and Shikoku. The Organisation to Preserve the Japanese Dog was founded in 1928 to avoid the extinction of native breeds. Despite this, many Japanese breeds decreased in number due to the advent of World War II. Good thing native dogs were found in remote regions that allowed breeding programs to commence. There was yet another threat to the breed in the 1950s due to a distemper outbreak. Two Shiba Inus with different body types were used to resurrect the breed once again. The Shiba Inu is considered one of Japan’s national treasures and remains to be one of the most popular breeds in Japan. It has gradually won the hearts of dog lovers in the world, although it remains a rare breed in the UK. It is registered with The Kennel Club under the Utility group.

The Japanese Shiba Inu is the smallest of Japan’s six native breeds with an average height of 36 to 41 centimetres and weight of 17 to 23 centimetres. It looks like a mini Akita, having a similar body type where it is slightly longer than it is tall. It has a broad and flat skull, muscled cheeks with a defined stop, an adorable furrow, straight muzzles that taper gradually to its nose, tight lips and a strong jaw with a perfect scissor bite. The breed’s nose is either black or flesh and its ears small and triangular in shape. Its eyes are dark brown, almond shaped, fairly small, and set well apart.

The Shiba Inu boasts of a double coat consisting of a straight, stiff outer coat and a soft dense undercoat. People often describe it as a breed with a teddy bear look. It has slightly longer hair on its tail compared to the rest of its body. According to KC standards, the accepted colours are red, white, sesame, and black and tan.

The Japanese Shiba Inu is an alert, bold and playful dog, usually good-natured when raised properly. It forms a strong bond with its owners and would love to be included in everything that happens in the house. It is quite a needy breed; always wanting attention, affection and even food that humans eat. In fact, it yodels when it wants attention. It tends to be wary and aloof around strangers but once it realises that visitors mean no harm, it is fine with them.

The Shiba Inu is recommended for families with mature kids that know how to approach and respect dogs. It isn’t really patient and won’t put up with very young children that are rowdy. Regardless of age, children must be taught to treat animals with kindness and all interactions must be supervised to avoid untoward incidents. This being said, the Shiba Inu is loving and gentle, not known to be aggressive toward people but it is best not to test it.

The Japanese Shiba Inu is an intelligent dog that easily learns and loves pleasing its owners. However, it is quite independent and stubborn. It will sometimes choose to ignore commands and do what it pleases instead.

This dog isn’t for first-time owners because of its high prey drive and territorial instincts, which can get quite challenging when it comes to sharing food and toys. It has a tendency to fight other dogs especially those of the same gender and won’t hesitate to chase small animals. However, it usually gets along with pets it grew up with. Experienced owners must establish the alpha role as well as rules and boundaries early on to curb these possessive and protective characteristics. If not, it will grow up to be dominant and difficult to live with. It is worth noting that consistent training needs to continue throughout its life because the Shiba Inu will test and try to bend the rules.

• Senior and less active: up to 950 calories daily
• Typical adults: up to 1,060 calories daily
• Physically active/working dogs: up to 1,200 calories daily

Before making up your mind about buying a Japanese Shiba Inu puppy, you have to get an idea on the costs you will likely spend raising it. First, since this breed is rare in the UK, obtaining a puppy is not as easy as other breed as you have to be on a waiting list. The price is usually £1,200 to £1,400 and above.

As a rough guide, you will be spending around £60 to £90, which includes the following:

• Basic equipment and toys - £200 initial cost
• Food and treats - £40 monthly
• Veterinary care - £900 in a year especially if the dog undergoes neutering/spaying
• Pet insurance - starts at £20 monthly