Introduction If you are already this far, you have probably caught your first glimpse of a Shiba.
It may have been at a dog show, walking in a park, or just a picture in a book. Cute, huh? The Shiba is probably one of the
most universally appealing of all breeds. It has the look toy manufacturers try to capture in their favorite stuffed animal,
the teddy bear. But the Shiba is not a toy. It is a very lively little dog with a unique set of characteristics. Each one
is an individual with his own personality, but there are some traits that are considered typical of the breed. Dog ownership
is a long term commitment; not something that can be stuffed in the closet once the novelty wears off. A dog's love is for
keeps.
A Brief History of the Shiba Inu Originally, Shibas were bred to flush birds and small
game and were occasionally used to hunt wild boar. Now they are primarily kept as pets, both in Japan and the United States.
There are more Shibas in Japan than any other breed.
Around 7000 BC the ancestors of today's Shiba may have accompanied
the earliest immigrants to Japan. Archaeological excavations of the shell-mounds left by the Jomonjin, or Rope-Pattern People
(a name derived from the pattern found on their earthenware), show that they had small dogs in the 14 1/2 to 19 1/2 inch range.
In
the third century BC, a new group of immigrants brought their dogs to Japan. These dogs then interbred with the descendants
of the Jomonjin dogs, and produced canines known to have pointed, erect ears and curly or sickle tails.
In the 7th
century AD, the Yamato Court established a dogkeeper's office that helps maintain the Japanese native breeds as an integral
part of Japanese culture. Although the country was closed to foreigners from the 17th through 18th centuries, some European
dogs and a breed known as the Chinese Chin were imported and crossed with native dogs living in the more populated areas.
Dogs in the countryside, however, remained relatively pure.
Originally there were three main varieties of Shiba; each
named for its region of origin. Although similar, the Shibas from each area contributed to differences in breed type seen
today.
From the original Japanese native dogs, six distinct "breeds," in three different sizes developed. They are: *Large
Size - The Akita *Medium Size - The Kishu, Hokkaido, Shikoku, & Kai *Small Size - The Shiba
The small size
dog has been called the Shiba since ancient times, with several theories surrounding the development of that name. One popular
explanation is that the word Shiba means "brushwood," and the dogs were named for the brushwood bushes where they hunted.
Another theory is that the fiery red color of the Shiba is the same as the autumn color of the brushwood leaves. A third conjecture
is related to an obsolete meaning of the word shiba referring to its small size. These explanations are often combined and
the Shiba is referred to as the "little brushwood dog."
World War II nearly spelled disaster for the Shiba, and most
of the dogs that did not perish in bombing raids succumbed to distemper during the post-war years. While the Mino and Sanin
Shibas became practically extinct, more of the Shinshu Shibas survived. After the war, Shibas were brought from the remote
countryside, and breeding programs were established. The remnants of the various bloodlines were combined to produce the breed
as it is known today.
Physical
Characteristics The Shiba is a very proportionate
dog with a height to length ratio of 10 to 11. Males run from 14 1/2 to 16 1/2 inches tall, with females ranging from 13 1/2
to 15 1/2 inches. Height over the upper limits is a disqualification. The weight varies according to height up to about 25
pounds. It is a medium boned, moderately compact and well-muscled dog with a generally spitz-like appearance. Because of its
hunting heritage, it is quick, agile and able to turn on a yen. It has a dense double coat similar to that of a husky. Although
all colors are acceptable in the Shiba standard, red, red sesame (sable) and black and tan are preferred. White and cream
shadings (urajiro) are present in the legs, belly, chest and part of the face and tail.
Temperament With
a black button nose, little pricked ears and a curly tail, the Shiba enters the world knowing he is a superior being. Whether
with intrepid boldness, squinty-eyed cuteness or calm dignity, he is king.
The Japanese have three words to describe
the Shiba temperament. The first is "kan-i" which is bravery and boldness combined with composure and mental strength. The
opposite side of "kan-i" is "ryosei" which means good nature with a gentle disposition. One cannot exist without the other.
The charming side of the Shiba is "sobuku" which is artlessness with a refined and open spirit. They combine to make a personality
that Shiba owners can only describe as "irresistible."
If a Shiba could only utter one word, it would probably be "mine."
It is "mine" food, "mine" water, "mine" toys, "mine" sofa, "mine" crate, "mine" car, "mine" owner, and "mine" world. Sharing
is a concept he feels others should practice.
If the bait is dangled when a potential Shiba owner sees adults at a
dog show or pictures in a magazine, the hook is set when he encounters his first puppy. They are exemplary examples of canine
cuteness, fiery little fuzzballs-from-hell, no words can describe the appeal of the infant Shiba. A litter of Shibas is a
Dakin™ Convention and a school of piranha; strutting, posturing little windup toys.
The adult Shiba is far from
a toy. "Macho stud muffin" has been used to describe the male Shiba. The body may look "muffin," but the mind is all "macho
stud." The Shiba takes the "spirited boldness part of his temperament quite seriously. Early socialization, temperament testing,
and careful conditioning are mandatory for the young puppy. Dog aggression, especially in the un-neutered male, is a breed
characteristic. This fiery aspect of the Shiba nature cannot be taken lightly.
Most Shiba owners learn to deal with
the difficult aspects of the dog's temperament to enjoy the delightful ones. With "sobuku" the Shiba sets his hook into the
heart. This is "artlessness" with squinty eyes, airplaned ears, and a vibrating tail. It is "charm" standing in your lap,
washing your ears, and "dignity" plus "refinement" born of the knowledge of superiority.
Where to Find A Shiba You have probably been admonished to buy from a reputable breeder. Where are they?
You may look in the newspaper, but many of the best breeders use other methods of advertising. It is best to check with the
National Shiba Club of America (NSCA) which is the national organization (parent club) for the Shiba. If you call the American
Kennel Club (AKC), that organization will give you the address of the current secretary of the NSCA, or of the contact person
for breed information. Breeders are listed in publications geared for the Shiba breed, as well as general "dog" magazines.
Let
your best instincts guide you when choosing a breeder. Don't pick a puppy because you feel sorry for it or want to "rescue"
it. This is an animal that will be sharing your life and the life of your family the next 12 years or so. Take your time.
If it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Visit several breeders and pick one with whom you feel comfortable. Choose one
who is willing to help you both before and after the sale. Since Shibas often aren't readily available, choose the breeder
first and place a deposit on an upcoming litter. If possible, see the puppies as they develop. A breeder should not mind the
visitation as he wishes to become acquainted with you too.
Unfortunately, as Shiba ownership becomes more widespread,
some of them will end up in rescue services. There are several for the breed already. If you feel you could take one of these
dogs, contact the NSCA Secretary or any reputable breeder who is a member of the NSCA. These people can put you in contact
with the rescue organization in your area. Rescue dogs are usually nice dogs whose owners could no longer keep them. These
dogs come already neutered, adjust readily to their new homes and usually cost less than a puppy.
Sometimes adults
are available from breeders or people who have bought them as show dogs. For some reason, frequently size or dentition, the
dog did not turn out to be a show dog. These dogs usually make outstanding pets as they have been carefully raised and are
past the "puppy stage."
Sometimes, whether through impulse or frustration in trying to find a good breeder, people
end up considering a pet store puppy. Puppies found in a pet store have been bred strictly for profit. Quality is seldom a
criteria. People who breed these puppies do not know where they go and have no contact with the animal after it is sold to
the pet store. It is not to say that a nice puppy cannot be obtained through a pet store, but common sense dictates that it
is better to work with someone who has the welfare of his puppies as his highest priority, not money.
For Additional Information Shiba fanciers dedicated to the breed and AKC recognition founded The National Shiba
Club of America in 1983. In 1992, the NSCA was granted Parent Club status by the AKC. The Club is active in all aspects of
the Shiba world. It hosts a National Specialty every year and sponsors two regional specialties. It has judging seminars,
public education, and health and genetics committees. It also publishes a bi-monthly magazine of interest to all Shiba fanciers,
called the Shiba-E-News.
How
To Learn More The best place to learn about
Shibas is from other Shiba owners. There are no dumb questions. Just ask. The breeder of your puppy should be your primary
source of information. Sometimes this is difficult as the breeder may live far away or be extremely hard to contact. Ask the
breeder for names of other Shiba owners in your area and feel free to contact them. People love to talk about their dogs.
Come and join us at the Meetup Group and online! Where Shiba owners unite to talk about their little devils!
Northeast Ohio Shiba Inu Meetup Group
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