Shiba Inu - breed description and dog character

Representatives of this breed, small dogs with an appearance that is somewhat reminiscent of foxes, originally from Japan. Shiba Inu or Shiba Inu (as they are sometimes called because of the difficulty of pronunciation) are unique in that their unusually miniature sizes do not interfere with excellent hunting skills. They are extremely popular among the Japanese and deservedly gained recognition in other countries.

From the history of the breed

More than ten thousand years ago, the first settlements appeared in Japan. They brought with them their pets, the remains of which were found in burials several thousand years before our era. Presumably these dogs are the ancient ancestors of Shiba Inu. It is known for certain that the progenitors of this breed arrived on the Japanese islands about 300 years BC. e. with their masters originally from Korea or China. They crossed their pets with local breeds. No one can say for sure which particular dogs are the ancestors of the Shiba Inu, but it is known for sure that this breed is already several thousand years old. Presumably this breed arose as a result of the selection of larger Akita Inu.

These small dogs are found throughout Japan. They are small in size and picky in content compared to other breeds. Shiba Inu are excellent hunters, both in company with other relatives, and alone. Once they helped their owners catch bears and wild boars, as well as small game. At a time when hunting had not yet used firearms, such qualities were very much appreciated in dogs.

When such a weapon appeared, the Shiba Inu gained even greater popularity. They brought their owners small game after the shot. For a long time they were not isolated in a separate breed. These were dogs with similar instincts, having similarities in external data.

The name of the breed itself came from the Japanese “inu” - “dog” and “shiba” - “shrub”, which may indicate the purpose of the pet for hunting purposes, when the dog makes an ambush in the bush. Another meaning of the word "small", which simply reflects the external characteristics of these pets.

For many years, Japan was considered a closed country. One can only guess what dog breeds are popular in this country. Acquaintance with Japanese culture began in the 54th year of the 19th century, when the borders of Japan were opened by the efforts of the American admiral Perry and his fleet.

Foreigners liked Japanese dogs so much that they brought them with them to their homeland, where these animals immediately gained popularity. Shiba Inu in other countries began to interbreed with pointers and English setters. This led to the fact that the breed began to degenerate. Thoroughbred individuals survived only in the Japanese outbacks, where foreigners had not yet set foot.

At the beginning of the 20th century, fans of Shiba Inu in Japan seriously thought about preserving the breed. In the 28th year of the same century, Dr. Hiro Saito created an organization called Nihon Ken Hozonkai, where its representatives were actively involved in creating the standard for this breed. They found 6 typical Akita - Inu and were actively engaged in their breeding. This breed of dog was enjoyed by representatives of the government and became a national symbol in the 31st year. The breed standards were approved in the 34th year of the 20th century, and a couple of years later they were recognized as a national breed. During World War II, breeders had to euthanize their pets, so the number of dogs decreased significantly.The surviving individuals were used to restore the breed at the end of hostilities. Breeders had to combine for this purpose all the remaining pedigree lines.

Before the great world war began, there were several dozen variations of the Shiba - Inu breed, after it there were only 3. They became the ancestors of modern representatives of this breed. Shiba Inu in the new version quickly became popular in Japan. They recovered rapidly with the economy of this country.

Residents of the cities preferred Shiba Inu - thanks to their small size, they quickly gained popularity. At the end of the 20th century, this breed became the most popular in Japan.

Thanks to the soldiers, the Shiba Inu were brought to the United States. Over time, they gained popularity there due to their unusual appearance and similarity with foxes. In the 92nd year of the 20th century, the breed was recognized by the American Kennel Club and other reputable organizations.

Soon, these dogs migrated from the hunting breed to the category of companions. By the way, their hunting qualities have not disappeared, they are simply very rarely used for their intended purpose.

Breed standards

According to FCI classification, Shiba Inu is a primitive type of Spitz. By destination, companions and hunters. Outwardly, they are small, harmoniously composed animals with developed skeleton and muscles. They look beautiful and energetic, observant and lively. Their feature is the ratio of growth and body length 10:11.

The weight of adults is from 8 to 13 kilograms in females and from 9 to 14 in males. Accordingly, the growth at the withers is up to 41.5 cm in males and not more than 38.5 in females.

1. Torso. Strong and muscular. The chest is well developed. The stomach does not protrude.
2. Head. Reminds fox. Broad, in part of the skull with well-defined cheekbones. The muzzle tapers toward the nose.
3. The ears. Triangular shape. Small size. Raised and looking forward.
4. Paws The fingers are tightly assembled, convex. Equal. With moderately tilted shoulder blades. Hips are long and shins are shorter.
5. Neck. Muscular Middle length.
6. Tail. Well pubescent. Set high. Its length reaches the hocks. Has a ring-shaped or sickle-shaped.
7. Wool. The outer hair is straight and stiff, characterized by density and density. The length is average. With soft, densely stuffed undercoat.
8. Colors. Gold; gold with black; gold with silver tan. The brighter the red tint, the better.

The most valuable is the drawing of urahiro: the maximum light color of the hair in the cheekbones, throat, in the lower part of the neck, chest, abdomen, paw pads.

Character Features

The nature of the representatives of this breed is due to their natural instincts. They are quite independent and somewhat similar to cats. Without proper education and training, they can be quite aggressive and problematic. They are capable of independent decision making and usually act at their discretion. They like to be in the company, but at the same time have their own personal space.

Despite its small size and compactness, Shiba Inu have a stubborn and masterful character, which creates some difficulties in content, when mutual understanding with the owner is poorly established. Of all family members, they, as a rule, choose a pet for themselves, to whom they give their love and reverence, and keep a distance with all the others. They do not differ in credulity to strangers. They can treat them with restraint and quite calmly, but without much contact.

They are very active and energetic, courageous and hardy. But they like to receive attention and affection from their master. New people in the environment cause them some temporary alertness. Their sense of ownership manifests itself in everything from personal toys to space.

With school children, they get along just fine. Sibs love to play, and are cunning enough. In children, they see allies for their pranks.But if the house is completely kids, then it is worth restricting their communication with the dog. The animal may not like the intrusive attention from a small child.

With other pets

Shiba Inu, as a rule, do not get along very well in the same territory with other smaller brothers. However, there are exceptions if another pet appeared earlier than the representative of this breed. As for cats and rodents, taking into account the hunting instincts of Shiba Inu, keeping them together is strictly prohibited.

Parenting

It is necessary to raise an active and wayward animal, starting from the earliest possible age, from the moment it appears in the house. The pet must be socialized, it must be taught to adhere to certain rules.

Raising Shiba Inu requires some severity on the part of the owner and sufficient determination. However, physical punishment and rudeness are simply unacceptable. It is unlikely that representatives of this breed will fall into apathy from resentment, but it can respond with counter aggression. At the same time, the dog should not be allowed to "sit on its head" in every sense. It is worth noting that Sibs have a tendency to this. Errors in the behavior of the pet must be detected by changing the intonation in the voice.

The manifestation of aggressive dog behavior also requires some correction. When trying to attack the owner or family members, the kid can be taught a lesson by slapping a newspaper gently, but by no means with his hand. Most likely, the pet will be offended, but for a long time it will be remembered that it is simply unacceptable to behave this way.

Care Features

Sibs are very neat animals, they like cats independently maintain hygiene. On a walk, these dogs never climb into the mud or puddles, and when they come home, they clean their feet themselves. However, even such a clean animal requires some care.

Combing
Combing a long and thick coat of a pet is required at least 2 times a week. A brush with a long and stiff bristle is suitable for this purpose. Remains of wool must be removed with a damp towel or hand. During links, combing the pet is required more often, preferably daily.

Hygiene procedures

1. Every six months or as absolutely necessary, you can bathe your pet. Especially such a procedure is shown during molting, this will help get rid of the fallen wool.
2. Claws should be trimmed once or twice a month using a special nail clipper or by a specialist.
3. Ears are carefully inspected and rubbed once a week with a sponge or cotton pad.
4. For the prevention of caries and tartar, you need to brush your teeth every 7-10 days. Do this with a special toothpaste and brush or cotton pad.

Walks

After eating, this is one of the most important conditions for caring for Shiba Inu. Long and interesting walks in the fresh air should be required, regardless of the weather outside. These active pets are in great need of walking. In addition, they like to run. The ideal owner of a dog of this breed often rides a bicycle. Now he can ride, holding the animal by the leash. An alternative to such a pastime can only be that which corresponds to the direct purpose of the sibs - hunting.

In no case should you let Shiba Inu out for a walk from a leash in the city. Not only surrounding people and animals, but also the four-legged friend may suffer from this.

Food

Shiba can be fed with both special food and natural food. There are no strict dietary restrictions and recommendations. The only rule is that you should not give natural food and feed of industrial production in one feeding.

A pet needs two, and preferably three separate bowls. 2 for food and 1 for water. After feeding, it is necessary to wash the dishes so that no food remains remain in it.It is advisable to teach the animal to eat in one specially designated place according to the established regime, otherwise the dog will turn into a piglet.

Attention! Shiba Inu are prone to individual reactions to certain foods, so it is not worthwhile to conduct food experiments on dogs of this breed.

The diet of an adult must necessarily include the following foods:

• Any meat, with the exception of fatty varieties, raw or boiled.
• Boneless sea fish, thermally processed.
• Cereals: rice, semolina, buckwheat.
• Dairy products.
• Boiled eggs.
• Vegetables: beets, cabbage, zucchini, carrots, pumpkin.
• Vegetable oils.
• Vitamin - mineral complexes.

Health and Life Expectancy

Often, Shiba Inu are distinguished by fairly good health and have a life expectancy of 12 to 15 years.

There are individuals who suffer from the following congenital pathologies:

• Hip dysplasia.
• Tendency to allergic reactions.
• Diseases of the organs of vision.
• Dislocation of the patella.
• Hypotheriosis.
• Pseudohemophilia.

Owners of puppies need to visit a veterinarian in a timely manner and adhere to his recommendations, especially with regard to vaccinations. Shiba Inu kids can get unpleasant viral diseases, which often have a detrimental effect on their growing body:

• Hepatitis.
• Leptospirosis.
• Parainfluenza
• Parvovirus enteritis.

Purchase

The baby must be healthy and active, playful, have a good appetite. Also, through personal contact, the color of the animal and its pedigree data are clearly visible.

Before purchasing, you must clearly determine the place where the pet’s main territory will be, and buy all the necessary things and toys for it.

The price of puppies depends on many factors that determine its value. A pet without documents will cost about $ 200. The price of a pet show class can reach 2000 US dollars and above.

Positive qualities of the breed

• Sharp intelligence and courage.
• Stamina and energy.
• Good naturedness.
• Restraint and independence.
• Equilibrium.

Negative breed qualities

• Stubbornness and self-will.
• Propensity to manipulate.
• Sometimes aggressive behavior.
• They are extremely undesirable to keep with other pets in the house.
• They do not like to bring beauty: washing, clipping, and other procedures.

Dogs of this breed are suitable for active people who love hiking and lead an active lifestyle. They enthusiastically share picnics and romantic walks in nature with their host. Sibs - comrades, companions and defenders, have excellent security qualities.

Video: Shiba Inu dog breed