Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu is the smallest of Japan's six native breeds — a compact hunting spitz with an unusually self-contained character.

History

It hunted birds and small game in the mountains of central Japan and is among the oldest dog types in the country, with remains of similar dogs dating back millennia. Three regional strains nearly disappeared during and after the Second World War, and the modern Shiba was rebuilt from the survivors of all three; it was named a natural monument in 1936.

Temperament

The breed is known for being alert, confident and famously independent — often described as more cat-like than dog-like in its self-possession. It is clean, reserved with strangers, and can be possessive about food and toys. The "Shiba scream" is real.

Care and training

It needs regular exercise and secure fencing, since the prey drive is intact and recall is a lifelong project. Training works through motivation rather than authority. The double coat sheds heavily twice a year.

Health

Generally robust and long-lived, with patellar luxation, hip dysplasia and allergies among the known tendencies. These are patterns for the breed rather than a forecast for one dog; the measured facts are in the panel.