What is a Shiba?

Shibas are the national dog of Japan and the smallest of the Japaneese breeds. They have a foxy face and a soft, thick double coat that they shed twice a year.

Some characteristics of the shiba are that they are aloof, yet curious; good-natured, bright, & active. They are very clean and desire affection--so some have described them as "cat-like." They are very intelligent and consider themselves a part of the family! They are alert and agile; athletic with great muscle build. Males have the masculine look and females have a femine look and are generally smaller. Shibas can be aggressive with other dogs of the same gender, but if socialized as a puppy will do well with other dogs and cats. They make excellent watchdogs and companions, barking very little except to alert you when something's wrong.

History of the Shiba

They are a Japanese breed and were bred for hunting bears in the mountainous areas. "Shiba Inu" means "little brushwood dog" after its hunting terrain or the color of the brushwood leaves when they turn red in the fall. The shibas almost completely died out during WWII. But after the war, the shibas' breeding program was established from those remaining. The bloodlines were combined to produce the Shiba as we know it today! In 1954, it was recorded that the first shiba was brought to the US.