SHIBA INU Breed Standards
DNA analysis has confirmed that the Shiba Inu, which is of Japanese origin, is one of the oldest breeds. How it got its name is in question: Shiba can be translated as “small” or “brushwood” in Japanese, so the name may simply mean “small dog” or “brushwood dog,” paying homage to the dog's great skill at hunting in the Japanese underbrush, as well as the resemblance its coat shares with the underbrush. The Shiba Inu is thought to have been used as a bird flusher and, occasionally, hunter of wild boar as early as the 4th century BC. Historically, the Shiba Inu has been divided into three bloodlines based on geographic area: the Sanin Shiba of the northeast, the Shishu Shiba of the Nagano Prefecture, and the Mino Shiba of the Gifu Prefecture.
By the end of World War II, the Shiba Inu was so close to extinction the three bloodlines had to be interbred to ensure the survival of the breed. This new commingled Shiba caught on quickly, and today is the most popular breed in Japan. In 1936, the Cultural Properties Act declared the Shiba Inu a precious natural product of Japan. The breed was first documented in the United States in 1954, but the first known American litter was not born until 1979.
SKILLS: Shiba Inu, is the smallest of the Japanese native breeds of dog and was originally developed for hunting by sight and scent in the dense undergrowth of Japan's mountainous areas. Alert and agile with keen senses, he is also an excellent watchdog and companion. His frame is compact with well-developed muscles. Males and females are distinctly different in appearance: males are masculine without coarseness, females are feminine without weakness of structure.
SIZE: Males 14½ inches to 16½ inches at withers. Females 13½ inches to 15½ inches. The preferred size is the middle of the range for each sex. Average weight at preferred size is approximately 23 pounds for males, 17 pounds for females. Males have a height to length ration of 10 to 11, females slightly longer. Bone is moderate. Disqualification--Males over 16½ inches in dogs and under 14½ inches. Females over 15½ inches and under 13½ inches.
COAT: Double coated with the outer coat being stiff and straight and the undercoat soft and thick. Fur is short and even on face, ears, and legs. Guard hairs stand off the body are about 1½ to 2 inches in length at the withers. Tail hair is slightly longer and stands open in a brush. It is preferred that the Shiba be presented in a natural state. Trimming of the coat must be severely penalized. Serious Fault - Long or woolly coat.
Coat color is as specified herein, with the three allowed colors given equal consideration. All colors are clear and intense. The undercoat is cream, buff or gray.
Urajiro (cream to white ventral color) is required in the following areas on all coat colors: on the sides of the muzzle, on the cheeks, inside the ears, on the underjaw and upper throat inside of legs, on the abdomen, around the vent and the ventral side of the tail. On reds: commonly on the throat, forechest, and chest. On blacks and sesames: commonly as a triangular mark on both sides of the forechest. White spots above the eyes permitted on all colors but not required.
Bright orange-red with urajiro lending a foxlike appearance to dogs of this color. Clear red preferred but a very slight dash of black tipping is permitted on the back and tail.
Black with tan points and urajiro. Black hairs have a brownish cast, not blue. The undercoat is buff or gray. The borderline between black and tan areas is clearly defined. Tan points are located as follows: two oval spots over the eyes: on the sides of the muzzle between the black bridge of the muzzle and the white cheeks; on the outside of the forelegs from the carpus, or a little above, downward to the toes; on the outside of the hind legs down the front of the stifle broadening from hock joint to toes, but not completely eliminating black from rear of pasterns. Black penciling on toes permitted. Tan hairs may also be found on the inside of the ear and on the underside of the tail.
Sesame (black-tipped hairs on a rich red background) with urajiro. Tipping is light and even on the body and head with no concentration of black in any area. Sesame areas appear at least one-half red. Sesame may end in a widow's peak on the forehead, leaving the bridge and sides of the muzzle red. Eye spots and lower legs are also red.
Clearly delineated white markings are permitted but not required on the tip of the tail and in the form of socks on the forelegs to the elbow joint, hind legs to the knee joint. A patch of blaze is permitted on the throat, forechest, or chest in addition to urajiro.
Serious fault - Cream, white pinto, or any other color or marking not specified is a very serious fault and must be penalized.
CARE REQUIRED: The Shiba has a clean, coarse, stiff, short-haired coat that is easy to groom. Brush with a firm bristle brush to remove the dead hair and bathe only when absolutely necessary as it removes the natural waterproofing of the coat. This breed is a seasonally heavy shedder.
CHARACTER: A spirited boldness, a good nature, and an unaffected forthrightness, which together yield dignity and natural beauty. The Shiba has an independent nature and can be reserved toward strangers but is loyal and affectionate to those who earn his respect. At times aggressive toward other dogs, the Shiba is always under the control of his handler. Any aggression toward handler or judge or any overt shyness must be severely penalized.
EXERCISE: The Shiba Inu is an undemanding dog that will adapt to your circumstances. It is however, a very active dog and will be healthier and happier with regular exercise. This breed can walk for hours on end as it has tremendous endurance.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOR: The Shiba will do okay in an apartment if is sufficiently exercised. It is moderately active indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. The Shiba's waterproof, all-weather coat protects it in both cold and hot conditions, so it can live outdoors if you have a secure yard of reasonable size. However, it does regard itself as part of the family and does not like to be left alone outside. This breed would be much happier living indoors with its family.
TRAINING: They bark little and bond closely with their handler while remaining independent. It may be a bit reserved with strangers but children do not usually cause any problems, for Shiba's make good companions for children. Socialize this breed well as a puppy.
