| The Shiba Inu is one of a number of very ancient | | | | black and tan.The Shiba is a hardy breed requiring |
| breeds associated with the northern "Spitz type" | | | | little vet care. The only problems are usually minor in |
| breeds from Japan. Its appearance is much like that | | | | nature. It has a cat's desire to keep clean and will |
| of a "dwarf" Akita, having a fox like face and "brush | | | | often groom itself just like a cat. The coat requires a |
| coat" similar to the Akita and possessing much of the | | | | good brushing every so often and the nails should be |
| same temperament. It is a big dog in a small package. | | | | kept trim but beyond that this is a dog that is a |
| Its temperament is strong and independent. The | | | | "wash and wear" dog that doesn't need a lot of |
| Shiba Inu voices its objections or approval in a | | | | fussing with his coat to maintain his beautiful |
| manner similar to the Basenji in that it is not a | | | | appearance.As one can imagine, not everyone can |
| "barker" but more of a squealer or yodeller, | | | | take on owning a Shiba. Those who do are favored |
| depending on the situation. Furthermore, it is not | | | | with an extremely affectionate and loyal dog who will |
| averse to "screaming" and this is noted to be one of | | | | greet them with great joy and watch over them |
| the typical behaviors when the dog is upset or is not | | | | faithfully. Once a stranger is accepted into the |
| getting its way! The Japanese favored this dog | | | | household, be it for a one time event or as a regular |
| above all others as a watchdog. It is seldom content | | | | visitor, the Shiba Inu will show great affection and |
| to allow any other dog within its territory, let alone | | | | boundless enthusiasm for its new friend. The Shiba is |
| marauding creatures or even for that matter | | | | not the sort of dog that makes a good "outside" |
| strangers. This is a dog that does not back down.The | | | | dog. He needs to be in the home with his family and |
| Shiba Inu's head is most distinctive, the ears are small | | | | can turn quite aggressive to other animals or raise |
| prick ears and well furred, tipping forwards. His eyes | | | | quite a noise in the neighborhood if left to his own |
| are slanted and almond shaped and very expressive | | | | devices in a pen. Furthermore, the Shiba is a dog that |
| and the cheeks are full, giving the face a rather | | | | becomes adept at figuring out ways to escape and |
| oriental appearance. The body is compact and small, | | | | they have been known to climb out of pens with |
| about 14 to 15 inches tall but only about 10 inches | | | | ease. They are highly intelligent and investigative and |
| long across the length of the back. The tail should | | | | can get into a lot of trouble if left to their own |
| curl up over the top . His coat is densely furred and | | | | devices. Owners of Shiba Inu's would do well to |
| double coated. Colors can range from cinnamon to | | | | invest in a good crate for confining their dog when |
| red to red with a black overlay (Aka Goma) and | | | | they are not going to be home. |