Shiba Inu - small dog

since 1936 natural monument

The Shiba Inu is the smallest of the Nihon Ken. His name means "little dog". They are often compared to foxes because at first glance they look a lot like them.

He has been a hunting dog for small game and birds. His speed and agility was excellent, especially in the undergrowth. This drive is still common today.

Nowadays, the Shiba has found many followers outside of Japan. Its existence is currently not endangered. Not even in Japan. Here he occupies 80% of the bred dogs.

Today's modern Shiba is said to be a mixture of 3 types - San In Shiba, Mino Shiba and Shinsho Shiba.

After World War II, Nippo had no choice but to absorb the loss of dogs by uniting the lines to protect and promote the breed.

The San In Shiba comes from Shimane, Tottori and is characterized by a longer body, well-defined stop, mottled black color with independent temperamental temperament. DNA analyzes suggest links to the Korea Jindo Dog.

Hailing from Gifu, the Mino Shiba is characterized by a smaller stature, fiery red, deep brown triangular eyes, triangular erect ears, and the prominent Sashi-U. He has NO Urajiro!

Shinsho Shiba come from Nagano, also known as Shinshu Village. They are smaller in build, have "thick bristles", round eyes and a black puppy mask when adult.

Character:

The little foxes are highly intelligent and need consistent training like all Nihon Ken. They are suitable for various dog sports. Due to their size, they are also great companions in the city, but also have stamina for long, extended adventures in nature. Despite their small size, they are fearless, brave, and alert.

Shiba's are initially aloof and wary of strangers. They will never do something they don't want to do, but they will do what they want to do with enthusiasm, whether it's desirable or not.

They are also referred to appropriately as the cat in dog fur.

Current:

Unfortunately, it has to be said that the Shiba is becoming more and more popular, but that many people hardly or not enough deal with the breed. We then have overwhelmed dog owners who give up these foxes. You can also see an American tendency. There are Shiba, which are far above the breed standard with almost 50 cm shoulder height. They are also more heavily built. I presume to say that we will soon have an American Shiba alongside the American Akita.

Mameshiba, Koshiba, Mini Shiba - Dwarfism, a diminutive that undermines the Shiba's standard. The opposite of the above case. A practice, primarily in Japan, which is not intended to preserve the breed in the standard, but is intended to satisfy the "need" of special customer groups. These dogs will NOT receive a Nippon pedigree! But now there is a separate club for them in Japan that looks after them and issues pedigrees. This species is also not recognized by the FCI. It can be accepted by associations under the declaration "non-FCI recognized breed", which means that pedigrees can be awarded or participation in exhibitions is possible.

Health:

Shiba in the VDH are obligatory checked for HD, PL and eyes. Further and other examinations are optional for the breeders.

The Shiba has been bred to be very healthy in recent years. HD occurs very rarely. PL, eye and tooth defects are more likely to occur. If necessary, allergies can occur. Furthermore, GM (gangliosidosis) found and then tested.