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Shiba Inu
The smallest Japanese Spitz
Original name: Shiba Inu
Type: Lupoid
Male size: 15¾ inches (½ inch tolerance either way)
Female size: 14½ inches (½ inch tolerance either way)
Degree of grooming
5
Spitz and Primitive types
FCI AKC CKC KC
Countries of origin Japan
Did you know ?
All coat colors must be “urajiro”, which means that the sides of the muzzle, cheeks, under the jaw, neck, chest, belly, underside of the tail and the inside of the legs must be covered with whitish hair.
Shibas have been found in Japan since time immemorial. In Japanese, “Shiba” always refers to something small, so the breed’s name literally means small dog in that language. Their natural habitat was the mountainous region facing the Sea of Japan, where they were used to hunt small game and birds. Individuals will differ slightly, depending on their precise place of origin.
Shiba Inu In a few words :
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Head
Broad forehead, clear stop with slight furrow, a black nose is sought after, straight nose, moderately thick, tapering muzzle, relatively small, dark brown triangular eyes.
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Body
Straight, solid back, broad, muscular loins, deep chest with moderately sprung ribs, well tucked-up belly.
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Coat
Red, black and tan, sesame, black sesame, red sesame.
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Ears
Relatively small, triangular, sloping forward slightly, firmly pricked.
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Tail
Set high, thick, carried vigorously rolled or sickle-shaped, reaching almost to the hock when let down.
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Hair
Harsh, straight topcoat, soft, dense undercoat, longer and standing up on the tail.
These loyal, very alert, very attentive dogs alternate between periods of calm and sporting activity. They are independent and sometimes temperamental, but nevertheless very good family dogs. These are small but solidly built well proportioned dogs with good muscles and bones. Shiba Inus are beautiful and lithe.
