The Shiba Inu: An Energetic Friend

The Shiba Inu, a small but strong breed of dog, has become world-famous for its fox-like appearance, unique personality, and charm. This breed of dog is from Japan, where it was first raised for hunting purposes, and now it is renowned for its confidence and distinctive look.

A History from Japan

Shiba Inu is one of Japan’s oldest breeds of dogs and has a history that goes back over 2,000 years. They were bred to hunt small game in Japan’s mountains. “Shiba” is the name given to them, and it means “brushwood,” likely because they used to hunt in the brushwood patches. Shiba Inus are small, ranging from 13.5 to 16.5 inches in height and from 17 to 23 pounds in weight, but are very strong and agile, which makes them great hunters. They possess pointed ears, a curled tail, and a dense coat of fur that comes in several colors such as red, black and tan, and sesame (a mix of red and black hairs), making them fox-like and adding to their beauty (American Kennel Club, n.d.).

Personality: Independent and Stubborn

What makes the Shiba Inu unique is its personality. They are intelligent, but occasionally stubborn and aloof. While they will be loving, they are less trainable to please and can be a bit aloof, especially with strangers. Shibas form strong bonds with their owners but are affectionate on their own terms, not a snuggle lap dog. Although they are independent, Shibas are vigilant and great watchdogs. They are territorial and quickly notice anything out of the ordinary, so they are very good at keeping an eye on things in the house (Petfinder, n.d.).

Grooming and Health

Shiba Inus have a heavy double coat of fur that they shed very heavily once or twice a year, so brushing them daily when this happens is important. Otherwise, they are quite low-maintenance when it comes to grooming. They adjust relatively well to cooler temperatures but are not as heat-adaptable, so getting them cooled down on hot days is important. For their well-being, Shibas are healthy dogs otherwise but, like each breed, can be prone to problems such as hip dysplasia or knee problems. Regular trips to the vet will keep them in good health (American Kennel Club, n.d.).

Popularity and Care

The Shiba Inu has gained popularity over the last few years, partly because of internet memes that have gone viral, such as the popular “Doge” meme, which includes a Shiba Inu with humorous captions. Their distinctive appearance and playful demeanor make them a hit among many individuals. But Shibas are not always the easiest breeds to train, especially for first-time owners. Shibas require consistency and patience when being trained because Shibas are not easy-going. Shibas also require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation in order to keep them happy (DogTime, n.d.).

Conclusion

Shiba Inu is a beautiful, intelligent, and strong-willed dog that is a great fit for the person who understands their special character. Though they aren’t the most tolerant dogs to work with, loyalty, exuberance, and charm justify their suitability to the right person. If you prefer a lively and confident dog, the Shiba Inu might be an excellent companion to you (American Kennel Club, n.d.).

Sources:

• American Kennel Club. (n.d.). Shiba Inu. Retrieved from https://www.akc.org/dog-breeds/shiba-inu/
• Petfinder. (n.d.). Shiba Inu Personality and Temperament. Retrieved from https://www.petfinder.com/dog-breeds/shiba-inu/
• DogTime. (n.d.). Shiba Inu. Retrieved from https://dogtime.com/dog-breeds/shiba-inu