Shiba Inu dog called a fox at home! Beneath its delightful airs, the Shiba Inu is above all a dog with a strong character and singular intelligence: a primitive race, he has more developed instincts than most other dogs. This makes it a companion that is both loyal and endearing, but also more difficult to educate than others.
Originally from Japan, of which it is the national treasure, the Shiba is reminiscent of a domestic fox, both in its color and the shape of the head and ears … And he is also, like it, very cunning! Once you have tamed it, he devotes an unlimited love to it’s masters and becomes the protector of the whole family.
Shiba inu breed
Shiba Inu is a Japanese breed that has existed for thousands of years. Endangered at a time, following the importation of European dogs to Japan in the 1900s, the “pure”
Shiba Inu race was saved by enthusiasts who set the breed standards in 1934 to perpetuate it. For that, it was necessary to go for individuals not reached by the crossings, sometimes very far in remote countries of the Japanese mountain! Originally a hunting dog, specialized in hunting small game and birds in difficult terrain, the Shiba is named after its original function: “Shiba” in Japanese means “scrub” and “Inu” Dog.
In late 1936, the Japanese government declared the breed, set according to the standards of purity and thus protected, national treasure of Japanese indigenous heritage.
Shiba inu puppy’s character and behavior
The Shiba Inu is defined first by a strong, dignified and independent temperament; sometimes described as unattractive, it depends on the education it has received.
Indeed, if it needs limits and an “iron hand in a velvet glove” as the saying goes, the Shiba requires attention every minute when it is a puppy, great patience and an education positive passing through the game and the reward.
Easily dominant, it can become exclusive with its master and distrustful of foreigners, even hostile with other dogs, which can cause big problems later: socialization is the most important aspect of education.
The Shiba, who is not very docile, must understand that its master is the “leader” and accept them in this way, through a relationship that only trust and respect can forge sustainably.
Description and characteristics of Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is a small dog, balanced physique and round head surmounted by small triangular ears that give it both a teddy bear and a little fox! The body has a musculature drawn, but its fine frame helps give the Shiba a lively and light.
Different dresses are possible, the most common being red on the body and white on the belly, limbs, and chest. The red can be in various shades ranging from red to light sand, sometimes “sesame”: it means that black hairs are mixed with the rest of the hair, darkening the base color.
There are also Shibas black and fire, even tricolor with white spots. The fur of Shiba is thick and rough, with a soft and abundant undercoat. The tail is rolled upon itself like that of the Husky.
Shiba inu white
The white Shiba dog is one of the four colors of the Shiba Inu breed. Although white Shiba Inus are beautiful full-fledged dogs, the color of their dress has sparked some controversy in Shiba circles.
While some want the white Shiba Inu not to be disqualified in the shows, most Shiba Inu fans, especially those in Japan, want the white coat genes to be validated.
All you need to know about the origin of the White Shiba Inu
Note that there are four colors for the race of Shiba Inu, there is white, black and fire, sesame and of course the most famous of the four, the red. Regarding the white dress, everything started in the 20th century in a very selective breeding.
It was a crucial time for Shiba Inu dogs, as they were on the brink of extinction! Between diseases, war and the arrival of Western dog breeds in Japan almost decimated our adorable Shiba Inu mug.
Fortunately a handful of Shiba have been saved in order to save the species. The one we know so well today!
Regarding the standards on the preferences of the people, between the four colors that exist, the favorites are the red, the black and fire as well as the sesame. The white dress does not dream of so many people, but the white remains in the standards of the race.
Shiba Inu’s diet
You can choose to give it croquettes, practical by their size and easy to measure using a measuring pot, it will choose excellent quality. They must provide a majority of protein, and have as main food meat or animal by-products without being too fat. The supermarket ranges are not recommended because they are poor in nutrients and contain mostly cereals, less digestible for the dog. It is also possible to opt for moist food (pâté, dumplings) or even for a mixed ration (croquettes + pâté) to be fixed with your veterinarian so that all the nutritional needs of your dog are covered. Otherwise, the household ration based on fresh produce (rice, offal, vegetables) remains the most nutritious but requires an investment of time, money, and organization.
Health and pathologies of Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu does not present any fragility or pathologies in particular: it is the advantage of the purity of the race, not weakened by the crossings, which makes it a robust and resistant dog. It can be said: Shiba has an iron health! Well cared for and followed up, with updated vaccines and regular care, it can live up to fifteen years. Sufficient physical activity and a balanced diet to avoid overweight are guarantors of a long and happy existence for the Shiba … Beware though ticks and parasites, vectors of diseases and infections, and cold snaps and hot that can weaken it.
About Shiba Inu dog
- Size: 35 to 40 cm
- Weight: 6 to 10 kg
- Hair: short and dense
- Color: red, cream, sand, white, black and fire
- Life expectancy: 12 to 15 years
- Gestation: 9 weeks
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