Shiba inu - breed description
- Country of origin: Japan
- FCI-CLASSIFICATION: Group 5 Spitz and primitive breed dogs. Section 5 Asian Spitz and related breeds
- Growth: height at the withers with a tolerance of 1,5 cm (above / above), dog: 40 cm, female: 37 cm
- Weight: male: 8-11 kg, female: 6,8-9 kg
- Head: broad forehead, developed cheeks, clearly marked stop, strong jaws, scissor bite
- Married: black
- Eyes: small, triangular, dark brown, slightly oblique
- Ears: standing, small, triangular, facing forward
- Neck: strong, thick
- Silhouette: strong, straight back, broad loins, strongly muscled, deep chest
- Tail: thick, set on high, carried high, curled or folded over the back
- Robe: straight, hard, stiff coat, soft, dense undercoat, longer hair on the head
- Coat color: red, sesame black, sesame black, tan, all colors have the so-called urajiro, i.e. white color on the sides of the muzzle, on the cheeks, on the underside of the lower jaw, breast, neck, torso, tail and on the inside of the limbs
- Length of life: 12-15 years
Character and disposition
Shiba inu is an independent, self-confident dog that usually has his own opinion and likes to get his way. Properly brought up, he becomes a faithful companion, devoted and loyal to his household. He becomes strongly attached to the guardian, although he is reluctant to show affection and gives in to caresses. He is distant towards strangers and is usually suspicious and distrustful.
A characteristic feature of shiba inu is inner peace and the ability to adapt to the lifestyle of the household members. It is a quiet, calm dog with extremely acute senses. He is intelligent, learns quickly, and if properly motivated, he can overcome his stubbornness and start cooperation after some time. He is a great watchman, he senses the threat very well. He likes physical activity, challenges and fun. Movement allows him to discharge his energy and satisfies his natural instincts. If the guardian provides him with the right dose of activity, he will find himself not only in a house with a garden, but also in a small apartment in a block of flats.
Suggested sizes and widths of accessories for this breed of dog:
Here are the suggested sizes for adult dogs of this breed. They were selected on the basis of many years of experience in sewing accessories and the most common choices of other dog owners of this breed. Remember, only measuring will give you 100% certainty - every dog is different.
Shiba is fast, agile, energetic and clever, which, combined with a strong hunting instinct, translates into a high tendency to escape. He can suddenly follow a lead, ignoring the guardian's summons. In contacts with other animals, his behavior may turn out to be very problematic. It can run after small quadrupeds, treating them as prey. It can also show aggression towards some breeds of large dogs.
As stubbornness and independence grows with age, Shiba requires the earliest possible socialization, consistent instillation and enforcement. His training should respect the unique nature of this quadruped.
Health
The Shiba inu is a healthy and hardy breed. Its representatives usually live up to 15 years in good shape. Among the most common diseases are:
- hip dysplasia
- dislocation of the kneecap
- retinal atrophy
- skin allergies
Care
Due to the dense and shedding fine undercoat, shiba care focuses on regular (twice a week) brushing of the coat. During the period of increased shedding, i.e. in spring and autumn, your pet should be combed out much more often and thoroughly. For brushing, it is worth using a comb, a vacuum cleaner and an anti-static conditioner. Shiba is a very clean dog, he can lick fur for hours. That is why we use baths as needed, usually 3 times a year. We also take care of the cleanliness of the ears, the appropriate length of the claws and the condition of the teeth.
Shiba inu - for whom?
The decision to acquire a dog of this breed should be preceded by a thorough diagnosis of the arguments for and against. The undoubted advantages of shiba are a friendly disposition towards children, great attachment to the guardian, family character, adaptability to all conditions, creativity and intelligence. On the other hand, one has to take into account that he is a great individualist who is not always obedient, has a tendency to dominate and has a strong hunting instinct.
Interesting facts
- Japanese legend has it that shiba dogs are a combination of a cat and a dragon!
- shiba inu is the smallest of the Japanese native breeds.
- Shiba Inu means in Japanese small dog.
- in the past, shiba was used to scare birds away and hunt small game.
- the love of shiba is deeply rooted in the Japanese tradition, and the dog plays a significant role in the entire Japanese culture.
- in 1937, the breed was recognized as a Japanese "natural monument".
- the first shiba inu dogs came to Europe only in the 70s of the twentieth century.
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