About the Shiba Inu (SHEE-bah E-NEW)
“Shiba Inu” was officially named in the 1920s. But the origins of the Shiba Inu began more than 9,000 years ago, and were used as hunting dogs for small game. The modern day Shiba Inu is the result of conscious selective breeding and preservation. This beautiful breed of dog almost dropped off the face of the earth and if it wasn’t for the efforts of Japanese Nippo breeders, we would not have them today. Many of Japans dogs struggled to survive during the war times in Japan. There are 6 native Japanese dogs: Shiba, Shikoku, Kai, Kishu, Hokkaido and Akita. The Shiba Inu is the smallest of all 6 breeds and named Japans National Treasure.
The Shiba Inu is a small to medium-sized dog breed that originated in Japan. It is known for its charming fox-like appearance, upright ears, and curly tail.
Appearance: Shiba Inu have a compact and well-muscled body. They have a thick double coat, with a straight outer coat and a soft undercoat. Common coat colors include red, sesame, black and tan, and cream.
Temperament: Shiba Inu are known for their spirited and independent nature. They are confident, intelligent, and somewhat aloof with strangers. They can be reserved around new people but form strong bonds with their families.
Energy Level: Although they are small, Shiba Inu are energetic and active dogs. They require daily exercise to keep them mentally and physically stimulated. This breed enjoys outdoor activities and playing games that stimulate their hunting instincts.
Trainability: Shiba Inu are intelligent dogs but can be quite stubborn and independent-minded. This can make training a challenge, so early socialization and consistent positive reinforcement techniques are recommended. Due to their strong prey drive, they may have a tendency to chase smaller animals.
Vocal Nature: Shiba Inu have a unique vocalization. They can produce a range of sounds, including screams, growls, and howls. They tend to be more vocal when excited or trying to communicate something.
Health: Generally, Shiba Inu are a healthy breed. However, they can be prone to certain health issues such as hip dysplasia, eye problems, allergies, and luxating patella (knee joint dislocation). Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to maintain good health, and most importantly buying from a breeder who tests their dogs.
Lifespan: Shiba Inu have a relatively long lifespan compared to some other dog breeds. They typically live between 12 to 15 years with proper care, diet, and exercise.
Overall, the Shiba Inu make wonderful companions for experienced and dedicated dog owners who can provide the time, patience, and care that this breed requires. They are loyal, alert, and bring a touch of Japanese charm into any home.
Unfortunately in the USA Today, this breed is becoming compromised since the popularity of “Doge” memes and Cryptocurrency. Puppy mills and backyard breeders (breeders who don’t consciously pair dogs and just want to pocket money) are creating severely off standard and sick dogs. These breeders are extremely rampant and you will be lucky to find a breeder who is actually focused on preserving this beautiful dog for years to come. If you care about this breed, or any of the Japanese breeds, then please do your research and use your best judgement on what makes a breeder responsible. It is important to support the right people – for the sake of its future.
It is important to study the standard of the shiba and understand its temperament and if you can, meet them in person before deciding if this is the dog for you. Japanese Dogs can be quite difficult, opinionated and aloof. Here are some of my favorite links to extremely useful information on Shiba Inu:
Shikoku Ken (She-koh-kew Ken)
The (四国犬, Shikoku–ken) or Kōchi-ken (高知犬), is a rare and ancient Japanese dog breed. It may require some effort to find a reputable breeder if you are interested in owning this unique and captivating breed. They are best suited for experienced dog owners who can provide them with the physical and mental stimulation they need while respecting their independent nature.
Origin: The Shikoku Ken originated in the mountainous regions of the island of Shikoku, Japan. They were bred for hunting large game, such as boars and deer.
Appearance: Shikoku Ken are medium-sized dogs with a well-proportioned body and a sturdy build. They have a double coat, consisting of a dense undercoat and a straight, harsh outer coat that provides protection from the elements. Coat colors can vary and include sesame, black & tan, red, black sesame, and red sesame.
Temperament: Shikoku Ken are known for being loyal, intelligent, and independent-minded. They are typically reserved towards strangers but are extremely devoted and affectionate towards their families. This breed has a strong prey drive and may not get along well with small animals unless properly socialized.
Energy Level: The Shikoku Ken is an active and energetic breed that requires regular exercise to stay physically and mentally stimulated. They thrive in environments where they can have access to outdoor activities, such as hiking, running, or playing in a securely fenced yard.
Trainability: Shikoku Ken are intelligent and eager to please, but they also have a stubborn and independent streak. They respond best to positive reinforcement training methods with firm and consistent guidance. Early socialization and obedience training are crucial to ensure a well-behaved and balanced dog.
Health: Shikoku Ken are generally a healthy breed. However, they can be prone to certain health issues, including hip dysplasia, patellar luxation, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA). Regular veterinary check-ups and a nutritious diet are important for their overall health and well-being.
Lifespan: The average lifespan of a Shikoku Ken ranges between 10 to 14 years. Proper care, regular exercise, and a balanced diet can contribute to a longer and healthier life.
Currently in the USA the Shikoku is pretty well protected. The community is small and very passionate about this breed. Currently they are only registered as “FSS” (Foundation stock services) in the AKC database. Due to the very small genetic pool and lack of DNA tests in the database we are still learning more about this breed regarding its health conditions and genetic traits. Something we have learned about Shikoku is that they tend to have poor hip scores, certain lines carry seizures and now we recently discovered a new issue. Thankfully, the majority of Shikoku breeders have been working together to identify issue and test for them to pair dogs accordingly.
Why is Breed Preservation Important?
Dog breed preservation is important for several reasons:
1. Cultural and Historical Significance: Many dog breeds have a rich cultural and historical significance. They are often tied to specific regions, countries, or communities, representing their heritage and traditions. Preserving these breeds helps maintain cultural diversity and celebrates the historical connections we have with our canine companions.
2. Genetic Diversity: Preserving dog breeds helps ensure genetic diversity within the canine population. Each breed possesses unique genetic traits that make them well-suited for specific purposes, whether it’s herding, hunting, guarding, or companionship. By preserving these breeds, we can maintain a diverse gene pool, which is essential for overall breed health and vitality.
3. Breed-Specific Characteristics: Different breeds have distinct physical and behavioral characteristics that make them desirable for certain tasks or lifestyles. Preservation ensures that these traits remain consistent over time, allowing individuals seeking specific traits, such as temperament, size, or coat type, to find the right fit for their needs.
4. Working Dogs and Purpose-Bred Breeds: Many dog breeds were developed for specific jobs or tasks, such as search and rescue, assistance work, hunting, herding, or police work. Preserving these breeds ensures that future generations can continue benefiting from their specialized skills and abilities.
5. Responsible Ownership: Preserving dog breeds goes hand in hand with responsible ownership. By maintaining breed standards and promoting responsible breeding practices, we can encourage responsible ownership and discourage unethical practices like indiscriminate breeding, puppy mills, or the creation of designer breeds.
6. Health and Well-being: Breed preservation promotes responsible breeding practices aimed at producing healthy and genetically sound dogs. By preserving breed standards and promoting health testing and screening, breeders can reduce the prevalence of genetic diseases within specific breeds, ultimately enhancing the overall health and well-being of these dogs.
TLDR; Dog breed preservation is vital for preserving cultural and historical heritage, genetic diversity, breed-specific characteristics, working and purpose-bred breeds, responsible ownership, and the overall health and well-being of our canine companions.
How can an Individual Contribute to Breed Preservation?
Individuals can actively promote awareness and education about dog preservation.
Individuals can contribute to dog breed preservation in several ways:
1. Responsible Ownership: By responsibly owning a dog, individuals can help maintain breed standards and contribute to the overall health and well-being of the breed. This includes providing proper care, nutrition, exercise, and regular veterinary check-ups. Responsible ownership also means avoiding indiscriminate breeding or supporting unethical practices, such as puppy mills.
2. Supporting Breed Clubs and Preservation Organizations: Joining or supporting breed clubs and preservation organizations is a significant way to contribute. These groups work actively to preserve and promote specific breeds. Individuals can assist by becoming members, volunteering, attending events, or donating to support their efforts.
3. Breeding Responsibly: If an individual is interested in breeding dogs, they should do so responsibly. This includes becoming well-educated about the breed, understanding breed standards, and conducting health testing and genetic screening to ensure the production of healthy and genetically sound puppies. Breeding should only be done with the intention of improving the breed and preserving its unique characteristics.
4. Adopting and Supporting Purebred Dogs: When looking to add a dog to the family, consider adopting a purebred dog from a reputable breed rescue or shelter. This supports the preservation of the breed while providing a loving home to a dog in need. Additionally, supporting responsible breeders who prioritize breed preservation when seeking a specific breed can help sustain their efforts.
5. Promoting Awareness and Education: Individuals can actively promote awareness and education about dog breed preservation. This can be done through social media, writing blogs or articles, sharing information, and engaging in discussions to highlight the importance of preserving specific breeds and responsible breeding practices. Educating others about the benefits and significance of maintaining breed diversity can help garner support for preservation efforts.
6. Participating in Breed-specific Activities: Engaging in breed-specific activities, such as dog shows, trials, or competitions, can showcase the breed’s unique abilities and characteristics. Support and participation in these events contribute to the visibility and preservation of the breed.
Remember, individual efforts, when combined, can make a significant impact on dog breed preservation. It’s important to stay informed, collaborate with like-minded individuals and organizations, and actively participate in activities and initiatives that promote responsible dog ownership and breed preservation.