Although it is the most popular dog breed in Japan, the Shiba Inu is a relatively new dog in the Western world.
Shiba Inu dogs are rapidly gaining popularity and are also known for their rough resemblance to the fox as well as their “human face”.
After observing the face of a Shiba Inu, it is very easy to understand why they have quickly captured our hearts and are becoming a favorite among family members.
Shiba Inus are energetic and caring companion dogs that can be described as persistent or stubborn. They are extremely devoted and gentle, making them excellent family dogs.
The Shiba Inu was originally a hunting dog, bred and domesticated to flush out smaller animals.
Today, it is appreciated all over the world, especially in Japan where it is the most common pet.
1. Shiba Inu has been bred to be versatile researchers.
These pets are more of a house dogs, which makes them ideal for searching for and eliminating small animals and birds in places such as bushes. They have also been bred to go after prey such as wild boars and bears. They are tough animals and have a very dense undercoat, which suggests that they can withstand the coldest temperatures, which is important for a hunting dog. These hardy dogs have fended for themselves in the mountainous regions of Japan for countless years.
2. Where do Shiba Inus come from? They are an ancient breed of pet.
These dogs have been around for decades and, before being domesticated by humans, they lived in the hilly regions of Japan.
According to National Geographic, the Shiba Inu is one of the closest dogs breeds genetically to wolves, suggesting that it is one of the earliest types of domesticated dogs to exist. It is one of the original six types of Japanese dogs, which goes back a long way. It is believed that the ancestors of the Shiba Inu arrived with the first immigrants to Japan as early as 7,000 BC. Archaeologists have also discovered Shiba Inu-like animal remains at sites inhabited by the Jomon-jin people, dating back to 14,500 BCE.
3. Shiba Inus are the favorite pet dogs of the Japanese.
Shiba Inus not only has strong historical roots in Japan, but they are also one of the most popular companions throughout the country. They have been unofficially proclaimed the country’s national treasure and as a result, many Shiba Inus have become internet stars. Perhaps it is their high energy and long life span that makes them such an important choice.
4. Shiba Inus were once nearly extinct.
The Shiba Inu species was almost completely wiped out during World War II. Those that did not succumb to the bombings fell victim to distemper, an infectious and deadly canine viral infection. Fortunately, the Japanese government helped to rebuild families through breeding programs, and the modern Shiba Inu has since regained its appeal!
5. Are Shiba Inus present in the United States? They are relatively new to the West.
The very first Shiba Inu pet to arrive in the United States was in 1954 when an American military family brought one back from Japan. It took some time for the species to appear and be officially registered. It wasn’t until 1979 that a set of varieties was created. It was not until 1992 that the American Kennel Club officially identified the breed. Shiba Inus have certainly come a long way, as they are now the 46th most popular pet in the United States.
6. Are Shiba Inus cats? No, they are dogs, but they have many “feline” qualities.
Adoption papers may indicate that you are getting a dog, but in many ways, this variety is much more like a pet cat. Shiba Inus are very independent, spend a lot of time grooming themselves, are stubborn, and don’t change their minds. These puppies are great sunbathers and enjoy snoozing in the sun, just like a cat would.
7. A Shiba Inu saved his family from an earthquake.
Her name is Mari, and in 2004, when an earthquake hit the village of Yamakoshi in Japan, she sprang into action. At the time, she was living with an elderly owner and her newborn puppies. She got her puppies to safety and went back to wake up her owner who was trapped under a fallen cabinet. He finally managed to free himself and was rescued by a plane. Unfortunately, he had to leave Mari behind. He returned two weeks later to find her and her pups in great shape. Mari’s story was even made into a Japanese movie called “A Tale of Mari as well as Her Three Young Puppies”.
No one knows exactly where the name of the variety comes from, but there are three well-accepted theories about it. “Shiba” means brush in Japanese and “Inu” means dog. It is therefore thought that the name was given to them because they tended to run through brush and thick grass when searching. Another theory is that the name is associated with the color of the dog’s coat. Both the brush and the coat of the Shiba Inus have a comparable fiery red color. Finally, the third theory states that “Shiba” actually means “little bit”, and that is why the dog was named that way because of its size.
