Shiba Inu

The Shiba Inu is a breed of dog from Japan. It looks like a smaller version of the Akita Inu, and was first bred for hunting. Shiba Inu is one of seven Japanese dog species recognised as natural symbols of the country.

Shiba Inu

Three-year-old Red Shiba Inu
Other names	Japanese Shiba Inu Japanese Small Size Dog Japanese Brushwood Dog Shiba Ken Shobe Shibe Shober
Country of origin	Japan
Traits Weight Male 10 kg (22 lb) Female 8 kg (18 lb) Height Male 35 to 43 cm (14 to 17 in) Female 33 to 41 cm (13 to 16 in) Coat double Color Red, black and tan, cream, sesame, black sesame, red sesame. Litter size 3 puppies on average Life span 13–15 years
Classification & standards FCI Group Section {{{fcisection}}} #{{{fcinum}}} standard

There are two types of Shiba. Aka-Shiba has red hair, and Kuro-Shiba has black hair. Shiba is a popular among breeders in Japan.

Shiba inu are faithful to their owners and are wary of strangers. They are popular as guard dogs. They are also the subject of an internet meme called Doge.

Other Japanese dogs

• Akita Inu
• Kai Inu also called the Kai Ken
• Kisyu Inu
• Tosa Inu
• Hokkaido Inu
• Koshi-no-inu (extinct since 1971)

Shiba Inu Media

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  Fmshibainupuppy

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  A fragment of a Jōmon period dogū with pointed ears, unearthed in Aomori Prefecture.

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  A Shiba Inu photographed in Italy in 2008.

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  A shiba at the beach

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  A "white" (also called "cream") Shiba Inu

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  ShibaInu

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  A black and tan Shiba Inu with urajiro

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  A red Shiba Inu with visible urajiro on the muzzle, cheeks, ears and throat