INTRODUCTION
If you are already this far, you have probably caught
your first glimpse of a Shiba. It may have been at a dog show, walking in a park, or just
a picture in a book. Cute, huh? The Shiba is probably one of the most universally
appealing of all breeds. It has the look toy manufacturers try to capture in their
favourite stuffed animal, the teddy bear. But the Shiba is not a toy. It is a very lively
little dog with a unique set of characteristics. Each one is an individual with his own
personality, but there are some traits that are considered typical of the breed.
Dog ownership is a long term commitment, not something that can
be stuffed in the closet once the novelty wears off. A dog's love is for keeps.
HISTORY
Originally, Shiba's were bred to flush birds and small game
and were occasionally used to hunt wild boar. Now they are primarily kept as pets, both in
Japan and the United States. There are more Shiba's in Japan than any other breed.
Around 7000 B.C. the ancestors of today's Shiba may have
accompanied the earliest immigrants to Japan. Archaeological excavations of the
shell-mounds left by the Jomonjin, or Rope-Pattern People (a name derived from the pattern
found on their earthenware), show that they had small dogs in the 14 1/2 to 19 1/2 inch
range.
In the third century B.C., a new group of immigrants brought
their dogs to Japan. These dogs then interbred with the descendants of the Jomonjin dogs,
and produced canines known to have pointed, erect ears and curly or sickle tails.
In the 7th century A.D., the Yamato Court established a
dog keeper's office that helps maintain the Japanese native breeds as an integral part of
Japanese culture. Although the country was closed to foreigners from the 17th through 18th
centuries, some European dogs and a breed known as the Chinese Chin were imported and
crossed with native dogs living in the more populated areas. Dogs in the countryside,
however, remained relatively pure.
Originally there were three main varieties of Shiba, each named
for its region of origin. Although similar, the Shibas from each area contributed to
differences in breed type seen today.
From the original Japanese native dogs, six distinct
"breeds," in three different sizes developed. They are: *Large
Size The Akita
*Medium Size The Kishu, Hokkaido, Shikoku, & Kai
*Small Size The Shiba
The small size dog has been called the Shiba since ancient
times, with several theories surrounding the development of that name. One popular
explanation is that the word Shiba means "brushwood," and the dogs were named
for the brushwood bushes where they hunted. Another theory is that the fiery red
colour of
the Shiba is the same as the autumn colour of the brushwood leaves. A third conjecture is
related to an obsolete meaning of the word referring to its small size. These explanations
are often combined and the Shiba is referred to as the "little dog."
World War II nearly spelled disaster for the Shiba, and most of
the dogs that did not perish in bombing raids succumbed to distemper during the post-war
years. While the Mino and Sanin Shibas became practically extinct, more of the Shinshu
Shibas survived. After the war, Shibas were brought from the remote countryside, and
breeding programs were established. The remnants of the various bloodlines were combined
to produce the breed as it is known today.
PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS
The Shiba is a very proportionate dog with a height to
length ratio of 10 to 11. Males run from 14 1/2 to 16 1/2 inches tall, with females
ranging from 13 1/2 to 15 1/2 inches. Height over the upper limits is a disqualification.
The weight varies according to height up to about 25 pounds. It is a medium boned,
moderately compact and well muscled dog with a generally spitzlike appearance. Because of
its hunting heritage, it is quick, agile and able to turn on a yen. It has a dense double
coat similar to that of a husky. Although all colours are acceptable in the Shiba standard,
red, red sesame (sable) and black and tan are preferred. White and cream shadings
(urajiro) are present in the legs, belly, chest and part of the face and tail.
TEMPERAMENT
With a black button nose, little pricked ears and a curly
tail, the Shiba enters the world knowing he is a superior being. Whether with intrepid
boldness, squinty-eyed cuteness or calm dignity, he is king.
The Japanese have three words to describe the Shiba temperament.
The first is "kan-i" which is bravery and boldness combined with composure and
mental strength. The opposite side of "kan-i" is "ryosei" which means
good nature with a gentle disposition. One cannot exist without the other. The charming
side of the Shiba is "sobuku" which is artlessness with a refined and open
spirit. They combine to make a personality that Shiba owners can only describe as
"irresistible."
If a Shiba could only utter one word, it would probably be
"mine." It is "mine" food, "mine" water, "mine"
toys, "mine" sofa, "mine" crate, "mine" car,
"mine" owner, and "mine" world. Sharing is a concept he feels others
should practice.
If the bait is dangled when a potential Shiba owner sees adults
at a dog show or pictures in a magazine, the hook is set when he encounters his first
puppy. They are exemplary examples of canine
cuteness, fiery little fuzz balls-from-hell, no words can describe the appeal of the infant
Shiba.
The adult Shiba is far from a toy. "Macho stud muffin"
has been used to describe the male Shiba. The body may look "muffin," but the
mind is all "macho stud." The Shiba takes the "spirited boldness part of
his temperament quite seriously. Early socialization, temperament testing, and careful
conditioning are mandatory for the young puppy. Dog aggression, especially in the
un-neutered male, is a breed characteristic. This fiery aspect of the Shiba nature cannot
be taken lightly.
Most Shiba owners learn to deal with the difficult aspects of
the dog's temperament to enjoy the delightful ones. With "sobuku" the Shiba sets
his hook into the heart. This is "artlessness" with squinty eyes,
airplane
ears, and a vibrating tail. It is "charm" standing in your lap, washing your
ears, and "dignity" plus "refinement" born of the knowledge of
superiority.
BUYER INFO
You have probably been admonished to buy from a reputable
breeder. Where are they? You may look in the newspaper, but many of the best breeders use
other methods of advertising. It is best to check with the National Shiba Club of America
(NSCA) which is the national organization (parent club) for the Shiba. If you call the
American Kennel Club (AKC), that organization will give you the address of the current
secretary of the NSCA, or of the contact person for breed information. Breeders are listed
in publications geared for the Shiba breed, as well as general "dog" magazines.
Let your best instincts guide you when choosing a breeder. Don't
pick a puppy because you feel sorry for it or want to "rescue" it. This is an
animal that will be sharing your life and the life of your family the next 12 years or so.
Take your time. If it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't. Visit several breeders and
pick one with whom you feel comfortable. Choose one who is willing to help you both before
and after the sale. Since Shibas often aren't readily available, choose the breeder first
and place a deposit on an upcoming litter. If possible, see the puppies as they develop. A
breeder should not mind the visitation as he wishes to become acquainted with you too.
Sometimes adults are available from breeders or people who have
bought them as show dogs. For some reason, frequently size or dentition, the dog did not
turn out to be a show dog. These dogs usually make outstanding pets as they have been
carefully raised and are past the "puppy stage."
Sometimes, whether through impulse or frustration in trying to
find a good breeder, people end up considering a pet store puppy. Puppies found in a pet
store have been bred strictly for profit. Quality is seldom a criteria. People who breed
these puppies do not know where they go and have no contact with the animal after it is
sold to the pet store. It is not to say that a nice puppy cannot be obtained through a pet
store, but common sense dictates that it is better to work with someone who has the
welfare of his puppies as his highest priority, not money.
