Shiba Inu — size comparison

The Shiba Inu is a small, sturdy spitz with upright ears and a tail curled over the back. It has broad cheeks, a pointed muzzle and a dense coat with a soft undercoat. Many have pale hair on the cheeks, underside of the muzzle and body, known as urajiro. The compact build combines strength and agility, especially on uneven ground.

It comes from mountainous parts of Japan facing the Sea of Japan, where local dogs hunted small game and birds. Crossbreeding after European hunting dogs were introduced threatened the native type. Conservation and more organised breeding began in the first half of the twentieth century. A standard was drawn up in 1934, and the Shiba was designated a natural monument in Japan three years later.

Alert and observant, the Shiba is attached to its people but remains independent. It often chooses when to approach and may keep its distance from strangers. Movement and new scents quickly attract attention. It can persist with an interesting activity while showing less enthusiasm for repeated commands.

Measurement sources

• Wzorzec i umaszczenie
• Charakter i pielęgnacja
• Waga — AKC
• AKC — długość życia, pielęgnacja i historia