Shiba Inu

This article is about the dog breed. For the cryptocurrency, see Shiba Inu (cryptocurrency).
Shiba Inu
A three year old Red Shiba Inu
Other names
  • Japanese Shiba Inu
  • Japanese Small Size Dog
  • Japanese Brushwood Dog
  • Shiba Ken
  • Shibe
OriginJapan
Traits
Height Males 35 to 43 cm (14 to 17 in)
Females 33 to 41 cm (13 to 16 in)
Weight Males 10 kg (22 lb)
Females 8 kg (18 lb)
Coat double
Color Red, black and tan, cream, sesame, black sesame, red sesame.
Litter size 3 puppies on average
Kennel club standards
Japan Kennel Club standard
American Kennel Club standard
Dog (domestic dog)
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Shiba Inu
"Shiba Inu" in kanji
Japanese name
Kanji柴犬
Kanaしば いぬ
Transcriptions
Romanizationshiba inu

The Shiba Inu (柴犬, Shiba Inu, Japanese: [ɕiba inɯ]) is a breed of hunting dog from Japan. A small-to-medium breed, it is the smallest of the six original dog breeds native to Japan.[1] Its name literally translates to "brushwood dog", as it is used to flush game.

A small, alert, and agile dog that copes very well with mountainous terrain and hiking trails, the Shiba Inu was originally bred for hunting.[1][2] It looks similar to other Japanese dog breeds such as the Akita Inu or Hokkaido, but the Shiba Inu is a different breed with a distinct bloodline, temperament, and smaller size than other Japanese dog breeds.[3][4]

  1. ^ a b "Dog Owners Guide: Shiba Inu". Archived from the original on September 28, 2020. Retrieved August 20, 2007.
  2. ^ "Shiba Inu Breed Standard". American Kennel Club. Archived from the original on February 14, 2015. Retrieved August 20, 2007.
  3. ^ "Japanese Kennel Club Classification". Jkc.or.jp. Archived from the original on 26 October 2016. Retrieved 1 July 2014.
  4. ^ "Shiba inu". Japanesedog.org. Archived from the original on 26 July 2014. Retrieved 1 July 2014.