SHIBA INU

SHIBA INU

The Shiba Inu (柴犬, Shiba Dog) is a dog native to Japan that has been around since ancient times. The Shiba Inu is the most popular breed of dog in Japan. Medium-sized dog type, the male height is about 38 cm to 41 cm, while the height of the female is about 35 cm to 38 cm.
Shiba Inu

Shiba Inu
Other name
Shiba-inu, Shiba-ken
Nick name
Shiba
Country of origin
Japan (central Japanese highlands, various places in Honshu
Shiba Inu is one of the 7 leading breeds (now only 6 are left) that has been designated as a national heirloom of Japan (tennen kinen butsu) since December 16, 1936. medium-sized body so popular as a pet dog. According to the latest data from the Japanese Dog Conservation Society, of the total 6 breeds of Japanese dogs that are kept about 80% are Shiba Inu.
Shiba Inu have reddish-brown fur, although there is also a Shiba Inu with black fur, with an inner coat of light brown to gray. The short coat consists of two layers, a coarse top coat and a thick and fine inner coat. The inner layer sheds and is replaced by new hair two to three times a year. Ears stand up and tail curls.

The results of DNA analysis prove that the Shiba Inu is the "most primitive" and oldest dog breed.[1] Shiba Inu has long been used to accompany hunting small animals such as rabbits and pheasants.

Since ancient times, the Shiba Inu kept in various places on the island of Honshu are grouped according to their area of ​​origin: Kawakami Dogs from Shinshu, Hoshina Dogs, Togakushi Dogs, Mino Shiba Dogs from Mino, Sekishu Dogs, and Inaba Dogs from the San-in region.

The Shiba Inu known today is the result of crossbreeding the Shiba Inu from Shinshu with the Shiba from the San-in area. Crossbreeding was carried out by the Japanese dog breed preservation program in the early Showa period. The Shiba Inu is the only one of the 7 national heritage dog breeds of Japan that no longer bears the name of the area of ​​origin.

Since the Jomon era, the Shiba Inu have lived side by side with humans. From the results of excavations at the site of a pile of shells from the Jomon era, more than 200 dog skeletons were found. The Jomon era introduced dogs to Japan as hunting companions. The Jomon era dog if it dies seems to be well buried. Based on this evidence, it is known that since the Jomon era Japanese people have not had the habit of eating dog meat. Jomon era dogs were even buried in the family graves of their owners.

Based on the excavated skeleton, it can be seen that the dog's body is small, the shape of the stop (the meeting of the muzzle and forehead) is smooth, and the teeth and fangs are large. It is estimated that the early Japanese dog that was kept during the Jomon era was a dog from the Shiba Inu family.

Most fans demand the Shiba Inu who has the characteristics of a Jomon era dog such as a muscular body shape, carefree and agile in motion, alert and cautious nature like a wild dog and strong trust in his master.

quoted from: wikipedia