The Japanese Shiba Inu is a small-medium-sized dog native to Japan, where it was developed as a hunting dog.
It is similar in appearance to the Japanese Akita Inu, only smaller. It has a sturdy, muscular frame, a foxy face with erect, triangular ears and a dense double coat, with the outer coat being stiff and straight and the undercoat soft and thick. They are typically red or black and tan, with white markings. The Japanese Shiba Inu is a proud and good-natured dog, which is very affectionate with its family, although is better suited to families with older children. They like to keep fastidiously clean and are often described as catlike from the way they lick and clean their paws and legs. They are also known for their Shiba scream, a loud, high-pitched scream produced when provoked or unhappy. The Shiba Inu enjoys getting outdoors and is an agile and energetic dog which does well as a hiking companion. They can be quite independent and territorial with a strong hunting instinct, and as such are better suited to more experienced owners.
History
The Japanese Shiba Inu is a small hunting dog developed in Japan to hunt small game birds in mountainous regions. It is one of several spitz dogs native to Japan. In 1937, the Shiba Inu was declared a National Monument of Japan.
