Shiba Inu

Introduction

I first saw a Shiba Inu while watching *Enter the Dragon* when it premiered in San Antonio, Texas, in early 1973. In one scene, Jim Kelly—tall, cool, and unmistakably 1970s in his burgundy suit and yellow turtleneck—is riding a small boat across Hong Kong harbor on his way to the island hosting the martial arts tournament. As the boat passes through the harbor, the camera cuts to a Shiba prancing confidently around a sampan as if he owned it. That brief moment stuck with me

I saw Shibas again during my Navy visits to Japan in the 1990s. After retiring, one of the first things I did was buy a Shiba of my own. I named him *Kuma*—Japanese for “bear,” because he looked like a little red bear. We shared fourteen years of adventures before he crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Today, I have another Shiba, *Koji*, a red male with white legs and a white-tipped, fully curled tail.

 Breed History

The Shiba Inu has lived alongside the Japanese people for centuries and is considered the smallest and oldest of Japan’s native dogs. The ancestors of today’s Shiba were hardy survivors of Japan’s rugged mountain regions—places difficult for humans to reach but ideal for a tough, agile hunting dog.

Over time, Shibas were bred to flush birds and small game and were even used occasionally to hunt wild boar. Their agility, sharp senses, and ability to maneuver through steep terrain made them exceptional hunting companions. Today, they are primarily kept as pets and watchdogs, both in Japan and around the world. In fact, the Shiba is the number‑one companion dog in Japan.

Archaeological evidence suggests that small dogs resembling early Shibas accompanied Japan’s earliest immigrants around 7000 BC. Excavations of Jomon-era shell mounds show dogs in the 14–19 inch range. Later immigrants in the 3rd century BCE brought their own dogs, which interbred with the Jomon dogs and produced canines with erect ears and curled or sickle tails. By the 7th century CE, the Yamato Court had established a dog‑keeper office to preserve native breeds as part of Japanese culture.

 Although Japan was largely closed to foreigners during the 17th and 18th centuries, some European dogs and the Chinese Chin were imported and crossbred with native dogs in populated areas. Dogs in rural regions, however, remained relatively pure.

Historically, three regional varieties of Shiba existed:  

• • Shinshu Shiba (Nagano Prefecture) – the most influential type  

  • Mino Shiba (Gifu Prefecture)  

  • Sanin Shiba (northeastern mainland)

These regional differences contributed to the variations seen in the breed today. From Japan’s native dogs, six distinct breeds developed in three size categories:  

• • Large: Akita  

  • Medium: Kishu, Hokkaido, Shikoku, Kai  

  • Small: Shiba

The name *Shiba* has several possible origins. One theory is that *shiba* means “brushwood,” referring either to the dog’s ability to move through brushwood thickets or to its red coat, which resembles autumn brushwood leaves. Another theory links the name to an old word meaning “small.” These explanations are often combined, and the Shiba is commonly called the “little brushwood dog.” The breed received its modern name in the 1920s.

By the 1930s, most Shibas being shown came from the Yamanashi and Sanin regions. These dogs, used primarily for hunting, were larger‑boned and rougher-looking than today’s refined Shibas. In 1936, the breed was officially designated a “precious natural product” of Japan under the Cultural Properties Act.

World War II nearly wiped out the breed. Many Shibas died in bombing raids, and others succumbed to postwar distemper outbreaks. The Mino and Sanin lines were nearly lost, but more Shinshu Shibas survived. After the war, breeders gathered surviving dogs from remote areas and rebuilt the breed from the remaining bloodlines.

The first documented Shiba arrived in the United States in 1954. The breed entered the American Kennel Club Stud Book in 1992 and gained full recognition in the Non‑Sporting Group in 1993.

Physical Characteristics

The Shiba is a well‑balanced, proportionate dog with a height‑to‑length ratio of roughly 10:11.  

• • Males: 14.5–16.5 inches  

  • Females: 13.5–15.5 inches  

Heights above the upper limit are disqualifying. Weight varies with height but generally tops out around 25 pounds.

Shibas are medium‑boned, compact, and muscular, with a classic spitz‑type appearance. Their hunting heritage gives them quick reflexes, agility, and the ability to make sharp turns. They have a dense double coat similar to a husky’s.

All colors are acceptable, but the preferred colors are:  

• • Red  

  • Red sesame  

  • Black and tan  

  • Cream or white (less common)

Many Shibas have white or cream markings on the legs, belly, chest, face, and the underside of the tail.

Temperament

Shibas can display bold confidence, charming cuteness, or calm dignity—sometimes all in the same afternoon. The Japanese use three words to describe the Shiba temperament:

• • Kan‑i: bravery and boldness balanced with composure and mental strength  

  • Ryosei:  good nature and a gentle disposition

  • Soboku: a refined, open, natural spirit  

Together, these traits create a personality Shiba owners find irresistible. One humorous description of the male Shiba is “Macho Stud Muffin”—the body may look like a muffin, but the mind is all macho.

Shibas are highly possessive and do not share well. Historically, they protected hunters from wounded game, and that instinct remains. Their loyalty and protectiveness make them excellent watchdogs. Their “spirited boldness” is one of the breed’s most attractive—and challenging—traits.

They are often described as catlike:  

• • They stalk prey with feline stealth  

  • They sit in catlike poses  

  • They wash their faces with their paws  

Shibas are not especially friendly with other dogs and must be kept under firm control. They can be very vocal, and their famous “Shiba scream” is unforgettable.

They Are Unique

Shibas are not for everyone. They require regular exercise, firm leadership, and clear boundaries. They are dominant by nature, and if you don’t stay in charge, they will. But for those who appreciate their independence, intelligence, and spirited personality, a Shiba Inu is a remarkable companion.