Shiba Inu information about dogs

The Shiba Inu is an ancient and reborn dog breed in Japan. Their name translates as "a clump of grass" (the color resembles withered grass) or "small" (the smallest aboriginal breed). The Shiba Inu is a national treasure of Japan and, along with other local breeds, is listed as a natural monument.

The origin of the breed

Honshu Island (Japan) is home to 6 breeds of hunting dogs. Their name corresponds to the name of the province in which they originated. And only the Shiba Inu is named for its external features. Findings unearthed by archaeologist Angela Perry testify to the ancient origins of Japanese hunting dogs. In the scientific literature in Japan, she found descriptions of the burials of hunting dogs similar to the Shiba Inu.

More than 9000 years ago, Honshu hunters paid homage to dogs by burying them with hunters. The dogs were laid as if the dog was sleeping peacefully, curled up in a ball. Burial bracelets and belts inlaid with deer antlers lay next to the dog. These burials testify that the ancient Japanese honored their assistants on an equal basis with the hunters who procured food for the tribe.

In addition to 110 burials dating back to 300 BC, Perry discovered a 2500-year-old bronze bell, which depicted scenes of hunting a wild boar with dogs similar to Shiba Inu. Since the Jomon culture (16,000-24,000 years ago), the Japanese have been selecting dogs with the desired traits.

After the arrival of the Korean immigrants to the island, the indigenous breeds were crossed with the dogs of emigrants, and in the XVIII-XIX centuries. with other European breeds. Island rocks are on the verge of extinction. Thanks to the efforts of NIPPO, the Society for the Conservation of Aboriginal Dog Breeds, they have been restored.

Description of the Shiba Inu breed

The modern Shiba Inu in appearance differs little from the ancient dogs that accompanied the hunters of Nippon. Only its size is smaller than that of other "Japanese". In 1934, a common standard was adopted for all 6 breeds. It has been revised and revised several times (1987, 1993).

A special Japanese approach to the perception of the world, nature is reflected in the assessment and description of this Shiba Inu. They differ significantly from the European standard.

The height at the withers of a dog is 38-39.5 cm, a bitch is 35-37 cm, the weight of males reaches 10 kg. The ears of the Shiba Inu are small and erect. The eyes are in the shape of an elongated triangle with a raised outer corner. The color of the iris can be almost black or dark brown. The muzzle is 40% of the length of the skull. The nose is straight, slightly tapering towards the end. The speculum of the nose is wide, hard, and black pigmented. The muzzle is strong, without wings and a plumb line. Lips dry, tightly compressed, mucous membrane of black color. Cheekbones protruding from pouches. This combination of hardness and softness is mandatory in Shiba Inu. Her teeth are strong, upright, with a scissor bite. The frontal part is wide with a noticeable longitudinal depression. The neck is of medium length and width, strong, densely covered with skin. In the occipital part, the neck is somewhat convex and forms one line with the ears. The forelegs are parallel, straight, strong, muscular, located just below the body. The hindquarters have strong bones and well-developed muscles that provide power and ease of movement. Paws are round with tightly closed toes. The back is strong and even, the loin and croup are equal in size. The top line of the torso is flat, without bends. The tail is strong, saber-shaped, of medium thickness. It should stand, but at the same time, when viewed from above, the root covers the anus.

Shiba Inu wool consists of a stiff shirt and a dense undercoat. The shortest coat covers the face and limbs of the Shiba Inu, the longer coat covers the body, and the longest is located on the tail, evenly covering it.

The Japanese attach great importance to the evaluation of the dog beauty, balance, proportionality. This also applies to the color of the animal. Nippo judges are negative about the presence of black hairs on the dog's face, especially around the eyes and lips. It is believed to be an admixture of "non-Japanese" blood, which reduces the value of Shiba Inu in breeding. Shiba Inu are born with black hairs in the main color, but this is a "baby" coat. The real color of a dog can be judged in adulthood.

Features of character and disposition

When describing the nature or essence of the ideal Shiba Inu, the Japanese use 3 definitions:

• bold audacity (kan-i);
• good character (riosei);
• innocence (soboku).

The ideal Shiba Inu is intelligent, courageous, with a balanced nervous system, which controls all the emotions of the dog. Shiba is wary of outsiders, but does not show unreasonable aggression. If the owner gives the command to attack, then the Shiba should not hesitate.

What the Japanese call "rayosei" - good character, implies good breeding, socialization, obedience, intelligence. Shiba is obedient to the owner, but not servile. The dog has an independent character, but it lends itself well to training and obeys commands. Soboku - innocence, means openness of the soul, kindness.

Shiba is a brave dog with well-developed sense organs that allow you to detect danger in time, and the mind makes it possible to adequately assess it and react in accordance with it. Shiba Inu is always on the alert. She calmly watches what is happening. Only as a last resort does the Shiba allow you to bother the owner - to prevent it by barking.

Shiba is very attached to the owner, but rarely demonstrates her love and disapproves of bodily contact - stroking, scratching. Shiba is a loner, prone to contemplation and thoughtfulness. She would rather watch the dogs' fidgeting from afar than condescend to participate. However, she is curious.

The expressiveness of the dog's facial expressions and its artistry are remarkable. If the dog does not agree with something, then it will show it in "colors". With children, the shiba is patient, takes part in fun with pleasure, jealously guards the "object" and will not give anyone offense.

The basics of education and training

An intelligent Shiba Inu quickly learns and memorizes commands, but independence and independent character sometimes prevent the dog from fulfilling them. The Japanese believe that raising a Shiba Inu is akin to the art of origami. Raising the perfect dog requires patience, perseverance, precision and delicacy.

The pet does not tolerate rudeness, much less violence. Only emotional contact, mutual respect and firmness will make the Shiba Inu obey. The dog needs early socialization, as the expressed hunting instinct makes it hunt small domestic animals and react aggressively to the representatives of the "dog tribe".

Care and health

The dense Shiba Inu wool is water-repellent. In addition, the dog itself maintains its cleanliness - it does not climb into the mud, carefully licks its paws after a walk. Therefore, hair care is minimal. It is enough to brush it with a stiff-bristled brush several times a week. In the warm period, the fluffy undercoat sheds heavily and combing out the dead hairs should be done daily.

It is necessary to bathe the dog when it is heavily soiled - 2-3 times a year, so as not to wash off the natural protection of the coat. Regular examination and care require the ears, eyes and teeth of the dog for contamination. Once a week, you need to remove the hair between the fingers, as you grow, trim the nails.

Mandatory care procedures also include regular examination by a veterinarian for preventive purposes, timely vaccination, deworming and antiparasitic treatment.

Good health and ideal adaptability to harsh natural conditions allow the Shiba Inu to live for 13-16 years.

Feeding regimen and diet

In the diet, the Siba Inu are unpretentious, they are content with half the daily norm, they endure hunger steadfastly. But in order for the dog to grow strong and active, he needs a proper balanced diet.

In the dog's diet, 30% should be proteins - lean meat and offal, fish, egg yolk, dairy products. 2/3 of the diet are cereals - rice, buckwheat. The diet should contain vegetables - fresh, boiled, stewed.

Keeping the dog

Sibs feel good both in a city apartment and in a country house. However, the dog requires vigorous exercise. She runs with pleasure, jumps, travels well. To satisfy hunting instincts and curiosity, the shiba need a fenced-in area, as dogs tend to run away.

Sibas cannot stand monotony, they learn and assimilate new material with great pleasure, so the walk should be interesting, intense load not only for the muscles, but also for the mind of the dog.

Shiba Inu are independent, proud and dislike leashes and collars. To make your dog feel free, you need to give him the opportunity to walk without a leash at least once a week. Due to the dense undercoat, it tolerates rain and snow well, and is slightly sensitive to cold. But when kept in an aviary, she needs a booth or a shed that protects from the weather and gives shade in the heat.

Shiba is the owner, therefore, when kept in an apartment, she must have her own sleeping place and toys. The dog's watchdog instincts will be satisfied if he can control most of the room and the front door from the bed.