The Shiba Inu is the smallest of the six Japanese dog breeds. The animals have a unique character and are very popular dogs due to their elegant appearance. This ancient dog breed was little known in Europe until a few years ago. Today, the Shiba Inu is one of the fashionable dogs, even if its handling is not quite as easy as one might think given its cute appearance due to its similarity to the wolf.
Content: Shiba Inu
- profile
- Special features
- Nutrition
- Health and care
- Origin and history
- The right accessories
- Conclusion
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Shiba Inu - Profile
- Character: Loyal, intelligent, lively, self-confident, affectionate
- Size: Small
- Height: 37-40 cm
- Weight: 8-10 kg
- Life expectancy: 12-15 years
- Coat type: Medium length with a lot of undercoat, slightly longer and protruding hair on the tail
- Colour: Red, Black Tan, Sesame, Black Sesame, Red Sesame
- Special features: Strong genetic similarity with wolves, primitive breed
- FCI Group: Spitz and primitive dogs, Asian Spitz and related breeds
Shiba Inu - Special Characteristics
The Shiba Inu is a sharp-witted dog with a strong character that never completely submits to its owner. It is an extremely lively, adventurous, affectionate and brave dog. The Shiba is calm and rarely barks. However, it can communicate in a complex way using many different sounds. It can keep itself busy on its own and does not want to be pampered all day. Always friendly and peaceful, the Shiba only comes when it feels like it. Bossy calls have little impact on the little Spitz. Its urge to dominate the pack and only follow a two-legged friend who, in the eyes of the Shiba, deserves the leadership, requires an owner who is equally strong-willed and has a strong character. The owner should train it very consistently and develop a good sense of the peculiarities of its companion. The Shiba must be accustomed to other pets from a young age, as it loves its own space and independence.
Shiba Inu - What should you consider when feeding them?
There are hardly any important rules when it comes to feeding a Shiba Inu. As with any dog, the focus is on a balanced and natural diet . The food should tend to be high in protein with a high meat content . The amount of food should therefore be based on the dog's age, weight and activity level. Shiba dogs do not tend to be overweight - so overfeeding should be avoided. Otherwise, feeding a Shiba Inu is problem-free.
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Shiba Inu - Health and Care
The Shiba Inu's coat needs a little more attention. It loses its undercoat twice a year and should generally be combed several times a week, especially during the shedding season. The shedding season lasts about 2-4 weeks and is accompanied by a lot of hair loss. In high temperatures, the dog's thick coat tends to overheat, so excessive exertion should be avoided in midsummer. Otherwise, the Shiba Inu is considered to be a very easy-care and clean animal that also takes care of its own personal grooming wherever possible. Another special feature is that the Shiba Inu does not smell like a dog even when its coat is wet.
The Shiba Inu does not have any breed-specific diseases, provided there is no inbreeding. With proper feeding and good breeding, your little four-legged friend normally has hardly any health problems. At 12-15 years, the life expectancy of the little Japanese is relatively high.
Shiba Inu - Origin & History
The Shiba Inu is an ancient Japanese dog breed and is very similar to the wolf. Shiba can be translated as small and Inu as dog. Shiba Inu - the small dog. The historical Shiba were smaller and had shorter legs than today's dogs. Their habitat was the mountainous region on the Sea of Japan. They were very popular in Japan as farm dogs and for hunting small game. Due to crossbreeding with other dogs, the purebred Shiba almost became extinct until hunters and intellectuals campaigned for the preservation of the purebred Shiba Inus in 1928. In 1937, the small dogs were declared a "natural monument", after which the breed was bred to its current flawless form.
Shiba Inu - The right accessories
The Shiba Inu is generally not interested in dog toys and prefers to go on long walks in nature. A long leash can be useful for this, so that you can let the dog run around on the one hand, but also keep its hunting instinct under control on the other. It is also important to provide the dog with its own place to retreat to. A large fenced garden is also ideal as a place for the dog to run around. However, you still cannot avoid the walk.
Conclusion
The Shiba Inu is an intelligent dog with a strong character, characterized by its independent nature and its closeness to the wolf. This ancient Japanese breed requires consistent training and a strong-willed owner. The Shiba is easy to care for, provided its thick coat is brushed regularly. With a life expectancy of 12-15 years and few health problems, it is a long-lasting companion. Its preference for long walks and its low need for toys make it an ideal dog for active people who can offer it its own place of retreat.
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