A fascinating and charming Japanese dog breed: the Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu, a Japanese dog breed recognized by the FCI, not only has an enchanting appearance, but also a fascinating history. With a temperament described as charming, keen, focused, fearless, confident and loyal, it is quickly winning the hearts of dog lovers around the world.
The origin of the Shiba Inu
Originally, the Shiba Inu comes from the mountainous regions of the Sea of Japan, where it was used to hunt small game and birds. The word “Shiba” means “small”, which refers to the small size of this dog breed. The breed has a long history dating back several thousand years, although its exact age is not documented.
In the late 1920s, hunters and scientists began working to preserve the purebred Shiba Inu, and a uniform standard was established in 1934. When the breed was declared a “natural monument” in 1937, targeted breeding and improvement of the appearance began.
The external appearance of the Shiba Inu
The Shiba Inu is characterized by its friendly face with small, triangular pricked ears. With a height of 35-43 cm for males and 33-41 cm for females and a weight of 8-11 kg for males and 6.8-9 kg for females, the Shiba Inu is one of the smaller Japanese dog breeds.
With the exception of the shedding phase, when the dog sheds heavily, the coat of the Shiba Inu is easy to care for. The predominant colors are red-sesame and black and tan, but black-sesame, sesame, cream and red also occur. The dense, straight and hard topcoat protects the dog well from the cold.
The character of the Shiba Inu
To this day, the breed has retained its keen sense of hunting and its fine nose, which should be taken into account when engaging in activities together in the woods and fields. The Shiba Inu is physically and mentally demanding and sometimes shows dominance and territorial behavior, especially with males.
In the family, the Shiba Inu is calm, balanced and alert. He loves respectful children, but sometimes withdraws too much attention. With a person at his side who sets the tone, this active dog can be easily integrated into the daily routine, including long walks and dog sport exercises.
Training and costs
Training a Shiba Inu requires patience and perseverance, as this breed has a mind of its own. The cost of a puppy from a reputable breeder is usually over 1200 euros, although there are no upper limits.
Conclusion
The Shiba Inu is a fascinating dog breed with a rich history and a unique character. Its charming appearance and loyalty make it a popular companion for experienced dog owners who appreciate the needs and idiosyncrasies of this breed. With the right training and guidance, the Shiba Inu will become a loyal family member and an adventurous partner for various activities.
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