The Shiba Inu puppy is not so common in the United States, but Shibas are considered a national treasure in Japan. Remains of this type of curly tailed dog were found in archeological digs and date back to 8000 BC. This makes them one of the oldest known dog breeds in the world. Shibu Inu translates from a phrase in Japanese meaning ‘mountain brush’ describing a weed that grows in the mountains of Japan and turns a fiery color every year. The dog takes on similar qualities in its reddish and ample fur.
The Shiba Inu is not your average canine. It is a very smart dog with a big personality. It is almost catlike in its craftiness. After WWII, the breed was almost wiped out completely, and the two slightly different breeds of Shiba Inu were brought together to sustain the dog’s lineage. The Shiba Inu puppy you find today is from this strain and comes in several colors besides red, including black and tan, solid white and a sesame color. The coat is very plush and they have big feet with ample pads. There is a big difference between the male and female. Shiba Inu puppies will grow up to be bigger and stockier if they are boys and smaller with a more delicate frame resembling a fox if they are females.
Shiba Inu breeders often mix the different colored dogs to come up with a greater variety. Breeders look for a sturdy dog, and one that is about half the size of the Japanese Akida, a close cousin of the Shiba Inu dog. They have small ears, and can often have ear trouble, as well as split knee-caps when inbred too often. These problems have been recently corrected though. These dogs are very assertive and smart. They can escape just about any yard, and will rarely return to their owners if let off a leash due to their independent nature. They are not noisy dogs, but will bark when they perceive danger. They are very loving and nurturing animals towards human beings but don’t always get along with other dogs due to a self-sufficient streak that comes with their heritage.
If you are looking for a Shiba Inu pup, make sure you check pet rescue facilities and shelters first, since there are sometimes Inus needing a good home. They are sure to be an entertaining dog that will keep you on your toes with their intelligence and independence. The puppies are absolutely adorable and look more like a stuffed animal than a real dog, but remember that they will grow to be about 14 to 20 inches tall. They are considered a ‘small’ dog but they don’t stay puppy-sized forever. The Shiba Inu Puppy does make a beautiful adult dog pet too.
We have sections on our website hat provide lots more information on these wonderfull dogs :-
A great family pet a Shiba Inu puppy is a bundle of fun.