Japanese Shiba Inu

The Japanese Shiba Inu (Shiba meaning 'small' and Inu meaning 'dog') is a relative newcomer to the UK and has quickly acquired considerable popularity.  A medium sized dog at up to 15½" and not heavily built with the typical stand-off Spitz coat the Japanese Shiba Inu is a smart and handy sized dog.  Like the Japanese Akita his colour is clear and bright; permissible colours are red, black, black and tan, brindle, and white with a red or grey tinge. He should suggest a scaled-down version of the Japanese Akita.

The Japanese Shiba Inu originates from the inland mountainous areas of Japan where they hunted small game though he is also adept at tracking larger game such as wild boar and deer.  He is a very alert and active dog, not noisy like some of the Spitz breeds and very friendly - neither is he wary of strangers as most Spitz are.  In fact he has the attractive aesthetic qualities of the Spitz breeds without the reserve or tendency to bark that is usual.

Click here to read the Japanese Shiba Inu Breed Standard.

Selected Books

The time to make sure that the Shiba Inu is the right breed for you is before you bring him home. If you and your dog are going to be a good match speak to breeders, Breed Clubs, and generally find out as much as you can about the breed.

Understanding dog psychology, and what his motivations are will save a lot of confusion and misunderstandings for both you and him. Many mistakes can be avoided, and quick solutions reached if you have the basics of puppy training to guide you through all the early settling in difficulties.  It helps, too, to have some idea of basic healthcare so you can make informed judgements about whether a visit to the vet is necessary or if there is a simple remedy.  For example, many cases of upset tummies are best cured by 24 hour starvation.  The books we have chosen will be able to guide you as to whether your dog can be treated at home, or a visit to the surgery is necessary.

Japanese Shiba Inu Breed Clubs

Japanese Shiba Inu Club Of Great Britain
Gill Bingham, Dudley, West Midlands
Tel: 01384 214868 Fax: 01384 214868 Email

Japanese Shiba Inu Rescue and Rehoming

Japanese Shiba Inu Club Of Great Britain Welfare

Gill Bingham      01384 214868    Fax:01384 214868    Email

Japanese Shiba Inu Rescue

Janice Bannister    01952 613500 

Japanese Shiba Inu Breeders

Adding Your Kennel

Ethical breeders are invited to register their kennel on Puppyfinder for just £10pa. This allows you to list litters, litters planned and stud dogs