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Non-sporting breeds: Shiba Inu
Origin
Shibas were originally bred to flush birds and small game and occasionally to hunt wild boar. Around 7000 B.C., the ancestors of today's Shibas escorted the earliest immigrants to Japan. The Jomonjin had small dogs in the 14.5 to 19.5 inch range. More immigrants brought their dogs to Japan in the 3rd century B.C., and they were then interbred with the descendants of the Jomonjin dogs. This produced dogs known to have pointed, erect ears and curly tails.
The word Shiba means "brushwood," and some believe the dogs were named for the brushwood bushes where they hunted. Others insist that the fiery red color of the Shiba is the same as the autumn color of the brushwood leaves. Others refer to an obsolete meaning of the word Shiba, meaning small. These explanations are often combined and the Shiba is referred to as the "little brushwood dog".
World War II nearly exterminated the Shiba. Most of the dogs perished in bombing raids, and a significant part of the remaining Shibas were lost to distemper during the post-war years.
After the war, Shibas were brought from the remote countryside and breeding programs were established. At this time, there are more Shibas in Japan than any other breed.
General description
Height: 13.5-16 inches
Weight: 20-25 pounds
Color: Reds, blacks and sesames, and black with tan points. The undercoat is cream, buff or gray. Urajiro (cream to white ventral color) is required in the following areas on all coat colors: on the sides of the muzzle, on the cheeks, inside the ears, on the underjaw and upper throat inside of legs, on the abdomen, around the vent and the ventral side of the tail.
Grooming requirements
The Shiba Inu has a harsh, double coat, with a thick, sickle-shaped bushy tail. The coat is easy to care for as it repels dirt; a good weekly brushing will keep this dog looking nice. You will need a shedding blade and a coat rake for this breed. Regular ear-cleaning and nail-trimming are also required.
Health considerations
They tend to have skin problems related to allergies.
Breed characteristics and personality
This perky little fellow has a fiercely independent and industrious nature, and requires obedience training to direct his energies properly.
Uses
It was first used for hunting small game, and to trail larger game such as dear, boar and bear. Only, with the proper owner can he make a faithful companion.
Web links
AKC Shiba Inu page
East Coast Shiba Inu Rescue
Shiba Inu-Vations
National Shiba Club of America
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