The Shiba Inu is an ancient native Japanese breed. The name Shiba Inu is loosely translated to mean little Brushwood dog. There are a couple of theories as to how the Shiba Inu obtained its name. One is that their original purpose in Japan was to aid the Japanese hunter in areas where small trees and bushes predominated. Another theory was that they were named for the brilliant color of their coat, which resembled the brushwood of the Japanese terrain in the height of the fall season-fire red.

The shiba comes in a variety of sizes and colours. Males are usually between 14.5 and 16.5 inches and approximately 20-25 lbs. Females are between 13.5 and 15.5 inches and from 15-20 lbs. The color range available is red with Urajiro, (whitish markings on legs, face and underside of body and tail), Black and tan, & Sesame. They are a double-coated breed that sheds at least once a year. Shibas are generally a very clean breed, with occasional brushing and bathing they maintain themselves very well.  

Shibas are a relatively healthy and sturdy breed. Their life span is anywhere from 10-15 years, so the purchase of a shiba tends to be commitment for may years and should not be taken lightly.  

The shiba is a unique little breed in many ways. They are often described as "Big dogs in Little Bodies". This phrase says more about the Shiba Inu than any other does. Nobody ever informed this hardy little breed that they were only knee high. In their eyes, they can take on the world no matter how big the foe or the task. This quality is one of the most appealing that the breed possesses. 

The Shiba is also noted highly for its extreme loyalty to its family. They love their masters above all else—except food. Each member of this breed possesses its own unique personality and sometimes it is hard to remember that they are not human. This breed also boasts extreme intelligence. This makes them very trainable in both obedience and stupid pet tricks; however, there is one other quality this breed possesses as well-a stubborn streak a mile long. You may be able to train them to do what you want, but you can only train them to do it when you want on their terms. They decide when they want to listen and when they magically have no ears to your voice. This quality can be impish and amusing at times but also can be dangerous if they choose to not listen in the wrong situation (i.e. off-leash).  

The Shiba is both an active and adaptable animal. They enjoy a hearty romps in the backyard and extended sessions of playing. In the same breath, this little dog is capable of adapting to apartment living as long as they get their walks in the park and some play-chasing inside, This commonly know as “The Shiba 500”, (probably knocking over a few things as they attempt a daring leaping catch). Their days are usually spent lounging around and napping when nobody is available to play, but that means they are saving their energy for when you arrive home. Shibas are extremely people oriented and require a fair amount of love and attention from their owners in order to be happy.  

The Shiba is also a bit of a protector, as well. They will bark at strangers as they approach either your backyard or your door, as if to say "hey Mom/Dad someone is here that is not supposed to be!" They are not known as incessant barkers, though. Some people find this trait desirable, but let me warn you, Shibas have no sense of time, so if they hear a noise at 3AM you are going to know about it! 

The shiba is very in tune to its hunting instinct. They will chase anything that runs. This includes, but is certainly is not limited to chasing cats, birds, rabbits and anything that moves. This is one of the many reasons a Shiba is not recommended for off leash work. They will chase anything into oncoming traffic and forget you exist as you run screaming after them no matter how much obedience training they have received or how good they are at their obedience work. Never trust that a Shiba will do what it is told when it is off leash. You risk the health of your family pet if you do. 

Finally, the shiba is sometimes known to be "stand offish" towards strangers. Some Shibas will not dash right into a perfect stranger’s lap and shower them with kisses. There are a lot of exceptions to this little rule, though. Some just do not care, who you are, they want to play! Shibas are usually very good when raised with children, although it is extremely important to teach the children in the family what the limits are when dealing with the dog and the dog what the limits are when dealing with the child. NEVER leave a young child unattended with a dog. It is asking for trouble no matter what breed you choose