Shibas are the smallest of the six native breeds of Japanese hunting dogs, all of whom were declared a National Treasure in Japan in 1937.
Called ‘the little brushwood dog’ because of it’s ability to flush game from the most dense undergrowth, the shiba has retained it’s hunting instincs. Even the most loyal family pet will happily flush and kill birds, rabbits, rats etc if given the opportunity and for this reason, it is not advisable to expect a shiba to live alongside small domestic animals such as rabbits, hamsters or birds. Shibas can usually get along with cats, providing they are introduced as small puppies and discouraged from playing chase.
Great care must be taken if you decide to allow this breed off the lead in open spaces as they will quickly pick up the scent of something interesting and be off like a rocket. At best they will return when they are ready, maybe an hour or so later. At worst they will not return at all and, barring traffic accidents, they will turn feral and survive quite happily living off what they can catch. For this reason it is strongly recommended to keep shibas on retractable leads when out in open spaces, unless very well trained.
All shibas need the opportunity to let off steam on a daily basis and if they do not have access to a well fenced, secure garden in which to do this, they will just as likely end up racing around the house at top speed. This activity is known worldwide as ‘The Shiba 500’. Thankfully, this daily ritual only lasts a few minutes.
Shibas are not a yappy breed, they can bark, but do not tend to do this too often, unlike many other small breeds. However, they do have the ability to scream when something upsets them. Maybe it is having their nails trimmed, or being vaccinated, or taught to walk on a collar & lead This scream is particularly ear piercing and although rarely heard, it is something never to be forgotten and has turned even the most stalward vet into a jibbering wreck!
The shiba is a very natural and unspoilt breed and they can be quite reserved with strangers. For this reason it is strongly recommended to start introducing them to the outside world as soon as possible. Obviously care must be taken not to walkpuppies in public places until they have finished their innoculations but they can be taken for rides in the car and carried around to introduce them to the hustle & bustle of daily life.
Having a dense double coat, the shiba is easy to care for and grooming is not a difficult procedure. Twice a year they do shed their coat and at such times a daily brushing is strongly recommended to help get the dead hair out as quickly as possible as this encourages the new coat to come through a little quicker. The whole shedding/regrowing process usually lasts around 6 weeks.
