The Shiba Inu is a small, muscular hound dog native to Japan. Bred to hunt small birds and game, the Shiba Inu can be traced back as far as 14,000 B.C. in ancient Japanese history. The breed is named for both its petite, yet rugged stature and brilliant, fox-like, red coat. Characteristic traits of this breed also include a curled or sickle tail, triangular pricked ears, considerable intelligence, and fiery independence. In 1932, the Shiba Inu was designated as a Natural Treasure in Japan and was able to make a fierce comeback as the nation’s most popular dog breed upon its near extinction following WWII.
Male Shiba Inus have a withers height between 14.5”-16.5” (37-42 cm) and a weight in the range of 18-24 lb (8.2-10.9 kg). Female Shiba Inus have a withers height between 13.5”-15.5” (34-39 cm) and a weight in the range of 15-20 lb (6.8-9.1 kg). The Shiba Inu has an overall body length of roughly 23”-28” (58-71 cm), standing height of 17.5”-21.5” (44-55 cm), and a typical lifespan of 13-16 years.
The Shiba Inu is a small, muscular hound dog native to Japan. Bred to hunt small birds and game, the Shiba Inu can be traced back as far as 14,000 B.C. in ancient Japanese history. The breed is named for both its petite, yet rugged stature and brilliant, fox-like, red coat. Characteristic traits of this breed also include a curled or sickle tail, triangular pricked ears, considerable intelligence, and fiery independence. In 1932, the Shiba Inu was designated as a Natural Treasure in Japan and was able to make a fierce comeback as the nation’s most popular dog breed upon its near extinction following WWII.
Male Shiba Inus have a withers height between 14.5”-16.5” (37-42 cm) and a weight in the range of 18-24 lb (8.2-10.9 kg). Female Shiba Inus have a withers height between 13.5”-15.5” (34-39 cm) and a weight in the range of 15-20 lb (6.8-9.1 kg). The Shiba Inu has an overall body length of roughly 23”-28” (58-71 cm), standing height of 17.5”-21.5” (44-55 cm), and a typical lifespan of 13-16 years.