Who are these Shiba Inu's?
The Shiba Inu originated from Japan and is unequivocally stunning. The eye catching, sassy and clever dog will have you figured out at first glance. The importance of you knowing how to handle such cuteness and intelligence I believe is the key to lifelong happiness with the Shiba Inu. Some may say that the Shiba is stubborn and difficult my thoughts the Shiba is sensitive, and no one's fool. a
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The meaning and translation of the name Shiba Inu is that ‘Shiba’ means ‘brushwood’ a type of tree that turns a beautiful red in autumn and the word ‘Inu’ means ‘dog’ in Japanese. It is widely believed that Shiba was named after the tree, as the most common type of Shiba Inu is reddish in color and looks like Autum in the sun. Keeping in mind that the old Nagato dialect ‘Shiba’ can also mean ‘small’, referring to the dog’s small nature. The Shiba Inu is sometimes called ‘Small Brushwood Dog’.
​Shibas are an Ancient protected breed. There used to be 3 types of Shiba before World War II – the Mino, the San’in and the Shinshu. Due to food shortage and post-war epidemics the Shibas nearly became extinct. During World War II, Japan’s focus wasn’t on dog breeding, and as a result, the Shiba breed suffered greatly. Nearing extinction, Shiba Inu puppies were brought back with the last three remaining bloodlines, which were the San In Shiba, the Mino Shiba, and the Shiba Shu Shiba.
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The Shiba Inu is the #1 companion dog in Japan. They have been declared as one of Japan’s national treasures. The Shiba Inu you see today is similar to Shinshu, but all three dog-strains were combined to make the overall breed.
National Geographic has confirmed that the Shiba is genetically closest to the wolf followed by Chow Chow, Akita and Malamute; "suggesting they are the oldest domesticated breeds". The research conveys that the "Shiba Inu breed did not have as much genetic tinkering and stayed relatively true to how nature intended" which is fantastic!
Kan-i, Ryosei, Soboku – these are the three words used to describe the Shiba Inus personality.
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Kan-i translated as spirited boldeness meaning well-balanced, courageous and self-confident.
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Ryosei refers to the good nature and the loyal obedient character to his strong sense that make him an ideal home guardian.
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Soboku refers to the natural beauty of the soul. The Shiba should be unaffected, cheerful and spontaneous.