The Shiba Inu is one of the “ancient” dog breeds that come from Japan. Dogs are primitive in that they still resemble their ancestors from long ago. The breed originated in the Japanese mountains, where they were bred to get used to the cold and harsh climate. A Shiba Inu is the sixth smallest of all Japanese dog breeds, revered in the past and even today.
Shiba Inu were first bred by the Matagi, who were Japanese hunters. The dogs were used for hunting and helped the Matagi forage for food. The dogs were bred with the hope that they would be brave and courageous, which are still characteristics that the breed displays today. Dogs require a certain amount of obedience training and firm but loving discipline. A Shiba Inu’s energy needs to be directed towards positive activities, lest the dogs chew and misbehave due to boredom.
During the 1920s, the Shib Inu almost became extinct, but due to excessive interbreeding with three other dog breeds, the dog was saved. World War II also brought another threat to the Shiba Inu breed as fever and disease spread, but the dog still proved resilient. More than twenty years earlier, the Shiba Inu received the distinction of being named a National Treasure of Japan. For this reason, through the centuries, the Japanese have worked hard to ensure the preservation of the breed.
A Shiba Inu is part wolf, and for this reason the dog is highly regarded in Japan. The wolf is not considered the same in Japan as it is in North America; The wolf in Japanese mythology is revered as a helper and guardian of people, protecting them during catastrophic natural events. The Japanese have outlined a series of breed standards for the Shiba, which are followed by judges for show events. However, there are three main traits that a Shiba Inu must possess that take precedence over the standard characteristics.
The three key characteristics that the Japanese look for in the ideal Shiba are Soboku, Kan’o and Ryosei. Kan’i is considered the most important and integral characteristic to look for in a Shiba Inu, which is the courage and self-esteem that the dog has. On the other hand, Ryosei is the dog’s devotion and loyalty to his owner. A dog with a high level of Ryosei is an excellent watchdog and will steadfastly protect its owner and their property. Soboku represents the innocent and spirited nature of a Shiba. The dog is normally very energetic and naturally curious; A Shiba possessing these traits is believed to be the best of the breed. Japanese culture reveres and adores these dogs for everything they represent. The dogs are charming, even-tempered, and extremely loyal, making them a good choice for family pets. Owning a Shiba will bring years of pleasure and joy to any family that wants a humorous and inquisitive dog.
