The Shiba Inu
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The ability of these dogs to maneuver through steep hills and mountain slopes, together with their keen senses, have repeatedly shown the Shiba to be a superb hunting dog.
The ancestors of these dogs were those hardy survivors of Japan's mountainous regions, which are very difficult for men to penetrate. Although they were originally used to hunt large game, they currently are used on smaller animals. They make excellent watchdogs and have established themselves as the number one companion dog in Japan. They can be seen throughout Japan in the cities, suburbs, and countryside.
The Shiva is also referred to as the Little Brushwood Dog. In 1936, through the Cultural Properties Act, the Shiva was designated as a precious natural product of the Japanese nation. The breed was then given official recognition.
Males should be 14 and a half to 16 and a half inches tall, females 13 and a half to 15 and a half inches. They are double coated-outer coat being stiff and straight and the undercoat soft and thick. There are three colors allowed for Shibas- Urajiro, which is cream and white, Black with tan points and urajiro, and Sesame, which is black tipped hairs on a rich red background.
